his anti-Independence stance. The attack was launched by the Committee for the Independence of Bermuda.

It accused him of mimicking British MP Rupert Allason's claims Independence could kill off opportunities from Europe.

And the committee detected a racist tinge in Dr. Harris's argument. "It is advanced so that whites might feel a sense of security in that ultimate power over Bermuda would continue to reside in Britain,'' said committee spokesman Mr. Walton Brown.

"And the message sent to blacks is that they, ultimately, are unable to govern themselves and require the presence of the old colonial power.'' Last week Dr. Harris -- who challenges the Hon. Grant Gibbons in today's United Bermuda Party primary -- hammered out his stance on Independence.

He said Independence could destroy "personal and business'' opportunities for Bermudians thrown up by Europe after 1997 when Hong Kong returns from Britain to China.

"The possibility of European Union Citizenship and passports for all Bermudians after the departure of Hong Kong as a dependent territory in 1997 is very real.

"The chance of being able to live, work, study and to obtain social and medical benefits in the EC countries, as if we were locals, cannot be gainsaid.'' He added: "It will be to the everlasting discredit of leaders in Bermuda, if this opportunity is not explored, or simply thrown away to satisfy the temporary euphoria of a few in an independent Bermuda.'' But yesterday Mr. Brown described Dr. Harris's argument as "purely emotional''.

"To begin with, the overwhelming majority of Bermudians receive their university education in North America, not England. Employment prospects are clearly better in North American and Bermuda where unemployment levels are far below the 10 percent to 15 percent unemployment levels in Europe.

"And our passports our gaining increasing acceptance globally largely through the efforts of Government officials; indeed, part of the hindrance in greater acceptability is the fact that Bermuda status does not equal citizenship.'' Mr. Brown said by Dr. Harris and Mr. Allason also failed to address the most important challenge confronting Bermuda -- a challenge appreciated by Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan and Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade.

"How can Bermuda best position itself in a new world order of major economic blocs and take advantage of rapidly emerging opportunities? "Clearly our present colonial status is ill-suited to this challenge and integration with Europe will deny us important economic manoeuvrability by shifting us away from our natural and major market: North America.'' Dr. Gibbons yesterday sought to scotch fears he would have to give up chairing the Airport Operations Committee -- if he won the July 14 by-election and left the Senate.

The committee is preparing Bermuda for taking over the running of the airport once the US Navy leaves next year.

"I've run into a number of people while canvassing who are concerned about me forced to give up this portfolio,'' said Dr. Gibbons.

"The fact is my portfolio is transferable between the Senate and the House of Assembly.''