THE NEXT STEP
THE results of the Maltese referendum have naturally been claimed as a victory both by the supporters and the oppon- ents of integration. Mr. Mintoff, indeed, only polled 45 per cent. of the total electorate in support of his proposals, but this figure is misleading unless it is remembered that it represents 75 per cent. of those who actually voted and some 57 per cent. of those who normally vote at elections. In other words, in spite of the abstention of the Nationalist Party and the heavy pressure of the Roman Catholic Church, the Labour Party received about the same support as it received at the last elections. In these circumstances the question of the island's future should again be put to the test of public opinion. If Mr. Mintoff were to win new elections, that might reasonably be taken in this country as a mandate for integration. On the British side, economic aid to Malta should be hastened and increased. A political solution may be postponed, but time is on Mr. Mintoff's side, and Britain would be foolish to close this particular door in his face. In last week's Spectator reference was made in a leading article to the fact that the Maltese Nationalist Party's 'General Secretary was sent to prison before the war for espionage on behalf of Italy.' It should be made clear that this referred to the then General Secretary, Dr. Delia, and not to the present holder of that office.
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