Item 6 - Telegram from Edwin Montagu to Lord Reading

Refers to A3/23/3. He shares Reading’s views regarding political arrests and the inevitability of discussion. Points out that (1) the Cabinet Committee was the only means of partially meeting his desire for something more than Montagu’s approval; (2) a full Cabinet would have come to the same conclusion; (3) nearly all the leading members of the Cabinet, except the Prime Minister, were present; (4) the decision was based on Reading’s statement that he had not committed himself; (5) the decision was not final; (6) there was no disposition to object to Reading’s receiving anyone to discuss the situation, but there was some fear of the Irish precedent; and (7) he will support him to any lengths, but desires more time to approach Cabinet in future.

(Typed. Used for transmission.)