MALTESE DISPUTE

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 175, 23 June 1930, Page 7

MALTESE DISPUTE

LORD STRICKLAND’S REGIME. “INQUISITORIAL DISPOTISM.” REPORT TO VATICAN. (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received June 23, 11 a.m. ROME, June 22. “It is doubtful whether pcaco and harmony can exist in Malta while Lord Strickland remains in power,” says Monsignor Robinson, in a report to the Vatican. The Monsignor, who recently visited Malta as the Apostolic Delegate, adds:

“Lord Strickland spends five days a week in the Jaw courts, fighting others. Ho has been so accustomed throughout his life to fight that if he should stop he would almost die. Ho considers those opposing him in the slightest degree as enemies. He would sacrifice any individual policy or principle for the love of power. “He is cunning, and without scruples, and it is not an exaggeration to say that Malta is subjected to a regime of terror and inquisitorial despotism. The Opposition is disarmed, and the newspapers are muzzled.

“If the British Secretary ,of State understood the extent to which Lord Strickland has damaged Britain’s prestige, he might force him to modify his policy or find a way of eliminating him from the political field.”

SURPRISING TURN TAKEN

STATUS OF CROWN COLONY.

Received June 23, 10.5 a.m. LONDON, June 22. Reports from Malta stated that Cabinet had resigned, without giving reasons, but later messages denied this, although it was pointed out that a strong rumour was current that there would be an early reversion to the status of a Crown colony for two years.