AIR BASE IN BERMUDA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 August 1940, Page 5

AIR BASE IN BERMUDA

GRANTED TO THE UNITED STATES

NO QUESTION OF SEPARATION FROM EMPIRE. ASSURANCE TO ISLANDS LEGISLATURE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) BERMUDA, August 25. At a special session of the Bermuda House of. Assembly it was announced that Great Sound, Bermuda, would be made available to the United States as an 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 the 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 the 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 has replied: “His Majesty's Government is deeply' touched by the loyal sentiments which inspire the memorial. It 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 people of Bermuda ceasing to be British subjects.”