Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/807

 India becomes non-violent in intent, word and deed, even the hearts of Mr. Montagu and Lord Reading will be changed. As it is, marvellous though our progress' has been in non-violent action, our hearts and our speech have not become non-violent. Mr. Montagu and Lord Reading do not believe in the sincerity cf our profession nor in the possibility of sincere workers succeeding in creating a truly non-violent atmosphere. What is there- fore required is more and yet more non-violence " in intent, word and deed."

As lor the people, I have little doubt that they wilF survive the purifying shock. I regard the present depres- sion as a prelude to steady progress. But should it prove otherwise, the truth of the Bardoii decision cannot be denied. It stands independent of public approval. God is, even though the whole world deny Him. Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self-sustained.

I should be sorry, indeed, if responsible Mussalmans will not see the obvious corollaries of non-violence. In my opinion the fight is as religious with Hindus as with Mussalmans, I agree that ours is a spiritual 'Jehad/ But a 'Jehad, has, like all other wars, its strict restric- tions and limitations. The Hindus and Mussalmans sail in the same boat. The dissatisfaction is common to both and it is open to both to dissolve partnership with each other. Either or both may also depose me from generalship. It is purely a partnership at will. Finally I assure the correspondent that when I find that I cannot carry conviction home to the people", I shall withdraw from the command myself. '

I invite the reader to study the leading article of the week on non-violence. The article became fairly

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