Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/517

 masses of the people as these do, even though they may hold views fundamentally different. At the same time it gives me pleasure to be able to say that the views of all parties were permitted to be freely expressed at the Committees of the Conference. For my part, I purposely refrained from stating my views at the Committee at which I had the honour of serving, or at the Confer- ence itself. I felt that I could best serve the objects of the Conference by simply tendering my support to the resolutions submitted to it, and this I have done without any reservation. I hope to translate the spoken word into action as early as the Government can see its way to accept my. offer, which I am submitting simultane- ously herewith in a separate letter.

I recognise that in the hour of its danger we must give, as we have decided to give ungrudging and un- equivocal support to the Empire of which we aspire in the near future to be partners in the same sense as the Dominions Overseas. But it is the simple truth that our response is due to the expectation that our goal will be reached all the more speedily. On that account, even as performance of duty automati cally confers a corres. ponding right, people are entitled to believe that the imminent reforms alluded to in your speech will embody the mam general principles of the Congress- League scheme, and I am sure that it is this faith which has enabled many members of the Confer- ence to tender to the Government their full-hearted co-operation. If I could make my countrymen re- trace their steps, I would make them withdraw all the Congress resolutions and not whisper " Home Rule ' : or " Responsible Government '* during the pendency of the War. I would make India offer

�� �