CONGRESS LEADERS ARRESTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20858, 10 August 1942, Page 3

CONGRESS LEADERS ARRESTED

STEPS TO PRESERVE ORDER GOVERNMENT’S TASK TO DEFEND INDIA POWERS TAKEN TO MAINTAIN SERVICES (By Telegraph—Press Assn,— Copyright.) (11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 9. Following rapidly upon the decision of the Congress Party to launch a non-violent non-co-operative movement, the Government of India has arrested a number of the leaders of ;the. party and has taken other drastic measures to prevent 'interference with the government of the country. 4 Among those arrested are Mr. Gandhi, Dr. Azad, Mr. Nehru, Gandhi’s right-hand man, Vallabhai Patel, Gandhi’s secretary, Mahadev Desai, and also the provincial leaders in Bombay, Ahmedabad, and Poona. All the arrested persons are being taken by special train to Poona. f* No'warrant was issued"for the arresrof MFs. Gandhi; but" she was told that she could' accompany iter husband if she wished. She, decided not to accompany him. Three police ears arrived at Birla House, where Gandhi was staying, at 5 a.m. Gandhi said his prayers in bed, after which he was taken into custody. The Government of India declared that it would discharge i,ts task with clear determination, but with anxiety to prevent an interruption of the war effort and other dangers rather than take punitive action. That task is to defend India. The Government has prohibited the printing or publication of news about the Congress compaign or the measures taken by the Government against it. The ban includes reports of speeches or statements by members of the public. News from official sources, from Indian news agencies, and from accredited newspapers and correspondents is exempted. The Government has also empowered the Provincial Governments to supersede ,the local authority for such period as is necessary if the local authority employed its funds, officer, members, or servants in activities prejudicial to the defence of India, the public safety, the efficient prosecution of the Var, the maintenance of public order, or the maintenance and supply and services essential to the life of the community. The Bombay police took possession of the local Congress house and dispersed a crowd which had gathered for a flag dedication ceremony. Telephone communication with Bombay has been cut off for some time, presumably to prevent• information concerning police movements from being circulated.