long-time communist dictator Kim Il Sung demonstrates the Progressive Labour Party appalling lack of judgment and naivete, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan asserted yesterday.

The Premier made the statement after PLP Leader Mr. Frederick Wade confirmed his party had sent two representatives to celebrate the 80th birthday of the long-time communist dictator.

"There can be no possible merit in the PLP's sending Mrs. Aurelia Burch and Mr. George Scott to North Korea to help a man who is widely regarded as being one of the most brutal dictators of the 20th century celebrate his birthday,'' Sir John said.

Mr. Wade had defended the Party's decision to send Mr. Scott and Mrs. Burch on the grounds it was a rare opportunity for an educational tour. He said the visits should in no way be interpreted as support for the communist regime.

But Sir John criticised Mr. Wade's explanation.

"There is nothing about democracy or the rule of law which North Korea can teach Bermuda, so the Country is left to wonder how the PLP leader ... could possibly characterise the proposed visit as `educational','' he said.