Jinnah of Pakistan

1940

<< 1939	1941 >>
1940, Jan 1	Challenged Gandhian theory of Indian nationalism, in a letter to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, from Bombay.
Jan 6	Sent a telegraphic message to Liaquat Ali Khan.
Jan 7	Released Mohammad Ali Jinnah - Jawaharlal Nehru correspondence from Bombay. Reaffirmed All India Muslim League claim of being the sole Representative of Muslims, which Jawaharlal Nehru had refused to accept. In a rejoinder to Jawaharlal Nehru from Bombay on his accusation that Mohammad Ali Jinnah had been supporting the British Government's continued stay in India, published his correspondence with Jawaharlal Nehru to enable the public to form opinion on factual reasons for Jawaharlal Nehru's refusal to continue parleys with him for settlement. Commenting on Jawaharlal Nehru's statement, appeared in a press report from Punjab, that "it was impossible for me [Jawaharlal Nehru] to resume conversations with J personally", stated, that Jawaharlal Nehru's attack on him was "unworthy of any responsible leader" and that it was not only unwarranted but mean.
Jan 11	Wrote to Khaliquzzaman regarding funds for relief victims of calamity in Anatolia.
Jan 13	Unveiled the portrait of Maulana Shaukat Ali, at Anglo-Arabic College, Delhi; paying rich tributes to the late Maulana, said that "in him I had a loyal colleague since April 1936"; exhorted the people: "Britain wants to rule over India, Mr. Gandhi to rule over Muslim India. We are modest people and say that we won't allow either of them to rule over us, combined or separately".
Jan 16	Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi addressed him as "Quaid-e-Azam" in his letter.
Jan 19	Published an article in Time and Tide (London) on the constitutional problem in India, arguing that Western parliamentary system was against Muslim interests.
Jan 21	Thanked Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi for his letter (January 16) and the advance copy of his article sent to Harijan. Said, he [Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi] was not following practical politics, rather was being guided by his "Inner Voice". Referring to his remarks about Day of Deliverance said that was partly a case of adversity bringing strange bedfellows together. Advised him to play his legitimate role and abandon his chase after a mirage because his doctrines of Khaddar, ahimsa and spinning would not win freedom for India. Said, he was least concerned by use of prefix with his name, "after all a rose called by any other name smelled just as sweet."
Jan 23	Said that Congress attitude towards amended Independence Day pledge was deceptive, in a statement from Rajkot.
Jan 25	Advised Muslim to equip themselves with a press and to fight opposition with full determination, in reply to welcome address by Junagadh Jamiat. Wrote letter to Jawaharlal Nehru.
Jan 26	Issued a rejoinder to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on his interview to the Representative in an American newspaper claiming that Congress was the only party in India.
Jan 28	Issued a statement from Ahmedabad denying assertions of Sir Hawk Neil, Deputy Minister of India regarding the appointment of Royal Commission to investigate atrocities on Congress governed Province.
Feb 2	Said in New Delhi that GOI Act should go "lock, stock and barrel" and that whole constitutional problem be considered afresh.
Feb 3	Presided over All India Muslim League Working Committee's meeting at Delhi, to deliberate on exchange of letters between him and the Viceroy during 1939. Said the Viceroy should allay doubts of the Muslims as demanded by All India Muslim League Working Committee's Resolution passed on September 18 and October 22 1939.
Feb 6	Saw Viceroy who informed him of the failure of his discussion with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and urged him to adopt a more constructive policy, making counter proposals of a positive kind. Sent to Lord Linlithgow a copy of All India Muslim League Working Committee's Resolution on Jinnah - Linlithgow correspondence.
Feb 7	Addressing at a home gathering at New Delhi, said Muslims were not inimical to any other race. They wanted to live in India as a respected nation.
Feb 8	Participated in assembly debate on Resolution regarding Guiding Principles in respect of Catering Contracts on Indian Railways moved by Dr. Sir Ziauddin Ahmad on behalf of Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto.
Feb 9	Participated in Assembly deliberations on Excess Profits Tax Bill moved by Babu Baijuath Bajoria. When Sir Zafrullah Khan, on behalf of Government desired that, "discussion on this Bill should end by tomorrow", he said, "Is this House entirely at the mercy of the Government that they should lay down the time table that we should not have full discussion on a Bill of this importance?" Spoke on autonomy of the House.
