MR. M.A. JINNAH, President of the All-India Muslim League, interviewed in Calcutta by the Associated Press of India on Wednesday [Feb 20] said:- “I have seen the official announcement made in both Houses of Parliament and released to the Press … to the effect that three British Cabinet Ministers are to visit India about the end of March.

“I have already made it clear repeatedly that we are definitely opposed to the setting up of a single constitution-making body and also to the formation of what is now described as a representative political executive of the Governor-General as an interim arrangement. …The major issue must be decided first, and that is the demand of Muslim India for Pakistan. After the principle of Pakistan is accepted we can proceed to settle the details….

“Any … attempt to set up a single constitution-making body must inevitably shelve the Pakistan demand. Therefore, we cannot agree to or accept any such move and it would be, if forced upon us, a breach of faith on the part of the British Government who solemnly by their August 1940 Declaration assured the Musalmans that no interim or permanent constitution will be forced on them….”

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2021