Item 2 - Telegram from Lord Chelmsford to Edwin Montagu

The present outbreak is not particularly attributable to the Rowlatt legislation; rather, India is suffering from ‘an unhealthy condition of atmosphere common to most of the world and a repetition, so far on a minor scale, of recent Egyptian experiences. … Racial feeling, Mohammedan soreness, Rowlatt Bills, high food prices, all come into the picture.’ Outbreaks have occurred at places where British policy has been repressive (Punjab) or laissez-faire (Bombay), or were caused by ‘mere accidental collision’ (Delhi). So far the ‘town rabble’ has been the actively hostile element, not the country folk. There are no indications yet of active disturbance outside Punjab and Bombay, but as the passive resistance movement has spread widely, trouble might occur anywhere. Thanks Montagu for his sympathy. He sees no cause for grave alarm, as the militant part of the movement shows no signs of central organisation. He met with Sir George Lloyd [Governor of Bombay] at Kalka yesterday, and will support him in the action he contemplates against the leaders of the Bombay movement. Military measures have been taken at dangerous points of movement over the country, but they cannot safeguard outlying centres. Has acted so far with restraint, but if there is any further collision in any of the main centres of disturbance, they will be in a position to hit hard. No unrest in the police is reported.

(Typed.)