AFFAIRS IN MALTA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 162, 28 June 1930, Page 5

AFFAIRS IN MALTA

NOT RELIGIOUS ISSUE. STATEMENT in commons. [British Official Wireless.) (Received 28, 12.30 p.m.) Rugby, June 27. The action of the bntish Government in suspending the constitution of Malta was approved by all branches of the Opposition in tiie House of Commons last night, but hopes are expressed that the constitution might be restored at the earliest possible moment. Dr. Shiels, Under-Secretary for the Colonies, expressed satisfaction at this general approval of the Government's action, which was taken with great reluctance, and in the hope that suspension would not be of long duration. There would at any rate, he said be an opportunity for all parties to reconsider the position and so bring about an atmosphere likely to lead to harmony. The Government was anxious that the Maltese people should have an opportunity to work out their own destiny, and it did not wish to intervene between local parties; but it had been compelled to take action owing to the intervention of an outside party. It was important to emphasise that the issue was not really a religious one but, to some extent, a domestic controversy. The Government had intervened in the best interests of self-government. Steps would be taken, he added, to see that the people of Malta had full opportunities of understanding the tacts of the situation.

Mr Snowden said that, owing to the urgency of the matter, it was necessary to act without delay. The necessary legislation was enacted by His Majesty-in-Council this morning. It would become operative tomorrow on proclamation by the Governor in Malta.