WHAT CONGRESS AND GANDHI HAVE DONE TO THE UNTOUCHABLES : APPENDIX X 343
other friends, they should lose those who are their real friends. The proposals show a sudden volte face on the part of His Majesty’s Government. The putting forth of those proposals which were denounced by them as an invasion of minorities’ rights is an indication of their complete surrender of right to win might. This is Munich Mentality the essence of which is to save oneself by sacrificing others and it is this mentality which is writ large on those proposals. My advice to the British Government is that they should withdraw these proposals. If they cannot fight for right and justice and their plighted word they should better make peace. They can thereby at least save their honour.
A PPENDIX X
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN LORD WAVELL AND MR. GANDHI, 1944
1. Letter from Mr. Gandhi to Viceroy on July 15th, 1944.
“D EAR F RIEND, You have no doubt seen the authentic copies, now published in the Indian Press, of the statements given by me to Mr. Gelder of the News Chronicle. As I have said to the Press, they were meant primarily to be shown to you. But Mr. Gelder, no doubt with the best of motives, gave the interview premature publicity. I am sorry. The publication will nevertheless be a blessing in disguise, if the interview enables you to grant at least one of my requests contained in my letter of June 17,
I am yours, etc.,
(Sd.) M. K. G ANDHI .”
2. Viceroy’s reply to Mr. Gandhi, dated 22nd July 1944.
“D EAR M R . G ANDHI, Thank you for your letter of July 15. I have seen the statements you have made to Mr. Gelder, and your subsequent explanation of them. I do not think I can usefully comment at present, except to repeat what I have said in my last letter that if you will submit to me a definite and constructive policy, I shall be glad to consider it.
Yours sincerely, (Sd.) W AVELL .”