NATION, PRIDE AND DIGNITY.BORG OLIVIER AND THE

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Joseph M. Pirotta

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MJoseph M

. Pirotta

Professor Joseph M. Pirotta, who holds a Ph.D. in politics, headed the Department of International Relations in the Faculty of Arts of the University of Malta up to his retirement.

In Nation, Pride and Dignity. Borg Olivier and the National Anthem, Pirotta reveals the hitherto untold story of George Borg Olivier’s successful endeavours to defend Malta’s national pride and dignity in the face of the colonising Power’s arrogance. The story is told through documents that are being published for the first time.

Joseph M. Pirotta has a well-established reputation for scholarship, objectivity and an easy flowing style that appeals equally to the academic, to the student of Maltese political history and to those who would like to be properly informed of the events that form part of the Maltese experience under British rule.

Joseph M. Pirotta’s major works, the series Fortress Colony: The Final Act 1945-1964, and L-Istorja Kostituzzjonali u l-Isfond Storiku 1800-2004 in two volumes, were published to general acclaim.

‘Nation, Pride and Dignity. Borg Olivier and the National Anthem’ is another systematically constructed historical account, profusely annotated, written in an equally vivid and subtle style’. – Professor Oliver Friggieri, from the Foreword.

“Nation, Pride and Dignity. Borg Olivier and the National Anthem is another systematically constructed historical account, profusely annotated, written in an equally vivid and subtle style. It may be simultaneously defined as (a) a historical account of how difficult it was for Malta to attain some degree of official recognition for its newly composed national anthem, as well as (b) a portrait of a Maltese political leader seeking to introduce an agenda with an item much more controversial than an anthem: Independence itself. Prime Minister George Borg Olivier, about whom Joseph M. Pirotta has frequently written with great admiration regarding his political achievement and exceptionally calm nature, is here being proposed in a way which, however revered he has been for decades, must prove quite alien to many. An equally gentle and timid person, apparently submissive and actually irrevocably stubborn, the political leader whom Joseph M. Pirotta here succeeds in depicting so well, albeit through exclusively scientific methods, is a man deeply proud of his country.”

Prof. Oliver Friggieri

“Pride and dignity, with their positive and negative aspects, are two abstract principles to which most people aspire. Pride, when earned and limited to the upholding of one’s self-respect is commendable, but becomes condemnable when unwarranted by accomplishment or exhibited as evidence of an exaggerated sense of self-worth. Likewise dignity. An individual who retains personal dignity whatever his material circumstances deserves respect, but one who divests oneself of all dignity loses all claim to esteem. What is true of the individual is true of the nation. A nation’s pride and dignity do not rest on its size and material circumstances. They are earned by the sum total of its culture, its history of achievement, its fortitude in the face of adversity, its general solidarity, its continued efforts to mature and develop, and on its readiness to play a meaningful role within the international community.”

Prof. Joseph M. Pirotta

NATION, PRIDE AND DIGNITY.BORG OLIVIER AND THE

NATIONAL ANTHEM

NATION, PRIDE AND DIGNITY.BORG OLIVIER AND THE

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Joseph M. Pirotta

Published by Midsea Books Ltd

Strait Street, Valletta, Maltawww.midseabooks.com

First published in 2016

Copyright © Literary, Joseph M. Pirotta, 2016

This book is being sold on condition that it cannot be re-sold. No change in its format and no part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the author or the publisher, except by a reviewer

written for insertion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast.

Book layout and design by Edward Pirotta

Produced byMidsea Books Ltd

Printed at Gutenberg Press, Malta

ISBN: 978-99932-7-561-9

To my son,

Edward.

INNU MALTI

Lil din l-art ħelwa, l-omm li tatna isimha,Ħares, Mulej, kif dejjem int ħarist,Ftakar li lilha bl-oħla dawl libbist.

Agħti, kbir Alla, id-dehen lil min jaħkimha,Rodd il-ħniena lis-sid, saħħa ’l Ħaddiem,Seddaq il-għaqda fil-Maltin u s-sliem.

THE MALTESE NATIONAL ANTHEM*

To this sweet land, the mother who gave us her name,Protect her, Lord, as you have always protected her,Remember that you have clothed her with the sweetest light.

Give, great God, wisdom to him who rules her,Grant kindness to the employer, strength to the worker,Reinforce unity and peace among the Maltese.

* Literal translation by Professor Oliver Friggieri and this author.

i

Contents

Text of the Innu Malti and an English translation .......... viii List of Illustrations ............................................................. iii

Abbreviations Used ............................................................ vi

Foreword by Professor Oliver Friggieri .......................... vii

Author’s Note ..................................................................... xi

Chapter OneProudly Distinct ................................................................. 1

Chapter TwoThe Innu Malti Acknowledged ........................................ 17

Chapter ThreeThe Colonial Office Intervenes ....................................... 47

Chapter FourBorg Olivier and Malta’s Colonial Status ...................... 67

Chapter 5The Coronation Concert .................................................. 85

Chapter 6The 1954 Queen’s Birthday Parade ............................. 103

Chapter SevenEmbarrassment and Divergence ...................................118

ii

Chapter EightDiarchy Ends, Controversy Remains ........................... 137

Chapter NineNo Greater Compliment Can Be Paid to the Queen ... 161

Chapter 10The Last Hurrah! ........................................................... 189

Bibliography .................................................................. 217

