How they treat political prisoners

THE following extract from a letter received by Sarat Chandra Bose from his brother Subhas Chandra Bose is doing the rounds of the Press: “You have asked me to write about the arrangements that have been made here (in prison). I dare not do so, as I am sure that my letter will be withheld in that case. You may feel surprised, but some of my letters were withheld because I referred therein to the arrangements that had been made for my journey from Berhampore to Mandalay on the ground that my letter contained criticism on the action of the Government. I have not so far received a single book at the Government’s cost. The Government will not pay me any allowance for maintaining my establishment. I find that climate of this place to be enervating. I do not feel any inclination for work of any kind. I have not yet got rid of indigestion. It may be due to Burma rice. We have, therefore, ordered for rice from Calcutta, and I hope that will improve matters. If I do not get acclimatised to the place, I shall apply to the Government for a transfer to Bengal. I intend to try this place sometime more before I send an application.” We can think of nothing more regrettable than this treatment of a man in the position of Subhas Chandra Bose. He is a political prisoner in the strict sense of the term, who has besides never been placed on trial and it is, in our opinion, obligatory upon the Government to maintain him according to his position in life. To treat such a man in such a way is the height of injustice and the height of absurdity.