Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/754

 NON-CO-OPERATION

for ? That can be determined not by outsiders but by Indians themselves.

From that standpoint, I do consider the idea of the conference for devising a scheme of full Swaraj pre- mature. India has not yet incontestably proved her strength. Her suffering is great indeed, but nothing and not prolonged enough for the object in view. She has to go through greater discipline. I was punctili- ously careful not to make Non-Co-operators party to the conference resolutions, because we are still so weak. When India has evolved disciplined strength. I would knock myself at the Viceregal door for a conference, and I know that the Viceroy will gladly embrace the opportunity whether he be an eminent lawyer or a dis- tinguished militarist. I do not approach directly because I am conscious of our weakness. But being humble I make it clear through Moderate or other friends that I would miss not a single opportunity of having honest conferences or consultations. And sol have not hesitated to advise N on -Co-operators thankful- ly to meet the Independents and place our services at their disposal to make such use of them as they may deem fit. And if the Viceroy or a party desires a con- ference, it would be foolish for Non-Co-operators not to respond. The case of Non-Co-operators depends for success on cultivation of public opinion and public sup- port. They have no other force to back them. If they forfeit public opinion they have lost the voice of God for the time being.

For the manner of preparing the scheme too I have simply suggested what appears to me to be a most feasible method. The All-India Congress Com- mittee has not considered it nor has the Working

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