Mr Major’s Statement in Bermuda – 16 March 1991

Below is the text of Mr Major’s statement made at the Cabinet Office in Bermuda on Saturday 16th March 1991.

PRIME MINISTER:

John, thank you very much indeed for your hospitality. When President Bush and I were deciding where we should meet we discussed Washington, we discussed London, we discussed Bermuda and Bermuda won by 2 votes to nil and we are delighted to be here. I can only apologise for having brought my weather with me.

But it has been a very successful Summit indeed, we had a lot to talk about, all the things that have happened in the Gulf and the plans we have for what must now happen there, elsewhere in the Middle East. We had the opportunity of discussing the Soviet Union, the GATT talks, the very remarkable changes there have been in South Africa and of course the performance of both our economies and the world economy and a vast range of other matters as well. So it was an extremely worthwhile occasion and we were both absolutely delighted that we were able to meet here in Bermuda.

If I may say so, John, I am also very grateful to you and your Cabinet for your hospitality. We watch with very great interest in London what happens in Bermuda, alas we do not get here as much as we like but I hope I will have the opportunity of coming back and spending rather longer that I have been able to go on this particular occasion.

In the last few minutes I have had the opportunity of having a meeting with Premier Swann and his Cabinet, we have been able to discuss a number of matters of bilateral interest as well as international concerns. I found that a very useful meeting, it is one I am delighted I was able to attend and I shall look forward to returning again before too long.

Thank you very much indeed.