Britain, Malta and the Socialist International

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