I was in Malta for two years from 75-77, we were constantly being briefed to avoid the local Mintoff mafia who deliberatley tried to provoke responses from the Resident UK Mil. I got to know a lot of the local Maltese (had a flat in Gzira) and they were very happy with the status quo, sadly the backing that Mintoff had from countries like Libya seemed to play a big part in it all.
End result, massive riots in downtown Sliema after one of the lads form 40 Cdo was given a hiding, the rest of the Unit took umbrage. 41 was confined to barracks for about 4 weeks afterwards to let the dust settle.