Index ............................................................................... 227

iii

List of Illustrations

The stone sculpture of the British Royal Coat-of-Arms above the portico added to the Main Guard ........................ 7Crowd awaiting the proclamation of the 1921 Constitution ....................................................................... 13Dr Albert V. Laferla when an officer in the KOMR ......... 22Dr Albert V. Laferla in civilian clothes ............................ 23Mgr Karm Psaila, Malta’s national poet .......................... 24Professor Robert Samut as a student ................................ 25Stamps issued on the centenary of the birth of Robert Samut and Mgr Karm Psaila, respectively ........... 25Maestro Paul Nani ............................................................ 26Poster of a performance at the Adelphi Theatre, Rabat, and accompanying leaflet with the Innu Malti ..... 27Lord Strickland, founder and leader of the Constitutional Party, and Prime Minister 1927-1932 ...... 33Sir George Borg, Chief Justice 1941-1952 ....................... 40Sir Ugo Mifsud, Prime Minister 1924-1927 and 1932-1933 ........................................................................ 43Part of the façade of the Colonial Office, London ........... 50The George Cross and accompanying citation ................ 51The presentation of the George Cross ......................... 52-53The All Malta and Hajduks Split FC as they lined-up for their match on 25 March, 1945 ................................... 58General Sir Edmond Schrieber, Governor of Malta1944-1946 ........................................................................ 60Nerik Mizzi as an Italian fanatic (Cartoon) ..................... 63Malta writes a new page in its history (Cartoon) ............. 69Dr George Borg Olivier and Dr Enrico Mizzi ................. 70Dr G. Borg Olivier at a party activity ............................... 72The carriage carrying Dr and Mrs Borg Olivier during the coronation procession ..................................... 75

iv

Malta’s colonial flag, pre- and post-1943, and Malta’s 1964 Royal Standard ........................................... 77Dr Paul Boffa, Prime Minister 1947-1950 ........................ 83Sir Malcolm Sargent ......................................................... 88Lord Mountbatten of Burma ............................................ 89Sir Gerald Creasy visiting 75 Sqdn ARAF at Luqa Airfield .................................................................... 95Dr G. Borg Olivier and PN delegation to London ......... 108Queen Elizabeth in Gozo ................................................ 111Times of Malta coverage of the 1954 Queen’s Birthday Parade ........................................................ 122-123John Cole crosses the House and brings down the government (Cartoon) .................................................... 143NATO Head Quarters, Floriana ..................................... 146Admiral Sir Guy Grantham relaxing at San Anton ........ 150The Ministry of Defence building in London ................ 153Anti-independence scare campaign (Cartoon) ............... 163Dr Borg Olivier returns to Malta after demanding independence for Malta ............................... 164The Maltese Flag replaces the Union Jack on Malta’s independence ................................................ 165Dr Borg Olivier holds the Constitutional Instruments aloft ................................................................................ 166Défilé celebrating Malta’s independence ....................... 167Correspondence Hamilton-Hill – Ragonesi regarding the Innu Malti ......................................... 171-173Governor Sir Maurice Dorman (1962-1964), later Governor-General (1964-1971) ............................. 180 Sig Antonio Dazzi and Sir John Martin ......................... 181Coverage by The Sunday Times of Malta of the two separate Queen’s Birthday Parades held in 1966 .... 206Dr Borg Olivier at Luqa Airport to greet the Queen ...... 208Queen Elizabeth presenting the Colours to the

v

Royal Malta Regiment ................................................... 209Dom Mintoff, who became Prime Minister in 1971, and George Borg Olivier ...................................... 212Dr George Borg Olivier, the man who rarely blew his own trumpet .............................................................. 214

vi

Abbreviations Used

ADC Aide de CampBBC British Broadcasting CorporationCP Constitutional PartyCRO Commonwealth Relations OfficeCWP Christian Workers PartyDAP Democratic Action PartyGOC/T General Officer Commanding/TroopsHE His ExcellencyHMG His/Her Majesty’s GovernmentHRH His Royal HighnessIOC International Olympic CommitteeKOMR King’s Own Malta Regiment LP Labour PartyMIG Maltese Imperial GovernmentMOC Malta Olympic CommitteeMLP Malta Labour PartyMOD Ministry of DefenceMTV Malta TelevisionMWP Malta Workers PartyNAM National Archives MaltaNAUK National Archives UKPCP Progressive Constitutional PartyPDN Partit Demokratiku NazzjonalistaPN Partit NazzjonalistaRAF Royal Air ForceRMA Royal Malta ArtilleryUK United Kingdom

vii

FOREWORD

HISTORY AS FACTS AND INTERPRETATION

Historical research published in Malta in the last few decades has enormously contributed towards the informed depiction of Malta’s tormented strife as a British colony for constitutional rights and eventually the achievement of sovereignty. Joseph M. Pirotta has done fundamental and far reaching research on the pre-Independence and post-Independence periods, thus arriving not solely at the meaningful discovery of historical truths, but also at a coherently constructed interpretation of his main field of concern: the complex relationship between powerful representatives of the British Empire in Malta, and the Maltese leaders, namely personalities in whom the people recognized men endowed with special talents. For Pirotta, a historian equally modern not only because he is concerned with recent periods and events, but also because his methodology in both researching and organising acquired data is uniquely modern. His narratives invariably grant paramount importance to significant details, all well documented through reference to original sources, giving prominence not only to events but also, and much more, to the protagonists.

Underpinning such an approach there is a universal principle Pirotta seems to be consistently seeking to verify and adhere to: history is made up of rulers and ruled, and power is the constant criterion regarding both freedom and servitude. Nothing can better express such a predicament

viii

than the condition of a tiny island colony within a boundless empire. Joseph M. Pirotta’s monumental work in four volumes Fortress Colony: The Final Act 1945-1964, published between 1987 and 2016, is his most vivid and equally convincing illustration of his view of history. Any reader can immediately discover such an approach. Seen against such a colourful background, Joseph M. Pirotta’s accounts can be decoded in such terms: he is deeply aware that anything being unearthed during his research process is an encounter between the powerful and the weak; the massive lack of education, and the complete absence of awareness amongst the people (frequently due to the powerful failing to recognize the rights of the powerless.

Two outstanding examples of such a scientific approach are Enrico Mizzi’s Political Integrity – Fact or Fiction? (1986) and Nerik Mizzi – Il-Verdett tal-Istorja (1995). Never apologetic or remotely aware of threading on politically shaky territories, he instinctively transcends partisanship, even in instances when the ideological environment of personalities and events has long assumed a rigid dogmatic nature. Regarding characterization Pirotta is at his best in his accounts on Enrico Mizzi’s personality and political vision, highly controversial since the pre-war period, and more so since Dom Mintoff periodically revived his remote figure to discredit it in all directions (and particulalry so regarding Fascism and any reference to the agelong cultural relationship with Italy which Malta maintained at least since the fifteenth century).

