EXHIBIT 16.1


                        [Arthur Andersen LLP Letterhead]


April 2, 2002


Office of the Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549


Dear Sir or Madam:

We have read the second and third paragraphs of Item 4 included in the Form 8-K
dated March 29, 2002, of Apache Corporation to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and are in agreement with the statements contained therein.

Very truly yours,


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Arthur Andersen LLP


cc:      Mr. Roger B. Plank
         Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
         Apache Corporation