As readership of the English supplement to Il-Progress soared, Lord Strickland was quick to see that there was room for an English daily. This would happen, so long as the new publication achieved and maintained a high standard of public service in information. The first issue of The Times of Malta was published in full co-operation with the British MI5 on 7 August 1935 under menacing war clouds as Italy planned the invasion of Abyssinia, which began in October of that year.
As readership of the English supplement to Il-Progress grew, Lord Strickland recognized an opportunity for a daily newspaper in English. This would only be possible if the new publication maintained a high standard of public service journalism. The first issue of The Times of Malta was published on August 7, 1935, with full cooperation from the British MI5 during a time of heightened tension due to Italy's planned invasion of Abyssinia, which began in October of that year.