GANDHI’S FAST

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1932, Page 5

GANDHI’S FAST

CRITICS’ VIEWS MOTIVE HARD TO UNDERSTAND. (British Official Wireless.) RUGrBY, September 13. Wit-li. reference to the reports that the Government of India intends to release Gandhi from prison, when he begins his fast on -September 20, it may b.e stated that-no such decision has -been taken. The stops which may be necessary, if Gandhi 'Carries out his;threat to fast unto death, are howelvetr-, receiving close consideration. The public finds it difficult to undeistand the motives'which led Gandhi, to take the action announced...in his correspondence with the British Minister. It is only because portions oi the Indian section could not agree on their own settlement of .communal questions-'.that the Government- made an award that gave the “untouchables” -separate -representation for 20 years, while leaving them to vote as part of the undivided Hindiu community. It- is this decision which, according to Gandhi, will destroy Hinduism.

The “Manchester Guardian” does not see that .tho Gandhi decision' was made at the call of conscience and in tlw cause of true religion, but that does not make it easier to understand,

It adds: Those who have personal influence with Gandhi, will surely urge on him that;he, can be a- greater hdlp to the. causes to which lie is devoted by -living, to work for them. The “Daily Telegraph” say-s: Gandhi does not attempt to refute- at any point the .issues telegraphed to him by the prime Minister. In the setting up of separate electorates ..lie senses dauger to himself as the lifelong champion of the “untouchables.”

APPEAL MADE TO GANDHI. . LONDON, September 14. Mr V. J. Patel, formerly Speaker of the Indian Legislative Assembly, who is a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi, and who is now in London, has cabled to 'Gandhi appealing to him to reconsider his fasting decision. Hv stated: “Your life is more precious; than the settlement of the communal problem or a hundred other problems.”

LITTLE SYMPATHY FOR GANDHl(Received this day at 9.25 a.m! CALCy.’i’TA, (September 1.4. Gandhi’s starvation threat was the subject of la lively, debate in the Indian. Assembly, a Hindu Nationalist fiercely' attacking the Government for the “segregation” of depressed classes from .. caste Hindus, by granting the .former separate electorates, but other Indian members showed little sympathy with, Glandihi’s gesture. The Calcutta '“Statesman” -says“lf Gandhi chooses to die he will not die as a hero, but die to prevent larger freedom for millions whose wrongs haye stirred the imagination of the world. .