Malta became an independent nation on 21 Sept 1964. Following independence, a defence and financial agreement was concluded, under which the UK paid five million pounds a year in return for the right to station troops on the island and have the use of naval and air facilities.
A ten year financial settlement was also agreed upon. Over the first five years the UK contributed £29.5 million, 75% as a loan, 25% as grant, so as to develop new industries and tourism and to replace Malta's economic dependence on service expenditure. Malta also served as the Mediterranean HQ of NATO.
Defence Agreement
The 1964 Defence and Financial Assistance Agreement with the Malta Government gave Britain the right to station its Armed Forces in Malta.
The Financial Assistance Agreement which was dependent upon the Defence Agreement, covered the provision of British aid to Malta. Both agreements were due to run until 1974.
Anti-Brucellosis Congress
Stamps issued by the Malta Postal Services for the 1964 Anti Brucellosis Congress.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations held a congress in Valletta from 8 to 13 June 1964 to discuss the control of Brucellosis in the Mediterranean region.
To commemorate the event the Government issued two postage stamps. A 2d penny stamp in grey-green had the portraits of Sir David Bruce and of Sir Themistocles Zammit. The other stamp was in brown and depicted a goat and laboratory equipment, symbolizing the fight against the disease.
Cpl D Palmer RAMC
From 1963 no Deputy Director Medical Services Malta (DDMS) appears in the Army List. Cpl D Palmer RAMC, the medical branch clerk, was one of only two RAMC other ranks left on the island. He was chosen to represent the winning army athletics team in four events at the annual inter services (Malta) athletics competition held on 25 Apr 1964.
RAMC
No RAMC officers.
Bibliography
The Army List March 1964, London HM Stationery Office 1964.
The Army List September 1964, London HM Stationery Office 1964.
