Item 3 - Telegram from Edwin Montagu to Lord Reading

Transmits a message from the Prime Minister, as follows: ‘In view of the unanimous Cabinet opinion on Gandhi’s arrest which Montagu is telegraphing to you today I want to sent you a word of my own personal feeling about the situation. I am convinced that the time has passed for patience and toleration towards direct incentives to assault upon the very foundations of government. We have shown the utmost readiness to meet Indian feeling by transforming our whole system of government and giving Indians a power and responsibility of which they never dreamt even five years ago. The majority of Indians are cooperating loyally in working the reforms and it is essential that they should not be allowed to doubt which is the stronger, Gandhi or the British Raj. Our course in India is being watched in many other quarters, and we cannot afford to be misunderstood. The British Empire is passing through a very critical phase, and it will not survive unless it shows now in the most unmistakable fashion that it has the will and the power to stand by its policies and to deal conclusively with any who challenge its authority. The views formed by the Cabinet are based upon a very wide survey of our position thoughout the world and it is for that reason that they have thought it essential to reinforce your judgment of the Indian situation by a strong expression of their views. I know you will not permit notorious Indian methods of red tape and circumlocution to create delays in dealing with a situation demanding promptitude. I have absolute confidence in your firmness as well as in your judgment and you may rely upon my whole-hearted sympathy and support.’

(Typed, with handwritten alterations. Used for transmission.)