Editorial Note

On November 21, 1951, Prime Minister Churchill was asked in the House of Commons if he planned to terminate the arrangement by which United States “atom bombers” were based in the United Kingdom. His reply was as follows:

  • “Certain bases and facilities in the United Kingdom were made available to the United States Air Force for the common defence of the United Kingdom and the other countries who are parties to the North Atlantic Treaty. This arrangement will continue so long as it is needed in the general interest of world peace and security.” (Parliamentary Debates, House of Commons, 5th series, vol. 494, col. 376)