Q. Consider following statements:
- Round Table Conferences were held to discuss, among other things, the report of the Simon Commission.
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact was concluded so that Congress could participate in the Third Round Table Conference.
- Gandhi himself attended the Second Round Table Conference.
Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer:
Only 1 and 3
Notes: While the country was enthusiastically supporting the Civil Disobedience Movement, Simon Commission silently completed its mandate and produced a voluminous report even while facing opposition throughout its work.On the basis of this report and the report of the select committee of House of Commons, a white paper was presented in the House of Commons on the future constitutional progress of India. However, these items had to be discussed with the representative voices of the widest public opinion. Thus, the British government summoned the First Round Table Conference in London in 1930 CE to discuss the Simon Commission Report. But, the Congress boycotted the conference. So, statement 1 is correct. As the Congress decided not to participate in the first conference and launched a Civil Disobedience Movement instead, British found no meaningful outcome out of the conference impossible. So, Lord Irwin and Gandhiji negotiated a settlement in March 1931. The Government agreed to release those political prisoners who had remained non-violent.The Congress suspended the Civil Disobedience Movement and agreed to take part in the Second Round Table Conference. So, statement 2 is incorrect. After the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was approved by the Congress Party machinery, Gandhiji himself attended the Second Round Table Conference in London. He only attended the 2nd Round Table Conference. After weeks of futile discussions and disruptions, Gandhiji returned home empty handed. So, statement 3 is correct.