Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan.

SINDH IN 1942

January 1942: The All Sind Educational Conference demanded pre-school education should be introduced in training colleges and training schools [Proceedings of Sind Legislative Assembly, Pg-11]

1^st January 1942: AIJAZ QURESHI is born at Arazi. He served in Sindh University in capacity of   a Professor and nowadays he is rendering social services. He is an author of books also. [Gul Hayat Collection]

1^st January 1942: FAKIR MUHAMMAD BHUTTO an eminent folklore poet is born at Arzi Bhutto. [Gul Hayat Collection]

1^st January 1942: An eminent poet SIRICHAND “Sangdil” [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th January 1942: An eminent poet Sarang Latifi is born at Karachi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

6^th January 1942: Journalist Amir Bux Bhatti is born at Subhani Bhatti. [Gul Hayat Collection]

10^th January 1942: An eminent poet Muhammad Salih ‘Aas’ Khaskheli is born at Butt Sirai. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th January 1942: The stage is set to hold Muslim League Conference at Kambar. Shaikh Abdul Majeed Sindhi is requested to preside. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th January 1942: An eminent poet Muhammad Uris ‘Azhar’ is born at Mevo Khan. [Gul Hayat Collection]

14^th January 1942: Gauhati Students Day was observed in Karachi by the All Sind students Federation on January 14^th at protest against the alleged ‘lathi’ and bayonet charges on a peaceful procession of students in Assam. Speeches were made condemning the attitude of the authorities of the Gauhati College. Mr. Alim T. Gidwani of the forward Bloc exhorted students to take part in politics and to make sacrifices for the freedom of the country. He stated that Indians could not defend themselves as they had been prevented from manufacturing motor cars and aeroplanes and from possessing fire-arms. He also advocated the use of the symbol ‘U’ for Hindu-Muslim unity in preference to “V” as “there could be no victory without unity”. The Congress is carrying on propaganda to population rise the ‘U’ symbol. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

17^th January 1942: 942: Pakistan Conference is held at Kambar. It is presided over by Pir Syed Hassan Bux Shah, landlord of Mirabpur of District Nawabshah. It is attended by G.M.Syed, K.B.Khuhro, Qazi Fazalullah, Agha Nazar Ali, Moulvi Muhammad Ismail, Moulvi Ghulam Rasool of Mehar, Moulvi Muhammad Ibrahim of Buthi, Moulvi Abdul Karim Menai, Moulvi Muhammad Daud Of Mahboob Tunio, Hakim Syed Ali Muhammad Shah Baqapuri,Moulvi Muhammad Khan of Aheri, Moulvi Syed Taj Muhammad Shah of Manah Tharrai, Syed Chhatal shah of Dargah Nourang Shah, Moulvi Abdul Karin Brohi, Wadero Ali Hassan, Hakim Abdul Rashid, Rais Mithal Khan Lakho, Rais Haji Dur Muhammad, Rais Muhammad Yaqub, Moulvi Muhammad Azim ‘Sheda’, Ghulam Muhammad Isran, Agha Ghulam Nabi and others. The event is an eye – opener for those, who do not see the role played by Sindh in creation of Pakistan. The event carry another lesson also and it is that the trio of Pir, wadero & Moulvi has brought Big Changes as desired and required by them.

17^th January 1942: The Muslim League branch of Ghather in Larkana District held a “Pakistan Conference” at Kambar in that district on the 17^th January. The main gate of the Conference was styled as the “Mahmud Ghaznavi Gate”. The conference was convened by Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro, M.L.A., ex-Minister, and Mr. G.M. Sayed, M.L.A., ex-Minister was also present. About 500 persons attended including 25 Hindus. Two significant resolutions were passed – one demanding that the Pakistan provinces should form part of the British Common wealth, like Burma, and another approving and welcoming the action of His Excellency the Governor in “tightening the control” over the present Ministry. The first resolution was moved by Mr. G.M. Sayed, the latter by Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro, who accused the Congress of dividing the Muslim M.L. As. In Sind.

. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

18^th January 1942: The Sind Provincial Trade Union Congress organized a procession of laborers on the 18^th January followed by a public meeting of about 350 persons under the president ship of Mr. N.A. Bechar, M.L.A., and protest against the alleged unsympathetic attitude of the East India Tramways Company towards certain demands, including a rise a wage, made by the workers. Srikant Kanthia remarked that people like Lieut. Colonel Hossack (Director of the East India Tramways Company) and Mr. Wright (Manager of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation) were “Fifth columnist” who created obstacles in the way of the defeat of Fascist. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

 

In Second Half of January: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow:  “There is a greater appreciation of the danger to India in all the sections of the press and the lending articles of rest and the lending articles of rest of the of the papers are mainly devoted to the discussions on the international situation. German prestige has been affected by the continued successes of Russia but the fear of Japanese offer for co-prosperity is treated with contempt. The debate on war in the House of Commons has been reported in full in all the papers and the comments have tended to emphasize the indispensability of Mr. Churchill. The “Daily Gazette” however remarked that the anxiety of Mr. Churchill to get a vote of confidence so that this enemies may have no grounds to say that he was not the accredited representative of the British people was not in in the true Churchillian style. It is generally recognized that Mr. Churchill speaks for the entire British nation and it is this conviction which has elicited unfavorable comments on Mr. Churchilll’s omission to make a reference to India in the war debate. The “Hindu” regards Mr. Churchill’s indifference as “callous”. The “Sind Observer”, commenting on Australia’s anxiety to strengthen the defense in the Far East, remarks that Indian troops should also be mustered at the frontiers of India although it also sunrises that Japan will try to consolidate its newly acquired territories rather than attack India.

Hitler’s bombastic, through somewhat apologetic, speech, as summarized by Router, has been published in most of the papers but without comment. Mr. De Valera’s statement that a Republican army is willing to help the Nazis has caused surprise but is apparently misunderstood. Anxiety is expressed over the recent successes achieved by Rommel in Cyrenaica and doubts have been expressed by some papers whether there will be any finality to the campaign in Libya. There is general sense of frustration at the continued impasse between the Government and the Congress. The Hindu papers commended the ratification of the Bardoli decision by the All India Congress Committee at Wardha and expressed a hope that a gesture of goodwill will soon be made by the British Government. Extracts from the “Daily World”, “Manchester Guardian” and the “Times”, on the Indian problem, have been published in several papers.

The interment of Mr. U. Saw, ex-Premier of Burma, has not been favorably received. The “Sind Observer” remarked that the reasons given for the internment were not convicing. The “Karachi Daily” observed that the speeches of Mr. U. Saw, although frank, did not betray any antagonism towards the British Government.

The news of the release of Allama Mashriqi was welcomed by the Press in general and the Muslim press in particulars.

The “Karachi Daily” and the “Hamdard”, of Mirpurkhas, have published letters condemning the behavior of the military at Fakir-jo-goth in Karachi district, Saburahu in Hyderabad district and at Mirpurkhas railway station. The letter in the “Karachi Daily” is worded in a very strong and objectionable language and the matter is under examination.

The “Tomorrow”, of Karachi, which is a weekly paper edited by Mr. Alim T. Gidwani, a Congressman belonging to the Forward Block has been issuing daily bulletins of late demanding the resignation of the present Ministry”.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

20^th January 1942: An eminent poet Gianchand Jethanand ‘Giaan’ is born at Sukkur and he migrated to Mombai after partition. [Gul Hayat collection]

22^nd January 1942: An eminent singer Jevni Bai breathes her last. She was born at Bhelwar, & Budhal Shah is breathes his last at Nawabshah [Gul Hayat collection]

26^th January 1942: Poet and Journalist Abdul Sami ‘Mahtab’ is born at Chak. [Gul Hayat collection]

26^th January 1942: The omission of any reference to the Indian question by Mr. Churchill during the recent debate in the Commons on the conduct of the War has been taken to indicate that there are no hopes of an early solution of the political impasse. The exclusion of India from the proposed enlarged war cabinet is resented and comparisons have been drawn between the political status of India and that of a small country like New Zealand. The Speechless of Congress leaders on the war have tended to deteriorate in tone. “Independence Day” was celebrated in Karachi on the 26^th January with considerable enthusiasm in the Congress circles. The celebrations began with a largely attended morning procession terminating at Congress House where Dr. Popatlal A. Bhootpatkar, M.L.A, President of the Karachi District Congress Committee, unfurled the Congress flag. The Forward Bloc had a separate flag hosting ceremony in the Khalikdinr

 Hall in the evening and the celebrations where the independence pledge was read and speeches made by prominent Congress Workers explaining the Wardha decision and emphasizing the demand of the Congress to secure Indian independence. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

 

28^th January 1942: There was a recurrence of telegraph wire cutting on the 28^th January when twelve telegraph poles by the side of the railway between Sarhad and Ghotki in the Sukkur District were uprooted and the wires cut.

The measures being taken to suppress the outbreak of crime in Nawabshah and Thar Parkar Districts have not yet succeeded in putting an end to the trouble and in two dacoities three more people have been murdered. It is not certain that all the murders have been committed by the Hur adherents of the Pir Pagaro but there is no doubt they are in the main responsible. Strong forces of police are in the affected area which is being rigorously patrolled and it is hoped that continued pressure will bring the outbreak to an end.

