Maltese administrations and reserved matters, 1921-1933

Abstract

The Amery-Milner Constitution commenced operations in favourable conditions. The will to work the constitution was present, and popular enthusiasm showed that the process of democracy would operate in a proper way. In spite of difficulties, 'the activity of the young parliament' registered much progress and the constitutional experiment was confirmed a real success. However, friction arose where local and metropolitan interests conflicted, for the Imperial side of the dyarchy jealously guarded reserved matters against possible encroachment. The Imperial Government would not divest itself of any power in an island where internal security, which naturally impinged on domestic concerns, was inextricably mixed with defence interests. Therefore, during the period of responsible government the Imperial Government remained the sole arbiter of what was and what was not necessary in most spheres of Maltese life. However, the core of the problem was the Imperial attitude towards political parties, for it was certainly not impartial and made a distinction between a Nationalist and a Constitutional administration.