Nation, Pride and Dignity. Borg Olivier and the National Anthem is another systematically constructed historical account, profusely annotated, written in an equally vivid and subtle style. It may be simultaneously defined as (a) a historical account of how difficult it was for Malta to attain

ix

some degree of official recognition for its newly composed national anthem, as well as (b) a portrait of a Maltese political leader seeking to introduce an agenda with an item much more controversial than an anthem: Independence itself. Prime Minister George Borg Olivier, about whom Joseph M. Pirotta has frequently written with great admiration regarding his political achievement and exceptionally calm nature, is here being proposed in a way which, however revered he has been for decades, must prove quite alien to many. An equally gentle and timid person, apparently submissive and actually irrevocably stubborn, the political leader whom Joseph M. Pirotta here succeeds in depicting so well, albeit through exclusively scientific methods, is a man deeply proud of his country.

Pirotta’s Nationalist leader is a man fully aware that in all his varied efforts to ascertain that the British authorities include the National Anthem in official occasions attended by Malta’s Prime Minister, he has to prove subtle rather than provocative. Both sides seem to be dealing with a cause which far outgoes the simple performance of an innocuous Innu Malti, still having to be given an acceptable name: National Anthem of Malta, or just Hymn of Malta. Pirotta leads on the reader, smoothly, fastly and almost entertainingly, through what he brilliantly makes us discover as the beginning of the final act of a strategically important military base now seeking to attain dominion status, the prologue to complete Independence. The Innu Malti, therefore, was not innocuous at all. The intriguing ‘ambiguity’ of such a well researched book begs the question whether it is a work about a leading historical figure or about the initial uncertainties in the process leading to the real recognition of a national anthem. The balance between historical events and national personalities, already identified as characteristic of Pirotta’s

x

methodology, seems to be the core of this account as well, a proof of consistency in vision and its interpretation.

Oliver Friggieri 29 February 2016

University of Malta

xi

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Pride and dignity, with their positive and negative aspects, are two abstract principles to which most people aspire. Pride, when earned and limited to the upholding of one’s self-respect is commendable, but becomes condemnable when unwarranted by accomplishment or exhibited as evidence of an exaggerated sense of self-worth. Likewise dignity. An individual who retains personal dignity whatever his material circumstances deserves respect, but one who divests oneself of all dignity loses all claim to esteem. What is true of the individual is true of the nation. A nation’s pride and dignity do not rest on its size and material circumstances. They are earned by the sum total of its culture, its history of achievement, its fortitude in the face of adversity, its general solidarity, its continued efforts to mature and develop, and on its readiness to play a meaningful role within the international community. The foregoing is perhaps more pertinent to small nations with a history of imposed involvement in the geopolitical struggles between powerful states.

World history is replete with examples of peoples who have had to struggle, and in certain cases are still struggling today, to attain international recognition of their credentials as a nation. They carry their national distinctiveness with pride and expect others to respect their nationality often resting on the tripodal symbolism of native language, flag and anthem. Nationality has always been linked with the territory, defined or claimed, that a people inhabit making the identification of delineated territory with nationhood fundamental to the creation of a national State. Nevertheless, while the twofold assertion of nationality and claim to territory was, and still

xii

is, an essential prerequisite to statehood, it never provided a guarantee that the desire to statehood would be fulfilled. Thus, despite the Maltese people’s undisputed identification with the Maltese archipelago as their territory the notion of a Maltese State was never a likely proposition.

The tiny, mostly arid, but strategically located Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo gave their name to a people who had, since the distant past, made them their home. Due to their geographical position and deep-water natural harbours the Maltese Islands were coveted by whoever intended to exercise hegemony over the Mediterranean and the territories bordering it. Too weak to resist powerful invaders the Maltese learned to co-exist with the foreigner but remained distinctly Maltese. One particular set of overlords, the Order of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, previously of Jerusalem and Rhodes, ruled the Islands for two hundred and sixty eight years. During their overlordship they converted what had basically been a fief in the gift of the Spanish Emperor, into an independent princedom before being unceremoniously kicked out by Napoleon Bonaparte. Throughout the Order’s reign the Maltese were shunted aside. The flag that symbolised the State was not the tradition white and red of the islanders but the eight pointed cross of the Order. The indigenous inhabitants were, in various ways, useful and therefore tolerated by the Knights but never recognised as a nation let alone one that had a legitimate claim to the islands’ ownership.

French rule over Malta proved to be brief. The Maltese took up arms, requested help from King Ferdinand of Naples who responded by despatching troops and requesting his British allies to do likewise. The French garrison were besieged behind Malta’s impressive fortifications and starved into surrender. Britain contrived to exclude the Maltese and the Neapolitans from the French surrender thereby staking an

xiii

early claim to the islands. His Majesty’s Government interest in Malta was primarily of a military nature envisaging the island as a formidable naval fortress. The overwhelming majority of the population was uneducated, unfranchised, poverty-stricken and uninterested in politics, solely intent on scraping a living. Maltese leaders of the revolt against the French, the wealthy class and what went for the intelligentsia, allowed themselves to be duped by the British being more concerned with their petty intrigues, partisan divisions and personal advancement. By the time they fully realised the outcome Britain’s grip over the islands was firm and secure. Once again the Maltese found themselves the tolerated inhabitants of a fortress island whose administration was geared first and foremost to a foreign Power’s military and naval requirements.

One hundred and sixty-four years of British domination followed. For the first twelve decades Maltese claims to local autonomy were brushed as aside, but the grant of limited responsible government in 1921 further stimulated the burgeoning sense of nationhood. This was attested to by the earliest legislation enacted by the newly established Legislature: the Religion of Malta, Act, and the National Day of Malta, Act. Individual initiative led to the composition of the Innu Malti that quickly grew in popularity and gained acceptance as the national anthem unintentionally challenging imperial orthodoxy. That the consciousness of nation was growing in Malta is attested to by political action. Prime Minister Lord Strickland (1927-1930), acted at times as if Malta was a dominion; and a short time after the 1931 Statute of Westminster was on the books, a Nationalist Administration headed by Sir Ugo Mifsud, presented a formal demand for dominion status.

