BASE IN BERMUDA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 229, 26 August 1940, Page 8

BASE IN BERMUDA

GRANTED UNITED STATES. EMPIRE LINK UNBROKEN. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph. —Copyright.) BERMUDA, Aug. 25. At a special session of the Bermuda House ot Assembly it was announced that the Great Sound, Bermuda, would be made available to the United States as ail air base.

A memorial signed by the Speaker of the House, and presented to the Governor, stated: “The people of Bermuda are deeply disturbed lest some new conception of American hemispheric defence may affect the status of this ancient colony as an integral part of tho British Commonwealth. We earnestly pray that the ties of tradition and the bond of affection that unite us to the Mother Country may never be severed. We again swear allegiance to Hie King, but humbly and respectfully ask that nothing be allowed to prejudice our constitution, our Government, or our complete happiness and contentment under British rule.” The Colonial Secretary (Lord Lloyd) has replied : “His Majesty’s Government is deeply touched by the loyal sentiments which inspire tho memorial. Tt desires to assure the House that there is no question of Bermuda or any part of it being separated from the British Empire or of the oeople of Bermuda ceasing to bo British subjects.”