FROM MOTILAL NEHRU
[Extract from letter from MOTILAL NEHRU to JAWAHARLAL from Arrah, dated 27th February 1920.]
As for the
formulation of Gandhiji's political views, much as I respect him, I am not
prepared to accept them simply because they come from him. I have already
warned Das that we must be prepared for a big tussle. Gandhiji's going to Delhi
for a talk with Shastri, his constant association and general agreement with Malaviya
are no good omens for our party. Neither are they very good omens for Gandhiji
himself. There is such a thing as trusting too much to one's popularity. Mrs.
Besant is paying for it, and others have done the same. It
will be a great grief to me if Gandhiji follows suit. As
at present situated I have no right to quarrel with anybody for his political
views much less with persons of the eminence of Gandhiji and Malaviya but I
cannot shut my eyes to the manner in
which the country is shaping itself. Any attempt to compromise with the
authorities or the moderates is bound to result in disaster by whomsoever made.
This is my reading of the situation.