His Majesty’s Government were not amused. As far as the Colonial Office were concerned such antics were little

xiv

more than absurd posturing from people trying to achieve a status well beyond their means and capabilities. To them to talk of a Maltese nation was preposterous, of Malta as a dominion, risible. Soon afterwards responsible government was withdrawn, opposition to continued Anglicisation increasingly deemed subversive leading to a witch hunt. The outbreak of war was accompanied by the internment, and later deportation (both without due process), of alleged fifth columnists. Once Malta was under unremitting siege the British Administration sought to maintain popular goodwill by accepting the Innu Malti as ‘the special national anthem of the Maltese’, when this newly assigned status threatened to go international the Colonial Office acted decisively. The Innu Malti was only to be considered as the Hymn of Malta and that the Armed Services were to be discouraged from playing it. There was only one Maltese national anthem, God Save the King, and that was to be that.

Henceforth the Innu Malti was only played on formal occasions of a purely Maltese nature. The singing of the anthem was tolerated by an indulgent Colonial Office in the same way as the hoisting of the Maltese flag was tolerated without officially recognising it as Malta’s national flag. Official (though clandestine), British acceptance that the white and red was Malta’s flag came in the wake of obdurate resistance by Prime Minister George Borg Olivier against the use of the Colonial Office version of Malta’s flag during the festivities marking the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953.

The story of Borg Olivier’s stand in defence of his nation’s pride and dignity at the time of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation is well known. What has remained undisclosed is his unrelenting struggle to win official British recognition of the Innu Malti as the islands’ national anthem and therefore the musical symbol of the Maltese nation. Hence the title of

xv

this volume may come as a surprise to many, perhaps even appear rather quixotic. However, once the story is told, this author believes that readers will feel that the title is entirely appropriate and justified. Borg Olivier’s wilful reticence on the subject contributed to his endeavours remaining obscured. It was in 1974, and only when goaded in Parliament that he was more British than the Queen, that he referred to his actions in this regard. Borg Olivier’s restraint in publicising his self-imposed mission reveals him in his true colours: a political leader more intent on upholding his country’s pride and dignity than on amassing personal kudos.

This work would not be what it is without the generous help of various individuals to whose contribution I am indebted. Professor Kevin Aquilina, Dean of the Faculty of Laws, at the University of Malta, and my wife Maria, meticulously read the typescript and made various helpful comments that led to its enhancement. Professor Oliver Friggieri enthusiastically consented to write the Foreword. Justice Giovanni Bonello, Dr Joseph Cassar and Mr Laurence Grech readily accepted to speak about the book at its launch. Mr Grech went further. He proof-read the manuscript and lent me a portrait of Dr Albert Laferla. My son Edward designed the cover, prepared the book for publication, and was constantly at hand when his help was required. Mr Leonard Callus was a pillar of support in the execution of the book and instrumental in procuring various illustrations. In this regard I am grateful also to Dr Alexander Borg Olivier, Mr Albert von Brockdorff, Mr Charles Farrugia, the National Archivist, Mr Carmel Baldacchino, the Count Roger Band Club, Rabat, Progress Press, and Malta Post. I would also like to acknowledge the help I was invariably given by the front desk staff at the National Archives, Rabat, the National Library, Valletta, and the National Archives, Kew, who cheerfully put up with my many requests and helped to smooth my path. Mr Joseph

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Mizzi of Midsea Books for readily agreeing to publish this volume, and Lombard Bank Malta p.l.c. for their support. If, despite the efforts of those mentioned errors have still managed to creep in, the responsibility is mine alone.

Joseph M. Pirotta 30 January 2016.

227

INDEX

Independence 189-190, 204-205; and Queen’s Birthday Parade 82, 190-192, 194, 197-200, 202-207; other refs 68, 97, 98, 144, 148, 175, 185.

Army, British: 61, 133-134, 154, 158, 187, 195, 197, 203, 205, 207

Attard Leonard E: 44n.Auberge de Castille: 192,

200.Australia: 78n, 87n, 91, 181.

Bathhurst, Lord: 5, 6.Boffa, Dr Sir Paul: and the

Innu Malti: 42, 82; other refs 32, 62, 67, 71.

Boffa Labour Group (see, Malta Workers Party)

Bonaparte Napoleon: 3n.Bonello Giovanni: 71n, 96n.Borg, Chief Justice Sir

George: suggests recognition of the Innu Malti: 39-41; other refs: 42, 44.

Borg Olivier, Dr George: becomes Prime Minister 68; and colonialism 73-74, 82-84, 163; and dominion

Abercrombie, Sir Ralph: 3.A’Court William: 5n.Adeane, Lt Col Sir Michael:

179, 186, 187, 194.Adelphi Theatre: 18.Advance Australia Fair: 87.Admiralty: 8, 92. (see also,

Royal Navy).Admiralty Constabulary:

149.Air Ministry: 8, 134n.Alexandria: 44.Algeria: 44n.Amateur Swimming

Association, Malta: 21n.Amsterdam Olympics: 28.Aquilina Victor: 44n, 62n.Armed Forces, British:

dominant position in Malta 8, 61, 68, 78; and the Innu Malti 46, 79-80, 81, 90-91, 104, 113, 130-132, 133-134, 145, 152-154, 156-158, 176-177, 179-181, 189-191, 195-196, 197-199, 200-202, 204; and Maltese economic dependence on 31; occasions for playing anthems 152, 185; as Visiting Forces 189, 190, 203-204; and Maltese

228

196, 199, 200, 202-203; and Malta’s independence 84, 140, 148, 161-163, 190, 195-196, 204; and Dorman 176-179; and asserting Maltese sovereignty: 184, 191, 192, 193, 195, 199, 200, 202-203; achieves objective re Innu Malti 204-210; opposes the de-entrenchment the Innu Malti 213-215; other refs 71, 113, 121, 127, 135, 137, 139, 144, 151, 192, 193, 194, 197, 199, 210.

Briffa Ruzar: 57, 59.British Broadcasting

Corporation; and the Innu Malti: 42, 47-48, 49, 54, 55; Symphony Orchestra 86n; Overseas Service 168n, 170.

British Empire: 4, 5, 20, 28, 31, 34, 59, 62, 81, 189.

