GANDH’S ULTIMATUM

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1930, Page 5

GANDH’S ULTIMATUM

LETTER TO VICEROY

(United Press Association—By .Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) DELHI, March 7

Gandhi’s ultimatum to the Viceroy declares British rule is a curse because it impoverished dumb millions bv a system of progressive exploitation, ruinous of civil and military administration. Gandhi acknowledges the English are no worse than other people,. British statesmen had no intention of adopting a policy which might adversely affect Britain’s commerce with India, blit by heavy taxation the British system was crushing the life out of' the agriculturist on whom the salt tax was falling the heaviest. He refers to the administration as the costliest in the world and says the Viceroy s salary is £52 10s daily against India’s average income of less than twopence daily. I know you don’t need this salary, probably the whole goes for charity, but the system deserves to be scrapped a s it is characteristic of the whole administration. Nothing but unadulterated non-violence can check the organised violence of the British Government. I know in embarking on the campaign I'm taking a mad risk, but victories have never been won without risks. If we want to sever the British connection it is because of such evils,, but if they are removed, the path will be. opened for friendly negotiations. Gandhi enumerates the demand already cabled, and says, <f Jt is open to you to frustrate my design, by arresting me, but I hope tens of thousands are ready to take up the work after me. This letter is not intended as a threat, but as a sacred duty.”