Item 6 - Telegram from Lord Chelmsford to Edwin Montagu

When he sent A2/11/14 the atmosphere was highly charged, racial feeling was acute, and misgivings and misunderstandings relating to the Rowlatt Bills and the reform policy rife. He then foresaw a time when it might be necessary (a) to summon a representative gathering of Indian leaders and explain in detail the application of the Rowlatt Bills, thereby giving them a means of dissociating themselves from Gandhi’s agitation; (b) to make a reassuring announcement about the reforms and the declaration of his intention to adhere to his course in spite of events; and (c) to promise an inquiry into the outbreaks. However, it was necessary to maintain martial law longer than he anticipated, and intervening events changed his view of what was necessary and expedient; he was also anxious to avoid any suggestion that he disagreed with his Government or the policy pursued by local governments. Meanwhile the course of events has been in their favour: the Gandhi agitation fell into disrepute, and the Rowlatt legislation passed into the background; the Afghan aggression roused the people to a sense of practical realities and the Government’s responsibility for the defence of India; and racial feeling improved. Then came Montagu’s ‘admirable’ speech on the Indian situation, the publication of the Bill, and his assurances regarding India’s political future. Chelmsford’s aims have therefore been automatically attained. The difficult question of an inquiry has been considered in Council, and Montagu will receive their telegram shortly.

(Typed.)