British Institute: 57.Brittain, Rear-Admiral W.G:

131, 134.Buckingham Palace: 179,

186, 187, 192, 200. Bugeja Lino: 21n.Burrows John: 5n.Buttigieg, Dr Anton: 211,

212.

status for Malta 76-78, 79-80, 84, 85, 92; and Home Office Offer 107, 138-140, 141-142; and London coronation celebrations 76-78, 82; tactical approach and character 74-76, 82-84, 92-94, 109-110, 115, 116-119, 118, 204-205; upholds Maltese nationalism 94-95, 215; campaign in favour of the Innu Malti 74, 79-82, 85-87, 92-94, 97, 98, 105-106, 107-109, 113, 115-117, 118, 126, 130, 131, 148-151, 162, 168, 170-174, 177, 202, 211, 213-214; boycotts Services’ activities 80-82, 85-87, 115-118, 124-126, 151, 176-177, 205; accused of seeking personal prestige 74, 82-84, 100, 132; and Coronation Concert 85-87, 93; political problems 103, 104-105, 106-107, 140, 141-142; and the Queen 96-97, 110; and the Queen’s Birthday Parade 1954: 115-118; and the Queen’s Birthday Parade 1965 174-176; and the Queen’s Birthday Parade 1966 194-

229

policy 8-12, 68, 107; and expressions of nationality 32-34, 42, 52; and the Innu Malti, 31, 47-48, 48-56, 65, 81, 90-91, 91-92, 98-101, 105-106, 107; and Borg Olivier 74, 82, 98-101, 104-105, 130, 137, 139; and dominion status for Malta 76, 78, 92; other refs 32, 87, 92, 110, 147, 179, 187.

Combined Marine Bands: 120, 134.

Commonwealth: 78, 81, 87, 90, 91, 92n, 124, 148, 152, 161, 176, 179, 182, 184, 193, 201.

Commonwealth Relations Office: and policy towards the Innu Malti 197, 200-202; other refs 76, 78, 92n, 140, 141, 192n, 193, 194.

Consiglio Popolare: 6n.Constantine, King of Greece:

196n.Constitution, 1921: grant of

11-12; First Legislature 11-14; stirs nationalist feelings, 21; amended 37; suspended and revoked 38; other ref: 17, 97.

Constitution 1939: 39n.

Cairo: 41.Calcutta: 20.Calleja Isabelle 3n.Calleja Joseph: 31n.Callus Leonard: 96n, 169n.Camilleri, Dr G.M: 107.Campbell, Sir David: 49, 55,

64.Canada: 78n, 91, 92n, 120,

181.Catania Cesare: 36n.Cauchi, Dr George: 71.Ceylon (see, Sri Lanka)Channel Islands: 11.C.H. Bailey Ltd: 155.Christian Workers Party:

147, 199n.Churchill, Sir Winston: 76.Civil Defence Corps: 126,

149.Cole John J: 141, 142.Coalition Administration

1951-1953: 76-79, 80-82, 85-87, 98, 103.

Coalition Administration 1953-1954: 107, 141-142.

Colonial Administration 1939-1947: exploits Innu Malti: 39-46; other refs 29, 57, 62.

Colonial Administration 1959-1962: 149, 169n.

Colonial Office: and Malta

230

Cremona, Prof John J: 147n, 162

Dalli Charles: 6n.Declaration of Faith: 14.Declaration of Rights of the

Inhabitants of Malta and Gozo, 1802:

94-97.Defence Treaty: 161, 197n,

210.De Freitas, Geoffrey: 126,

127, 128.De Marco, Prof Guido: 211-

212.Democratic Action Party: 62,

71.Dent, Major General B.:

133-134.Development Plan 1959-

1964: 148.de Villiers, Rev Marthinus

Lourens: 91n. Die Stem: 91n.Dimech Manwel: 10.Dobbie, General Sir William:

45, 48, 54, 55n.Dockyard: 149-151, 154-

155.Dominica: 5n.Dorman, Lady: 198.Dorman, Sir Maurice:

and the Innu Malti 154,

Constitution, 1947: 67-68, 97, 145.

Constitution, 1961: 77n, 147, 148-149, 169n, 174n.

Constitution, Independence: 162-168; amended 210-213; other refs 211.

Constitutional Party Administration 1927: 31-32, 36-37.

Constitutional Conference 1958: 144-145.

Constitutional Party: and Malta’s colonial status 32; other refs 31, 34, 35, 36n, 39, 44, 62, 71.

Coronation Concert: 85-87, 93.

Cospicua: 3n.Council of Europe: 161.Council of Government (see

Colonial Administration 1939-

1947)Count Roger Band Club: 18.Creasy, Sir Gerald: and the

Innu Malti 82, 105-106, 112-114, 119-123, 128-130, 131-133; and Borg Olivier 92, 103, 132; and Queen’s Birthday Parade 1954 112-118, 119-126; other refs 137.

231

Empire Day: 39n.Empire Stadium: 57, 59,

106.Europe: 5, 20, 37.European Economic

Community: 151.Executive Council: 44, 45,

33.

Farrugia Carmel: 44n.Farrugia Max: 32n, 44n.Fenech Dominic: 8n, 11, 14,

32n, 36n, 38.Ferdinand IV, King f Naples:

3n.Financial Agreement: 161,

210.Floriana: 156, 174, 198, 203,

205. Floriana Parade Ground: (see

Independence Arena).Foreign Office, British: 8,

37.Fort Manoel: 134.France: 29n.Frendo Henry: 9n, 10n, 68.Friggieri Oliver: 11n, 17n,

18, 19, 59n, 207n.Frost, Major General J.D.:

190, 191, 192, 193, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 202, 203.

156-158, 177, 178-188, 191-194, 195n-196n; personal interpretation of constitutional position 178-179; and Borg Olivier 178-179; and separate celebrations of Queen’s birthday 191-194; other refs 154, 197, 198, 199, 202, 203, 205.

Ebejer, Major E.: 196n.Edward, Prince of Wales: 11.Egypt: 10n, 19n.Election, General 1927: 36n.Election, General 1932: 37.Election, General 1939: 62.Election, General 1951: 71.Election, General 1953: 107,

141.Election, General 1955: 1n,

142.Election, General 1962: 149.Election, General 1966: 196-

197, 199.Election, General 1971: 210.Elementary School Teachers

Dramatic Club: 17.Elizabeth II, Queen: 76, 81,

96, 105, 110, 129, 149, 161, 177, 178, 183, 184, 185, 186, 193, 196n, 202, 207.

