The Reminiscences of Zafrulla Khan — Page 77
77 REMINISCENCES OF SIR MUHAMMAD ZAFRULLA KHAN was that during the debates in the Assembly, Government had given an assurance to the European Group, who for some years had been pressing for a separate portfolio of communications - railways, telegraphs, post office, etc. - that such a portfolio would be set up at an early date. As they had committed themselves to it, the Viceroy thought that this was a convenient time, when Sir Joseph Bhore would be handling over charge, to split the portfolio of Commerce and Railways and put Railways with communications and make Commerce a complete portfolio by itself. That was what was proposed to the Viceroy and he appeared to have agreed to it. After the explanation was made, Sir Joseph Bhore and Sir Frank Noyce, both looked at me, and I held my peace. Then Sir Joseph Bhore, a little embarrassed, said, "Well, you see, that is what the Viceroy asked us to explain to you. " A second time, but more briefly, he explained the situation over again, and still I did not say anything. I looked steadily at him and said nothing. He repeated, "Well, you see, the Viceroy was anxious that we should explain this to you. " I then said, "Sir Joseph, I appreciate that. The Viceroy told me himself that you would explain the situation to me and I am very grateful to you that you have done so. Did the Viceroy tell you what to do after you had explained it to me?" He said, "Uh, well, uh, no. What do you mean?" I said, "You have explained it. Thank you very much. " So he was rather nonplussed. What he expected, of course, was to get my views on it, did I agree or did not I agree. I was intensely annoyed at the trick they had sought to play on me behind my back, but I did not wish to give expression to my annoyance. In the end he said, "Well, he did not say anymore, but I am sure Sir Frank Noyce and I would be glad to know your reaction to it. " Sir Frank Noyce, who was much more intimate with me than Sir Joseph Bhore had been, said, "Zafrulla, I want to make it quite clear that all I am anxious to know is, is there going to be a change or not? You see, I propose to proceed on leave next year and before I go on leave, I would like to know what would I be in charge of when I come back. Both of us would be glad to know what your reactions are to the proposed change. " I said, "Sir Joseph, this commitment that you say has been made to the European Group, what was the date of it?" So he tried to look into the volumes in front of him and said, "I can soon find out the exact date.