East India Association, 193 Temple Chambers, Temple Avenue, London, E.C.4.—Asks him to chair a meeting of the Association, at which Professor Rushbrook Williams is to give an address on ‘The New Phase in Indo-Pakistan Relations’.
(i) It would be unfair to his colleagues if he were to commit himself to opinions he has not discussed with them, and it is difficult to deal with the questions that may arise until they receive the Committee’s conclusions. There are rumours of two and even three reports. As already stated, he has abstained from communicating with Hunter, but their official memorandum has been placed before the Committee. The instructions to prevent the improper use of authority under martial law [see A2/23/14] are being prepared. They do not attribute the ill-feeling created by Dyer’s actions at Amritsar to the extremist press, though its discussion of the case has been one-sided. They hope to have the whole case, as defined in the report, pub-lished and to secure a fair presentation of the facts. This is why they asked for the deputation of Rushbrook Williams to England. Acknowledges that they will have little time for reflection when the report is published, and will consult informally with members of his Council as soon as possible. The best method of preventing head-hunting is to present the facts fairly.
(ii) Would like to answer that head-hunting can only be prevented by adequate and prompt notice, and not by concealing their real opinions.
((i) is typed.)