Aiding the looter

I beg to be allowed to respond to Brian N. Tarpey for his unconsidered and insensitive reply to John Muscat (December 21).

I read Mr Tarpey's various responses with which I do not often agree but this last one does take the biscuit. In England, the person who breaks into a house is called a looter; when caught he will be charged and the property will be retained by the police until the court passes sentence. Then, the police will return the property to the victim.

It is strange, and bending the British rules, if Malta had no right to demand the return of the stolen cannon it clearly means that England is aiding and abetting with the looter in the crime the French committed and the cannon should be returned forthwith.

As to the sword in the Louvre museum, I don't expect them to return it. I, like many French, don't have much faith in their governments doing the right thing.

Six years ago, I made a detailed research on the stolen Maltese property and wrote to the then Prime Minister of Malta with a list of supporting signatures for him to approach the said countries and place Malta's claims. But, as usual with Maltese governments, the untouchable Prime Minister did nothing and went home to supper.

While their return will enhance Malta as a visitors' arena, I am glad in a way that they rest where they are; at least they are being looked after. When Malta joined the EU, the innocent and much abused island agreed to join the band of unsavoury characters. Read history.

Have a blessed New Year.