STATUS OF MALTA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22392, 13 April 1936, Page 8

STATUS OF MALTA

For two and a-half years the Constitution of Malta has been suspended, and according to a message published to-day British political circle's are discussing the possibility of the island being given Crown colony status, which would mean a marked limitation of former political power. Such a step would raise loud outcry from the Italian section of the population and from Italy, the press of which in recent years has lost no opportunity to denounce "British tyranny" in Malta and to cultivate the false idea that the Maltese people are Italian in blood and sentiment and should not be subject to Britain. The Maltese are an ancient Semitic people speaking an ancient Semitic tongue. They have maintained their racial and linguistic identity throughout their history in face of the strongest foreign influences. Not more than 15 per cent of the people are familiar with the Italian language and few of that minority use other than Maltese in their homes. The aim of the Nationalist Party has long been to undermine British rule by enforcing the use of the Italian language upon the people, and it was partly enactments in that direction which led to the dismissal of the Ministry in November, 1933. The second main reason was a reckless financial policy. There had been no secrecy about the objective. Dr. Enrico Mizzi, Minister of Public Instruction, spoke in a manner quite typical when he declared that nothing was more certain than the final "Italianity" of Malta. The present international situation gives to this campaign a more sinister influence than it would have in other times. Malta is one of the chief British fortresses of the world. As a naval base it is of the utmost importance. Upon any aggressive Mediterranean Power it imposes restraints, and its possession by Italy would change the balance of power in the Mediterranean and the Near Khst. It is quite evident whence the agitators of Malta are receiving their inspiration.