FOOD FOR GANDHI

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19882, 8 March 1939, Page 5

FOOD FOR GANDHI

RAJKOT FAST ENDED SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTE ADVISORY COUNCIL PROMISE MADE BY RULER (Eire, Tel. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (Reed. Mar. 8, 11 a.m.) LONDON. Mar. 7. Messages from Rajkot state that the dispute there has been settled and Mahatma Gandhi has broken his fast. Gandhi last night passed a restless night and he was becoming more exhausted. It is stated that as a basis of settlement of the dispute, the ruler of the Rajkot State will implement promises regarding the constitution of an advisory council for the State.

Gandhi has accepted an invitation to go to New Delhi, when he has recovered sufficiently, to settle matters in personal discussion.

The settlement of the dispute to-day followed a period of almost continuous, consultations between Gandhi and the Rajkot State ruler. In addition Mr. Gibson the Resident Officer for the Western Slates', had a long talk with Gandhi, and Gandhi’s secretary saw the Viceroy. ULTIMATUM EXPLAINED REFORMS FOR RAJKOT ruler rejects demands (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 9 a.m. RUGBY, Mar. 9. A statement wgs made in the House of Commons by the Under*Secretar> for India, Lt.-Col. A. J. Myirhead, on the circumstances in which Mahatma Gandhi began his fast on the question of reforms in Rajkot State. Lieutenant-Colonel Muirhead said that on March 2 Gandhi sent an ultimatum to the ruler of Rajkot State suggesting that he should appoint a committee to recommend a scheme of constitutional advance in the State. The committee was to consist of four members chosen by the ruler and' five members, including the chairman, named by Gandhi. Three officers of the State, to be approved by Gandhi, might be appointed as advisers to the committee without the right to vote. The committee was to start work on March 7 and report by March 22. Its recommendations were to be put into force within seven days, subject to their examination by Gandhi or Mr. Vallabhbhai Patel. Gandhi undertook to allow nothing to remain in these recommendations which would affect the prestige of the ruler, his State or his subjects. Gandhi also stated that all political prisoners must be released and al! fines for political offences remitted Failing the acceptance of these suggestions, Gandhi threatened to fast The ruler rejected this ultimatum and Gandhi began to fast on Friday. The ruler had denied he had broken all of his undertakings in connection with the appointment of a reforms committee and a representative and did not consider a case to the contrary had been made out.