We have everywhere, even in colonies with a smaller educated community than in Malta, granted a share in government to local representatives... The only question therefore seems to be how far we can c

We have everywhere, even in colonies with a smaller educated community than in Malta, granted a share in government to local representatives... The only question therefore seems to be how far we can concede to the popular demands without endangering our interests in Malta as a fortress and coaling station.

                                                                                                              [Governor Sir L. Simmons to Colonial Secretary, 20th December 1886]

1. Assess the dominant economic phase which Malta was passing through at the time of this despatch. (5 marks)
2. Why was Malta's role as a fortress taken so much into consideration by the British authorities when coming to decide the level of Maltese representation in government? (5 marks)
3. What social classes formed the 'education community' in Malta? (5 marks)
4. Indicate when the last constitution had been granted prior to the date of this despatch and when the next constitution would be granted. (5 marks)
5. To what extent did this conflict between demands for civil rights and imperial military interests produce clashes during the last quarter of the nineteenth century? (5 marks)