M. K. GANDHI 59 Reading. The letter was in effect an ultimatum threaten- ing with the inauguration of offensive civil disobedience in Bardoli. The efforts of the Conference thus came to nothing as neither Mr. Gandhi nor the Viceroy would give up any one of their points. Compromise was im- possible. And the Government of India in a commzmique published on the (Sth February in reply to Mr. Gandhi’s letter, repudiated his assertions and urged that the issue before the country was no longer between this or that pro- gramme of political advance, but between lawlessness with all its consequences on the one hand and the maintenance of those principles which he at the root of all civilised governments. Mr. Gandhi in a further rejoinder issued on the very next day pointed out that the only choice before the people was mass civil disobedience with all its undoubted dangers and lawless repression of the lawful activities of the people. THE CHAUM ULIAURA Tnaoemt While Mr. Gandhi was about to inaugurate mass civil disobedience in Bardoli, there occurred a terrible tragedy at Chauri Chaura on the 14th February when an infuriated mob, including some volunteers also, attacked the thann, burnt down the building and beat to death not less than twenty-two policemen. Some constables and chaukedars were literally burnt to death and the whole place was under mobocracy. Mr. Gandhi took this occurrence as a third warning from God to suspend civil disobedience, and the Bardoli programme was accordingly given up, On the llth the Worilcing Committee met at Bardoli and resolved to suspend allotlensive action including even picketing and processions. The country was to confine itself to the constructive programme of Khaddar manu- facture. The Working Committee advised the stoppage of all activities designed to court imprisonment. T he suspension of mass civil disobedience in Bardoli, which was recommended by the VVorking Com- mittee at tho instance of Mr. Gandhi, was resented by some of his colleagues and followers. In reply to corre·
