GANDHI'S CAMPAIGN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 125, 8 March 1930, Page 5

GANDHI'S CAMPAIGN

MOSLEM OPPOSITION.

PREDICTION OF BLOODSHED. MERELY CAMP FOLLOWERS. (United Press Association—Copyright.) {Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) , DELHI, March 7. Gandhi's move for civil disobedience in support of self-government for India is' "strongly denounced by Moslems, and Shaukat (a prominent leader) declares that the movement is not so much anti-British as anti-Moslem, and is calculated to make Moslems campfollowers in the campaign. He is of opinion that the campaign will moan bloodshed throughout India.

THE VICEROY*S REPLY. ACTION A MENACE TO PEACE. (Received This Day, 11.60 a.m.) DELHI, March 7. The Yicerov (Baron Irwin) has replied to Gandhi's ultimatum: "I regret to learn that you contemplate a course of action which is clearly bound to involve violation of the law and be a danger to the public peace." It' is believed in certain quarters that the British Government will make an eleventh-hour, attempt to -secure the abandonment of Gandhi's campaign by inviting him to visit England and negotiate for a settlement.

TERMS OF THE ULTIMATUM. COST OF ADMINISTRATION. (United Press DELHI, March 7. Gandhi's ultimatum to the Viceroy declared British rule a curse because it lias impoverished dumb millions by a system of progressive exploitation and' ruinous civil and military administration. Gandhi acknowledges that the English are no worse than other people. British statesmen have no intention of adopting a policy which might adversely affect Britain's commerce with India,* but by heavy ' taxation the British system was crushing the life out of the agriculturist, the salt tax falling heaviest. He refers to the Administration as the costliest in the world, <ind says that the Viceroy's salary is £52 10s daily against India's average income of less than twopence daily.

"I know you do' not need this salary," he says. "Probably the whole goes for charity, but the system deserves to be scrapped, as it is characteristic of the whole Administration. Nothing but unadulterated non-vio-lence can check the organised violence of the British Government. I know that in embarking on the campaign I jam taking a. mad risk, but victories have never been won without risks. If we want to sever British connection it is because of such evils, but if.they are removed the path is opened to friendly negotiation.'" Gandhi enumerates his demands already cabled, and says: "It is open to you to frustrate my design by arresting me, but I hope tens of thousands are ready to take up the work after me. This letter is not intended as a.threat but as a sacred duty."