Ellul Godwin: 44n.

232

Gort, Lord: 55.Gozo: 3n, 67, 71, 117n.Grantham, Admiral Sir Guy:

68, 148, 149, 151.Great Britain (see United

Kingdom)Great Siege 1565: 14, 151.Grech Sergio: 71n.Greek Revolution 1821: 20.Groom, Air Marshall Sir

Victor: 131.Gzira: 57, 85.

Hajduk Split F.C.: 57, 59.Ħal Far: 176.Hamilton, Admiral Sir John:

203, 204. Hamilton-Hill, Cmdr

Edward: 168-169. Hamrun Choir: 169.Hardman William: 3n.Hare John: 138.Heeney Patrick: 20-21.Hemming, Major General

W.E.G: 80, 81. Her Majesty’s Government:

and policy on anthems 20, 156; and Malta war damage 62n; and Home Office offer 137-138; other refs 36n, 37, 92, 94, 99, 106, 141, 145, 147, 154, 155, 178, 202.

Hitler Adolf: 37.

Galea, Professor Robert: 71n.

Gambia: 181.Ganado, Dr Albert: 17.Ganado, Dr Herbert: 44n,

144n.Gauci Alfred: 44n.General Workers Union:

144.George Cross: 28n, 47, 49,

43, 162.George V, King: 20n.George VI, King: 47, 80n.Ghana: 141.Għandek id-Duda: 38.Għaqda tal-Kittieba tal-

Malti: 18.Giornale d’Italia: 140.God Save the King/Queen:

Maltese attitude to 19; as an imperial instrument 20; as Malta’s national anthem 19-20, 30-31, 39, 45; and other refs 46, 48, 49, 54, 56, 57, 64, 81, 86, 87, 91, 110, 113, 114, 116, 120, 121, 124, 128, 132, 133, 135, 151, 152, 154, 155, 156, 157, 170, 174, 175, 176, 177, 183, 184, 185, 186, 190, 192, 195, 198, 202, 203, 204, 205, 213.

Gold Coast (see, Ghana)

233

30, 39-41, 45, 57-59, 207-208, 212-213; taken up by the Maltese 28-29; lack of support by political parties 31, 34-36, 61-64; exploited by Colonial Administration 39-46; recognition of: 39-46; Colonial policy towards 48-56, 65, 81, 90-91, 91-92, 98-101; struggle to establish it as Malta’s national anthem; 79-82, 86, 93-94, 97-98, 99-101, 104, 112-113, 124-130, 131-132, 133-134; 145, 151, 154, 156-158, 169-197; embedded in Constitution 155, 168; as symbolic of sovereignty 170-177, 190, 195, 199, 203, 207; constitutional entrenchment removed 207-210; other refs 15, 38, 68, 82, 103, 104, 107, 114, 118, 119, 120, 121, 128, 129, 130, 135, 142, 143, 152, 169, 195, 196, 198, 201, 202, 204, 205.

International Olympic Committee: 21, 28.

Irish Freedom: 22.Irish Free State (see,

Republic of Ireland).

H.M.S. Phoenicia (see, Fort Manoel)

Hobson Bulmer: 21.Holland-Martin, Admiral Sir

D: 155, 177.Holy See: 36, 37n.Home Office Offer: 107,

137, 138, 140, 141.House of Representatives:

210, 211.Howard Joseph: 14.Hull Geoffrey: 34n.Hymn of Malta: (see, Innu

Malti).Hymn to Freedom: 20.Hyzler, Dr Albert V: 151.

Il-Bandiera tal-Maltin: 10n, 11n.

Il-Berqa: 55, 57, 64.Il Diritto di Malta: 9n.Independence Arena: 154,

174, 203.India: 20, 78n, 92n.Indian Constituent Assembly

1950: 20n.Indian National Congress:

20.Indian Navy: 177.Innu Malti: composition 17;

first sung in public 17-18; symbolic of Maltese nationality 18, 21, 28-29,

234

137, 138, 139, 144, 148.Le Bon G: 109.Lee Hilda: 5n.Lennox-Boyd Alan: 138.Lincoln: 126.Listowel, Lord: 126, 129,

130.London: 8, 11, 41, 44, 54,

55, 68, 76, 78, 82, 85n, 87, 91, 93, 114, 124, 126, 138, 139n, 140, 141, 144, 145, 147n, 149, 151, 155, 179, 200n.

London Victory Celebrations 1946: 200n.

Luftwaffe: 47.Luxembourg: 29n.Lyttelton Oliver: 76, 117,

120, 126, 128, 129, 139, 142.

Maitland, General Sir Thomas: 5.

Mallia, Dr Carmelo: 32n.Malta Defence Committee,

British: 68, 92, 112-114, 130-132, 134, 137, 154.

Malta Independence Conference: 155, 162.

Malta Labour Party: 1n, 71, 106, 107, 142, 145, 151, 162, 169n, 199n, 204, 210n.

Italy: 44.Ix-Xirka għat-Tixrid ta’

l-Ilsien Malti: 56, 57.Ix-Xirka ta’ L-Imdawlin: 10.

Jamaica: 141, 181.Jana Gana Mana: 20.Julyan, Sir Penrose: 10n.Jum ir-Rebħa: 57.

Kearney Peadar: 20.Keenan, Sir Patrick: 9-10n.Kentish, Brig General: 29n.Kershaw Ian: 109n.King’s Own Malta Regiment:

29, 184, 191, 195, 198, 199, 200, 201, 203, 205.

Kipling Rudyard: 54n.Koster Adrianus: 31n.Kuntradanza Maltija: 38.

Labour Administration 1955-1958: 142-144.

Labour Administration 1971: 210-213.

Labour Party: 31, 33, 35, 36n, 42, 62, 64.

Laferla, Dr Albert V.: 6n, 17, 18, 19, 29, 42.

Laferla Blanche: 17, 29n.Langenhoven C. J: 91n.Lavallée Calixa: 87n. Laycock, General Sir Robert:

235

Maltese Language: controversy about 34-35; embedded in Constitution 168, 213. other refs 3, 15, 162.

Maltese National Anthem (see Innu Malti)

Mamo, Sir Anthony: 177, 178.

