Whereas the development of millimeter-wavelength astronomy has shown the potential of large millimeter interferometric arrays for revealing the origin and evolution of stars and planetary systems, of galaxies, and of the universe itself; the communities in the United States and Europe have proposed the construction of the Millimeter Array (MMA) and the Large Southern Array (LSA), respectively; and there is an opportunity through cooperation to achieve more than either community planned; we, as the observatories responsible for these projects and with the support of our communities, resolve to organize a partnership that will explore the union of the LSA and MMA into a single, common project to be located in Chile. Specifically, this partnership will study the technical, logistical, and operational aspects of a joint project. Of particular importance, the two antenna concepts currently under consideration will be studied to identify the best antenna size and design or combination of sizes to address the scientific goals of the two research communities. In doing so we will work through our observatories, utilizing the expertise in millimeter astronomy resident in research groups and institutions in our communities. Finally, we recognize that there are similar goals for millimeter astronomy in Japan, and cooperative activities with that project will continue.

Signed by R. Giacconi for ESO and P. Vanden Bout for NRAO on 26 June 1997.