Item 4a - (i) Minute from Sir H. Vaughan Cox to Sir Arthur Hirtzel, with (ii) a short note by Edwin Montagu

(i) [1] Some time ago Montagu showed him his correspondence with Chelmsford about General Dyer’s actions at Amritsar under martial law [see A2/9]. Holderness was also present, and all agreed that a man who issued such an order was unfit for a position of responsibility. Chelmsford asked Montagu to postpone taking action until he had consulted O’Dwyer, but the latter has said little more than that he was in time to advise cancelling the order before it was put into force. (2) A few days ago Montagu gave him the enclosed cutting [A2/18/4 b]. It is unclear whether Hodgson’s order was carried out, or for how long it was in force, but the same remarks apply as in Dyer’s case, and though the result of the order would be less serious, there was not the same excuse of provocation. (3) Montagu has asked him to advise on both cases, and he suggests that (1) Montagu should officially disapprove of Dyer’s order and express doubt whether he is fit for higher responsibilities; and (2) that he should ask Chelmsford about the enforcement and duration of Hodgson’s order and the notice taken of it by the authorities.

(ii) ‘Please send private telegrams about the second case clear the line.’

((i) mainly typed; (ii) handwritten.)