In India itself there is a peculiar opportunity of stimulating
the process of conciliation of which there has been much recent evidence. Mr. Gandhi's health being such as to preclude him from active political consultations at present, the truce to civil disobedience has been prolonged for another six weeks. All the signs are that India is tired of the campaign and would be glad to see it dropped. It is to be hoped that the Government will not presume too much on that. This is a case in which peace is more important than victory. There are obvious difficulties about an open compact under which the Government of India would release the political prisoners in return for the cessation of a civil disobedience campaign which is itself unlawful. A return to legality cannot be used as a bargaining-counter. But there are ways of making headway in such matters outside the bounds of strict formality. Mr. Gandhi, returning to activity after his fast, will enjoy great prestige, and if as seems certain, his sole concern now is to work for the UntouCh- ables along lines which are largely the Government's own the possibility of definite co-operation, or at any rate a definite understanding, between him and the Viceroy is opened up. A great responsibility rests on Both men.
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