Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan is in the midst of a working visit here that could see him meet the US President Bill Clinton today.

His short-notice, two day swing through the US capital has him meeting with some of its most influential figures.

This morning he will have breakfast with Mr. Vernon Jordan who headed the transition team that established the Clinton administration in Washington.

And this afternoon he will move to the Pentagon to meet with his friend General Colin Powell, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Yesterday evening the Premier sat down for talks with British Ambassador Sir Robin Renwick at the British Embassy. The meeting, in part, established the ground rules for today's talks.

In a significant development the UK Government had given the Premier the go-ahead to discuss US/Bermuda issues directly with the Americans.

"The UK Government has paved the way for Bermuda to talk directly with US officials,'' Sir John said last night.

"This is very important for us. I consider it a window of opportunity that has opened at a critical time.'' Sir Robin said: "This is a well-timed visit for Sir John. It is just the right time to meet with the administration while they are busy formulating policy. There is a lot at stake here for Bermuda.'' Bermuda's primary concerns, as the Clinton administration puts its economic policies into place, are the avoidance of an increase in the excise tax on business handled by Bermuda-based offshore companies and the closure of the US Naval Air Station in St. David's.

In addition the Premier sees the need for Bermuda to introduce itself to the Clinton administration.

Sir Robin said the Premier was well positioned to do that. He said: "Sir John is extremely well known in this city.'' It was logical, he said, that the Premier should make the Island's case to US officials.

"Sir John is the head of the Government of Bermuda,'' he said. "He knows these problems in great detail and he will be making the case for Bermuda.'' But it is a face-to-face meeting with President Clinton that remains the ultimate goal of the Government.

The possibility exists that such a meeting could take place this afternoon but the Premier declined to say anything definite.

The short notice of the visit and the tremendous pressures on the White House this week to pass the President's Deficit-Reduction Bill would indicate that chances are slim.

Nevertheless Sir Robin said: "That this visit is taking place at all is a testament to how well regarded Bermuda is. Everyone is trying to get the best result for Bermuda.''