Many
centuries of foreign rule have compelled Malta to withdraw into its shell.
The
instinct
of self-preservation led to rigid protection of the old conceptions of
society and human relations. In this modern age, therefore, obsolete and
obscurantist notions still survive side by side with what is
perennially good and healthy.
Although
Malta is European by Christian beliefs, culture, traditions and
geographical position, its people have remained untouched by the social and political upheavals of the old Continent
in the last century.
That
the
Maltese possess the flexibility to adjust their mental outlook for the
fulfilment of this task has been proved by the comparative ease with
which the Labour movement has succeeded in inserting the rudiments of
modern democratic ideals and social services
into the foundations of the old structure.
But
this
peaceful evolutionary process has been halted by external pressures
which the Maltese could not possibly with-stand on their own.
Indeed,
our
tiny and unarmed nation has been caught in the grip of the cold war
between East and West. The Conservative Government of Britain is still
able to convince their Nato allies of the necessity to sacrifice
democracy and freedom in Malta on the blood-stained
altar of Western defence.
At
the
Congress of the Socialist International in Rome, the Malta Labour Party
had the option to choose three out of the very many democratic
socialist parties represented at this gathering.
Significantly
the choice fell upon some of the most stalwart defenders of
Western
democratic ideals against communist aggression-Sweden, Western Germany and Israel.
Until
their arrival in Malta neither my colleagues not I had ever set eyes on the
plucky
delegates. They were sceptical, detached and determined to learn the truth by themselves.
Their
findings are the most eloquent vindication of the stand taken by our liberation movement against British colonial rule.
DOM
Dan il-ktieb, li kiteb Duminku Mintoff għandu ukoll
cd li tfakkar is-sena 1962.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TYZjFd5yCc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TYZjFd5yCc
