“THE end” was almost visibly written on the political wall of Simla on Saturday [May 11] eve­ning. All the concessions by the Muslim League have been of no avail, the Congress cannot get out of the clutches of the sinister influence of the Patellites — and on Saturday night hope was considered lost unless a miracle happened.

“Neck or nothing” remained the Congress demand and the Muslim League has had to decline to put its neck in the noose of undiluted Akhand Hindustan on which the Congress is still insisting. A strong Central Government with power over almost the same range of subjects as at present and direct relation between such a centre and individual provinces: that is, according to all reports, still the Congress demand. The Muslim League is still invited to ignore the mandate given to it by the electorate. The result is that the [talks have] definitely broken down.

On Sunday evening at 6, the Conference will meet to sing its swan song. Thereafter, it is expected that an official announcement will be made and, in all likelihood, Mr. Jinnah will also hold a Press Conference before leaving Simla….

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2021