M. S. ANEY’S STATEMENT DISCONTINUING MASS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09415777229, 094055338

E-mail- [e-mail];[e-mail]

 

 

M. S. ANEY’S STATEMENT DISCONTINUING MASS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

 

 

 M.S. Aney’s statement discontinuing mass civil disobedience is here. It is given at July 22, 1933.  Having considered very carefully the recommendations of the informal conference recently held at Poona and the discussions among Congressmen in the Conference and outside, and the advice tendered by Mr. Gandhi, I have come to the conclusion that the country’s best interest will be served by the following instructions being carried out: Firstly, the civil disobedience campaign should not be unconditionally withdrawn in the existing circumstances.. Secondly, mass civil disobedience, including no-tax and no-rent campaign, should be discontinued for the time being; the rights of individuals who may be ready for every suffering, and are prepared at their own responsibilities to continue civil disobedience being reserved. Thirdly, all those able and willing to offer individual civil disobedience on their own responsibilities without expectation of any help from the Congress organization are expected to do so. Fourthly, secret methods followed hitherto should be abandoned. Fifthly, all Congress organizations, including the All-India Congress Committee office, should cease to exist for the time being, provided however that wherever possible dictators in the provinces and all-India dictators should continue. Sixthly, all the Congressmen unable for any reason whatsoever to offer civil disobedience are expected to carry on individually or corporately such constructive activities of the Congress for which they are fitted. I regret it has not been possible to call off the movement, and it has become necessary for me to issue these instructions. I share with many others, Congressmen or others, the disappointment that Mahatma Gandhi’s very simple request, unaccompanied by any condition, for an interview with the Viceroy in order to explore peace possibilities, was summarily rejected. His Excellency has very wrongly allowed himself to be influenced by unauthorized reports of confidential proceedings of the informal conference which for the sake of furthering peace efforts were purposely held back from publication. His Excellency should know that at the conference overwhelming opinion favoured seeking such an interview for honourable peace. I hold it impossible for any Congress organization or its representative to accept the terms peremptorily laid down by His Excellency as a condition precedent to peace conversation. I hope the nation will compel revision of this attitude by developing requisite strength, whatever the cost be. Despite the instructions, suspension of the campaign till the end of this month stands.