The United Bermuda Party last night pleaded with Transport Minister Ewart Brown not to let his ego jeopardise the Island's pre-clearance privileges on flights to the United States.

Opposition leader Grant Gibbons spoke out after the US Consulate General accused Dr. Brown of a "gross violation" of aviation security after he boarded a flight to Washington on Wednesday allegedly without getting proper security clearance.

It is understood Dr. Brown was screened, but asked to see the supervisor of a Customs officer after he asked to take his shoes off.

The Customs officer walked off and it is understood Dr. Brown, who was with Airport General Manager James Howes at the time, proceeded through and boarded before the Customs officers returned.

Dr. Gibbons said last night he did not believe there had been a deliberate breach but because the US was extremely sensitive about airline security after September 11 it had effectively become a "diplomatic incident".

And it was symptomatic of a deteriorating relationship between the PLP Government and the Island's most important trading partner.

In its strongly worded statement on Thursday, the US Consulate General said it "looks forward to Dr. Brown clarifying his intentions in this matter, which we take with the utmost concern".

Dr Gibbons told MPs: "When the US Consulate asks for clarification, it is very clear what they are looking for.

"They are looking for Dr. Brown or the Bermuda Government, for a reassurance that Dr. Brown's apparent breach was not intentional, and that even senior Government officials are accountable to security procedures and will co-operate in procedures that are needed for security at the Airport.

"I would like to say to Dr. Brown, and I think for a lot of other people in general ? please don't jeopardise what your fellow citizens enjoy because you don't want to take your shoes off.

"Park your ego for Bermuda's tourists and reassure the US government that you not only understand security for the airport but that you feel it is important for you to personally adhere to that. Anything less would not be putting Bermuda first.

"Whether it is because the Government doesn't get it, or they are missing the cues, there is clearly a deterioration in the relationship between the PLP Government and the US Government, and this is one of a series of incidents."

He noted former US Consul General Denis Coleman felt Government was "poking a finger in the eye" of Washington by developing closer ties to Cuba.

Dr. Brown was not in the House of Assembly last night but on Thursday he claimed the US Consulate General got it "totally wrong" and that he did not refuse to be screened or violate security procedures.

PLP MP Michael Scott said last night it was "most unlikely" there had been a serious violation or Dr. Brown would not have been allowed on the flight.

"There appears to have been quick action on the part of the US Consulate in releasing a statement without the benefit of inquiry," he said.