§ 14. Mr. BERNAYSasked the Secretary of State for India what facilities are granted to Mr. Gandhi in order that he may keep himself informed of the political situation in India?
§ Sir S. HOAREMr. Gandhi is a State prisoner and must of course be subject to the prison regulations. He is, however, allowed to see without restriction those whose object it is to discuss with him the subject of Untouchability and, as the hon. Member will have seen in the Press, he is freely allowed to write letters for publication on that subject. As regards the general political situation, it may be assumed that Mr. Gandhi is fully acquainted with the present position. At the time of his fast, when exceptional facilities were granted, he was able to ascertain the views of his friends on the general situation. He has daily access to the newspapers. Any letters aimed at influencing him in the direction of abandoning civil disobedience would reach him. If he has changed his view in regard to civil disobedience, there is nothing to hinder him from bringing the fact to the notice of the Government.
§ Mr. BERNAYSAre we to understand that it is only on the problem of Untouchability that Gandhi is allowed interviews?
§ Sir S. HOAREIn view of what I have said, I am not satisfied that other interviews would lead to any useful result. In any case, I must make it clear that the Government adhere to the view expressed by me in the House of Commons on 29th April, when I said that there could not be any question of making a bargain with Congress.