GANDHI’S RELEASE URGED

Southland Times, Issue 24986, 24 February 1943, Page 5

GANDHI’S RELEASE URGED

Government Case Stated

BOMBAY, February 22. All tire Indian morning newspapers today unanimously appeal for Mr Gandhi’s release, but the Indian Government has simultaneously published an 86-page booklet which it says gives part of the evidence in the Government’s possession of Mr Gandhi’s responsibility for the disturbances in the last six months.

The booklet quotes a passage written by Mr Gandhi on June 7, 1942: “I waited and waited until the country should develop the non-violent strength necessary to overthrow the foreign yoke but my attitude has now undergone a change. I feel that I cannot afford to wait. I am sure that anarchy may result because of the British withdrawal or their refusal to listen to us. Yet our decision to defy their authority will in no way be worse than the present anarchy.” Sir Richard Tottenham, additional Secretary to the Home Department, in a preface to the book says that the review does not purport to disclose all the information in the Government’s possession. There is a large volume of evidence which it is undesirable to publish at present. The booklet gives instances of attacks against Government buildings led by local members of Congress. The Manchester Guardian, in a leading article, says: “What the Indian Government and our own Government have to consider is not merely the barren question of who was responsible for the disorders of last autumn, but what sort of India will face us if Mr Gandhi dies. Let the Indian Government set the past behind it and resolve that the future shall not be lost by either action or inaction. If Mr Gandhi dies the consequences may be irreparable. Should he be released and live the difficulties will be no greater and they can be fought with the faith necessary to overcome them.”

A deputation of 19 Indians, representative of all faiths and political opinions, has asked the Indian High Commissioner in London to acquaint the Government with their grave concern at the condition of Mr Gandhi and to request his immediate release. The deputation was the result of a meeting of the Indian community when the release of Mr Gandhi was urged. EFFECT ON WAR EFFORT The importance of Mr Gandhi’s attitude is not only whether or not Congress is guilty of instigating violence—of which the Government of India accuses it while Mi- Gandhi, denies it—but also of the serious consequences the position may have in its effect on the entire Allied Far East timetable. Indian riots have already caused deferment of the proposed Burma campaign for the position in India last winter was largely responsible for diverting two divisions from Burma at a critical stage and the recapture of Burma is obviously needed to provide a route to China. Renewed Indian restiveness might result in further harm to the campaign for Burma.