Item 12 - Printed copy of a telegram from Sir George Lloyd to Edwin Montagu

Thanks him for his supportive telegram (A2/3/4). Horniman was deported four days ago. Arrangements had been made to send him to Burma, but the Viceroy preferred England, so he was put aboard the Takada. The main reasons for this action were: (1) Horniman's continued violent attacks on the Government calculated to bring it into hatred and contempt; (2) his constant efforts to breed race hatred; (3) his open advocacy in the Chronicle of law-breaking in connection with the passive resistance movement, and his fomentation of agitation leading to outrages at Ahmedabad and Virangam; (4) that, after publishing a warning addressed to Lloyd by the citizens of Bombay, he allowed an article to appear accusing the British authorities of torture in the Punjab; (5) that he is believed to have planned and organised a campaign of disaffection, and that his propaganda had certainly produced a dangerous situation in the Bombay Presidency and elsewhere. Judicial proceedings had been considered, in place of deportation, but in view of impending Moslem trouble and the highly-charged atmosphere generally, the Viceroy agreed that 'more immediate and certain riddance' was essential. As questions will probably be asked in Parliament, a more detailed letter will follow. All Europeans and moderates support Lloyd's action; the rest of the native press criticises the principle of deportation but has been moderate. The deportation was carried out without any disturbance so far. It is generally agreed that his Government has shown patience and has so far taken extreme action against Europeans only. He has warned agitators that he will only take further action in Bombay city if further disturbances occur, in which case he will punish severely. The censor order on the Chronicle will be removed soon. He hopes that no hope of reprieve will be given when Montagu replies in Parliament, and is confident that, if so, agitation in India will die down. Sir Basil Scott, who will reach England shortly, can give Montagu his opinion; Stanley Reed and the Advocate-General [Thomas Strangman, Advocate-General of Bombay?] are also returning to England soon.

(Cut from a larger document.)