was the highly conciliatory and very friendly tone set by the British. Mother was clearly nurturing the small children rather than setting them straight.

This was no more in evidence than when the Foreign Office talked of "a new partnership'' with the Territories. Foreign Secretary Robin Cook told the delegates to the London talks, "We are determined to create a stronger, better partnership with you.'' That seems to us to be the best possible foundation on which to approach the future. There were those who feared that when Labour came back to power in the UK they might say, "Britain is no longer in the colony business. You are on your own.'' In the past it has often seemed that the colonies received the best treatment from Conservative governments but with New Labour and a new approach all that might well have changed. Certainly the cool reception and dismissive attitude which the Conservatives demonstrated to Sir John Swan thus encouraging him to seek Independence seems to have disappeared.

Bermuda is now entering a period of debate on the details of the proposals and there are many things to be discussed but the Overseas Territories are clearly off to a good start. It will be important to both listen and, when speaking to get the facts straight. We have already heard "experts'' on radio and television getting it wrong by saying that Britain will pass laws covering such things as money laundering. That is not what was said. The proposal, and it was only a proposal, was that the territories should enact such laws themselves.

The question of United Kingdom citizenship for the people of the Overseas Territories is still unclear and, indeed, there appears to be controversy inside the United Kingdom Government. However we must continue to work toward such an arrangement which would be of enormous value to Bermudians, especially young Bermudians seeking education and training in Britain. If we assume that United Kingdom citizenship could be achieved then it would not be illogical to seek even more of the best of all worlds and ask the United States to extend to Bermudian graduates of accredited US colleges a two year period after graduation to extend their training and work experience in the United States.

Bermudians who travel so extensively would certainly find a United Kingdom passport a great advantage over the Government of Bermuda passport which many jurisdictions hardly recognise.

While some people feel that capital and corporal punishment should remain on the law books we find it difficult to believe that Bermudians would let the abolition of punishments which we do not use stand in the way of progress.

There will be some controversy over the ins and outs of high standard financial and regulatory measures plus measures to fully combat money laundering. As we see it, Bermuda is already regulated to a high standard and has no wish to be known as a lax jurisdiction. The requirements are probably not aimed at Bermuda but if adjustments are required short of "opening our books'' to the United Kingdom then they would be of benefit to a Country seeking respectable business.

Premier Pamela Gordon, who turned out to be the star of the talks, has called them "a good starting point''. She is being cautious and that is entirely correct. Like the Premier, we welcome the tone of London's presentation.