George Cross on the Maltese flag

I appreciate Frans H. Said's reply (July 13) to my call for the removal of the George Cross from the Maltese flag but some comments are necessary to keep the debate on an even keel.

Firstly, the honour of receiving the George Cross is not denied. My claim is that it has no place on the Maltese flag.

Secondly, Mr Said is quite right with his comments on the Australian flag.

The presence of the Union Jack makes it a colonial flag that demeans Australia. I have publicly made this point in the local press and to prominent Federal politicians, including my local member, the Australian Foreign Minister, Stephan Smith. Mr Smith, the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, as well as the majority of Australia who are not emotionally tied to the colonial past, concur that the question of a change to the Australian flag is not a matter of if but when. My prediction is that Australia will change its flag during Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's second term when we will also change the political system to become a republic.

Thirdly, the George Cross is the highest civilian award but it ranks second to the Victoria Cross. Just ask the British.

Fourthly, I never contended Britain didn't save Malta from the Nazis. My contention was that Britain's principal objective in defending Malta was not so much to save the Maltese from the Nazis but to maintain Malta as a military asset for its North African campaign.

Fifthly, I never claimed Britain betrayed Malta, but that Britain seriously entertained the notion at Cabinet level. The notion was defeated because Churchill convinced the Cabinet it was in the best British interest to defend the island.

The Maltese interests were very much secondary to Churchill as were the Poles when he surrendered Poland to Stalin at the end of the war. The Poles, who fought heroically with British soldiers, were not even invited to participate in London's victory parade for fear of offending the Soviets. There is nothing sentimental in world politics.

Sixthly, Mr Said is correct in inferring the red and white colours of the Maltese flag are inappropriate because of their connection to Count Roger.

Finally, if the Maltese must have a cross on their flag I suggest the Christian cross is more appropriate and less controversial than the George Cross.