"MODERN INDIA"
[Tote Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—My attention has been drawn to Lord Meston's review of my book, Modern India, in the Spectator of April 9th, and I shall esteem it a favour if you will permit me briefly to reply to the two questions put by your reviewer. The first is " should we be justified in throwing India on her own resources, and leaving her to the fate of China ? " Indian Nationalists of every political party, moderates and extremists, answer Yes." Gandhi has no fear of a civil war, of a war of the Roses, of Cavaliers and Roundheads, when India is ruled by Indians, free from the emasculating " influence of British Imperialism. Lord Meston's second question, and if not, how can we best train and help India to acquire the essentials of nationhood and self-control ? " is answered by Indian Nationalists, who maintain that India has already acquirru,
the essentials of nationhood and self-control. India's self- control was well exhibited in helping Great Britain in the Great War instead of fighting for her own freedom, as Germany expected her to do.
When Lord Meston characterizes my contention that liberty alone fits for liberty, and responsible government for self-government as " stale dogmatism," may I ask him what the millions of men fought and died for in the Great War, if it was not for the inalienable right of all nations and all peoples to govern themselves P—I am, Sir, &c.,
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