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Approves of Reading's actions with regard to Malaviya. Commends the idea of officers' training corps: it is necessary to face the problem of diminishing army expenditure while satisfying the demand of loyal Indians to be able to defend their country. Suggests that the Government might help Gandhi with his reform programme on condition that he drop out of politics. Sastri sends his appreciation for Reading's encouraging message. Harington thought he had received an invitation from Kemal to discuss the position, which he accepted, but Kemal replied impertinently that he did not want to see him. The matter was not well handled. At this morning's session of the Imperial Conference Sastri made his statement and moved his resolution on Indians in the Dominions with 'vigour, clarity and ability'. He was congratulated by Hughes, whose views are coloured by the fact that he loves to see Smuts in difficulties. Lloyd George also expressed approval. The matter has now been relegated to a committee. The difficulty is that 'our view' is impossible for Smuts, for if he accepted it he would be out of office.

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Refers to A3/10/25. (1) The arrest of Gandhi must involve general action against non-co-operation, as it now threatens peace in India. A large number of other prosecutions will probably therefore take place. Asks whether Reading has considered his suggestion of prohibiting meetings for organising or discussing civil disobedience. (2) On the Khilafat question, Montagu expects that part of Thrace will be restored to Turkey for the protection of Constantinople, and that the Turkish Government there will be freed from Allied control; also that Smyrna will be restored. Any action of the British Government is risky, now that Kemal is adopting the attitude of a conqueror. Points out that the retention of Con-stantinople, etc., were modifications to the treaty made in consideration of the wishes of Indi-ans, and believes that the French are more concerned with their popularity with Mohammedans than with improving conditions in Turkey. He does not see why Reading should not state publicly what he is urging upon the British Government, what he has achieved by his repre-sentations, and that he is continuing to urge the questions of Thrace, Smyrna, Constantinople, no obstacle to any arrangements about Holy Places, etc. (3) Reading is in a position to state that his representations have achieved much, because Montagu has voiced them ‘vigour and argument’, and that the British Government will continue to consider them favourably; he therefore has a right to demand the support of Mohammedans. (4) The British Government is not presently in favour of restoring the whole of Thrace to Turkey, but since no power has hitherto proposed this, it has never had occasion to oppose it, and it is untrue to say that it ever prevented the allies from restoring Smyrna. (5) The British Government has not given any assistance to the Greeks in their present campaign. (6) Is unsure what a conference would achieve.—[P.S.] Cabinet is presently absorbed with the critical situation in Ireland.

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