ABSTRACT
"The firm hand", writes the Daily Mail, "is the most effective argument, and the one quickest understood in the East". The promulgation of the Ordinances, which have been extended to all parts of India, has given officials almost unlimited powers over the public. The circumstances of the arrests have lowered Britain's reputation for justice, fair play, or common decency. Congress leaders are vilified and their aims misrepresented; information is suppressed. The influence of some European business men is too clear in the actions of Government, shortsighted though the policy seem to be in the interests of the British as a nation. It is extremely unfortunate that the measures against terrorism were not taken as a result of conference between Government and representatives of the public. "It is preposterous to suggest", says Mahatma Gandhi, "that British Government would be abdicating its function if it withdraws from India. The only function that it is fulfilling to-day is of exploiting India".
