INDIAN CRISIS.

Wairarapa Age, 15 March 1922, Page 5

INDIAN CRISIS.

MONTAGU’S RESIGNATION. OPINION IN INDIA. (Press Association—Copyright.) Dellii, March 13.—The resignation of Mr E. S. Montagu as Secretary of State for India came as a bombshell in India. The impression is prevalent that the Viceroy’s resignation is also involved, but the two cases are regarded as not analogous. Among the Indian members of the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly much disappointment is felt at the resignation. The newspapers disclose a remarkable diversity of opinion. Some declare that Mr Montagu is one of the greatest men in the history of India, and that he cannot be replaced. Others regard him as a political charlatan and responsible for the present seditious condition of the country. The most responsible organs consider that great credit is due to him for the boldness of his reforms, but condemn the alleged political expediency which made him undermine the power of the Indian Government, and resulted in a policy of “kid-glove conciliation” instead of firm action against sedition-mongers. ARREST OF GANDHI QUIETLY RECEIVED BY PEOPLE. Delhi, March 13.—The arrest of Gandhi has been received quietly throughout India. Allahabad declared a. hartal on Saturday evening, but next? morning all the shops reopened. At Bombay and Lahore there was perfect quiet. At Madras there was a mild demonstration. A large bonfire of foreign cloths was made as a protest against the arrest. The newspaper “Leader” described the arrest as “a masterpiece of official ineptitude.” The newspaper “Potrika.” declared : “The arrest is an earnest of a step forward in the policy of repression.” London, March 13.—A correspondent says that the mere fact that the extremist leader Gandhi was arrested while the Prince of Wales is in India may be regarded as a sure indication that the situation is still more serious. THE FATAL CABLE. QUESTION OF PUBLICATION. (Received 5.5 p.m.) London, March 13.—Mr Chamberlain, replying to questions in the Commons, pointed out that Mr Montagu circulated Lord Reading’s message among members of the Cabinet on March 4, and telegraphed on the same day authorising publication in Ind a. Cabinet met on March 6. Before the meeting, Earl Curzon and he agreed that publication was not desirable, and both were then unaware that publication could be prevented. Earl Curzon replied to Mr Montagu on Tuesday, and the Commons debated the subject on Wednesday.—(A. and N.Z.) • c CURZON ANXIOUS TO RESIGN. (Received 7.35 p.m.) London, March 13.—The “Dally News” emphasises a rumour that Earl Curzon is anxious to resign owing to ill-health, but will not resign before the Montagu controversy is disposed of, lest it be misinterpreted as a sequel to that affair.—-(A. and N.Z.)