Rajkot, Mar. 3.
Mr. M. K. Gandhi began a fast at 630 (G.M.T) this morning. He told Reuter yesterday that unless he received a satisfactory reply to the ultimatum which he had sent to the Ruler of Rajkot, giving him 24-hours to reply to proposals for en amicable settlement of the situation arising from Hindu-Moslem riots, he would definitely begin an "indefinite fast."
Mr. Gandhi's fast, which may only be terminated by his winning his point or death, was undertaken on the basis of his claim that the promise of introduction of reforms in the State was not kept. Still in a jovial mood, Mr. Gandhi had his last meal an hour before the zero hour. The food consisted mostly of vegetables and a cup of goat's milk.
He had written to his wife, who is at present in prison in Rajkot in connection with civil disobedience, informing her of his fast, Ninety minutes after the fast was begun, Hhe Ruler of Rajkot's letter arrived, expressing his inability to agree to Mr. Gandhi's proposals and giving the reasons for this decision.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.