Page:Fischer - A Week with Gandhi.pdf/116



“Or America?” I suggested.

“If America were hurt, it would hurt every body,” he said.

“Would you wish President Roosevelt to be in formed about your attitude?”

“Yes,” he said. “I do not wish to appeal to anybody. But I would want Mr. Roosevelt to know my plans, my views, and my readiness to compromise. Tell your President I wish to be dissuaded.”

“Do you expect drastic action when you launch the movement?” I asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “I expect it any day. I am ready. I know I may be arrested. I am ready.”

Mahadev Desai, Gandhi’s secretary, came to see me this afternoon and brought me a copy of Gandhi’s autobiography. He said Gandhi had talked to him about what I might do after my departure, and he and Gandhi had agreed that I could convey to Roosevelt and to the Viceroy any part of my conversations with Gandhi. Desai declared that Gandhi wished to discuss the situation with the Viceroy.

At dinner today Gandhi said two things would happen when I was gone: “Kurshed Ben will miss you because she will have nobody to take care of, and I will miss you during the hour which has been reserved for you every afternoon.” I told Gandhi that I should have liked to stay for a long