Feb 12	Spoke on excess Profits Tax Bill, in Assembly, and declared, "we will accept no report, which does not meet with our approval"; voted for motion to refer the Bill to Select committee which was adopted by 65 to 7 votes.
Feb 19	Replied to Azad's letter.
Feb 23	Sent letter to Linlithgow conveying All India Muslim League stand on Act of 1935, Palestine issue and use of Indian forces in War; warned that Indian troops should not be used "against any Muslim Power or country".
Feb 24	In a letter to Viceroy informed him that he had placed the whole correspondence exchanged with him (Viceroy) upto December 23, 1939, before the All India Muslim League Working Committee in its meeting held on February 3, who after careful consideration observed that HMO's clarification did not exclude the examination of any part either of the Act of 1935 or the policy and plan on which it was based if it lacked assurance that no constitution would be enforced on Muslim unilaterally; felt pleased with His Majesty's Government's endeavor to meet all reasonable Arab demands but requested a definite solution of the issue at the earliest.
Feb 25	Presided over the All India Muslim League Council meeting at Delhi. Council decided to affiliate Assam and Orissa Provincial Muslim League and empowered the Sub-Committee to decide the question of affiliation of the Punjab Provincial Muslim League before March 15. Criticized Lord Linlithgow's January 10 speech at Bombay regarding the success of the Provincial autonomy scheme. Also criticized Under-Secretary's statement for not accepting All India Muslim League proposal to appoint a Royal Committee to inquire into the Congress atrocities in Congress-governed Province. Requested Government to reconsider her forward policy regarding border tribes, and their intention to annex Waziristan. Elected President for the ensign All India Muslim League session at Lahore. Addressing All India Muslim League Council meeting, informed Member that Viceroy had agreed to the Muslim League demand to revise afresh the Act of 1935 in the light of the working of the Act during 1937-39.
Mar 3	Wrote Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru.
Mar 6	In his address to the All India Congress Committee, they stated that while dealing with students at national politics should particularly deal with three questions, whether the Muslim were a minority or a nation, the question of Hindu -Muslim settlement and the proposal of the Constitute Assembly.
Mar 8	Addressing a mammoth Muslim public meeting at Aligarh, exhorted his audience not to fear from anybody and should have complete faith in God and on their own prowess.
Mar 17	Wrote Letter to Jawaharlal Nehru.
Mar 20	Appealed earnestly to Khaksars to keep peace and not precipitate matters by defying law and order, requested them to carry out Allama Mashriqi's instructions published in the presidents, said. "At this critical moment the prestige and honor of the All India Muslim League is in the hands of Muslims of the Punjab". Expressed his heartfelt sorrow over the loss of lives in the clash between Khaksars and police in Lahore.
Mar 21	Visited Khaksars injured in a police Khaksar clash in Lahore on March 19, in hospital.
Mar 22-24	Presided over All India Muslim League Lahore session at which the famous "Pakistan Resolution." was adopted as Muslim India's goal. Called upon Muslim to build up self-reliance, spoke on future constitutional issues, Hindu-Muslim situation, and on feasibility of autonomous national states. Said: "It is a dream that the Hindu and Muslim can ever evolve a common nationality.... The Hindus and the Muslims belong to two different religious philosophies, social customs, and literature." A poem entitled "Millat ka Pasban"; composed by Mian Bashir Ahmad, Editor, Humayun, and secretary Reception Committee was recited at the opening session. Session concluded amid slogans of "Muslim League Zindabad ", and "Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad".
Mar 25	In reply to an address of welcome presented to him by the students of Islamia College for Women, Noman Kot, Lahore, said there were two powers, i.e., pen and sword. But above them, there was a third power called woman. Said the young girls were more fortunate than their mothers were because they were being given independence. Attended Muslim League Women Workers' dinner at Lahore. Declared that he stood for honorable settlement between Hindu and Muslim and other minorities, and that no single organization could represent India.
Mar 31	Explaining implications of partition of India appealed to Hindu and Sikhs to consider it seriously.
Apr 8	Wrote a letter to Viceroy.
