SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED

“I write to thank you for yours of the 7th instant and especially for your request that I should after reading your writings in “Young India” on non-co-operation, give a full and frank criticism of them.  I know that your sole desire is to find out the truth and to act accordingly, and hence I venture to make the following remarks.  In the issue of May 5th you say that non-co-operation is “not even anti-Government.”  But surely to refuse to have anything to do with the Government to the extent of not serving it and of not paying its taxes is actually, if not theoretically anti-Government; and such a course must ultimately make all Government impossible.  Again, you say, “It is the inherent right of a subject to refuse to assist a government that will not listen to him.”  Leaving aside the question of the ethical soundness of this proposition, may I ask which Government, in the present case?  Has not the Indian Government done all it possibly can in the matter?  Then if its attempts to voice the request of India should fail, would it be fair and just to do anything against it?  Would not the proper course be non-co-operation with the Supreme Council of the Allies, including Great Britain, if it be found that the latter has failed properly to support the demand of the Indian Government and people?  It seems to me that in all your writings and speeches you forget that in the present question both Government and people are as one, and if they fail to get what they justly want, how does the question of non-co-operation arise?  Hindus and Englishmen and the Government are all at present “shouldering in a full-hearted manner the burden that Muhomedans of India are carrying etc. etc.”  But supposing we fail of our object—­what then?  Are we all to refuse to co-operate and with whom?

Might I recommend the consideration of the following course of conduct?

(1) “Wait and see” what the actual terms of the Treaty with Turkey are?

(2) If they are not in accordance with the aspirations and recommendations of the Government and the people of India, the every legitimate effort should be made to have the terms revised.

(3) To the bitter end, co-operate with a Government that co-operates with us, and only when it refuses co-operation, go in for non-co-operation.

So far I personally see no reason whatsoever for non-co-operation with the Indian Government, and till it fails to voice the needs and demands of India as a whole there can be no reason.  The Indian Government does some times make mistakes, but in the Khilafat matter it is sound and therefore deserves or ought to have the sympathetic and whole-hearted co-operation of every one in India.  I hope that you will kindly consider the above and perhaps you will be able to find time for a reply in Young India.”