भारतीय इतिहास के ६ स्वर्णिम पृष्ठ (वीर सावरकर - विदेशी आक्रान्ताओं पर विजय गाथा)

higher posts in the jail through sheer double dealing and in general, this is the case. So, I think unless the public makes all these matters clear to the Indian Government in time and even now, even with the best of intentions on the part of the Secretary of State, little or nothing will come out of the promise that the Government has made. Do you know anything about this promise? Is it made public? If so, are the provincial Governments already approached and have they submitted their opinion? Has anyone attempted to get the time fixed or at any rate approximately but definitely indicated by the Government? I again submit that unless the public makes it quite clear and that not spasmodically but systematically that there is an unanimous, hearty and determined desire in the hearts of our countrymen to effect an Amnesty of the political prisoners before this opportunity of the peace celebration passes by, the Indian Government can neither be in a mood and even if in a mood, yet not in a position to do much in this direction. The promise, vague as it is, is made to feel the public pulse, and if the people do not before hand express their will and sympathy with this projected Amnesty, I for one could not find much cause to blame the Government for not having granted it. If the charge of 109, 302 is true against me, it is truer against all. And, if for that, I am not going to be released as a political prisoner, then there is no political prisoner in India at all! I simply indicate the line of argument knowing pretty well that you would fill it in much better way than I can do it here. Secondly ‘jail conduct.’ Well for the last five years, there had been no occasion of being cased even once. I am sure, the authorities here, would not have anything particular against me, on that score, to say. Thirdly, so far as my personal opinions are concerned, well I had been definitely and clearly stating them to all concerned—the Government itself not excepted. So early as 1915 and again in 1918, I had sent, and sent voluntarily a clear statement of my thoughts knowing full well that misunderstood, they were quite likely to deprive me of any chance of release. The statement sent to the Government is exactly like what I wrote to you in my letter last year and which had already been before the public eye. So, neither the public nor the Government can be in any way unacquainted with my opinions. I believe that as soon as the reforms are effected, and if they be soon effected and at least the Viceregal Councils are made to represent the voice of the people, then there would be no hesitation on my part—infinitestibly humble though it be—to make the beginning of