Item 7 - Telegram from Lord Reading to Edwin Montagu

Part 3. Is disturbed by the statement by Butler cited in A3/12/5, which was taken without consultation and appears to have had little effect in calming agitation in the United Provinces. He dislikes subjecting men like Nehru and Das to rigorous imprisonment, but exceptions cannot be made in their favour when they are the chief offenders. Refers to A3/12/4. It is not presently practicable to constitute separate jails for political prisoners, and there is always the danger that they might increase the numbers of persons courting arrest. Acknowledges the extreme undesirability of arresting women, but observes that it is sometimes impossible to avoid, as in the case of Mrs C. R. Das.

(Typed. Continued from A3/14/6.)