The essential aim in the provision, he observed, was that neither of the two countries should have the island.

If the Order could not be restored, then it ought to go to Naples, again under the guarantee of the Powers.

It was useless to England, for operations against France; and in the hands of the latter was a direct menace to Sicily.

This arrangement would accord with the spirit of the treaty; but if it also was impracticable, Great Britain had no choice but to keep Malta herself.

It would cost L300,000 annually, but anything was better than to chance its falling again into the hands of France.
In like manner he submitted to the Admiralty plans for the more certain manning of the Navy, and for the prevention of desertion.