MALTESE ANGRY WITH BRITAIN: SERIOUS POSITION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23023, 13 August 1949, Page 5

MALTESE ANGRY WITH BRITAIN: SERIOUS POSITION

(10.25 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 12. Relations between Maltese Ministers and Whitehall were described in Malta today as so critical that the Prime Minister, Dr. P. Boffa, decided to leave immediately for London. The Maltese are angry about the British Government’s alleged indifference to Maltese grievances and their Cabinet has told Britain that' there would be grave consequences for Malta unless the island’s economic problems were resolved. , „ . Dr. Boffa and the deputy-Prime Minister. Mr. D. Mintoff, visited London last week but returned home after discussions with the British Governmerit had been suddenly terminated. §ald “No” To Everything

Mr. Mintoff then stated that the British Government had said: “No” to everything. Dr Boffa complained of the Government’s indifference to: 1. Malta’s rising unemployment. 2. Malta’s protests against the withdrawal of £300,000 a year food

subsidies. . 3. Plans 'designed to make Malta economically independent and free from the British Treasury.

Britain was “morally bound to contribute its share towards Malta’s fight for survival, said Dr. Boffa in London tonight. He added that the “discontent and general sense of frustration were inmreasing in Malta. Fair Play and Commonsense

“I confidently hope that proverbial British fair play and commonsense will prevail. If my hopes prove to have been built on sand I am afraid that the position in Malta will become more complex and chaotic with embarrassing results,” he said. The talks with the Maltese leaders may be resumed in London tomorrow. Although the Maltese have been told that the British Government cannot reopen the issue of the Malta naval dockyard workers who recently received notice that they would not be wanted after the financial year ends, the deputation will probably raise the question of notices which are being sent to about 100 Maltese maintenance workers at Royal Air Force airfields.