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MONT II/A/3/12/1 · Item · 3 Nov. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

He notes that the Ali brothers have been sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment and queries whether such sentences are appropriate for political misdemeanants, since such prisoners need more rigorous separation from the outside world than ordinary prisoners but, in other respects, lighter treatment. Suggest they should be treated as ‘first-class political misdemeanants’.

(Typed. Used for transmission.)

MONT II/A/3/8/1 · Item · 3 Oct. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Refers to Gandhi’s speech at Trichinopoly and his article in Young India, in which he stated that, as non-co-operation is legally sedition under the Penal Code, he objected to the suggestion in Sir George Lloyd’s communiqué that tampering with the loyalty of the sepoy and sedition were fresh crimes committed by the Ali brothers, and went on to encourage Congress and Khilafat workers to reiterate the Ali brothers’ formula and to spread disaffection openly till arrested. They [the Government of India] cannot arrest ‘small fry’ and leave Gandhi free; therefore the speech and article are being examined by lawyers, and Reading has canvassed Local Governments for their opinions as to the effect of prosecuting him. His own impression is that, though Gandhi has recently lost some ground, he remains popular with the masses, and that his arrest would lead to violence. Points out that Gandhi’s article is intended to bridge the gap between Hindu and Moslem.

(Typed.)

MONT II/A/2/25/1 · Item · 16 Feb. 1920
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

The opinion of O. M., in his report on the Congress, does not seem to tally with that of his subordinates, on which it is apparently based. Asks for Chelmsford’s own views on the effects of the Congress and the amnesty. Is not disappointed that extreme Mohammedans like Mohamed and Shaukat Ali are not grateful for clemency, as he believes they are ‘genuinely in agony’ over the Turkish Peace.

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

MONT II/A/3/1/1 · Item · 9 June 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

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.)

MONT II/A/3/11/1 · Item · 31 Oct. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Expresses concern at the international publicity given to speeches made from the dock in the Ali brothers’ trial, and wonders, in the light of a possible prosecution of Gandhi, whether anything could be done to prevent such trials becoming centres of propaganda.

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

MONT II/A/3/8/10 · Item · 11 Oct. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Has told Malaviya that, by refusing to suspend controversy during the Prince of Wales’s visit, Gandhi had given the impression that India was disloyal; and he repudiated the rumour that if the Prince was well received the Government would claim that India had no real grievances. Malaviya suggested that Gandhi might yet relent if the obstacle of the Ali brothers could be negotiated, but Reading refused to discuss their case, which is now in the hands of the courts. The Statesman, The Englishman, and the Times of India are opposed to the arrest of Gandhi.

(Mechanical copy of typed original.)

MONT II/A/3/10/17 · Item · 26 Oct. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Asks for more details of the cases mentioned in A3/10/8, and denies that threats of violence have not been dealt with because of a policy of non-interference. Is disturbed that press reports of isolated instances have been taken by the Cabinet to indicate general situations. Gives the results of his inquiries into the results of the arrest of the Ali brothers and of the manifesto and other appeals to Indian Army and civil servants. Quotes a passage from Capital (a Calcutta journal or newspaper) to illustrate English opinion in India as to Gandhi’s challenge: ‘He … is defying the Government to arrest him by committing the very same acts for which Ali brothers were laid by the heel. If Government walk into his trap the vulgar multitude will forget in his martyrdom all his broken promises and false prophesies.’

(Typed.)

MONT II/A/3/2/2 · Item · 27 July 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Simla.—Section 2. Violence has been reported in connection with the Buckingham Mills strike. The Governor has visited the area and held discussions with a deputation. (Bombay.) The Ali brothers and Kitchlew visited Poona and Gokak, where Kitchlew made objectional speeches and Mohammad Ali referred to the emptying of police barracks. In an article in Young India Gandhi claimed that the Ali brothers’ apology was instigated by him, and was not made to evade prosecution but to put them right with their consciences and their friends, adding that the Government was free to prosecute them in connection with the prohibition of the meeting of the City Congress Committee at Lahore. He also stated that officials were provok-ing non-co-operators to disobedience. Gandhi has directed wholesale piece-good merchants to clear their stocks of foreign cloth and cancel orders, and has appealed to mill owners not to raise prices. The Bombay Provincial Congress Committee has arranged to collect and burn clothes made from foreign cloth. A committee has been appointed to manage local Tilak Swaraj funds, which are to be used only for the spread of charkas, the conduct of national schools, the elevation of depressed classes, famine relief, and liquor prohibition.

Section 3. The All-India Khilafat Conference at Karachi was poorly attended and excited little local interest.

