Thread: Official fears border fence may flout 1970 treaty

Official fears border fence may flout 1970 treaty




Associated Press - May 23, 2007 5:25 PM ET

HARLINGEN, Texas (AP) - Officials with a binational commission today raised concerns that a fence between Texas and Mexico could skew the location of the border.

Authorities also say the proposed fence -- designed to keep out illegal immigrants, smugglers and terrorists -- could increase flooding along the Rio Grande.

Such changes would violate a 1970 treaty, which declares the international boundary at the midpoint of the river. It bars construction of anything that could deflect or obstruct the water flow and harm the other side.

Sally Spener (SPEEN'-er) with the International Boundary and Water Commission says the boundary is the middle of the river channel.

A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security says the fence could be built several ways. Some proposed fences would be impermeable to water.

Environmental issues are expected to be part of the decision-making process.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.kswo.com/Global/story.asp?S=6559786

The treaty should be null and void now that the Mexicans and others from the south are invading America. This is war.

Seeing how the Aztlan folks are trying to overturn the treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, I guess turnabout would be fair play.

I agree. The Mexican government is aiding and encouraging the invasion.

I've been watching c-span most of the afternoon and most of the talk has been about securing the border. While securing the border is certainly a must on the things to do list aren't we closing the pasture gate after the cows have already got out ? I'm sure my neighbors wouldn't appreciate my cattle grazing on their land and just as soon they went back where they belong and if my neighbors wouldn't see to their needs they may do just that. Then I'll build a better gate.

So now they are expecting us to follow the laws of this treaty? Interesting double standards these "officials" have.

Such changes would violate a 1970 treaty, which declares the international boundary at the midpoint of the river. It bars construction of anything that could deflect or obstruct the water flow and harm the other side.

But Mexico doesn't have a damn problem taking all the water! Texas farmers along the Rio Grand can't water their crops. Mexico is boundary confused about half the water.

Dixie

Originally Posted by Dixie

Such changes would violate a 1970 treaty, which declares the international boundary at the midpoint of the river. It bars construction of anything that could deflect or obstruct the water flow and harm the other side.

But Mexico doesn't have a damn problem taking all the water! Texas farmers along the Rio Grand can't water their crops. Mexico is boundary confused about half the water.

Dixie

Dix, they are "boundary confused" on all issues.