the Hon. Sir John Swan and his caucus emerged from a nearly five-hour meeting to say they were committed to a Commission of Inquiry and referendum on Independence.

"On the opening of Parliament (on February 4), we will make the appropriate announcements,'' Sir John told The Royal Gazette .

The Premier bowed to caucus discontent by promising a wide-ranging inquiry that would also look at the pros and cons of remaining a dependent territory of the United Kingdom. And he sought to assure Bermudians that Independence talk did not mean other problems would be left to worsen.

"It was the consensus of the caucus after having discussed the many issues as they relate to the Bases, exchange control relaxation, education, drugs, and the many programmes contained in the (campaign) Blueprint, that we would commit ourselves to ensuring that those programmes were addressed in a way that made sure the public received the services they were entitled to,'' Sir John said.

Also, "the referendum, supported by a Commission of Inquiry, should move forward so that the public will have a chance to determine their position.'' The Commission would examine "in the broadest possible terms'' the results of maintaining the status quo, and "what are the consequences of any Constitutional change under Independence''.

While the early part of the UBP caucus meeting at Chancery Lane was described by one source as "not very sporting,'' opposition to the route favoured by the Premier and a majority of his Cabinet evaporated early.

Mrs. Ann Cartwright DeCouto, who last week resigned her Delegated Affairs portfolio over the referendum issue, did not even attend the meeting. "My views are well-known,'' she told The Royal Gazette .

And Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, who was reportedly very quiet at last night's meeting, went home shortly after 7 p.m. -- more than three hours before the meeting broke up. He did not comment, but smiled and looked relaxed when he left.

Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira, also known to be personally opposed to the path chosen, had to deliver a speech at Bermuda College last night and missed much of the meeting.

One caucus source said "a different approach'' was taken at last night's meeting from a week earlier and most of the party was able to support the Cabinet position.

It was stressed that the Government was seeking information through an impartial Commission, not making a move toward Independence, the source said.