APPENDIX—IV
GANDHI-VALLABHBHAl MEETING ON EVE OF POONA-PACT
On September 6,1932 in Yervada Jail the discussion proceeded on these lines :
“ Vallabhbhai Patel : What do you think will these people (British Government) do ?
Gandhiji : I still feel that they will release me on or before 19th. It will be the limit of wickedness if they let me fast, let no one know about it and then say that I did what I as a prisoner ought not to have done, and that they could do nothing about it. I do not say that they cannot go that far, only then they will find it necessary. And they certainly are not the people to go farther than it is necessary.
V. Patel : Then what will you do ?
Gandhiji : The fast cannot commence on 20th. We cannot stick to the 20th.”
V. Patel : Does it mean then that we have got time till the new Constitution is drawn up ? or that you can give a longer notice to the people and the Government ?
Gandhiji : Yes, but that depends on how much the people will allow me to do after I get out. I cannot tell what the situation will be. I may have no idea of the kind of letter I may have to write. But I shall have to consider every party— the Hindu Society, the Antyajas, the Government, the Muslims. It will be necessary for the Hindus to hold meetings along with the Antyajas at every place and reject this thing. The