Pièce 3 - Extract from a letter from Lord Ronaldshay to Edwin Montagu

C. R. Das and four or five others were arrested on the 9th, and many moderates have joined in the cry against the repressive measures used by the Government. A large number of students have been convicted, all of whom have been offered release if they will promise not to defy the law again, but only some have accepted the offer. There has been an intensive campaign to boycott the Prince of Wales’ visit, and Ronaldshay expects a bad hartal on the 24th, possibly accompanied by rioting. ‘For the last few days the students have dropped out of the picture and their place has been taken by roughs and mill-hands, mostly Muhammadans, always an ominous sign in Calcutta. Many of those who have been arrested for obstruction etc. in the streets have admitted that they have been paid to come out. This is evidence of a sinister organisation at work. And the danger lies in the fact that their religious fanaticism is being worked on. Leaflets of an inflammatory nature calling on Muhammadans to fight for Islam have been appearing in the town.’