BBC reports on Swan's `blunt' speech
made a "blunt'' pro-Independence speech to the Queen.
And they were told many people at the Speaker's Dinner at the Southampton Princess failed to applaud.
The report was filed by British Broadcasting Company journalist Mr. Wesley Kerr, who is covering the Royal visit.
But yesterday Government and Opposition politicians declared there was no Independence message in Sir John's speech.
Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness said: "It was a Bermudian speech about Bermuda's future.
"But I can understand how it might be misinterpreted by journalists from England and elsewhere.
"The Premier spoke about looking after the welfare of Bermuda, and the changes facing the Country.'' Former Government Minister Sen. Michael Winfield said: "In my opinion the Premier expressed his disappointment at the withdrawal of the United Kingdom forces from HMS Malabar, bearing in mind the long history of the UK military relationship here.
"I did not pick up any implied indication of Independence.'' Mr. Kerr's report went out during BBC radio's flagship news programme, "Today''.
The show is known as "the nation's bulletin board'' because its listeners include top politicians.
Those who tuned in yesterday were informed: "The Queen heard a speech from the Island's Premier which surprised many with its blunt call for Independence.'' Mr. Kerr also highlighted the Queen's comments about the achievements of black Bermudians.
Another British reporter told The Royal Gazette of a conversation with a UK government source, during which the official described Bermuda's debate on Independence as an "unholy row''.
In his Speaker's Dinner speech, Sir John told how the British were pulling out of Malabar.
He said Bermuda had once been the Gibraltar of the West, the lynchpin of the Royal Navy's control of the Atlantic.
"Now we must face taking responsibility for our future by ourselves. I believe we are equal to the task.'' Sir John spoke of forging the "new Bermuda''.
He also underlined how many smaller countries -- Bermuda included -- were struggling to understand the significance of changes taking place in the world.
They were trying to find roles to play in the "new world order''.
Premier's speech -- Page 5