Morrison v. Conoco, Inc.

JOHN V. PARKER, Chief Judge.

In this diversity action, plaintiffs seek partial cancellation of an oil, gas and mineral lease, and also seek damages from defendants for failing to protect the leased premises from drainage. Defendants have filed a motion for summary judgment under Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. After some false starts, both sides have submitted briefs to the court, and the court finds that no oral argument is required.

The following facts are undisputed:

1) On May 31, 1976, W.C. Morrison, Inc. granted an oil, gas and mineral lease to Walter H. White, III,…