MALTA STANDS FIRM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20385, 23 October 1940, Page 12

MALTA STANDS FIRM

SPIRIT OF PEOPLE HIGH EXAMPLE SET FAITH IN ROYAL NAVY (EU-e. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) LONDON, Oct. 20 Malta has set an example of stoic endurance of which the whole Empire may well feel proud, says The Times in a commentary on the King's message to the acting-Governor of the island, in which His Majesty congratulated the forces and people of Malta on the fortitude with which they are facing constant air attacks “The Maltese people have suffered from Italian air raids ever since Italy came into the war,” says The Times “Throughout this long ordeal they were left until the other day wij.li the comforting presence of the fleet, the headquarters of which has been transferred to tlie East Mediterranean. “Neither the absence of their prolectors, nor the periodic bombing from the Italians, nor the long tale of enemy successes, has weakened their attachment to the British Empire or their confidence in the ultimate triumph of the British cause. “What they think of the navy, with which their island has been intimately and honourably, associated for generations, was shown a few weeks ago when ships reinforcing the Mediterranean fleet put in at Valetta.- They arrived during a particularly fierce air raid and when the whole population had taken to shelter, but as soon as they heard the music of the llagship’s band and saw the familiar grey outline of a British battleship the people, disregarding enemy bombers, poured out in thousands to welcome her. “The streets were packed with cheering crowds and the harbour thronged with sailing boats dancing round the ship in exultant entnusiasm. Her presence confirmed the faith which they hold so staunchly that British seapower will preserve them in the free membership of that commonwealth of nations to which tney are proud to belong."