TODAY THAT DAY : 23 January 1931

GANDHI TO BE RELEASED ? EXPECTED ORDER BY VICEROY. THE LANCASHIRE DAILY POST - FRIDAY 23 JANUARY 1931   The opinion is expressed in well inf...

GANDHI TO BE RELEASED ?

EXPECTED ORDER BY VICEROY.

THE LANCASHIRE DAILY POST - FRIDAY 23 JANUARY 1931

 

The opinion is expressed in well informed political circles here that Lord Irwin may very shortly issue a statement on behalf of the Government of India cancelling the order declaring the Congress Working Committee unlawful and releasing about 30 past, present and substitute members of the Committee, including Gandhi, the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mr. Vallabhbhai Patel, and Mrs. Sarojini Naidu, so as to enable them as "free people" to consider the Prime Minister's declaration.

This decision is further said to have been made possible by the opinions which have now finally crystallized. These show that there is no echo anywhere in India of Mr. Churchill's statements.

The European Press and the opinion of the European community entirely endorse the (Text Not Clear) of their delegates, and the Indian Liberal (Text Not Clear) the Prime Minister's declaration as the proper basis for a settlement. The Nationalist Press welcomes it as a gesture of goodwill, indicating a change of heart, and the Congress right wing are prepared to modify their present combatant attitude, while the left wing are anxious to proceed with the struggle.

But until the real leaders of Congress are released it is not possible to ascertain what is the considered opinion of Congress as a body. Up to now the indication are that Congress is not likely to take a hasty decision and would probably like to consult the all India Congress Committee or might even postpone a decision till the Karachi Congress in two months time. Meantime it appears to be keeping an open mind on the Subject. --Reuter.