Apr 11	Commenting on the discourses of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, appearing in Harijan, expressed his astonishment at the contradiction of his views regarding two nations in India. Explained that Indian Muslim had no interest in Hindu culture and religion which he (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) was preaching. Also criticized Raja Gopal Achariar's speech of April 7 in which he did not accept two nations in India. Said, that Mohammad Ali Jinnah respected Hindu beliefs and feelings as a community but nothing would satisfy Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, because he was confined to his own inner voice. Said, that the Lahore Resolution (Pakistan Resolution) had truly and definitely represented and reflected the firm opinion of Muslim India which would be proved on April 19 in the same way as the "Deliverance Day" demonstrated the true feelings of Muslims.
Apr 12	Wrote a letter to Jawaharlal Nehru.
Apr 14	Advised the Muslim to celebrate "Day of Declaration" on April 19 to explain and confirm "Lahore Resolution."
Apr 19	Viceroy assured him in a letter that His Majesty's Government would not ignore 80 million Muslims while negotiating with other parties in India, it was keeping good terms with Muslim powers but could not ignore his suggestion in the event of a contingency. Advised S. M. Zauqi to hold public meeting after the lifting of Section 144 on April 21 in Ajmer.
May 1	Appointed 21 Members of All India Muslim League Working Committee.
May 9	Sympathized with Khaksar leaders imprisoned after clash with police on March 19, in a statement to press.
May 18	Disapproved Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's proposal for Indians and Englishmen Conference in an interview at Bombay. Wrote to Linlithgow on All India Muslim League policy.
May 19	Issued a statement on Khaksar organization that it was entirely independent of the All India Muslim League and it had no connection with it. "The Muslim League can not do anything in the matter as we have no control of the organization, nor have we got any authority or power to speak on their behalf and come to a settlement which would be implemented or fully carried out and adhered to".
May 24	In an interview to the Representative of Times of India, at Matheran said, "Muslim League was not responsible for any impasse. Condemned the Congress policy of working for a fifth columnist amongst the Muslim; Quipped as to why Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was not making the Hindu-Muslim settlement instead of waiting for unforeseen opportunity.
May 26-27	Sent message to Bombay President Muslim League Conference at Hubli.
May 27	Issued statement to the press saying, "Up to the present moment we have not created any difficulty nor have Working Committee embarrassed the His Majesty's Government in the prosecution of the war.... It is up to the His Majesty's Government to show trust in Muslim leadership. There are many ways of doing so and, as confident friends seek our whole hearted cooperation. Explained in a statement from Matheran, Muslim League cooperation with Government in prosecution of war especially in Province where Muslim League had dominant voice.
May 29	Wrote to Lord Lothian, about propaganda campaign launched by Indian National Congress in America, which reflected adversely on the case of Muslim India. Requested him to suggest names of some Muslims, "who would be competent enough to set up a capable agency on behalf of the Muslims".
May 30	Reassured the Nizam of Hyderabad in a letter, that the ALL India Muslim League would stand by Hyderabad (Deccan), and his dynasty whole heartedly as and when warranted by time or events, thanked him for his confidential note, and the confidence reposed in him and the Muslim League.
May - Jul	Corresponded with Lord Linlithgow on the Association of Indians with Viceroy's War Council, and on Palestine.
Jun	During his last conversation with Subhas Chandra Bose, convinced him that "he was out for the partition of India".
Jun 15	Sir Sikandar Hayat and Khwaja Nazimuddin met him in Bombay.
Jun 16	Authorized by Muslim League, in Bombay, to urge Viceroy to mobilize India's all resources in War to defend the country.
Jun 28	Sympathizing with Khaksars requested them to follow his advice.
Jul 1	Wrote to Laithwaite on their discussion on latest political developments including Lahore Resolution.
Jul 7	In a statement he said that "National Ministry" was meaningless and that it would only mean "Hindu Rule".
Jul 8	Pointed out, in an interview at Bombay, that Bengal and Punjab Premiers' meeting was un-authoritative.
Jul 9	Characterized Congress Working Committee Resolution regarding establishment of national Government as permanent Hindus majority rule, in a press interview at Bombay. Reiterated demand for partition of India on two-nation theory basis.
Jul	Replying to Azad's letters refused to talk or correspond with him as he considered Azad neither Representative of Hindus nor of Muslims.
Jul 11	Presided over All India Muslim League Working Committee's meeting which discussed Lord Amery's statement and Viceroy's July 6 declaration.
