the lead in discussions in London next February on the status of the remaining British Dependent Territories. Incredibly, since the going of Hong Kong, Bermuda is now the largest territory remaining of the once huge British Empire.

Not only is Bermuda now the largest remaining territory but it is the best educated, the most advanced socially, the most sophisticated and, of course, the richest. Bermuda will not be arriving in London, cap in hand, as the poor relation.

The Premier has been quoted as saying: "With Bermuda being the most populous remaining colony, what we have to say has to matter.'' Just imagine, tiny Bermuda is going to have a turn as the big boy on the block.

Yet, we think it is possible to detect some reluctance on the part of Bermuda's leaders over attending this conference despite the fact that the possible advantages for Bermuda indicate we should take part fully. We think great things are going to happen for Bermudians.

This meeting is important and Bermuda should have a well informed and distinguished presence. That presence must include people who represent the great majority of Bermudians who voted against Independence in the referendum.

There are some realities involved in the London talks which should work in favour of the remaining territories. There are no large numbers of potential immigrants to Britain waiting for a decision so that they can arrive in Britain looking for a better life. The great majority of people throughout the territories have a better life at home than they could expect in Britain today. Even if every one of us set out for Britain, it would not create a major crisis.

This newspaper predicted over ten years ago that things were likely to change dramatically for the remaining territories once Hong Kong was returned to China. As long as Hong Kong was around it was unrealistic to expect Britain to make any new arrangements which might allow dependent territory residents to live in England.

As Premier Gordon has pointed out, the right of abode in Britain which a large number of Bermudians, mostly white Bermudians, have already because of the patriality rule, would be a great advantage for students and those seeking work experience in Britain or indeed in Europe.

But there is more involved here. It would mean that all Bermudians were no longer tied to careers in Bermuda and would have a wide choice of places to work. That advantage and that freedom would be the envy of every territory which took Independence because it would not be available to them. That kind of freedom would demonstrate conclusively that voting against Independence was another very smart move by Bermudians who are great survivors. Independence would have cast us "adrift in a sea of uncertainty'' at exactly the wrong time.

The next logical step would be to ask the United States, where so many of us have been educated, for some kind of "special friend'' arrangement allowing Bermudians greater access to careers in the US.

As we see it, right now Bermuda is in a bit of a no man's land but should hunker down and hold tight. There are huge future prospects about to open up for us and we must be careful to develop them.

Bermudians could wind up virtually as free citizens of the world.