The Reminiscences of Zafrulla Khan — Page 68
68 REMINISCENCES OF SIR MUHAMMAD ZAFRULLA KHAN He was kind enough to add, "We take the best man from wherever we can find him. " It was not my own estimate of myself but that is the way he chose to put it. I said, "Sir, on this question of representation of Muslims, I must warn you that I belong to a particular religious movement in Islam which is not very popular with the general run of Muslims on account of differences of doctrine. When I was appointed to officiate for Sir Fazle Hussain in 1932 a certain amount of opposition was expressed in the press and in the public to my appointment on that account and, I very much fear that on this occasion the expression may be a little more vigorous, and I think that is something you ought to consider. " "Well, I must say, I am surprised to hear that, that the Muslims should be so unmindful of the great service that you have done to the Muslim cause. But if they are likely to adopt that attitude, that is not something that should operate with the Viceroy and me, to deprive them of the services of the best Muslim that we can find for them to uphold their interests. " I said, "Sir, it is very kind of you to say so. " He said, "I hope you have no more objections. " I said, "Sir, these are not objections; these are considerations that you must pay attention to. There is still one more, if you will permit me to mention it. " "What?" "On the selection of the individual, I would like you to consider at least two names: the Nawab of Chatari, Sir Said Ahmad Khan, who has been Home Member in the United Provinces, and has officiated as Governor of the United Provinces. He has a distinguished career and is an eminent Muslim, and I am sure Sir Malcolm Hailey, would wish to press his claims. " The Secretary of State asked, "Who is the second?" I said, "The second is Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, who is almost in the same position in the Punjab. He has been Revenue Member and he has officiated as Governor, and his claims should be considered also. " He smiled and said, "Zafrulla, do you think that either of them would be a good choice?" I said, "Sir, it is not a question which can fairly be put to me. It is for you to determine. " He said, "They have both been here, as you know, and I know both of them and I respect both of them very highly, but I think the Viceroy's choice and mine in this case is the best one. " Again I said, "That is very kind of you," and he asked, "Then may I tell the Viceroy that you agree?" I said, "Sir, I have already said that I consider it a great