 [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

28^th January 1942: Today is Death Date of Moulvi Mir Muhammad Naurangi who was Religious Scholar & Freedom Fighter. He took part in the politics of the platforms of khilafat Tehreek and Jamiat-Ulma Sindh.[Gul Hayat Collection]

In the second half of January the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The continued successes of the Russian Armies with their great significance are at present completely overshadowed by events in the Far East and the course of the struggle with Japan is causing considerable perturbation; the threat to Burma and Singapore being regarded as of the utmost gravity. Attacks on India in the comparatively near future are thought to be by no means improbable. But with all this and in spite of the air raids on Rangoon and elsewhere in Burma, there is little enthusiasm for A.R.P and no increase in the number of volunteers for such work. The issue of a press note by Government recommending the carrying of identify discs by people in Karachi in order to facilitate the identification of possible causalities caused a certain amount of consternation. There has not, however, been any panic or sign voluntary evacuation from Karachi. Rommel’s latest flare up in Libya has caused disappointment as it had been hoped that he was more or less accounted for”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

29^th January 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation and writes that Hindus Minister are supporting communal bodies like Rastriya , Swayas Sevak Singh. He name the Minister Rai Bahadur Gokuldas who attended the body parading in their uniforms and took the salute from them in presence of Meer Chindani, the District Magistrate. [D.O.No: 20/F.R.]

30^th January 1942: There was little Congress activity. The usual Flag Salutation Ceremonies were held in Karachi and Hyderabad. At a meeting of the Congress Committee at Hyderabad it was resolved to form a Volunteer Corps to help the citizens in the events of civil disorder and to work for inter-communal harmony.

The Sind Provincial Forward Bloc held a public meeting on the 30^th January with Mr. Alim T. Gidwani in the chairmen Resolution were passed protesting against the arrest of Mr. Sarat Chandra Bose and other Forward Bloc workers. Mr. Muhammad Amin Khoso, M.L.A., interrupted the meeting demanding that the meeting should be held under the auspices of the Radical Democratic Party. Mr. Alim T, Gidwani left the meeting but about 125 persons remained and after short speech by Mr. Khoso who said that those who opposed the war effort were enemies of India, a resolution was adopted assuring full support to the Government in their effort. Hashoo T. Kewal ramani, a student leader, who had undergone imprisonment under the Defense on India Rules for making objectionable speech has joined Mr. Khoso in advocating help to the war effort. Mr. Khoso has recently made a contribution to His Excellency’s War purposes Fund on behalf of the Communist workers of Karachi.

The Fidan-I-islam continue to sign the new pledge. An appeal was made recently at Hyderabad to the local Fidian-I-Islam to collect scarp and send it to the Scrap Collection Committee Hyderabad. The members of the Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangha continue to perform their usual parades in Hyderabad. The Sangha organized a special function in honor of the Hon’ble Rao Sahio Gokaldas Mewaldas Rochlani. Minister Local Self-Government, when three hundred members of the Sangha paraded and gave a salute to the Hon’ble Minister. No decision has, as yet, been come to on the question as to the action to be taken against this Sangha.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^th March, 1942.]

31^st January 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 65 (Under Defense of India Rules-129 by Sindh Government) 07(Under the defense of India Rules -26 by Central Government) and 02 (Under Defense of India Rules-129 by the Central Government Total is 65

(b)   Prosecuted : 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 9(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 2 (Under Defense of India Rules-24), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-81) and, 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-90).Total is 19

(c)    Convicted: 34 (Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-22), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 30(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 38(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93) and 1(Under Defense of India Rules-20). Total is 109.

February 1942: “Janam Bhoomi” (Sindhi Weekly of Mirpurkhas is warned for publishing false news regarding the announcement of the followers of the Pir Pagaro offering reward for the heads of the District Magistrates, Nawab Shah and TharParkar. [Gul Hayat Collection]

1^st February 1942: Religious Scholar Moulana Abdul Razaq Channo is born at Bahawal Shah. [Gul Hayat Collection]

1^st February 1942: A public meeting was held at Karachi on the 1^st February under the auspices of the Port Trust Workers Union to observe anti-Fascism Day. About four hundred persons attended. A resolution was passed assuring Government of full co-operation in the war effort and at the same time requesting for the grant of a war allowance.

The East India Tramways Workers Union held a meeting on the 1^st February and decided to refer the dispute between the Company and the workers to Government for the appointment of an Umpire. There is some unrest among the workers of the Dalmia Cement Factory owing to the dismissal of certain hands. The cause of the workers is being sponsored by Mr. Muhammad Amin Khoso, who has been selected President of the Dalmia Cement Workers’ Union. The Commissioner of Labor is enquiring into the dispute. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^th March, 1942.]