Manoel Theatre: 17.Mantzaros Nicolaos: 20n. Marlborough House: 145.Marsa Sports Ground: 80.Marshall Aid: 67.Martin, Sir John: 78, 81,

187, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198.

McCormack Peter Dodds: 87n.

McNeil James: 90.Mediterranean Fleet Royal

Marines: 85, 134.Mediterranean Sea: 1, 5,

155, 188n, 202, 203.Mercieca, Chief Justice Sir

Arturo: 39n, 44n.Micallef, Colonel George V:

205.Micallef Stafrace Joseph:

74n.Mifsud, Sir Ugo: and the

Innu Malti 41-42; other refs 31, 33n.

Malta Land Force: (see King’s Own Malta Regiment).

Malta Olympic Committee: 21.

Malta Police Corps: 116, 126n, 149, 205.

Malta Television: 168n, 169.Malta Trade Fair: 103.Malta Workers Party: 71,

107, 140, 141, 142.Maltese Flag: not

officially recognised 28; at coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 76, 79; embedded in Constitution 162-168; other refs 3, 15, 169, 174, 213.

Malta’s Integration into the UK: 144.

Malta’s National Day: 14, 151.

Maltese Imperial Government: and Borg Olivier 74, 103, 132, 137, 138; and the Innu Malti 79-80, 99-101, 104-106, 112-113, 114, 124-126, 128, 132, 134, 148; and Royal Visit 1954 110; criticised over its stand re the Innu Malti 124-129; other refs 67, 68, 112, 117, 131, 144.

236

Nationalist Administration 1932: 32, 37.

Nationalist Administration 1962: 148, 149-151, 165-177, 179, 184-185, 187, 196, 200, 203.

Nationalist Administration 1966: 192-200, 201-205..

NATO: 145.Newfoundland: 78n.Newport: 155n.New Zealand: 78n, 181.Nigeria: 141.North Africa: 42.

Oakes, General Hildebrand: 5n.

O Canada: 87, 131. Ogmore, Lord: 130.Oliver Stanley: 55.Order of the Knights

Hospitallers 3n.Orpheum Theatre: 85.Ottoman Empire: 20.

Pakistan: 78n.Palace Square, Valletta: 38,

119, 120, 196n, 207.Palermo: 5n.Paris: 44.Paris, Dr Antonio: 151.Partit Demokratiku

Nazzjonalista: 144, 147,

Mifsud Bonnici, Dr Carmelo: 32n.

Mifsud Bonnici, Dr Ugo: 62n, 210n.

Milner, Lord: 11.Ministry of Defence, British:

186, 187, 190, 191, 194, 200.

Mintoff Dom: 71n, 74, 76n, 106, 107, 127, 142, 143, 162, 197, 204.

Mizzi, Dr Edgar: 210n.Mizzi, Dr Enrico: 14, 31,

32n, 62, 68.Mizzi, Dr Fortunato: 9, 10n.Mizzi Fortunato P.: 32n.Montebello Mark: 10n.Morris O: 87, 103, 138.Mountbatten, Lord Louis:

and Borg Olivier 85-87; and the Innu Malti 86-87, 91, 93; 119-121; and other refs 97, 98, 100, 105, 107, 110, 130, 132.

Munster, Earl of: 129, 130.Muscat Azzopardi Ivo: 17.Mussolini Benito: 37.

Nama Nama Mata: 91n, 177.Nani, Maestro Paul: 18.Naples 3n.National Assembly 1919: 11.National Day Act. 1921: 14.

237

1953: 82.Queen’s Birthday Parade

1954: 112, 113-118; 119-130, 131-132, 133, 134.

Queen’s Birthday Parade 1962: 149-150.

Queen’s Birthday Parade 1963: 154.

Queen’s Birthday Parade 1965: 174-176, 190.

Queen’s Birthday Parade 1966: 190-200, 201, 202-205.

Queen’s Birthday Parade 1967: 207.

Rabat: 18.Ragonesi, Dr Victor E: 169,

170.Rediffusion (Malta) Ltd.:

168-169, 174.Refalo, Prof Sir

Michaelangelo: 12.Reggia Aeronautica: 47.Religion of Malta Act, 1921:

14.Republic of Ireland: 20, 21,

78n, 90, 96.Republic of Malta: 210.Reynolds, Air Vice Marshal

G.W.: 81.Robinson, Mgr Paschal: 36-

37.

199n.Partit Nazzjonalista: and

Italian language 35, 34-35; and colonialism 32, 107; party hymn 35; pressured into amending Constitution 210-213; other refs 9n, 31, 36n, 37, 41, 62, 68, 71, 79, 99, 100, 107, 142, 144, 145, 147, 169n, 170, 199.

Partito Anti-Riformista: 9, 35.

Pellegrini Anthony: 147n.Perth, Lord: 68.Philip, Duke of Edinburgh:

80, 81. Pigot, Major General Henry:

3.Pirotta Godfrey A.: 39, 42n,

45n, 55n, 56n.Poland: 20.Poland Has Not Perished:

20.Political-religious quarrel,

first: 36-37. Progressive Constitutional

Party: 142, 147, 199n.Psaila, Mgr Karm: 17, 18, 19,

30, 39.Public Service Commission:

157n.

Queen’s Birthday Parade

238

Schreiber, General Sir Edmond: 57.

Schiavone M.J: 96n.Scicluna C.J: 2n.Senglea: 3n.Sette Giugno: 11.Sierra Leone: 181.Sicily: 177.Sierra Leone: 182.Singapore: 176.Smith Harrison: 31n.Smith Trafford: and Borg

Olivier 85-86, 87-90, 91-92, 98-101, 103, 104-106, 137-138; and the Innu Malti 91-92, 99-101, 103-105, 109, 114n, 133-134; other refs 139, 82n, 98, 103.

Soler Edgar: 44n.Solomos Dionysios: 20n. South Africa: 78n, 91.Southern Rhodesia: 76, 78.Sri Lanka: 78n, 91, 176. Staines Patrick: 3n.Stanley Oliver: 55, 64n.Statute of Westminster: 78n.St. George’s Barracks: 154.St. John’s Co-Cathedral:

151.St. Patricks Parade Ground:

203, 205.Strickland, Lord: 30n, 31,

Roman Catholic Church, Malta: 10n, 14, 36n, 144, 147.

