INDIAN CONGRESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24405, 17 September 1940, Page 7

INDIAN CONGRESS

ATTITUDE TO BRITAIN RESOLUTION OF SYMPATHY BOMBAY, Sept. 15. Mr Gandhi approved a resolution sympathising with the British. The resolution, which is being submitted to the All-India Congress Commit-, tee, says: “Members of Congress cannot withhold their admiration for the bravery and endurance of the British nation in the face of danger. Members of Congress have no ill-will towards the Britons. A spirit of insistence on the truth prevents Congress from doing anything to embarrass them. This selfimposed restraint cannot be taken to the extent of self-extinction. Congress does not desire at present to extend non-violent resistance beyond what is required for the preservation of the liberties of the people.” The Executive of the Congress passed a resolution withdrawing the conditional offer to co-operate with Britain in the prosecution of the war and invited Mr Gandhi to resume leadership, of the Congress. Mr Gandhi later, told the AllIndia Congress Committee that he had received an invitation to inter-, view the Viceroy. If an agreement was not reached on the constitutional position he would seek freedom to carry on a strictly nonviolent campaign against India’s participation in the war.

He added: "I feel that even the fall of London or England would not mean the defeat of the British people.”