THE STUBBORN GERMAN

In 1934, Agatha Harrison, one of Gandhi's English associates, was touring Orissa with Gandhi. She relates: "Another incident occurred during the tour which I record as being typical of Gandhiji's sense of justice and fair play. Attached to our party was a hefty young German about 18 years old. Gandhiji had given him permission to join him, as he does everyone who is eager to learn more about his way of life. The young man acted as a volunteer and made himself generally useful. It was known to all of us that Gandhiji had taken a self-imposed vow to make no political speeches during the tour, — and naturally that none of the party would. At one place in Orissa we stopped for several days, and while there, (unknown to the rest) the young German addressed a large gathering of, students. Had he spoken about what was going on in his country, here might have been no trouble. Instead, he chose to deliver himself on the inequities of British rule in India, and cited tales of repression he had heard. The next day came a letter from the British Official in the District warning him, that if he took part in further meetings, he must leave the province. Delighted with this further proof of British Imperialism, the young man showed his letter to Gandhiji. Rarely have I seen the Mahatma more angry. He turned on the lad and said: "You have offended, you know of the vow I have taken; yet you, one of my party, have done this thing!" Gandhi told him, he must write and apologize to the British official, and he wanted to see the letter before it was sent. Unrepentant, and rather bombastic, the culprit argued that he, not Gandhiji, had spoken at the meeting, and besides, all that he had said was true. Quickly Gandhiji replied that this might be so, but now could the official view it otherwise than a breach of trust on his, (Gandhiji's) part? And if he felt he could not write a contrite letter of apology, then he must leave his party at once. And he handed him a letter that he felt met the case. It was a typical Gandhi letter, and the stubborn young German rebelled at putting him name to it. Gandhiji then turned him and the draft letter over to me; and after many hours he agreed to the substance of Gandhiji's draft. This was taken by hand to the British official, and a sobered young German remained with us. Gandhiji's treatment of this incident made a deep impression on him."
Source: Recounted by Agatha Harrison - Chandra Shanker Shukla incidents...
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