Chelmsford and Lloyd have been considering the problem of Horniman's deportation for some time, for Lloyd believes there can be no peace in his province till he is gone. On the 23rd Chelmsford sent Lloyd a telegram advising that he had consulted Lowndes and others, and the general impression was that it would be better to deport Horniman to England immediately, for if he were deported to Burma in the first instance, a second deportation might provoke a renewal of excitement; deportation from Burma might also involve risk of stoppage and complications at Colombo; return to India might be prevented if the proposals for a passport system mature, but they would have to ensure that the Home Authorities would refuse a return passport. Is sending Montagu a copy of Lowndes's opinion. On the 24th Lloyd replied that Horniman's early arrest and deportation were now doubly urgent, as he was now publishing inflammatory articles in the Chronicle and encouraging lawlessness. Both the Times of India and the public protest against the Government's allowing this to continue, but as it is considered necessary to act against the paper and the man at the same time they can do nothing until the arrest is made. The doctor is confident that Horniman's condition would allow his arrest and removal to a military hospital at once, and probably he would be well enough to be deported immediately. Lloyd was quite agreeable to his being sent to England, if Chelmsford would give immediate authority to do so, as there is no further time for correspondence, and delay will only make the operation more difficult. He (Lloyd) had delayed thus far to create an atmosphere favourable to deportation, but if delay now prevented him taking this action his position would be greatly weakened, for he expects anxious months ahead, not only with regard to Moslem questions but also famine disturbances. Moreover he had been warned by the General that Horniman was distributing the Chronicle free to troops, and its propaganda was having a bad effect on morale. In reply Chelmsford authorised immediate deportation. Horniman has been placed on S. S. Takada, due to sail to England today. Aden and Egypt have been advised. Asks Montagu to take steps to prevent complications further west and to prevent Horniman being granted a return passport. Warns against the possibility of his return via the Colonies. Hopes that Montagu will support his action, and points out that deportation had become a necessity. 'Any questions in England could be more easily answered if we took action at a time there is a serious movement of unrest in British India.'
(Typed.)
