CONGRESS MEETING

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

CONGRESS MEETING

“QUIT INDIA” RESOLUTION CARRIED AMENDMENT RI LED OET OF ORDER GANDHI’S APPEAL TO AMERICA Bombay, Aug. 8. The Congress Committee endorsed the "Quit India” resolution by a very large majority. All the amendments were rejected. Mr Gandhi, speaking after the passing of the resolution, said: "We will make every effort to see the Viceroy before starting the movement.” He asked teachers and students to hold themselves in readiness to cease work and called on all Indian newspapers to cease publication. Mr Nehru, moving the Congress resolution. said : "The British Govern nierft as at present constituted could never really think in terms advancing the cause of Indian freedom unless the entire character of that Government was changed.' He was positive that it would be better for India to cut herself off from such a Government and set about the defence of India in the right manner. Dr Azad ruled out an amendment by Pandit Sharma opposing any immediate anti-Government campaign. This was the first move within Congress against the "Quit India” resolution. Congress adjourned. Mr Gandhi in a letter published in the newspaper "Harijan.” appeals to America to act while there is yet time to bring about Indian independence. The immediate recognition of India's independence should be regarded as a war measure of the first magnitude America made common cause with Britain and cannot disown responsibility for anything the British do in India. Six organisations in Calcutta representing European businesses, including the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and the Indian Jute Mills’ Association, announced measures for meeting the disturbance of industry, the protection of workers, and the ensurance of an adequa_ supply and the distribution of foodstuffs at reasonable prices.—P.A. The president and secretary of the provincial Committee are among those arrested. All arrested persons are being taken by special train Poona —P.A.

NON-VIOLENT MASS STRUGGLE

London, Aug 8. It is reported from India that the Congress Party committee adopted with thirteen dissentients the resolution approving a "non-violent mass struggle on the widest possible scale.” if British rule is not ended immediately The opinion in i ondon is that this removes the last slender hope of reaching an amicable settlement with the leaders of the Conpress Party Following the Party’s decision the Government of India declared they will discharge their task with clear determination but with anxiety, to prevent interruption of the war effort and otner dangers rather than take a punitive action and that their task is to defend India.—P.A.