The Pittsburgh Press (June 23, 1942)
New non-violence move looms –
Gandhi holds India’s fate in hand as decision nears
By A. T. Steele
New Delhi, India, June 23 –
India is waiting expectantly while a little brown man in white loincloth strives to make up his mind on what may prove the most important decision of his career.
One after another, like pilgrims, to Mecca, the most important figures in the Indian National Congress are journeying to the headquarters of Mohandas K. Gandhi at Wardha, to collect his views on Indian politics and to present theirs. The issue: Whether the All-Indian National Congress, despite the presence of the Jap Army on India’s doorstep, should sponsor a new non-violent national movement to impress its demands for Indian independence.
Gandhi is reported to favor such a movement, though undecided as to what form it should take. He has had several meetings with Jawaharlal Nehru, followed by conversations with C. Rajagopalachari, an old and influential friend who was expected to do his best to dissuade Gandhi against taking any steps which could impede the defense of India against the Japs.
This week, Gandhi confers with Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Sardar Patel, other Congress leaders, as the final preliminary to a meeting of the Congress Working Committee early in July when a decision may be reached.
Customarily, Gandhi dominates the Congress behind the scenes, though he is encountering more opposition on the present issue than in previous ones.