Item 4 - Telegram from Edwin Montagu to Lord Reading

Approves of Reading's actions with regard to Malaviya. Commends the idea of officers' training corps: it is necessary to face the problem of diminishing army expenditure while satisfying the demand of loyal Indians to be able to defend their country. Suggests that the Government might help Gandhi with his reform programme on condition that he drop out of politics. Sastri sends his appreciation for Reading's encouraging message. Harington thought he had received an invitation from Kemal to discuss the position, which he accepted, but Kemal replied impertinently that he did not want to see him. The matter was not well handled. At this morning's session of the Imperial Conference Sastri made his statement and moved his resolution on Indians in the Dominions with 'vigour, clarity and ability'. He was congratulated by Hughes, whose views are coloured by the fact that he loves to see Smuts in difficulties. Lloyd George also expressed approval. The matter has now been relegated to a committee. The difficulty is that 'our view' is impossible for Smuts, for if he accepted it he would be out of office.

(Typed. Used for transmission.)