OFFER TO GANDHI

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21576, 22 August 1933, Page 9

OFFER TO GANDHI

RELEASE FROM PRISON DISOBEDIENCE MUST CEASE British "Wireless RUGBY, Aug. 20 The Earl of Willingdon, Viceroy of India, on his return to Simla with Lady Willingdon from a tour of Bombay, yesterday held a meeting of tho Executive Council. Later the Government issued the following communiquo on its attitude toward Gandhi's fast: — " Gandhi claims that tho privileges promised by the Government to enable him, while in prison, to continuo his campaign for 'untoucliability' are not sufficient. The Government reminds him that when at liberty recently he concentrated not on his 'untouchability' work but on civil disobedience, and states that his present claim is to dictate terms of his imprisonment. "At the same time, if Gandhi is willing to abandon all civil disobedience activities and incitements, the Government is willing to set him completely at liberty so that he can devote himself wholly, and without restriction, to the causo of social reform." After 46 hours without food Gandhi spent a day in bed receiving visitors and giving out material for his newspaper Harijan. Gandhi is losing weight rapidly and is suffering severely from nausea. If he persists in his fast it will bo difficult for him to survive. It is believed ho is determined to continue his fast.