Item 4 - Draft of a telegram from Edwin Montagu to Lord Reading

As he has been unable to obtain a Cabinet decision on Reading’s telegram [A3/15/1–3]. Reading must do as he thinks best. He does not see what can come of a conference, as the reforms were not given in response to clamour but were based on an attempt to establish a working electorate, and their whole basis will be undermined if premature concessions are made, and they should safeguard the interests of the members of the legislature by discussing political method with them rather than with unelected men. He acknowledges, however, that the legislatures appear to favour a conference, and that the proposal appears to secure temporary quiet and does not commit the Government to accept any proposals. Assures him of his support if he decides to take the action he has suggested.

(Typed.)