The Reminiscences of Zafrulla Khan — Page 46
46 REMINISCENCES OF SIR MUHAMMAD ZAFRULLA KHAN the "Military Despatch," which had been prepared by the Commander- in-Chief's staff. The Commander-in-Chief was Sir Philip Chetwood and his Chief of Staff was General Wigram, who was rated very highly in military circles. The time was short and I knew little of the subject-matter of the Despatch. I read it with care and made a pencil-mark in the margin where I felt an improvement was possible. In the Cabinet meeting the Despatch was taken paragraph by paragraph and, barring an explanatory observation by Sir Philip or General Wigram, there was scarcely a comment. The Despatch dealt with a highly specialized subject. Presently we came to a paragraph opposite which I had made a mark and on which I had something to say. Having joined the Council only that day I was the junior-most Member and did not know how my comment might be received. I made my comment with some diffidence but felt encouraged by the fact that Sir Philip Chetwood was looking at me with interest and General Wigram who sat behind, was smiling and nodding his head in assent. Then I saw him whisper something into Sir Philip's ear, and the Commander-in-Chief said, "That is quite acceptable to us. We think this is an improvement. " As the discussion proceeded other Members made an occasional comment, but I was the one who made more comments than anybody else round the table. I began to fear my senior colleagues might think I was being officious. But every time, the same thing happened. The Commander-in-Chief and General Wigram readily accepted my suggestions. I felt greatly encouraged. From that day onwards, even after his retirement, Sir Philip (later Lord Chetwood) was a very good friend. From my point of view, all this was very educative; it widened my horizon. This was my first practical experience in public affairs. I found myself among people who had been steeped in these matters for years and I learned from them. In my own Department, all my officers were happy with me. They were very cooperative. I do not recall any serious differences with any of them. On the 8th of August, Mr. (later Sir) Girja Shankar Bajpai came back from Vienna having already submitted a clean bill of health. I mentioned this to the Viceroy and recorded an Order appointing Bajpai Secretary of the Department. I was also able to adjust matters between Reed and Ram Chandra. Reed was appointed Joint Secretary till Sir Fazle Hussain's return from leave, he was then to go on leave and on