Integration or closer integration with Britain : 1955-1958

Abstract

Integration' or Closer Union with Britain presented three main problems, namely, the Constitutional, the Economic and the Religious problems. It was a 'new' idea, at least in the sense that this proposal was for the first time presented and pursued with vigour, conviction and determination. It has been said that, "one of the greatest pains to human nature was the pain of a new idea". This new idea came in conflict with the political aspirations of the opposing parties; it came in conflict with the conservative elements in Malta; and above all it conflicted with the church. Yet the propounders of this idea were successful in convincing the Round Table Conference, convened for the purpose of examining their proposals and the British Government, of its logic. They were also successful in recruiting the solid support of a substantial part of Maltese public opinion. This is the story of their success... yet also of their failure. I do not pretend to have succeeded in giving the causes of this success and failure - this would have necessitated a far deeper study, which time did not permit.