MUCH CONCERN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 55, 7 March 1939, Page 7

MUCH CONCERN

THE RAJKOT DISPUTE STATE RULER CRITICISED HIS REMOVAL URGED (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, March 5. The Delhi correspondent of The Times says that the Press reports that the Congress Ministries in Bombay, Bihar, the United Provinces, and the Central Provinces have askeu the Viceroy to intervene in the Rajkot controversy, both’ from the viewpoint of Mahatma Gandhi's life and the possibility of the Ministries resigning. The dispute is causing widespread concern. There is much criticism of the ruler of Rajkot, whose removal the newspaper Statesman advocates. The Rajkot Advisory Council issued a statement that Gandhi’s ultimatum contained unreasonable demands and implied the surrender of authority to outside dictation. Gandhi did not express a word of regret, it was stated, when he found that his allegations of terrorism were unfounded. Gandhi reports that the statement is full of evasions and mirepresentations. Gandhi threatened that unless he received a satisfactory reply to a twenty-four-hour ultimatum demanding constitutional reforms in Rajkot State he would begin an indefinite fast. His demands, which included one that the people be given a voice in the Administration, was refused. “God save me from this remedy to end the agony of the people of Rajkot,” he said. “This decision has cost me many sleepless nights. The world should not laugh. Rightly or wrongly. I have no other course. What may appear to be inexplicable actions are really due to my inner promptings. If they cost me my life 1 shall willingly give it in order to secure the fulfilment of a sacred pledge.” VISIT BY MRS. GANDHI RAJKOT, March 5. j Mrs. Gandhi was taken to her husI band’s bedside and then returned to j the detention camp. VICEROY CURTAILS TOUR NEW DELHI, March 5. The Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow, has curtailed a tour of Rajputana. It is stated that he will arrive in New Delhi to-morrow. , A Bombay message published on Saturday stated that Congress Ministers were hoping to end Mahatma Gandhi’s fast, and had telegraphed urging the Viceroy to intervene. GENERAL WEAKNESS INCREASING. Received March 6, 8 p.m. LONDON, March 6. I The Bombay correspondent of The i Times reports that Gandhi’s doctors I state that he has lost two pounds since j the beginning of his fast. His general I weakness is increasing.