SPEECH AT THE A.I.C.C. 371

andjthe Viceroy to be able to tell the world that they have
given the leaders of the Indian people liberty to preach to
their people what they like. The British can then say to the
world: "Judge us by our conduct. Here in India we are
playing the game."

I do not mind the British not responding to the Delhi
resolution. They may say, "At the present moment you can-
not interfere with the management of affairs as they stand-
Deliverance will come to you in its own time. At this criti-
cal juncture do not worry us." I will understand that argu-
ment. I will sympathize with it. I will hold my hand so long
as there is no fraud or falsity in what they say. It is impossible
for them to give us freedom. If freedom has got to come, it
must be obtained by our own internal strength, by our clos-
ing our ranks, by unity between all sections of the commu-
nity. It cannot descend from heaven, nor can it be given
as a gift from one nation to another. I do not know whe-
ther I am representing the feelings of the members of the
Working Committee, because I have not discussed these
things with them. But you have to take me with all my limi-
tations, with the workings of my mind.

The Viceroy may say, "You are a visionary." I may
fail in my mission, but we will not quarrel. If he says he is
helpless, I will not feel helpless. I will make good my posi-
tion. I cannot sit still when I see Ram Manohar Lohia
and Jaiprakash Narain in jail, than whom I do not know
braver or straighter men. They have not preached violence*
but simply carried out the behests of the Ramgarh resolu-
tion. It was a point of honour with them.

I have restrained myself, and will restrain myself. I
will not seek imprisonment. I do not want to offer civil dis-
obedience. I will not place myself in peril. In this battle
I will not expose myself to imprisonment. But if the Govern-
ment chooses, it will not be difficult to take me away. I will
not be able to seal my lips or restrain my pen. It will be
difficult for them to keep me in prison, not because India
will rise in rebellion- India will be wrong, if it does so. My
own instinct is that they will not be able to keep me in jail.

I will place my argument before the Viceroy. I may
fail in my mission. But I have never approached a mission