on of rigid rules before the event or by over-censorious
criticism when the crisis is past. A situation which is essentially
military must be dealt with in the light of military considerations
which postulate breadth of view and due appreciation of all the
possible contingencies. There are certain standards of conduct
which no civilised Government can with impunity neglect and which
His Majesty's Government are determined to uphold.... That
Brigadier-General Dyer displayed honesty of purpose and unflinching
adherence to his conception of his duty cannot for a moment be
questioned. But his conception of his duty in the circumstances in
which he was placed was so fundamentally at variance with that
which His Majesty's Government have a right to expect from and a
duty to enforce upon officers who hold His Majesty's commission
that it is impossible to regard him as fitted to remain entrusted
with the responsibilities which his rank and position impose upon
him. You have reported to me that the Commander-in-Chief has
directed Brigadier-General Dyer to resign his appointment as
Brigade Commander, and has informed him that he would receive no
further employment in India and that you have concurred. I approve
the decision and the circumstances of the case have been referred
to the Army Council.

With regard to the administration of martial law the despatch considers
it

impossible to avoid the conclusion that the majority of Lord
Hunter's Committee have failed to express themselves in terms
which, unfortunately, the facts not only justify, but necessitate.
In paragraphs 16 to 25 of chapter xii. of their report the majority
have dealt with the "intensive" form generally which martial law
assumed and with certain specific instances of undue severity and
of improper punishments or orders. It is unnecessary to
recapitulate the instances which the Committee have enumerated in
detail in both their reports, nor would any useful purpose be
served by attempting to assess, with a view to penalties, the
culpability of individual officers who were responsible for these
orders, but whose conduct in other respects may have been free from
blame or actually commendable. But His Majesty's Government must
express strong disapproval of these orders and punishments and ask