traded blows.

The Opposition leader taunted Government for being left in the lurch by America, Britain and Canada.

Mr. Frederick Wade said the Premier's globetrotting efforts to save the Bases had failed -- propelling Independence onto the political agenda. "The international visits were a disaster,'' he scoffed.

But Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan mounted an equally withering counter attack. He blasted the Progressive Labour Party's call for a general election on Independence. An election should not be fought on just one issue, he said.

Yesterday's bitter clash came as Government prepared to thrash out the issue.

Sir John has announced an in-depth investigation into Independence. The matter could then be decided by a referendum.

Independence has been thrust into the spotlight in the wake of proposed military pull-outs by America and Britain.

The United States plans to withdraw from the Naval Air Station by 1995. And the same year will see the closure of the Royal Navy's HMS Malabar Base.

Canada has already left Daniel's Head, which was handed to Bermuda on New Year's Eve.

Last year Sir John went on several whirlwind trips to America to drum up support for Bermuda's cause.

He warned last week, however, Bermuda stood more isolated than ever. And he said the Island faced a critical New Year crossroads.

"The future depends on what we do, not what others do,'' he said.

Sir John has claimed Britain's decision to withdraw could have waited. It clearly signalled Britain's intention to protect its own "strategic interests''.

Yesterday, however, Mr. Wade said Sir John's international diplomacy had failed spectacularly.

He mocked: "All his international contacts let him down. He was the last to hear about the withdrawals.

"The value of his stocks are well down.'' Mr. Wade also defended the PLP's stance on Independence.

He said Britain and Bermuda had agreed in 1979 that an election should decide Independence.

And the Opposition was in full support, said Mr. Wade.

"Sir John Swan, however, was unable to get his party to go along with that.

So he secretly struck a deal with Britain to decide the issue through a referendum.'' Mr. Wade added: "Our position has always been clear, and it is traditional for Independence to be decided by a general election.

"It is too complex a matter to be left to such a simplistic method as a referendum.'' Mr. Wade said Bermudians needed to be educated on Independence.

Government should also air the matter by preparing a green paper -- a discussion document.

Sir John, however, said he saw no "merit'' in the Opposition's stance.

A general election should not be fought on a single issue.

"An election is about more than just Independence. It is about how Government is elected to conduct the affairs of the country.'' Sir John said the two parties' stances on Independence highlighted "fundamental'' philosophical differences.

MR. FREDERICK WADE -- `Premier's international visits were a disaster.'