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Los A ngeles - October 13, 1945 Mr. Leo A. MoNamee; 174-2 oc; Mr* W.R. Bracken Mr* Frank Strong You have a copy of Mr. Bracken’s letter to Mr*.Strong of October 11th and Mr. Strong’s reply of October 12th, In connection with application of Kenny Searles for permit to drill a well about one-fourth mile east of our Well No. 11. You will recall that some considerable time ago at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce referred to by Mr. Strong, the people were all enthused about appointing a subcommittee and working with the State Engineer looking towards the conservation of water. So far as I can as­certain, since that meeting nothing has happened except additional wells have been drilled in the Las Yogas Valley. X think it might be well to check up and ascertain the number of wells so drilled since that meeting and then discuss the matter with Mr. Cahlen, whom I believe is extremely interested in this matter, and explain the situation to him with the thought that he might write an editorial or give some publicity to the lack of any action by the proposed subcommittee. Xt might be well for you to write the State Engineer and also draw his attention to.the number of wells drilled in the immediate vicinity of Las Vegas since that meeting. I agree with Mr. Strong that I do not think the Railroad Company or the Water Company should make any specific protests <tb any of these new wells as long as the citizens of Las Vegas sit back and do nothing. It Is to the Interests of the people of the city to conserve this water supply and if they don’t think enough about the matter to make any effort to conserve it I do not think the Water Company or the Railroad should get mixed up in any fight with any prominent individual citizens who desire to tax this supply. I I suggest you and Mr. Bracken get together and see if you cannot stir up some enthusiasm and get some action from this subocmlttee. It seems to me the best policy would be for the subcommittee on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce