Malta versus the NATO powers 1971-1972

Abstract

The 26 March 1972 marked another page in Malta's history. Indeed the signing of the new Defence Agreement between Malta and Britain - after lengthy and stormy negotiations - caused a great deal of attention to be focused on this "tiny island in the centre of the Mediterranean". The dispute between Malta and the NATO powers inevitably gave rise to much speculation, especially in the press - both foreign and local. But although the nine-month long negotiations were often bitter and intermittent, no permanent rift was created between Malta and the Western European nations, including Britain. Let it be clarified, from the onset, that Dom. Mintoff 's victory in the negotiations should not be viewed with a political eye; nor indeed has it been in this study. Rather, let it be said that the Maltese, as a nation, have proved themselves capable of sticking doggedly to their demands and of contending against the leading nations of the world, with satisfactory results. Writing about contemporary history is no easy matter. This is because the sources - such as confidential correspondence, minutes of cabinet meetings, and other important documentation - are not readily avail able and one has to depend, to' a large extent, on what is mere speculation, especially in the press and on television. This study is not intended to be more than a panoramic survey. This is both because the topic in question is too recent to allow room for profundity, and because, being part of a B.A. General degree, it is necessarily limited by time.