DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT IN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 10 August 1942, Page 5

DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT IN

INDIA Leaders of Congress Party Arrested GOVERNMENT'S FIRM ATTITUDE New Delhi, Aug. 9. Mr Gandhi, Mr Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Azad, president, and other leaders of the Al-lndia Congress Party, have been arrested. The Government of India has prohibited the printing or publication of news about the Congress campaign or measures to be 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 newspaper correspondents are exempted. The Government has also empowered provincial governments to supersede the local authority for such period when necessary if a local authority employed its funds, offices, members and servants in activities prejudicial to the defence of India, public safety, efficient prosecution of the war, maintenance of public order, and maintenance of supply and services essential to the life of the community. I hose arrested include Mr Gandhi s right-hand man, Mr Vallabhai Patel. Gandhi’s secretary, Mr Mahadev Desai, also provincial leaders in Bombay, Ahmadabad and Poona. Ihe Bombay police took possession of the local Congress house and dispersed the crowd which gathered for the Congress flag dedication ceremony. No warrant was issued for the arrest of Mrs Gandhi, but she was told she could accompany her husband if she wished. She decided not to accompany him._ Three police cars 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. 1 elephone communication with Bombay was cut off for some time, presumably to prevent information concerning police movements circulating.