Jul 12	In an interview to news represents at Bombay advised Muslims to abstain from joining the War Committees till such time Mohammad Ali Jinnah was engaged in parleys with the Viceroy. In a telegram Azad asked him to clarify his July 9 statement, said that the Congress Delhi Resolution definitely meant by a National Government a composite Cabinet not limited to any single party; but that it was the position of the Muslim League that she could not agree to any province arrangement not based on the two-nation scheme.
Jul 16	Wrote to the Viceroy about the Khaksar situation in the Punjab, and his endeavors to work out a reasonable solution.
Jul 17	Wrote to Lord Linlithgow regarding legal and constitutional position on expansion of Viceroy's Executive Council.
Jul 18	In an interview to the Times of India, said that the All India Muslim League was not responsible for the deadlock as "we are willing to consider the proposals made by the Viceroy" regarding a meeting between Rajeodra Prasad, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and himself but Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi summarily rejected them.
Aug 2	Informed the Viceroy that he (Mohammad Ali Jinnah) had taken up the Khaksars case primarily because the Viceroy had expressed his concern. Said that he could cite instances when the Viceroy and Governor General "have found a way to intervene" in Provincial matters "when it was considered necessary". Replying to the Viceroy's letter of July 24, stated that the publication of his tentative proposals would not create any misunderstanding; sought an early reply, asking, "how long do you expect me to wait and not give any idea to the general Muslim public, as to what are those proposals".
Aug 5	Viceroy forwarded him a copy of the Viceroy's statement on the expansion of the Executive Council and formation of the War Advisory Council. Informed him that it would be sent to press on August 8, therefore, requested him to keep it secret till then.
Aug 9	In an interview, said that All India Muslim League Working Committee was the competent body to think over Viceroy's declaration made on August 7 from Simla regarding India's political progress. Replied Khaliquzzaman's letter of July 9 on party matters.
Aug 10	In a statement, declared that there was no exception for the Punjab with regard to the ban imposed upon the Muslim League members not to associate themselves with the War Committees until his negotiations with the Viceroy had concluded satisfactorily. Requested Nawab of Mamdot, as Leader of Punjab 3-Member deputation and President Punjab Muslim League to abide by All India Muslim League Resolution and resign from the War Committee forthwith. Hoped that their compliance to his request would strengthen solidarity and discipline among Muslim and raise Muslim League's prestige.
Aug 11-13	Met Viceroy and requested him to issue clarification of Viceroy's statement issued on August 8 regarding India's sovereignty.
Aug 14	Viceroy, in a letter assuring him of safeguards for the Muslims in the future constitution and sought All India Muslim League's nominations to the Executive Council and the War Advisory Council.
Aug 17	Disagreed with Viceroy on All India Muslim League representation in the War Council. Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, Punjab Premier, joined War Council without All India Muslim League consent.
Aug 29-31	Presided over All India Muslim League Working Committee meeting at his residence in Bombay to consider Viceroy's statement, political situation and Government's notification regarding volunteer's movement. Informed members of the details of his interviews with Viceroy.
Sep 3	In an interview at Bombay explained that if the British Government supported the division of India into two states, Muslim would help her in the Prosecution of War. Said that the establishment of two independent Hindu and Muslim states was the only solution of communal problem.
Sep 7	Thanked Zauqi for his interesting notes and comments on Prince Syed Halim Pasha's essay.
Sep 14	Wrote to Syed Abdul Aziz, Minister, Hyderabad (Deccan) State, that he would leave Bombay on September 22 and reach Simla on 24; on 25 he would leave for Delhi to attend All India Muslim League Working Committee and Council meetings on 28 and 29.
Sep 17	Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, Khan of Kalat, in a letter to him, expressed pleasure over his proposed visit to Baluchistan, and prayed for his sound health.
Sep 26	In accordance with All India Muslim League Working Committee's Resolution of September 2, wrote to Viceroy, thanking him for his reply dated September 25. API, New Delhi, in a press telegram released his letter to Viceroy regretting Viceroy's inability to endorse the vital point that in the event of any other party deciding later on to be associated with Viceroy's Executive Council, to assist in the Prosecution of war, it would do so on terms that might be approved of and consented to by the All India Muslim League party.
