INDIAN ASSASSIN

Grey River Argus, 15 March 1940, Page 8

INDIAN ASSASSIN

LONDON SHOOTINGS ex-Punjab Governor Killed OTHERS WOUNDED. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, March 13. At a meeting of the East India Association, an Indian gunman sholVlead Sir Michael O’Dwyer, and wounded Lord Zetland (Secretary for India), Sir Louis Dane, and Lord Lamington, all slightly. The assassination recalls the Amritsar shooting which occurred during Sir Michael O’Dwyer’s term as Lieu-tenant-Governor of the

Sir Michael Francis O’Dwyer was born in 1864. He entered the Indian Civil Service in 1885, and subseqpently held important appointments. ’.'”ic order to the troops to fire on a rioting crowd at Amritsar, some years ago, aroused much controversy. °Sir Michael O’Dwyer was twice shot in the heart. The shooting occurred at the end of a meeting in the Caxton Hall. The gunman fired four shots in rapid succession. Sir Michael O’Dwyer fell to th floor, with a wound in his chest. Two doctors in the audience rushed to his assistance, but death was instantaneous. Sir Louis Dane’s arm was broken, and Lord Lamington was also wounded in the arm. The doctors found a bullet in Lord Zetland’s clothes. The bul'et just grazed his hip. After the shooting, a man clasping a'gun shouted, “Make way-” ano dashed down the aisle towards the door. After a momentary stampede, two men jumped on the gunman. The police placed a cordon round the building, and detained the audience of 150 for 2A hours, when they allowed them to go after making statements.

arrested suspect. LONDON, March 13. Mahomed Singh, believed to oe aged 37, will appear at Bow Street on March 14 in connection with . the Caxton Hall shooting. Sensation in Parliament ASSASSINATION DENOUNCED. (Received March 14, 9.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 14. The shooting of General Sir Michael F. O’Dwyer caused a sensation in the House of Commons. Abhorrence of the assassination was expressed on all sides. _ . Representative Indians, including the Secretary of the Hindu Association in Europe, stated: “Although we disagreed with Sir Michael O Dwyer s political views, we must record our great sorrow at the tragedy. We have no doubt that the leaders of the Indian National Congress will be indescribably pained at the shooting.” OTHER VICTIMS. MAKING GOOD PROGRESS. (Received March 15, 12.42 a.m.) LONDON, March 14. Lord Zetland had ,a comfortable night at his Mayfair home. His only injury is a grazed rib. No operation will be necessary. Mr Louis Dane is in Westminster; Hospital. He has had a fairly comfortable night. Lord Lamington is at his home in Wiiton Place. He passed a good night.

Indian Feeling SHOOTING GENERALLY DENOUNCED. (Received March 15, 2.40 a.m.) NEW DELHI, March 14. The news of the shootings in London have aroused feelings of horror and indignation in India. It has put the Finnish news in the background. CALCUTTA, March 14. The Premier of Bengal said that the Indian contingent joins with the world in condemning the abominable tragedy at London. He congratulated Lord Zetland on his providential escape, stating he hopes Lord Zetland will long be spared to guide the destinies of India. The newspaper, “Star of India,” says: “However bitter India may have felt against Sir Michael O’Dwyer, she hangs her head in shame, for no one wished his death. BOMBAY, March 14. The Indian Nationalist press joins in condemnation of the shooting. One paper says “This shooting has rendered a distinct disservice to the cause of freedom in India. Sir Michael O’Dwyer died a martyr.” GANDHI AT CALCUTTA (Received March 15, 1.20 a.m.) CALCUTTA, March 14.

M. Gandhi has arrived at Ramgarh to attend the session of the Congress and numerous associated gatherings. Thousands of people, lined the milelong route from the station to the cottage where he will stay.