Section 4. The resolutions at the conference at Karachi included a declaration of allegiance to Turkey, a decision to send emissaries to other Moslem countries to promote Islamic brotherhood, congratulations to Kemalists on efforts to save Islam and drive foreigners out of Turkish territory, and a reiteration of the decision to start civil disobedience if Britain declared war on Angora. In that case Indian Mussulmans would establish complete independance at the Christmas session of the National Congress and hoist the national flag of the Indian Republic. Service in the British Army was declared sinful for all Muslims. Mohammad Ali made a long speech largely concerning the apology to the Government; he also referred to the interview between the Viceroy and Gandhi, saying that if the Viceroy did not agree to a joint announcement Gandhi would issue a separate one, and that the people would sooner believe Gandhi than the Viceroy. The Bombay Congress Committee has stopped the picketing of liquor shops to allow shopkeepers to press Government to refund licence-fees. There are reports of a strike on the Gondal Railway and of disorder at Matiari in the Hyderabad District, Sind.

Section 5. The conduct of local authorities in the disorder at Dharwar is much regretted in the extremist press. (Bengal.) The excitement over the exodus of coolies is dying down, but unrest is reported among them in the tea gardens of Darjeeling and Dooars.

Section 6. A resolution in the Legislative Council to appoint an inquiry into the Chandpur incident has been defeated, but there is much recrimination against officials.

Section 7. An attempt to excite coolies in the tea gardens of Chittagong has so far been unsuccessful. An attempt has been made in Tharawandi division to control supplies by forming village unions, to prohibit exportation of rice, corn, and jute, and to sell to non-Indians only at exorbitant rates, in order to injure European interests and secure control over the merchant classes.

Section 8. Local Government has issued a circular in Eastern Bengal pointing out the folly of strikes which increased the cost of living.

Section 9. There are signs of reaction against non-co-operation. Picketing and forcible acts in connection with the temperance movement are abating.

Section 10. At a meeting at Calcutta it was disclosed that a large proportion of the money realised from the sale of Khilafat notes has been misappropriated.

Section 11. Revolutionaries released under the amnesty are taking advantage of non-co-operation to strengthen their organisations. Many may be waiting to begin campaigning again, but many are known to be working earnestly for reforms.

Section 12. The Assam-Bengal Railway strike continues, but passenger traffic has re-sumed.

Section 13. Volunteer corps in Faridpur, whose number has been increased, are active in enforcing the boycott of courts and liquor-shops and carrying on village propaganda. The success of anti-non-co-operation propaganda is encouraging. A Khilafat worker and two non-co-operation workers have been imprisoned. The attempted escape from Midnapur jail has been proved to be due to ideas about Gandhi, the prisoners having been led to believe that the British Raj was over. Calcutta piece-good merchants are uncertain about the boycott of foreign cloth, but it is generally believed that the movement will fail because Indian mills are unable to supply the country’s needs and because important Indian interests are involved in the import trade.

Section 14. (United Provinces.) Many arrests have been made at Aligarh. S. A. Sherwani, a barrister, has been imprisoned for a year, and Motilal Nehru has been served with a notice under the CR.P. Code (the relevant section is cited in full).

Section 15. (Punjab.) Extremist Sikhs are hoping to secure strong non-co-operation members at next month’s Committee election. Non-co-operators are jubilant at Gandhi’s success in raising a crore of rupees. There are continuing signs of dissension among non-co-operation Panchayats in Jullundur division.

Section 16. (Burma.) K. Oktaca, a Buddhist monk, has been imprisoned for ten months for making speeches. The hartal previously reported is very extensive. A meeting of Burmese ladies has resolved to boycott British goods in protest at Oktaca’s conviction.

Section 17. (Bihar and Orissa.) The political situation is improving. Panchayat is becoming unpopular, the picketing of liquor-shops is ceasing, and some cases of illegal distillation have been detected. The boycott of foreign goods is making little progress.

Section 18. The Provincial Congress Committee discussed resolutions (A) to start civil disobedience on 1 August, (B) to organise and train volunteers, and (C) to provide for families of non-co-operators in jail. (A) was opposed and may lead to a split; (B) and (C) were adopted.

Section 19. The split between Hindus and Mohammedans continues, but Gandhi’s instructions that Hindus are not to interfere with cow-killing are becoming known. The industrial situation remains quiet. (Central Provinces.) The situation is greatly improved. Political activity is reduced, largely because agricultural operations are in progress. The suspension of land revenues and the distribution of loans and relief have convinced people that the Government is more their friend than the non-co-operators. In towns the improvements are attributed to prosecutions, which have been most useful against picketing. Several non-co-operation leaders have resumed practice. The arbitration courts have expired. The charka movement is considered a failure. Attendance at schools and colleges is becoming normal. Local Governments are uncertain whether the improvement is permanent; much depends on the monsoon. (Assam.) There is little activity on the part of non-co-operators, and there are no further strikes in the tea gardens.

