Bermuda's Cabinet negotiating committee, headed by Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, met informally with US Naval Air Station commander Capt. Timothy Bryan, Acting Governor Mr. John Kelly, and Acting US Consul General Dr. Stephen Kish.

Last week, Bermuda received permission from the United Kingdom to negotiate directly with the Americans.

That approval was subject to four conditions: That the Governor was kept informed of progress; That someone appointed by the Governor was a member of the Bermuda delegation; That if actions or proposals adopted by Bermuda "conflict with, or are likely to conflict with, the international commitments, responsibilities or policies of the UK Government, Bermuda will abide by the Governor's decision in relation to that matter; and That any agreement was signed by the UK, not Bermuda.

Formal talks were not to begin for at least two weeks, by which time the closure of American Bases in Bermuda would formally be announced by the US Government.

At yesterday's meeting, "it was made plain...that it was the wish and intention of the US Government to enter into these negotiations in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill,'' Sir John said.

"These negotiations are certainly going to be complex and multi-faceted, and no-one should anticipate an early conclusion to them.'' The Premier said he was grateful for an offer of technical assistance from the UK Government. "I believe it will be our intention to make use of such assistance,'' he said.

The US delegation is to be headed by Capt. Bryan.

Also attending today's meeting were Labour and Home Affairs Minister the Hon.

Irving Pearman, Minister of Management and Technology the Hon. Grant Gibbons, and Assistant Cabinet Secretary Mr. John Drinkwater.