LONDON - Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan's discussions with the British Government today mark Bermuda's continuing emergence as an independent-minded colony determined to speak for itself.

But whether the diplomatic foray reflects its growing sophistication, or Sir John's own brand of leadership, or the British Government's desire to allow the colony to grow into its own, remains to be seen.

History indicates Bermuda's increasing powers of self-determination have not come by plan.

And in every instance, the British Government has allowed Bermuda to stretch itself without abdicating final authority over its activities.

The British Government's most recent approval of direct Bermuda-US discussions on the US military base issue, for example, is by no means unprecedented.

The authority for giving Bermuda the go-ahead to negotiate with another country was established in 1968, the same year the Island adopted its Constitution.

A British Government dispatch to then Governor Lord Martonmere said Bermuda could enter into talks with another country on matters of purely bilateral, local interest.

But the dispatch made clear the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had the power to approve any Bermuda initiative and to bestow its stamp of approval on any result.

The most notable exercise of that diplomatic concession came in the 1980s when the Swan Government was allowed to talk directly with the United States on tax matters.

The two parties eventually signed the US-UK (Bermuda) tax treaty, an important document that strengthened Bermuda as a base of operations for US companies and assisted the tourism industry.

The Premier's meeting this morning with Prime Minister John Major at 10 Downing Street represents a second major step in his effort to ease the impact of any US military withdrawal from Bermuda.

Sir John, having already met key American officials in June on the issue, wants to impress on the British how vital the US Base is.

If and when the US Government opts to close the US Naval Air Station, Sir John wants Bermuda and London to speak with one voice.

If his mission is successful, the UK Government will move to slow down and ease any American decision to withdraw.

Although the tax treaty and the base issue are two of the most important issues Bermuda has exercised its diplomatic opportunities, recent history also shows the British Government willing to cut the Island slack on matters it once held for itself.

In 1979, the Governor delegated the power of appointment to the Public Service Commission, the body that oversees Civil Service hiring.

Two years earlier, the Governor, Sir Peter Ramsbotham delegated to Bermuda the right to negotiate directly with the US on maintenance issues at the Longbird Bridge.

The role of the Premier is another factor in the equation of Bermuda's self-confident behaviour.

There is no doubt that his nearly 13 years in office and his education in the ways of Washington during the tax treaty years has left him with a clear understanding of Bermuda's vital interests and how to protect them.

Under the Premier, Bermuda has also taken steps to test its ability to work with other countries. Those moves resulted in the formation of the Ministry of Delegated External Affairs.

The British Government appears to be completely aware of what they have in the Premier.

When asked whether his Government saw a need to get involved with the Premier's visit to Washington last month, British ambassador Sir Robin Renwick raised his hands with a chuckle and said there was no need, Sir John was very much his own man in Washington.

Hand in hand with that understanding is the Premier's awareness of the great help the UK and its hugely influential Foreign Office can be to Bermuda. That is why he is in London today.