The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 96
[ 96 1 obtaining in the United States of America would be the one best suited to our country. The United States are similar to India, in vastness of size and diversity of races and religions of its population. It may, however, be pro vided that no province shall have the right to secede from the federation. Also, it may not be necessary, that in the casfl of India, exactly the same powers should be granted to the Central Government as is the case in the United States. Larger powers may be granted in the case of India. Only, it has to be seen that the powers of the provincial Governments regarding internal admin istration suffer no demunition. I believe, I have successfully proved that the ques tion of federation is a question of life and death for the Indian Muslims. I have also made it abundantly clear that in a federal form of government �or India, the Hindus will have nothing to lose, and that from a political point of view, there is no harm in accepting such a form of Government. I would now conclude this chapter with this warning to the Moslems that they should bear in mind that of all their demands, this one for a federal government is the most vital. If they secure this, they will have nothing to fear even if their other demands fail to meet with acceptance. But if they fail to secure full acceptance of this demand, their lot is full of misery, God help them.