The New York Times – Published on Sunday, June 26, 1960
Somalilandsun – Hargeisa, Somaliland, Sunday, June 26, 1960 (Reuters): Crowds danced in the streets here, bonfi res blazed from the hills and fireworks burst in the sky as last midnight spelled the end of Britain’s rule in Somaliland.
The country became independent after seventy-three years as a British protectorate. Political parties gave receptions to guests from all communities. The rejoicing was to continue tomorrow, a public holiday.
Newly independent Somaliland plans to unite with neighbouring Somalia Friday when Italy gives up her United Nations trusteeship there.
The five-day hiatus between independence and merger was seen as a period of potential danger. There was fear of possible clashes with Ethiopian tribes along Somaliland’s ill-defined borders. [Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia said Friday he hoped for peaceful border adjustment with free Somalis soon.]
Thousands of Somalis turned out to say farewell to the British Governor, Sir Douglas Hall, and his wife. They flew to Aden.
A delegation arrived from Mogadishu, the Somali capital, led by the President of Somalia Legislative Assembly, Adan Abdullah. He said the people of Somalia were eagerly awaiting independence.
