Perseverance — Page 131
Part II – My Life as a Muslim 131 He was to be in Karachi on a certain date and I began preparations to go and see him. I discovered that he would be at the Metropolitan Hotel in Karachi. I spoke to the doorman and he stated that Dr. Bunche was not in his room, but was having breakfast in the dining room. I went there and found him surrounded by English and Pakistani dignitaries, but I did not want to disturb his meal. When they finished eating and came out, I approached the entourage and addressed him directly saying, “How do you do sir? I am from America and I’d like to tell you why I am here [in Pakistan]. ” As he was walking towards the elevator, he replied, “Oh, you are a long ways from home. I am also a long ways from home, but I have no time to talk. ” I said, “I don’t need much of your time. I will finish my conversation before you get in the elevator. ” He stopped and said, “The rule of courtesy is that you should have gone to these people [pointing to the British and Pakistani people] and they would have made arrangements for you to have an interview with me. ” Then I said, “Dr. Bunche, you and I are brothers. I am from Chicago. When two brothers meet, one should not have to go to foreigners in order to have a conversation. ” Then he said, “Then you can come at two o’clock and attend my press conference. ” I said, “I did not come to attend no press conference, but I’ll give you this book and you’ll know what I wanted to tell you. ” I presented him the book “Ahmadiyyat – The True Islam,” and then I left.