§ 39. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the conditions laid down in his offer to meet Mr. Mintoff in Malta; the problems he intended to discuss; and if he is yet able to make a statement on his recent visit to the island.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodDelegations of four from each of the Maltese political parties were invited to meet me. It was made clear to the Malta Labour Party that there was no restriction on the views they could place before me in discussion. My aim was to familiarise myself with local opinion and views on Malta's future. With regard to a statement, I have nothing to add to my hon. Friend's reply of 17th December, to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway).
§ Mr. AwberyIn view of the fact that Mr. Mintoff is the elected representative of the people of Malta and was Prime Minister of Malta prior to the suspension of the Constitution, will the right hon. Gentleman now meet Mr. Mintoff as the representative of the people of Malta and discuss all the problems arising concerning the island?
§ Mr. MacleodIt is not I, but Mr. Mintoff, who laid down conditions about the meeting. I went to Malta ready and indeed anxious to meet Mr. Mintoff and I very much regret that we did not meet. As I said in the statement which I made when I left the island, I am now considering with my colleagues in London the right action to take for the future of Malta, making it clear, as I have often made it clear before, that I would like to move away, when we can do it, from the system of Governor's rule.
§ Mr. AwberyWill the right hon. Gentleman therefore invite Mr. Mintoff to this country to discuss these problems with him?
§ Mr. MacleodNo, Sir. But when my discussions are complete, naturally I would find a way of discussing them, or of the Governor discussing them, in the first instance not simply with Mr. Mintoff alone, but with all the representatives of the different political parties in Malta.