The planned invasion of Malta : postal history

Abstract

I do not propose to relate in detail the plans or the capture of Malta during the Second World War - an invasion that fortunately never materialised but which, through - out the conflict, occupied the minds of the ablest strategists on the Axis side. A huge mass of literature, some very authoritative, based mostly on Italian sources, has clarified the subject. On the other hand I know of almost no published material in English which is not merely divulgative or, at worse, war propaganda. A serious study, tapping all the archives - British, German, Italian and Japanese - is long overdue. This magazine cannot be the right venue for such an important historical enterprise. The drama, the deceit, the rivalries, the indecision which characterised the operation would, I am sure, make captivating reading. [excerpt]