LEASING OF BASES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21199, 23 August 1940, Page 7

LEASING OF BASES

BRITAIN AND AMERICA : ':: ; ta APPROVAL IN NEWFOUNDLAND GATEWAY TO CANADA (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 A message from St. Johns, Newfoundland, says the Canadian Minister for Air, Mr C. G. Power, and leaders of the Eastern Command have arrived to discuss the leasing of air bases to the United States, which is approved by Government officials and the press. The Newfoundland Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr L. E. Emerson, in an interview, said strategic points such as Avalon Peninsula and the coastline bordering on Cabot Strait should be fortified as air and naval bases to control the approaches of the St. Lawrence. He said Newfoundland’s position was that of the Atlantic gateway to Canada and the Singapore of the North Atlantic. In an official statement after the defence conference between Canada and Newfoundland it was announced that a confederation of defences between the two had been completed. The statement stressed that the sovereignty of Newfoundland was not involved. Observers believe United States defence interests were discussed. There is evidence that the islanders would welcome American soldiers and marines if they landed.