HC Deb 02 July 1952 vol 503 c41W
Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what circumstances British citizens in Bermuda can be tried by United States tribunals.

Mr. Lyttelton

Article IV of the Leased Bases Agreement entitles the United States Government to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over British subjects accused of security offences against the United States committed within the leased areas and of similar offences committed out-side the leased areas if they are not punishable under the law of the territory. This jurisdiction can be exercised only through a United States civil court sitting in the territory. There is a special exception providing for members of Her Majesty's Forces. So far as I am aware no United States civil court has been established in any of the Colonies to which the Agreement applies.

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