With all due respect to everybody, there is no doubt that our island is not racist. It is the natural feeling of the novelty that frightens Malta, next to the unknown, as well as the fear of the possible, and probable, increasing pressure caused by these arrivals.

Malta is a tiny island, and any change, however small, makes a difference. We do not have the space; we do not have the jobs, and we do not have the money. Our way of looking at life is different and our lifestyle is definitely European. We cannot afford forced charity, and all that can really be expected from us is humane and Christian behaviour. But it is no wonder that the general feeling is what it is, when one considers the expense, the advent of disease and the increasing criminality. Lack of concern betrays our history and our ancestry, no doubt about it.

Give the illegal immigrants all they need. Let us treat them well, and with understanding and charity. But these qualities start at home, which means that the immigrants must be tolerated, their stay kept to a minimum and departures raised to the maximum. Most people feel there is no other way and are practically unanimous in this.

L. Pace

SLIEMA