845.00/1787: Telegram
Mr. William Phillips, Personal Representative of President Roosevelt in India, to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:15 p.m.]
130. The general impression in British and Government circles in Delhi today seems to be that while there may be some strikes and disturbances, there is no immediate danger resulting from Gandhi’s fast unless he should die, when serious trouble is expected (reference my 120, February 10).
A member of Viceroy’s Council expressed to me today his anxiety. Speaking entirely for himself, he hoped that British Government could be persuaded to set Gandhi completely free now rather than leave him in his present situation with freedom limited only to his fast.
I am reliably informed that the vote in the Council in favor of action taken by Government was 6 to 5. The minority, who desired Gandhi’s unconditional release, were all Indians and consisted of 2 Hindus, 1 Muslim, 1 Sikh and 1 Parsee. The majority consisted of 3 Englishmen, 2 Muslims and 1 Hindu.