Maltese P.M. Demands Total Independence

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29908, 23 August 1962, Page 13

Maltese P.M. Demands Total Independence

(Special Correspondent N Z.P.A.)

LONDON, Aug. 21. The Prime Minister of Malta, Dr. Borg Olivier, told a London press conference he had demanded total independence within the Commonwealth for the Island "as a matter of urgency.” He accused Britain of leaving his people in the lurch.

Dr. Olivier said he Intended to make an immediate application for Malta's association with the Common Market and would seek financial assistance from other Western countries.

Shortly after Dr. Olivier's statements, it was announced that the Commonwealth and Colonial Secretary (Mr Sandys) had agreed to an early conference with Dr. Olivier to discuss the island’s independence. This new colonial crisis comes after eight weeks of abortive discussions between Dr. Olivier and British officials, which ended with Dr. Olivier walking out from his last meeting with Mr Sandy*. ” The Maltese Government had asked for substantial economic aid to meet unemployment causeu by Britain**

defence policy of running down the island's naval base. This was refused.

Dr. Olivier said at hl* pres* conference: "I mean to fight tooth and nail for independence. I asked for £2.162.833 from Britain for the recurrent Budget apart from capital for a new works project and the conversion of a £5.000.000 exchequer loan to a grant. Instead I was offered only £lOO,OOO on the recurrent side. “Needless to say. I couldn’t accept such a meagre sum. I didn’t come here to make a silver collection. It seem* so very strange this should happen to the George Cross island.

“So far, lack of independence has prevented Malta from shaping her destiny according to her needs,” he said. “If we are independent we at least will be able to resort to the help of friends and I must say we have a few left.” The “Financial Timee” say* the island's unemployment

figure has risen above 5600, out of a total working population of 90,000 and that another 4000 will be redundant within the next year er so.