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Part 3. Is disturbed by the statement by Butler cited in A3/12/5, which was taken without consultation and appears to have had little effect in calming agitation in the United Provinces. He dislikes subjecting men like Nehru and Das to rigorous imprisonment, but exceptions cannot be made in their favour when they are the chief offenders. Refers to A3/12/4. It is not presently practicable to constitute separate jails for political prisoners, and there is always the danger that they might increase the numbers of persons courting arrest. Acknowledges the extreme undesirability of arresting women, but observes that it is sometimes impossible to avoid, as in the case of Mrs C. R. Das.

(Typed. Continued from A3/14/6.)

Wedgwood is about to ask him a question in the House about the arrests at Calcutta, mainly with regard to the treatment of political prisoners. Refers to A3/9/2 and A3/12/1 and notes with respect to the latter that Butler has stated publicly that special treatment has been arranged for political prisoners. Asks Reading to reply to A3/12/4 in time for Wedgwood’s question.

(Typed, with handwritten alterations. Used for transmission.)

Part 1. He has asked Lloyd for evidence to support his statements regarding Gandhi [see A3/24/18]. Willingdon and Butler are also against a conference, while Ronaldshay and the Governors of the Punjab, Behar, Central Provinces, Burma, and Assam are in favour. He hopes that the instructions given to Local Governments will reduce the number of arrests. Malaviya, Jinnah, Bhurgri, Purshattamdas, Thakurdas and others have called a conference of all parties at Bombay, which Gandhi has undertaken to attend. If an agreement can be reached, they will send a deputation to Reading.

(Typed.)

Refers to Chelmsford’s private telegram of the 2nd [wanting]. Has considered the subject fully in Council, but is not convinced by Chelmsford’s arguments, as he believes that Basu’s scheme must be accompanied by a general amnesty, excluding heinous offenders, if the Indemnity Bill is to be carried without turmoil. Does not think that an investigation of causes should be wholly excluded, but agrees in dismissing [Sir Harcourt] Butler’s suggestion of bringing in the King’s name. Will advise later the results of his inquiries into a chairman.

(Carbon copy, with handwritten alterations.)

Refers to Montagu's telegram of 6 June regarding the Prince of Wales's visit. The non-co-operation agitation is now less active. The recantation of the Ali brothers has, he thinks, had a damping effect on the Khilafat supporters and the Gandhi movement, notwithstanding Mohammed Ali's explanation of his apology. Sapru, Shafi, and Malaviya also think the situation improved. Gandhi is not succeeding in obtaining support and money. Butler is dissatisfied with the position in the United Provinces, and wishes to proceed with prosecutions against the Independent and others; the Government of India will decide on their policy on Friday. Is concerned at the number of youths in gaol for lesser offences, and favours releasing them upon expressions of regret and promises of future good behaviour. So long as Gandhi pursues his present policy of less virulence and refrains from preaching active hatred of the Government, no action should be taken by the Government; but prosecutions should be instituted wherever speeches are made inciting to violence, or whenever the agents of the non-co-operationist movement lie about Government action or preach hatred of it. It is not always easy to distinguish between speeches denouncing Government policy and thus exciting disaffection against it, and speeches containing serious mis-statements, accompanied by incitement to hatred, but he recommends prosecution only in the latter case at present.

(Typed.)