upr000142 85

LOS ANGELES -- October 19, 1944 MR. WALTER BRACKEN -- Las Yagas (cc: Mr. Frank Strong Mr. W. H. Guild) Referring to your B-15: I have discussed this wire with Mr. Guild and Mr. Strong and they both advise me that they will be able to come to Las Vagas for the meeting November 3rd which, I assume, will be during the day rather than an evening meeting. Mr. Strong will advise you direct with respect to having Geologist Cole make e study of Mr. Green*s investigation. Referring to the suggestion of the State Engineer that hearing on our formal protest should be scheduled for November 2nd: I do not think this is a good idea and Mr. Strong agrees with me. It is our feeling that the testimony offered at such a meeting might be such as could be used by representatives of the Chamber of Com­merce in their meeting on November 3rd and certainly in all events, a hearing on our protests might tend to stir up public opinion which would be reflected before the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, of course, you know that Mr. Green is no longer with the company and it will undoubtedly take Mr. Cole some time to prepare our ease from a geological standpoint* AIL though I appreciate the fact that it would be convenient to have the meeting on November 2nd when Mr. Smith is in Las Yagas, I am quite sure that you and Mr. McNamee can discuss the matter to him and explain to him that owing to the resignation of Mr. Green w h o had worked on this case, it would be extremely difficult for us to be prepared on November 2nd. Will you please wire me the results of your conference with Mr. Smith with respect to the postponement of the water hearing to a later date. EEB/b