INDIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 8 March 1930, Page 7

INDIA

GANDHI'S ULTIMATUM CIVIL DISOISEDIENCE CAMPAIGN "A MAD RISK" (United Pross Association—By Electrfo Telegraph—Copyright) DELHI, 7th March. Gandhi's ultimatum to the Viceroy declares that British rule is a curse, because if has impoverished dumb millions by a system of progressive exploitation and ruinous civil and military administration. Gandhi acknowledges that (ho 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 is crushing the life out of the agriculturist, the salt tax falling' heaviest, lie refers to the administration as the costliest in the world and says that the'Viceroy's salary is £52 10s dally, against India's average income of less'than 2d daily. "I know you don't need this salary, probably the whole goes for charity, but the system deserves to be scrapped as it is characteristic of the whole administration. I know that in embarking on (he campaign that I am 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 the demands and says: "It is open lo 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 is a sacred duly." DENOUNCED BY MOSLEMS DELHI, 7th March. The Viceroy has replied to Gandhi: "I regret to learn you contemplate a course of action which is clearly bound to involve violation of law and be a danger to public peace." Gandhi's move is strongly denounced by Moslems and Shaukat Ali, a prominent leader, declares the movement is not so much anti-British as antiMoslem and it is calculated to make Moslems camp followers in the campaign. He is of opinion that the cam-, paign will mean- bloodshed throughout India. It is believed in certain quarters that the British Government will make an eleventh hour attempt to secure abandonment of the Gandhi's campaign by inviting him to visit England and; negotiate for a settlement.