should hear over the next few weeks if its plea to the US to clean up the Base lands had been granted.

"We are encouraged by the latest talks and we feel we are making progress but we recognise it's a slow process,'' said Finance Minister Grant Gibbons from Washington where he, Premier Pamela Gordon and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Robert Horton wrapped up meetings with US officials yesterday.

They met with Secretary of the Navy John Dalton; Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy William Cassidy Jr.; Assistant Undersecretary of the Navy Robert Pirie; and Defence Department Deputy Undersecretary Sherry Goodman.

Of concern are the disposal of tons of asbestos collected from former US base buildings and underground storage tanks which have been leaking petroleum products.

Dr. Gibbons said the Navy representatives were given additional information they had requested that could help put Bermuda in the category of "being in substantial danger''.

"We have pointed out that we do not have the ability to deal with the asbestos and the petroleum,'' said Dr. Gibbons.

This could enable the Base lands to fit US policy guidelines for spending money to clean up former overseas bases, he continued.

Navy officials told about Base pollution Congress had put tight policy restraints on overseas base cleanups because the US was continuing to close mainland bases with considerable domestic liabilities.

Dr. Gibbons said the Navy officials were also brought up to date on the Royal Navy's agreement to clean up HMS Malabar and the Canadian Navy's acceptance of responsibility to clean up Daniel's Head.

Also discussed was a parallel situation involving a former US base in Newfoundland.

The US Defence Department had worked out an agreement with Newfoundland after five years of negotiations and this was due to be considered by Congress shortly.

Dr. Gibbons said this could have major implications for Bermuda if approved as the bases in Newfoundland and Bermuda were the first two bases to be signed to 99-year lease agreements with the Americans by the UK in 1940 so there was a clear historical parallel.

"We are all watching the Newfoundland issue. Meanwhile we will continue working with our Congressional supporters that we spoke to last week,'' he said.

Last week Ms Gordon, Dr. Gibbons and Mr. Horton met with top US politicians and argued Bermuda's case and later reported receiving "good advice and encouraging support''.

Dr. Gibbons explained some of the Congressmen and Senators involved in the discussions have been supporters of Bermuda over the years.

There are also tentative plans for Ms Gordon to meet US President Bill Clinton in the near future as her predecessor, David Saul, did almost a year ago.