Roosevelt, President Delano: 61, 62n.

Royal Commission 1812: 5-6.

Royal Commission 1932: 36.Royal Air Force: 61, 154,

158, 176, 195, 205, 207.Royal Malta Artillery: 112,

126n, 154, 186, 191n, 205, 207.

Royal Navy: 54, 68, 86, 134, 152, 154, 158, 187, 195, 205.

Royal University of Malta: 9n, 30, 117n.

Royal Visit 1954: 109-110, 112.

Royal Visit 1967: 207.

Saddle Club Ball: 80, 82.Sammut Austin: 31n.Samut, Prof Robert: 17, 18,

29-30, 41.San Anton Gardens: 85n.Sandhurst Military Academy:

190n.Sandys Duncan: 148, 151.Sargent, Sir Malcolm: 85,

93.Sceberras, Sir Filippo: 11n.

239

Trades Union Council: 12n.Treasury, British: 8.Treaty of Paris: 96.Trinity College: 90.Truman Harry S: 67.Tunisia: 44n.Turner F. J: 47n, 61n.

Uganda: 62.Union Jack: 174.United Kingdom: shuts

out Maltese from French surrender 3-4; Malta policy 3-11, 32, 37n, 38, 138-139, 144, 147-148, 156; attempt at Anglicisation 99, 11, 34n; other refs 1n, 19n, 31, 33, 37, 47, 67, 73, 74, 109, 145, 151, 170, 186, 193, 201, 210.

United Nations Organisation: 161.

United States of America: 61, 67.

Valletta: 3, 9n, 11n, 144, 148, 207.

Vassallo, Chev Joseph P: 170.

Vella Andrew: 6n.Vittoriosa: 3n.Von Brockdorff Albert: 29n.

32, 36n, 37n, 45n, 62.Strickland Mabel: 55, 56,

142.Strickland Press: 44.Strickland, Colonel Roger:

45.St. John Campbell-Jackson,

Sir Edward: 42, 44, 45, 46.St John’s Co-Cathedral: 151.St. John’s Ambulance

Brigade: 126n.Suez Canal: 5.Suffolk Regiment, 1st

Battalion: 38.

Tagore Rabindranath: 20.Taormina: 139.Tellus Salvino: 169.Tennyson, Lord: 1.Territorial Regiments: (sse

King’s Own Malta Regiment).Daily Telegraph: 124.The Bulletin: 125, 126, 127,

128.The Soldier’s Song: 20, 21,

90.The Sunday Times of Malta:

17, 55, 205.The Torch: 124, 125.Times (London): 124.Times of Malta: 38, 55, 121,

124.

240

Wakefield, Sir Edward: 149, 152, 154, 155, 156, 177, 178, 187.

Wales: 155n.War Office: 8, 186.Weir, Mr. Justice Robert

Stanley: 87n. West Africa: 184.Westminster Parliament:

126, 132.Whitehall: 32n, 68, 76, 90,

92, 103, 105, 156, 179, 192.

Wibyki Józef: 20n.Woods, Sir Wilfred: 62n.World War I: 29, 211.World War II: 32, 61, 190n.

Yugoslavia: 57.

Zammit, Major L.P: 196n.Zammit Marmarà Desmond:

32n.

NATION, PRIDE AND DIGNITY.BORG OLIVIER AND THE

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Joseph M. Pirotta

NAT

ION

, PRID

E A

ND

DIG

NIT

Y. B

OR

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LIV

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AN

D T

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NAT

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AL A

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MJoseph M

. Pirotta

Professor Joseph M. Pirotta, who holds a Ph.D. in politics, headed the Department of International Relations in the Faculty of Arts of the University of Malta up to his retirement.

In Nation, Pride and Dignity. Borg Olivier and the National Anthem, Pirotta reveals the hitherto untold story of George Borg Olivier’s successful endeavours to defend Malta’s national pride and dignity in the face of the colonising Power’s arrogance. The story is told through documents that are being published for the first time.

Joseph M. Pirotta has a well-established reputation for scholarship, objectivity and an easy flowing style that appeals equally to the academic, to the student of Maltese political history and to those who would like to be properly informed of the events that form part of the Maltese experience under British rule.

Joseph M. Pirotta’s major works, the series Fortress Colony: The Final Act 1945-1964, and L-Istorja Kostituzzjonali u l-Isfond Storiku 1800-2004 in two volumes, were published to general acclaim.

‘Nation, Pride and Dignity. Borg Olivier and the National Anthem’ is another systematically constructed historical account, profusely annotated, written in an equally vivid and subtle style’. – Professor Oliver Friggieri, from the Foreword.

“Nation, Pride and Dignity. Borg Olivier and the National Anthem is another systematically constructed historical account, profusely annotated, written in an equally vivid and subtle style. It may be simultaneously defined as (a) a historical account of how difficult it was for Malta to attain some degree of official recognition for its newly composed national anthem, as well as (b) a portrait of a Maltese political leader seeking to introduce an agenda with an item much more controversial than an anthem: Independence itself. Prime Minister George Borg Olivier, about whom Joseph M. Pirotta has frequently written with great admiration regarding his political achievement and exceptionally calm nature, is here being proposed in a way which, however revered he has been for decades, must prove quite alien to many. An equally gentle and timid person, apparently submissive and actually irrevocably stubborn, the political leader whom Joseph M. Pirotta here succeeds in depicting so well, albeit through exclusively scientific methods, is a man deeply proud of his country.”

Prof. Oliver Friggieri

“Pride and dignity, with their positive and negative aspects, are two abstract principles to which most people aspire. Pride, when earned and limited to the upholding of one’s self-respect is commendable, but becomes condemnable when unwarranted by accomplishment or exhibited as evidence of an exaggerated sense of self-worth. Likewise dignity. An individual who retains personal dignity whatever his material circumstances deserves respect, but one who divests oneself of all dignity loses all claim to esteem. What is true of the individual is true of the nation. A nation’s pride and dignity do not rest on its size and material circumstances. They are earned by the sum total of its culture, its history of achievement, its fortitude in the face of adversity, its general solidarity, its continued efforts to mature and develop, and on its readiness to play a meaningful role within the international community.”

Prof. Joseph M. Pirotta