editorial that claimed the United Bermuda Party's "traveling road show'' on Independence was so discredited it should be ignored.

Sir John slammed The Royal Gazette 's coverage of the parish meetings on Independence as "superficial'' and "preoccupied with anything said or done which might in any way be connected to controversy''.

"I have attended almost every one of the public meetings. You have attended none,'' Sir John wrote in a letter to the Editor yesterday. " ...

How, therefore were you able to form your opinion?'' "Could it have been the kind of wishful thinking that led your staff to alter your parliamentary correspondent's coverage of my speech in the House of Assembly so as to make it appear I had threatened to withdraw the licences of the radio and television stations?'' The meetings, Sir John maintained, were enjoyable occasions of value both to audiences and to Green Paper Committee members who make up the panel.

There had, he said, been differences of opinion between some audience members and members of the panel but most had been respectful and courteous and glad they attended.

The forums were advertised as an opportunity for the public to meet panel members -- not as debates between pro and anti Independence UBP factions, Sir John claimed.

"Those Cabinet Ministers who attend do so in that capacity, not in their capacity as members of a particular political party.'' Panel members, he said, made no secret of their personal opinions. Instead, their principal aim was to provide information and outline what effect Independence would have on Bermuda -- not the effects of not going Independent would be.

"The Government's position is not to favour one side or another but that the public should be asked to make the decision by way of a referendum... No one has been told what to think.'' Bermudians, whether in Government or not, were entitled to express their opinion in any way they liked, he said.

Sir John added that the Green Paper on Independence and Government's position papers were Government's starting point for debate. He said it was "illogical'' to claim that discussing the effects of Independence was biased.

"Given that people are going to be given the responsibility of voting on the subject at a referendum, it would be irresponsible not to discuss it,'' Sir John said.