Manifesto of Indian National Congress (London Branch) 1931
THE BASIS OF THE SECOND R.T.C. (Round Table Conference) will become clear when we analyse a speech of the Ex-Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin partner to the Gandhi-Irwin pact, who, speaking on the 22nd of July in the Wesleyan Hall, Westminster, under the Chairmanship of his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, assured this audience numbering several thousand, on the following points:
1. That although India could not be kept by force, the indirect control and safegaurding of British interest in India would increase.
2. That British would not lose India.
3. That Mr. Gandhi had definitely given him to understand that he would not press the question of Independence and severence of British connection at the R.T.C. (Round Table).
This is the fundamental basis of the second R.T.C. and it will explain in an illuminating manner that British Imperialist policy towards India does not intend to change in the least its nature but only its tactics, changing the old mask for a new one to suit the altered circumstance, arisen out of a revolutionary situation which must be dissipated and diverted. This will also explain the various stage by which Gandhi and Indian National Congress have departed from their pledge given at Lahore to fight for "Complete Independence" as the "Immediate Goal" to end up by equal partnership with in the Empire.
