Fazl-e-Umar — Page 247
Fazle Umar 247 eyes of Muslim as well as Hindu leaders and bestow upon them the vision that should make them eager to cut the bonds of four hundred million bondsmen, for this would serve not only our interest but would also serve the interest of the future peace of the world. ’ Had it been proper to fight on this occasion Britain would have fought, but it is a manifestation of Divine power that the Viceroy who rules India on behalf of Britain announces that he is ready to make India independent; the British industrialist who promotes his industries through the exploitation of India has announced that he is prepared to support the indepen- dence of India; the government of Britain has announced that it is prepared to concede the independence of India; the British Labour Party, which is likely to come into power soon, has announced that it is ready to grant independence to India; the greater part of the British press, whether Conservative, Labour or Liberal, is loud in its support of the independence of India; America and France and other countries, who are not directly concerned with India; are urging that India should be independent. Yet when Britain is ready to grant independence to India some Indian leaders are not ready for the independence of India. I, therefore, urge the members of my Community to be occupied in these days with special supplications to God Almighty, that He may so guide those in whose hands these matters rest that they should turn to the right path and cutting the chains of the bondage of Indians they should lead India to a high place of honour. ” An English version of this address was speedily placed in the hands of Muslim and non-Muslim political leaders who had been invited by Lord Wavell to a confer- ence in Simla. Maulvi Sanaullah sahib of Amritsar, despite his bitter opposition to the Khalifatul Masih and the Movement, in the course of his comments on the address said: