Patrick A. McKenna v. Floyd A. Wallis and Pan American Petroleum Corporation, Pan American Petroleum Corporation v. Floyd A. Wallis

This Court held that federal law was applicable in determining the rights of the parties under the lease from the United States of public domain land. 1

The Supreme Court vacated our judgment, held that federal law should not govern and remanded the case to this Court for consideration of other contentions, including the claim that McKenna and Pan American should prevail under Louisiana law. 2

We agree with the district court 3 that, under Louisiana law, if McKenna or Pan American acquired any interest in the lease, it was by virtue of the written instruments. 4 We agree also with the district…