Item 3 - Copy of a telegram from Edwin Montagu to Lord Reading

(Official.) Has received A3/35/1. The Government is anxious about the situation in India, particularly the reports of outbreaks at Bareilly and Chauri Chaura, and Gandhi’s continued freedom. Gandhi’s letter is the direct challenge for which the Government of India was wait-ing [see A3/27/1], and they must act to protect those who would otherwise become his dupes. Montagu and his Council have concluded that the instructions given by the Viceroy to Local Governments on 24 November do not go far enough; the organisation of civil disobedience must be prevented; and the leaders of the movement, including Gandhi, must be dealt with promptly. It is up to Reading to decide what measures should be taken.

(Mechanical copy of typed original.)