APPEAL FOR RELEASE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 February 1943, Page 4

APPEAL FOR RELEASE

MADE BY INDIAN PAPERS GANDHI’S CONDITION. EVIDENCE OF ACTIVITIES. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 22. After a restless day yesterday, Gandhi entered a crisis at four p.m.; when he was seized with severe nausea and almost fainted. His pulse be-, Came nearly imperceptible but he was able later to take water with lime juice. He rallied from the crisis and slept for about 51 hours. Six doctors signed the report giving this information. Today is Gandhi’s day of silence. He appears comfortable and is more cheerful but his heart is weaker, adds the report. All the Indian morning newspapers, today unanimously appeal for Gandhi’s release but the Indian Government simultaneously published an 86 page booklet which, it says, gives part of the evidence in the Government’s possession of Gandhi’s responsibility for the disturbances in the last six months. The booklet quotes a passage written by Gandhi on June 7, 1942. “I waited and waited until the country should develop a non-violent strength necessary to overthrow the foreign yoke but my attitude now has undergone a change. I feel I cannot afford to wait. I am sure the anarchy that may result because of a British withdrawal oi their refusal to listen to us and our decision to defy their authority will in no way be worse than the present anarchy.” Sir Richard Tottenham, additional secretary to the Home Department, in a preface to the book, says the review does not purport to disclose all the information in the Government s possession. There is a large volume of evidence which it is undesirable to publish at present. The booklet gives instances of • attacks against Government buildings led by local congressmen. The “Manchester Guardian,” in. a leading article, says: “What the Indian Government and our own Government have to consider is not merely the barren question, who was responsible for the disorders last autumn but what sort of India will face us if Gandhi dies. Let the Indian Government set the past behind it and resolve that the future shall not be lost by either action or inaction. If Gandhi dies, the consequences may be irreparable. Should he be released and live, the difficulties will be no greater and they can be fought with the faith to overcome.”

A deputation of nineteen Indians representative of all faiths and political opinions asked the Indian High Commissioner in London to acquaint his Government of their grave concern of the condition of Gandhi and their request for his immediate release. The deputation was the result of a meeting of the Indian community, when the release of Gandhi was urged. BOMB EXPLOSION AT NEW DELHI RAILWAY STATION. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 22. A bomb exploded last night at the New Delhi railway station. One passenger was killed and another injured.