Section 20. The Assam-Bengal Railway strike continues, but more trains are running. Two minor strikes for increased wages have been settled, one of coolies at Dibrugarh Ghat and the other at the Assam Saw Mill Co. works.

Section 21. (North West Frontier Province.) The Central Khilafat Committee’s visit to Bannu has been stopped under Defence of India Rules. Efforts to revive agitation among Sikhs have been reported from Hazara and Peshawar. (Delhi.) The monsoon has arrived. The immediate political future is dependent on economic conditions. Meetings continue, at which C.I.D. reporters have been hustled. Most piece-good dealers believe the boycott of foreign cloth will fail. (General.) The situation is better. Many people doubt the success of Gandhi’s boycott policy. Local Governments have been asked to be especially vigorous in prosecuting offences committed by picketing parties. A decision on civil disobedience will probably be made at the Congress Committee meeting on 28 July. The venue has been shifted from Lucknow to Bombay to accommodate Gandhi. Declarations by extremist khilafat leaders against service in the army and the police are becoming more frequent, and prosecution is being considered.

Section 22. (Calcutta.) The Bar oppose the constitution of a Court of Ultimate Appeal in India, as it would command less confidence than the Privy Council. The recommendations of the Press Act Committee are generally approved by both the Indian and European Press. The Committee on Repressive Law is now sitting in Simla.

(Mechanical copy of a typed original.)

MONT II/A/3/7/2 · Item · 17 Sept. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

With regard to action against ringleaders, the Ali brothers and Kitchlew have been arrest-ed. The drilling on the part of Moplahs was not extensive. He cannot see anything in the speeches of Willingdon and Lloyd to suggest a difference of opinion between them and his Government regarding either policy or the connection between Gandhi and unrest.

(Typed.)

MONT II/A/2/25/2 · Item · 1 Mar. 1920
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Has endeavoured to keep Montagu informed of the effects of the Congress in his official telegrams. There were three outstanding features this year: (1) the feeling with regard to the amnesty and the Punjab; (2) the response to reforms; and (3) the Hindu-Mohammedan entente. [1] Resolutions of gratitude to the King Emperor were passed and many released detenues were present, but they were expressing not gratitude but bitterness and a determination to continue agitation. Memories of the disturbances have been kept alive by Satyapal and Kitchlew, and it may also have been thought bad political strategy to show gratitude for release. The terms of the amnesty are increasingly appreciated by the sober-minded, but not by the more violent party or the ‘ignorant masses’. [2] With regard to reforms, Montagu is already acquainted with the main trend of opinion. The extremists are preparing for a vigorous election campaign. [3] The Hindu-Mohammedan alliance is mainly one of political leaders. The Mohammedans hope thereby to reinforce their position on the Khilafat question and the terms of peace with Turkey, the Hindus to present an appearance of national unanimity. The extreme opinions of the Ali brothers are not shared by educated Mohammedans, but they appeal to the ‘religious fanaticism of the ignorant masses’.

(Typed.)

MONT II/A/3/5/2 · Item · 25 Aug. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Will telegraph soon regarding a statement of policy at the opening of the Legislative Assembly. The Executive Council have decided to prosecute the Ali brothers and others involved in the passing of a resolution at the Karachi conference advising soldiers not to remain or enlist in the army. Reinforcements have been sent to the Malabar Coast, and the Council have declared martial law, if the Madras Government desires it.

(Typed.)

MONT II/A/3/12/2 · Item · 8 Nov. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Treating certain offenders as ‘first-class misdemeanants’ would induce non-co-operationists to go to prison. However, he has privately instructed the prison authorities to moderate the Ali brothers’ physical hardships.

(Typed.)

MONT II/A/3/10/21 · Item · 2 Nov. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Reports from the provinces indicate that Gandhi’s pronouncements since the arrest of the Ali brothers have had little effect. This failure will probably lead to more desperate courses at the meeting at Delhi on the restoration of the Congress Working Committee, and the Committee may press Gandhi to go among the soldiers and engage in strive to achieve his effect by personal argument, or counsel civil disobedience. If the first course is taken, that would be the best time to arrest him. There are signs that his popularity is declining.

(Typed.)

MONT II/A/3/9/4 · Item · 17 Oct. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Refers to A3/9/2. Nothing is reported as having happened as the result of the meetings at which the formula of the Ali brothers has been repeated, and he has not yet received the opinion of the Bombay Government’s legal advisers, nor the Government of India’s views on the expected effect of Gandhi’s arrest. The Government will lose no time [in taking action], but there are unavoidable delays in obtaining evidence. He infers that when Montagu sent his telegram he had not yet received his own of the 11th [A3/8/9]. His view is stiffening against the arrest of Gandhi, in the hope that his ‘bombshell’ may become a ‘squib’. Is examining the po-lice precautions in connection with the Prince of Wales’s visit. Agrees, for the most part, with Montagu’s objections to the suggested conference.

