Showing 2 results

Refers to his official telegram of the 16th for the resolutions of the Bombay conference, which he does not think worthy of consideration, as they are merely the views of Gandhi. Lloyd reports that the conference was a fiasco, and that only about twenty would sign the resolutions. Malaviya has arrived, but Reading has postponed seeing him till after this evening’s debate on the matter in the Legislative Assembly. Vincent and Sapru are the chief speakers for the Government, whose view is that the terms put forward are impossible. Sir C. S. Nair, who presided over the first two days of the conference, is convinced that Gandhi only wanted a conference in order to obtain his own ‘irreducible terms’. Gandhi’s irreconcilable attitude is, Reading thinks, a tactical mistake, as it has estranged men who were momentarily inclined to join him. Moreover, the Bombay conference has for the present destroyed all notions of a round-table conference, which was the preferred course of the moderates. He continues in his view that no conference can be considered without assurances that non-co-operationists will cease unlawful activities, and that Gandhi will give no such assurance.

(Cuttings from a larger document, pasted to a sheet of paper.)

Refers to A3/1/5. Is ready to see Jinnah at any time. There is nothing special in his demands regarding the Punjab. (1) There are two Indians of minor importance in the employ of the Punjab Government whose dismissal was asked for by the Congress Committee’s report, but it would be impossible to dismiss them without dismissing superior British officers, which is impossible. (2) Regrets have been expressed more than once for mistakes made, and he does not believe there is much in this point now. (3) Has stated publicly that humiliation on a racial basis cannot and must not happen, has affirmed the principle of racial equality, and has stated that he is considering what amendment of the law is necessary. (4) At a recent meeting of the Executive Council regarding the Committee on Repressive Legislation they discussed the disclosure of the Martial Law Manual to the members of the Committee. The general view opposed disclosure but left the matter to the discretion of Dr Sapru and Sir W[illiam] Vincent, if and when a demand was made. None has yet been made, and the Committee is nearing its conclusion. It is doubtful whether disclosure would allay discontent. A rumour that Reading intends to dissolve the Councils towards the end of the year and to announce a considerable advance in reforms has led to anxiety among moderates, and they are issuing a communiqué to deny it. Agrees that no-one can predict the pace at which reforms should occur, and will probably discuss the point at the next session of the Legislative Assembly, but points out that the reforms are only a few months old and have not been tested. Agrees with Montagu regarding Jinnah’s suggestions about the army. Will not express any views regarding reforms of Councils at present. Praises their work so far. Thinks it natural that they should talk of further powers, as they have to meet the propaganda of non-co-operationists who claim they have none at present. The results of the Press Act Committee and the Repressive Legislation Committee show that the Assembly has been able to obtain relief which the non-co-operationists could not secure.

(Typed.)