Item 2 - Telegram from Edwin Montagu to Lord Reading

Refers to A3/15/1–3, and emphasizes the Cabinet’s difficulties in answering an im-portant question promptly at a time when the Government is preoccupied with an international conference. Assuming that Reading is still free to assent or dissent from the proposed conference, their opinion is that it would be difficult to reconcile the reception in conference of unelected persons with the respect owing to members of the legislature, and that the conference would develop into a simple demand for swaraj and the scrapping of the scheme of Government only recently introduced. The mere formulation of such a demand would weaken Reading’s power of responsibility and encourage disaffected elements, while failure to secure agreement or a formal demand for impossible terms would worsen the situation. It would be impossible to recommend to Parliament to extend the Government of India Act, 1919. What is required is for Indians to take advantage of their new opportunities, so that they can base their claims on actual work done. The holding of a conference must not be conditional upon a welcome to the Prince of Wales. Prisoners could only be released on an understanding that they would not re-offend and a determination that if they did so they would be prosecuted again. The proclamations against volunteer associations could only be withdrawn on an under-standing that they would cease activities dangerous to public order. The Committee cannot, therefore, sanction Reading’s announcement of a conference at the deputation tomorrow, even though such an announcement might have ensured a proper reception for the Prince of Wales; but they wish to learn what is the exact scope and character of the conference that is proposed.

(Typed, with handwritten emendations. Used for transmission, in four parts.)