BRITAIN AND UNITED STATES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21209, 4 September 1940, Page 7

BRITAIN AND UNITED STATES

EPOCHAL AND FAR-REACHING AGREEMENT CANADA NEGOTIATING FOR AMERICAN TANKS t 1 COfficial Wireless) (Received Sept. 4, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 3 It is officially announced that England and America ' have reached an agreement under which the United States will transfer 50 over-age destroyers to Britain in return for naval and air bases in the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Antigua and British Guiana. The United States also acquires by gift bases In Newfoundland and Bermuda. The United States is leasing the bases for 99 years. Tbe destroyers are being made available immediately. It is understood that they will be brought to England by British crews. WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 V President Roosevelt, in advising Congress that the United States is giving Britain fifty destroyers in exchange for naval and air bases, stated that the arrangement does not need Congressional ratification and is not “inconsistent in any sense with our status of peace. Still less is it a threat against any nation. It is an epochal and far-reaching act of preparation for continental defence in the face of grave danger. Preparation for defence is the inalienable prerogative of a sovereign state.”

“Under the present circumstances,” said Mr Roosevelt, “this exercise of sovereign rights is essential for the maintenance of our peace and safety.

“This is the most important action for the reinforcement of our national safety which has been taken since the Louisiana purchase.”

OTTAWA, Sept. 3 Government officials confirmed reports that Canada is negotiating for the purchase of over-age United States tanks for training purposes.