US Consul General Denis Coleman came in for a "backhanded lecture" from the Attorney General yesterday.

Speaking during the debate on Bermuda's relationship with Cuba, Dame Lois Browne-Evans told members the story of two friends of hers who became diplomats in countries abroad - and stayed out of local politics.

Regarding comments made by Mr. Coleman in the media this week about the unfavourable view the United States would take on Bermuda's developing relationship with Cuba, she said: "Reporters have the nerve to call me to find out if I wanted to reply to the Consul. I said, `I can't comment on that.'

"(Denis Coleman) represents his country here, he has a right to follow his handbook and behave in a proper way. People are not fools - when The Royal Gazette and ZBM call me to comment on what he's said, I refuse," she said, adding that it was a matter of etiquette.

"Do not be sucked in by all sorts of innuendoes and all of the misinformation they will be given. Read, mark and understand your history."

However Opposition MP John Barritt called Dame Lois's comments a "backhanded lecture" to Denis Coleman.