Unidad documental simple 11 - Memorandum headed 'Position as regards the Prosecution of Mr. Gandhi'

The attitude of the Government of India on 25 January with regard to the prosecution of Gandhi was as follows. It was expected that after the 31st Gandhi would personally inaugurate mass civil disobedience and thereby offer a more direct challenge to Government than ever before. There would have been no room for misunderstanding, prosecution could take place with the maximum of public support, and the risk of disorder would be reduced. The Government of India therefore decided to stay their hand, though they were fully convinced of the necessity of prosecution at an earlier date. There was always the chance that Gandhi might commit some prosecutable act earlier, and the Local Government was free to act in such a case. Refers to recent telegrams regarding the present position [A3/25/8–10].

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