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