LAST MESSAGE

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 3, 5 January 1932, Page 7

LAST MESSAGE

TO CARRY ON

STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM

(Received sth January, J a.m.) CALCUTTA, 4th January. Gandhi and Patel were arrested for promoting civil disturbance under a Bombay regulation known as the "Gentleman's Regulation," which is reserved for persons of high importance. Special concessions are allowed in prison, and no stigma attaches after release.

Interviewed before their departure to gaol, Gandhi and Patel exhorted their followers to continue the "struggle for freedom."

After daily prayers at his house last evening, Gandhi ordered the lights to bo put out, solemnly declaring: "Perhaps this will be our last prayer. We are beginning a struggle for selfpurification, and if you devote time to prayer it will giva you whatever you desire, both for yourselves and for your country."

Gandhi and Patel had proposed to journey to Ahmedabad this morning, but postponed their departure last night for further talks with prominent European and Indian moderate political leaders and business men who had made dramatic last-minute efforts to reach a settlement and who had. appealed to Gandhi to avoid a crisis.

Gandhi, replying to the Vicoroy's last message, regretted Lord "Willingdon's decision not to grant him an interview unless the Congress decisions were withdrawn, and said:— "Time alone will show whose position was justified. I wish to assure the Government that every endeavour will bo made by Congress to carry on the struggle without malice and in a strictly non-violent manner."