GANDHI MAHATMA: (1869-1948) Indian Political and Spiritual Leader during the Indian Independence Movement.. An excellent A.L.S., M.K.Gandhi, one page, 8vo, New Delhi, 18th October 1946, to Lord Pethick-Lawrence, ('Dear Friend') in English. Gandhi thanks his correspondent for their birthday wishes, writing, in full, `It was good of you to send me your wishes for my birthday which is synonymous with the rebirth of the Spinning wheel in 1918.´ Some very light age wear, and with a very small tear to the right edge, otherwise VG Frederick Pethick-Lawrence (1871-1961) 1st Baron Pethick-Lawrence British Labour Politician who campaigned for women's suffrage. Secretary of State for India and Burma 1945-47 and as such involved in the negotiations which led to India's independence in 1947. Gandhi's reference to the spinning wheel in the present letter is symbolic for he had encouraged Indian men and women, rich or poor, to spend some time each day spinning khadi with spinning wheels (or charkha) in support of the independence movement. Indeed, Gandhi spent the day of independence not celebrating the end of the British rule but appealing for peace among his countrymen by fasting and spinning in Calcutta on 15th August 1947.