Item 4 - Printed copy of a telegram from Lord Reading to Edwin Montagu

(Official.) Continues A3/25/1. The situation with regard to the non-co-operation movement has been considered in Council. Reports indicate that Gandhi has abandoned the idea of initiating civil disobedience and has summoned a meeting of a Working Committee of the Congress to reconsider the decision taken at Delhi; but as it is impossible to forecast his future action, the only sound policy is to prepare for all contingencies. Moreover, other aspects of the movement have assumed a serious character. More drastic action is therefore required, and in-structions have accordingly been issued to Local Governments to counter attempts to seduce policemen and the illegal activities of volunteers. A necessary distinction has been made between mere declaration of civil disobedience, and action. Local Governments have also been instructed to prosecute newspapers that instigate active civil disobedience, and to take steps to apply the Internal Security Scheme.

(Two sheets from a larger document.)