(Carbon copy.)

MONT II/A/3/12/6 · Item · 15 Dec. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

It is impossible to lay down a general rule for differentiating political prisoners from other offenders. Following Reading’s precedent in the case of the Ali brothers, Ronaldshay has instructed political prisoners to be given a more liberal diet, but if mitigations were made public, it would make martyrdom easier.

(Typed.)

MONT II/A/3/1/7 · Item · 2 Aug. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Sends in full the ‘agreed statement’ as given to the press: Lord Reading has been advised that his conversations with Gandhi about the Ali brothers have been inaccurately reported in the press, and he has therefore authorised the publication of an agreed statement on the following lines. The interviews resulted from conversations between Reading and Malaviya in which the latter was advised of the Government’s decision to begin criminal proceedings against the Ali brothers for making speeches inciting to violence. Malaviya and Andrews suggested that Reading should speak with Gandhi. The proposed interview was intended to have reference to the general situation, but it is acknowledged that in inviting Gandhi to Simla Malaviya made no reference to the intended proceedings against the Ali brothers. In due course Gandhi came to Simla and an interview was arranged. At the first interview no mention was made of the proposed prosecutions. At the next, Reading expressed the belief that responsible non-co-operators had made speeches inciting to violence, and Gandhi replied that, if he was satisfied that such were the case, he would publicly repudiate them and their teachings unless they withdrew their statements. Reading read to Gandhi passages in speeches by the Ali brothers that he believed were calculated to incite to violence, and Gandhi acknowledged that they were capable of bearing that interpretation; but he asserted that he did not believe that the Ali brothers had intended to incite their audience to violence, and said that he would advise them to express public regret for the unintentional incitement in these passages. Reading asked to see a draft of this statement, and at this point he mentioned the intended prosecutions, stating that, if he was satisfied with the statement, he would try to prevent the prosecutions being carried out. Gandhi, in due course, showed the statement to Reading, who pointed out that certain passages, particularly the reference to the Ali brothers’ religious creed, gave it the appearance of a manifesto, and that it did not contain a promise to refrain from speeches inciting to violence. Reading pointed out that, after publication of the statement, the Ali brothers could give any explanation by means of speeches, provided they did not infringe the law. Gandhi agreed to make the requested alterations. Reading advised him that, if the Ali brothers signed the amended statement, the proceedings would be suspended, reserving the right to take them up again if the promises in the statement were not observed, and noted that it would be necessary to issue a communiqué explaining the Government’s position. Reading advised Gandhi that he might not be able to prevent the commencement of proceedings if the statement was not published quickly, and Gandhi agreed that this would be done. Some days later, Gandhi telegraphed that the Ali brothers had signed the [revised] statement with an immaterial alteration. The Government then issued an official communiqué, the terms of which were not settled till just before its issue, though its substance had been communicated to Gandhi. The main part of the interviews between Reading and Gandhi concerned the various causes of discontent in India, including the disturbances in the Punjab, the Khilafat agitation, and the Treaty of Sèvres. Gandhi did not submit any scheme of swaraj, nor was any such scheme discussed.

(Typed. Formally issued in the name of the Viceroy.)

MONT II/A/3/12/8 · Item · 16 Dec. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Refers to A3/12/6. He is not suggesting that they should attempt to define political prisoners or allow it to be known that rigorous imprisonment would not be applied in any case, but is concerned that the world should think that they allow political prisoners to undergo rigorous imprisonment. At some time peace must be restored between the Government of India, and it is not right that eminent men like Das, who have acted without criminal intent, should suffer what is regarded as the analogy of hard labour. If Gandhi is arrested and sentenced to rigor-ous imprisonment the world would regard the treatment as unfitting and foolish. It is neces-sary to prevent the [political] activities of such prisoners by secluding them from the outside world, but they should be treated with dignity. Harsh treatment only embitters them and their friends against the Government. To his mind the secret mitigation of the Ali brothers’ treat-ment gives them a martyrdom to which they are not entitled. Congratulates him on his speech at Calcutta.

(Typed. Used for transmission.)

MONT II/A/3/8/9 · Item · 11 Oct. 1921
Part of Papers of Edwin Montagu, Part II

Council have not yet decided whether to arrest Gandhi, as replies have not yet been received from the Bombay Government. Inquiries are also being made as to the effect of the Ali brothers’ speeches on the army. They are anxious not to be precipitate, but Reading believes that Gandhi will be arrested. It is possible that the prosecution will take place during the Prince’s visit.

(Mechanical copy of typed original. A duplicate of A3/24/4.)