INDIAN CONGRESS WANTS INDEPENDENCE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18958, 2 January 1930, Page 1

INDIAN CONGRESS WANTS INDEPENDENCE

APPROVES GANDHI’S BOYCOTT PROPOSAL. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received January 2, 9.35 a.m.) DELHI, January 1, The Indian National Congress in open session at Lahore, unanimously approved of Gandhi’s independence resolution for the boycott of the legislatures. An amendment by Bose, the Bengal extremist, setting up a parallel Government and urging a boycott of the schools, was rejected by a big majority. The Pandit Malaviya’s amendment for a postponement of the questions till April was also rejected. A resolution congratulating the Viceroy on his escape in the bomb outrage was passed by 942 votes to 792. Gandhi, in moving the latter resolution, declared that it was not merely a courtesy to pass this resolution, it was a matter of duty if they believed that the political salvation of -India could come only through the creed of nonviolence. The Indians should consider themselves trustees for the safety of Europeans who chose to stay in India. Gandhi, in a characteristic speech, reiterated his appeal for no violence, and thus winning freedom, lie declared that the Congress would never participate in a conference with Britain in which the basis of discussion was not complete independence. Amid cries of “God bless you! ” he left the stage. It is estimated that half the Congress is composed of Bengalese. The legislatures ignore Gandhi’s plan for a boycott of the legislatures.