Imperial Valley Press

THE FLAG
IS STILL THERE
(Nevada State Journal)

Malta, the British Mediterranean outpost close to the Island of Sicily, is one of the major mysteries of the war. Ever since Italy began to take an active part in the present struggle people have wondered not what would happen to Malta, but when it would happen.

Strangely enough, the British flag still flies over Malta. Its capital, Valletta, has been bombed more than 200 times. More than 150 homes have been destroyed, besides a church and the thirteenth century fortress of Saint Angelo. But the people of Malta go about their business without much fuss.

They have dug tunnels in the rock to serve as air raid shelters but, if reports are correct, they rarely bother to use them. (Strangest of all is the fact that most of the damage done by Mussolini's bombers has been to civilian possessions, not to the army and naval bases.)

The inhabitants of this island, less than one hour's flight from Italy's air bases, under constant danger of attack and annihilation, have taken a leaf from England's book. They are even more enthusiastic in their defiance than the British who have been saying, "We can take it."

The men of Malta say, "Hold fast and we will win."

And here, of course, is that quality which caused so much speculation during the early days of the war--British confidence, British inability to imagine defeat. To some, as the German war machine picked up speed and strength, that blind belief in victory seemed a liability rather than an asset. But later events have proved that the opponent with confidence in himself is the most dangerous foe of all.