How Britain treated Malta as a naval base

Did Britain view Malta only as another territory to control?

Britain chiefly wanted a naval base and protection of its regional presence while generally leaving Maltese society to run itself.

In this interpretation, Britain chiefly wanted Malta as a naval base and was content to leave much local life alone. The base brought sailors and spending while British sea power deterred another invasion. The arrangement depended on Maltese acceptance of the British presence. Naval access and protection gave both parties reasons to maintain the relationship.