Page "Alexander Ball" Paragraph 5

The destiny of the Malta was to be decided by the events occurring in Europe during this period.

Napoleon's troops succeeded in entering Naples itself, forcing King Ferdinand IV to flee the city with his family.

For the Maltese this meant that only Britain could guarantee Malta's safety.

It was at this stage that problems emerged between the supporters of the Neapolitans and those preferring the Royal Navy.

Captain Alexander Ball succeeded in calming the situation, and this led to his eventual election as the President of the National Assembly that took place on 9 February 1799.

According to Ball's wishes, the Assembly changed name to National Congress in order to emphasise the need for a compromise.

However, the increasingly precarious situation faced by King Ferdinand IV made Ball pass more powers to the British forces stationed in and around Malta.

In fact, it was a this time that the Union Flag was flown for the first time alongside the Neapolitan flag.