Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/199

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FAREWELL TO ENGLAND
109

dom as could be approached during the thirty-eight hours that the organisers gave themselves. The response has been generous and prompt, in the opinion of the under-signed representatives of His Majesty's subjects from the Indian Empire at present residing in the different parts of the United Kingdom.

On behalf of ourselves and those whose names appear on the list appended hereto, we beg to offer our services to the authorities. We venture to trust that the Right Hon'ble the Marquess of Crewe will approve of our offer and secure its acceptance by the proper authority. We would respectfully emphasise the fact that the one dominant idea guiding us is that of rendering such humble assistance as we may be considered capable of performing, as an earnest of our desire to share the responsibilities of membership of this great Empire if we would share its privileges.


FAREWELL TO ENGLAND

When England joined the war Mr. Gandhi organised the Indian Field Ambulance Corps with the help of leading Indians in England, notably H. H. the Aga Khan. Soon after Mr. Gandhi fell ill and he was nursed back to health by the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. Mr. and Mrs. Gandhi were again entertained at a Farewell Reception at the Westminster Palace Hotel, prior to their departure for India. Among those who took part in the function were Sir Henry Cotton, Mr. Charles Roberts, Sir K. G. Gupta. A letter of apology was read from Sir William Wedderburn. Mr. Gandhi said in the course of his reply:—

His wife and himself were returning to the motherland with their work unaccomplished and with broken