Crime caused as a consequence of the Second World War in Malta

Abstract

The Second World War was principally caused by the determination of Adolf Hitler dictator of Germany to become master of Europe and indeed of the world (Southgate, 1952, p.221). During this war Hitler and his allies consisting mainly of Italy and Japan did not give a lot of consideration to war protocols (Watson, 1997, p3). Meanwhile, the alliance against this determination consisting of mainly of Britain and its empire, France, and the United States of America conducted their war effort in a more humane manner (Larken, 1965). Nevertheless, their effort was not without any events that could be compatible with war or political crimes (Nadelmann, 1993). The Second World War in Malta, which was a British colonial possession, caused a harsh siege (Bradford, 1985). Like in England and Wales, emergency laws and regulations were enacted to assist the colonial authorities in the war effort and reduce crimes (Ganado, 1974). Notwithstanding these measures, crimes against property and, violations of laws regulating trade and business in Malta increased (Ganado, 1974). There was a diversity of individuals who committed these crimes. The war effort compelled the British colonial authorities in Malta to prioritise their resources to meet the challenges of war (Vella, 1985). The colonial administrators in Malta took measures to reduce the chances of incitement, or espionage by pro-German and pro-Italian sympathisers in Malta (Farrugia, 1995). These measures were compatible to degrading treatment (Ganado, 1975).