Sep 29	Presided over the All India Muslim League Council's meeting at Delhi. Council condoled the deaths of Khan Bahadur Ahmad Yar Khan Daulatana and Mohammed Ashiq Arsi. Authorized its President to fix a day to demonstrate solidarity with Egypt, Palestine, Turkey and Syria. Regretted detention of Abdus Sattar Khairi as a B class detaince and requested the Government to set him free. Released his correspondence with Viceroy to press.
Oct 7	Wrote preface to Letters of Iqbal to Jinnah.
Oct 12	Asked S. A. Latif, in reply to his letter of 10 Oct. to discuss his (Latif's) scheme of partition with Central Working Committee members. In his individual capacity and without consulting All India Muslim League Informed Latif categorically that his scheme was "fundamentally different from the basic Resolution of the All India Muslim League, of last March" (Lahore Resolution).
Oct 17	Dr. Latif replied that his scheme had obviated danger of the concept of two states-one in Northwest and the other in NorthEast, as envisaged in Lahore Resolution.
Oct 18	Presiding over the annual session of Provincial /Presidency Muslim League, Bombay, exhorted the All India Muslim League followers to work with integrity, laying emphasis on the achievement of unity of intentional Muslim brotherhood.
Oct 21	Wrote to Latif to meet him on November 5 at Bombay to discuss implications of Lahore Resolution.
Nov 1	In an exclusive interview to a London newspaper compacting on the Day of Observance by Indian Muslim on November 1, said that the attitude of the British Government towards the Indian Muslim was far from satisfactory in regard to their demands. Declared that the observance of November 1 was based on the bonds of brotherhood that existed between Muslim India, and other Muslim countries, and it was intended to mark their sense of deep sympathy and concern with Islamic countries. Hoped that not only the Nazis and the Fascists would refrain from frustrating Muslim solidarity, but the French and British would also revise their policy in Syria and Palestine.
Nov 3	Addressing 20,000 Muslim after Eid congregation at Azad Maiden Park, Bombay, said that 90,000,000 Muslim were a nation, and could achieve anything with unity in their rank and file.
Nov 7	Accepting Madras All India Muslim League invitation, announced to hold next All India Muslim League session in Madras during Easter holidays.
Nov 11-13	Participated in Assembly debate on Indian Finance (No. 2) Bill. When S. Satyamurti, a Congress, lost temper during his speech, he reminded him of Congress creed of nonviolence and asked him to remain cool-minded. On being thanked by Satyamurti for his respect of nonviolence, he said that this remembrance was for Satyamurti; as for himself: "I don't believe in nonviolence". During same debate said: "British has never said that she is fighting for democracy in the world", but "for her survival", Defended Maulana Zafar Ali Khan who in his previous speech had said that "we should prepare ourselves to raise a large army in order to send them to Muslim countries if necessary."
Nov 14	Inaugurated the first Conference of Delhi Muslim Students' Federation; said that, "Congress's nationalism is a perverted nationalism".
Nov 16	Continued participation in Assembly debate on Finance Bill.
Nov 19	Spoke on Indian Finance Bill and on Congress and majority-minority issue in India, in Assembly; quoted Mohammed Ali as having said: "We want a corridor from Karachi to Calcutta", Pleading for Pakistan, said that he could not leave Muslim at the mercy of Hindu criticized Congress.
Nov	Addressed public meeting at Delhi.
Dec 3	Urged Congress to accept Pakistan scheme if they wanted independence, at a public meeting in Bombay.
Dec 11	Wrote to A. K. Fazlul Haq, appreciating his concern to solve Muslim problem in India.
Dec 15	Addressing a public meeting at Karachi, attributed failure of Viceroy and Amery's efforts to secure Indian cooperation in the War, to wavering an irresolute policy of British Government also exposed Congress designs and real motives of the Satyagraha movement.
Dec 23	Presided over mammoth meeting of Muslims of Karachi. He said, "if you desire that principle under lined in the Lahore Resolution should be achieved then there could be only one solution that you should under the flag of the Muslim League and on the Platform of the All India Muslim League cry out with one voice that we shall fight for it."
Dec 25	Issued a press statement on political situation in Sindh.
Dec 26	His birthday celebrated by Madras Muslim League.
Dec 28	Addressing a public meeting at Ahmedabad explained the implications of the Pakistan movement.