of the US Base.

The Hon. Sir John Swan is planning talks in America next week with the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Ron Dellumns drafted the Bill which would cut off funds for the US Naval Air Station.

The House of Representatives will vote on the Defence Authorisation Bill FY94 next week.

The Royal Gazette has a copy of the crucial clause relating to Bermuda.

It is headed: "Prohibition on operation of the Naval Air Station, Bermuda.'' The key part reads: "No funds available to the Department of Defense for operation and maintenance may be used to operate the Naval Air Station, Bermuda.'' Withdrawal of funds would come into force 90 days after the Bill is passed.

Meanwhile, another piece of defence legislation was being considered by the Senate yesterday.

Bermuda is not mentioned by name -- but under it foreign bases could be closed by an Act of Congress.

This would put them in the same bracket as domestic bases.

And it would water down President Bill Clinton's influence in deciding the future of America's bases.

"Basically it means Bermuda would be included along with the United States' domestic considerations,'' explained Sir John last night.

The implications of this legislation for the Island are unclear.

But Sir John stated: "It is something we are keeping a watching brief on. We are pursuing the matter with due diligence.'' Senate was not expected to complete its consideration of the Bill until Monday.

During the debate, senators rejected delays in the next round of military closures as they moved ahead on President Clinton's defence budget for next year.

Clinton proposed spending $263 billion -- and the Senate Armed Services Committee trimmed the total budget to $1.8 billion.

Some anxiety, however, was expressed at the possible loss of military jobs.

On the face of it, the Bill to pass through the House of Representatives poses a greater, and more immediate, threat to Bermuda.

The two Bills will go before a Congressional House conference, which will attempt to reconcile them.

Yesterday Sir John arrived back on the Island after his lightning dash to Brussels.

There he won a pledge of support from the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. See picture, Page 2 .

Dr. Manfred Woerner, however, said his backing hinged on a military assessment of the value of the Base.

Last night Sir John said he was determined to keep fighting to save the station.

But he was reluctant to say he was optimistic.

"I am just going to be persistent, before deciding whether a glass is half full or half empty,'' he said.

Sir John also hopes next week to meet Mr. John Dalton, the new Secretary of the Navy, and the US Congressional leaders who have a powerful say over the Base's future.

In addition, he is planning talks with Admiral Paul Miller, Supreme Allied Commander for the Atlantic. The meeting could take place in Norfolk, Virginia.