Page:Fischer - A Week with Gandhi.pdf/115

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“So you intend to tell the British in advance when you will launch your movement?” I said.

“Yes,” he confirmed.

“You had better not tell them too far in advance,” I laughed.

“Is that a tip from you?” he laughed.

“No,” I said.

“They will know in good time,” he assured me.

“If you look at this in its historic perspective,” I said, you are doing a novel and remarkable thing—you are ordaining the end of an empire.”

“Even a child can do that,” he said. “I will appeal to the people’s instincts. I may arouse them.”

“Let us try,” I suggested, “to see the possible reaction throughout the world. Your very friends, China and Russia, may appeal to you not to launch this civil disobedience movement.”

“Let them appeal to me. I may be dissuaded. But if I can get appeals to them in time, I may convert them. If you have access to men in authority here, tell them this. You are a fine listener. No humbug about you. Discuss this with them and let them show me if there are any flaws in my proposal.”

“Have I your authority,” I asked, “to say this to the Viceroy?”

“Yes, you have my permission,” he said firmly. “Let him talk to me; I may be converted. I am a reasonable man. I would not like to take any step that would harm China.”