For the Maltese People the path to independence was neither smooth nor straight.

By the time Malta was granted Self-Government in 1921 the political factions could be classified into three main groups: the pro-British group that broadly opted for the advancement of the English language and culture, as well as the dissemination of the Maltese language. The pro-Italian group stood for the use of Italian and English but also for the propagation of Italian culture.

A newcomer to the political scene was the Labour Party, then in its infancy, its programme being compulsory education, the promotion on the English and Maltese languages and, as is to be expected, the improvement of working and social conditions.

In the troubles that followed elections were suspended and the Constitution was withdrawn in 1930.

In the following election the pro-Italian party with the support of the Church won at the polls with a great majority. In the political storm that followed the Constitution was again suspended and, one year later, Malta reverted back to colonial rule. The British Government, now in sole control of the Island and unfettered by local political opinion, made Maltese and English the two official languages of the Island, which, in fact, they still are, while the use of Italian was eliminated from administrative circles.

By the time the next constitution was granted World War II had started. When Italy allied herself to Germany Malta was thrown into the front line. The first attack, by Italian bombers, took place on the 11th June 1940. The exodus from the towns into the countryside started soon afterwards.

Using ancient catacombs and a disused railway tunnel as shelters against air-raids, other tunnel were excavated in the living rock for the same purpose. War in the Mediterranean theatre was predictable, yet when it did come the Islands was poorly equipped to defend itself: the only fighter planes were four antiquated Gloster Gladiators. These planes were augmented with a few Hurricanes some weeks later. Against these, the Italian Regia Aeronautica could count on two hundred aircraft stationed in Sicily, a mere hundred kilometers from Malta. The Axis (the Germans and the Italians) were clearly anxious to occupy Malta to make sure that their supply line between Sicliy and North Africa was not cut and when the Germans moved the Luftwaffe into Sicily the bombing was intensified.

As a result many buildings, especially those in the harbour area and near the airfields were flattened or badly damaged. In June 1941 Hitler attached Russia and the Luftwaffe in Sicily diverted most of its planes to that front. The air-raids on Malta eased, but did not cease entirely; at the same time having received reinforcements, Malta took to the offensive and submarines and aircraft based on the Island attacked Axis shipping as well as ground targets in Sardinia, Sicily to North Africa, Rommel was deprived from many essential supplies. On 26th July 1941 the only seaborne attack, that directed against the Grand Harbour by Italian E-boats, was brave and dashing, but unsuccessful. It was radar that had alerted the Maltese gunners and foiled the E-boat attack.

When the Luftwaffe was again in Sicily in full complement the bombing commenced once more and Malta was, once again, thrown on the defensive. Munitions, fuel and other stores were running low and food was in short supply.

Throughout this ordeal, despite continuous air-raids, lack of practically all necessities, and an acute food shortage, the Maltese soldiered on. A third of the anti-aircraft crews were Maltese and they soon made a name for themselves for their bravery and efficiency.

On the 15th of April 1942 King George VI awarded the George Cross Medal to “… the brave people of the Island Fortress of Malta”.

If the morale of Malta’s defenders was high, the materials resources of the Island were low; with supply ships being intercepted and destroyed by Axis aircrafts and submarines the situation was desperate; by July 1942 the supply of vital provisions was calculated to last two weeks. Although badly mauled, the “Santa Maria Convoy” limped into the Grand Harbour on the 15th August of that year and the situation was saved.

With replenished stores and the arrival of some hundred Spit-fires, the tables, at last, were being turned.

Although Malta was still under attack, by June 1943, it was considered sufficiently safe for King George to visit the Island to a huge welcome by the Maltese people whom he had so singularly honoured.

A month later, using Malta as an advance base, the Allies invaded Sicily and the war moved away from the Island.

True to their promise made during the War, the British restored Self-Government.

Fresh elections were held and the pro-Italian exiles were repatriated. With most of the inhabitants being homeless, reconstruction was the first priority of the newly elected Labour Government but social conditions were also improved.

In the dockyard area, especially, the trade union movement grew in strength as workers everywhere were becoming conscious of their rights.

Three years later, following a split in the Labour Party, the Nationalist Party headed a Coalition Government; this party now strove to obtain a Dominion Status for the Island. The Nationalists were formerly the pro-Italian party but, since the post-war years, the image of this party was to change gradually and in the end they were even accused of being pro-British! Originally being the party of the intelligentsia, the party now attracted numerous workers within its ranks.

On the return of the Labour Party to office, a request for integration was made to the British Government with Maltese representation at 'Westminster. When the British cooled to the idea after evincing an initial interest the Labour Party went to the other extreme and insisted on Independence, and the Church was accused of having undermined the Integration plan by insisting that its ancient privileges be safeguarded; the acrimonies that followed were to cost the Labour Party many votes.

The Constitutional Party, the original pro-British party, died a natural death, its mission having been accomplished. In the wake of fresh elections and confirmed by a referendum, Malta achieved Independence within the Commonwealth on 21st September 1964 with the Queen of England as the nominal Queen of Malta.

Under the next Labour Government. Malta was declared a Republic with Sir Anthony Mamo as it's first President.

On the 31st March 1979, at the termination of the Military Base Agreement, the last British serviceman left the Island and Malta entered into its self-imposed state of neutrality.

Tourism remains one of the key pillars of Malta's earnings although local manufacturing largely with foreign investors also plays an important role in the Maltese economy.

The Maltese are a proud and independent people but in their heart of hearts they realise that financially Malta cannot stand alone. The Labour Party desired integration with Britain and the old-time Nationalists had yearned for integration with Italy. By joining the European Economic Community it is possible that the Maltese people will achieve their aspirations without having to sacrifice their sovereignity in the process.

Malta has appled to join the EU and all local legislation and standards are conforming to these EU requirements.

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