issue because it threatens to undermine the Island's diplomatic effort.

Mr. Robert Torricelli, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the western hemisphere, said it was vital that Bermuda "speak with one voice'' on the issue and that that voice be the Island's government leader.

"I am increasingly concerned at the politicisation of the discussions about the presence of the American military installations in the context of the Bermuda elections,'' Mr. Torricelli said from Washington.

"Premier Swan has instituted a working strategy that I believe is effective.

We've reached every element of the US Government in making our case.

"It is important in the days before the election that that strategy not be undermined and that Bermuda speak with one voice.'' Mr. Torricelli said he had urged members of his committee to "maintain the current strategy and work through my efforts as chairman with the Administration.'' One of the committee members is Congressman Albert Wynn, who has carried the ball for the Progressive Labour Party in its effort to have a say in Washington on the Base.

Mr. Torricelli, who called The Royal Gazette to make the statement, said he had been following the Base issue through Press reports.

He said: "Contradictory statements have been made that do not necessarily help our efforts.'' He added that contacts with the US Government have been made by the Premier and, until there is a change of government, his message should not be undermined.

As committee chairman, Mr. Torricelli coordinates efforts for Bermuda in dealing with the US Government on questions related to the UK-US Bases Agreement.

"Since Bermuda relations with the US are under my jurisdiction, I've felt some responsibility for protecting Bermuda's interests in Washington,'' he said.

The Congressman's statement was made as Premier Swan fired off another salvo in the Base issue.

A day earlier, PLP Mr. Frederick Wade had said his party had had more success in lobbying the US Government during his Washington visit than the Government.

The Premier said "political gamesmanship'' was "risking serious consequences in our future discussions on the issue.

He said the PLP had wasted almost a week of the election campaign "scurrying around attempting to convince us that they have had some impact on this issue'' instead of discussing their ideas on the future.

The Premier accused the PLP of creating a smokescreen on the Base issue, by dressing up a Black Caucus invitation received months ago as an invitation specifically geared to hear PLP members air Bermuda's Base concerns.

The invitation had "absolutely nothing to do with the Base issue,'' he said.

"Indeed, I received a personal invitation from Congressman Charles Rangel to attend this year.'' He said last week's Black Caucus gathering was not an opportunity to discuss or resolve international policy.

"Such international policy has to be discussed with the leadership of the United States. That is the way diplomacy is carried out and that is the course I have been following on behalf of the people of Bermuda as their Premier.

"My only purpose has been to resolve one of the most significant issues facing us today.'' The Premier also questioned the PLP's tactic of channelling Base concerns through the Congressional Black Caucus.

"The issue on the Base cannot be allowed to degenerate into one of race. To portray it as such is simplistic and dangerous for our future.'' He also lashed back at PLP criticisms of Bermuda's Washington lobbyists that they had not given the Island good return on its investment as "total nonsense that flies in the face of the facts''.

Late last night, PLP leader Mr. Frederick Wade responded that his party was satisfied that its Washington effort "has been of benefit to the people of Bermuda''.