Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/681

 THE ALT BROTHERS' APOLOGY 59T

I therefore suggest to the writer and to those who may think like him, that the whole principle of Non-Co- operation has not only been given away as the writer contends, but its non-violent character has been com- pletely vindicated by the Brothers* apology, and the case therefore greatly strengthened.

What, however, is galling to the writer, is that whilst the Brothers have remained free, the lesser lights are in prison for having spoken less strongly than they.

That very fact shows the real character of Non- Co-operation. A Non-Co-opera f or may rot bargain for personal safety. It was open to mo to bargain for the liberty of the others. Jhcn I would ha\e given away the whole case for Non-Co-operation. I did not bargain even for the Brothers' liberty. I biated in the clearest possible terms, that no matter what the Government did, it would be my duty on meeting the Brothers \ff advise them to make the statement to save their honour.

We must ' play the game, 1 whether the Govern- ment rec'procate' or not. Indeed, I for one do not expect the Government to pay the game. It was, when I came to the conclusion that there was no honour about the Government, that I non co- operated. Lord Reading may wish, does wish to do right and justice. But he will not be permitted to, If the Government were honorable, they would have set free all the prisoners, as soon as they decided not to prosecute the Ah Brothers. If the Government were honorable, they would not have caught youths and put them in prison, whilst they left Pandit Motilal Nehru, the arch-offender, free. If the Government were honorable, they would not countenance bogus Leagues of Peace. If the Government were honourable, they

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