2^nd February 1942: Journalist Noor Hussain Baloch is born at Atal Muradani. [Gul Hayat Collection]

2^nd February 1942: Poet Hidayatullah Shah breathes his last at Khahi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^TH February 1942: One hundred and twenty-six join Muslim League in Banguldero. The public meeting is addressed by Hakim Obedullah. The function is followed by the meeting of the branch, in which Moulvi Ghulam Yahya is elected as the Secretary of the branch1969: President Ayub writes to Nawabzada Nasrullah requesting him to invite politicians on his behalf and he will be available to start talks.

6^th Feb 1942: “Hindu” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is asked to submit for press advice articles regarding personal experience of evacuees from Burma and Malaya. [Gul Hayat Collection]

6^th Feb 1942: Abdul Rashid Arshad writes to Liaquat Ali Khan the following letter:

 “Dear Sir,

 I had already request you to kindly send as any be respective of the Muslim League in Sindh to preach. The principle and doctrine of the League, you should know the fact that the poor village are acquainted with the name of the congress where as they don’t know what is Muslim League, and where it exists.

Few days ago I was quite glad that the deputation of Hon. Sir Nazimuddin and Nawab Mohammad Ismail Khan has come to Karachi, they will surely turnip to Hyderabad Sindh, but in vain and it was discouraging to us.

            So, I request you to very kindly convince the All India Session of the Muslim League this year in Hyderabad Sindh.

            In the end I pray for your long life and ever-increasing prosperity and further I pray that the Muslim League may flourish day by day and year light and their worthy shadow of your supreme authority.

            I am awaiting anxiously about your kind and encouraging letter.

With best respect.

I am, your loyal follower

Sincere

Yours most obediently

Abdul Rashid Arshad

B.A. ….

Shams Manzil Hyderabad Sindh”

 

7^th February 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation and informs him that Premier has been insisting for transpose of district magistrate such as of Nawabshah and Tharparkar but I have been dealing with the matter on my own and free hand. [D.O.No: 48/F.R.]

8^th February 1942: Singer & Mucisian Nari Sharma is born at Hyderabad and later on migrates to Ulhasnagar [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th February 1942: Singer Ustad Sendho Khan breathes his last. He was born in Amratsar [Gul Hayat Collection]

9^th February 1942: Poet Syed Jamal Shah of Goth Ilyas, breathes his last. [Gul Hayat Collection]

10^th February 1942: Social worker Detaram Walvani is born at tando Fazul and later on migrates to Ajmir [Gul Hayat Collection]

10^th February 1942: “Bab-ul-Islam” (Sindhi weekly of Hyderabad) is warned for intemperate writings in connection with the detention of Allama Mashriqi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of February: The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sindh throw light on the law and order situation as follow: the measures taken to put an end to the outrages being committed by the followers of the Pir Pagaro have not yet had any marked effect and crimes continue to be committed in spite of the numbers of police in the affected areas and the vigorous patrolling being carried on. On the 1^st instant, a dacoity occurred in the Hyderabad District in which one person was killed and two injured and property Stolen. One Hur has been arrested in connection with this dacoity. On the 3^rd night, a party of 10 to 15 dacoits raided the village of Kamil Laghari in Nawabshah District in spite of the fact that an armed Police post of 1 Head Constable and 5 Constables was stationed there. The post, which seems to have been badly located, apparently allowed itself to be taken by surprise and was overwhelmed by the dacoits. Two policemen were killed and two seriously injured. The dacoits killed in addition a Hindu resident of the village and then made off with 5 police muskets, 3 bayonets, 100 rounds of ammunition, 2 shotguns and 61 cartridges and other property. Further dacoities took place on the night of the 8^th and 11^th resulting in the death of two persons and the inflictions of injury on 4 others together with loss of property. On the 11^th also the trouble spread to the Sukkur District and a part of 14 or 15 persons said to be in search of on Moulvi Abdul Ghani, who in 1938 had held a meeting condemning the practices of the Pir Pagaro, hindered 5 Muslims in a Masjid and 2 others in the street of a small village near Pir jo Goth, the former residence of the Pir, Again on the 12^th another dacoity occurred in the Nawabshah District in which 2 men were injured and property was stolen And added to these offences there have been further instances of damage or attempts to damage railway property 3 cases in which telegraph wire have been cut and the poles damaged.

The Situation is undoubtedly serious as the people in the affected areas are reported to be in a complete state of panic but with the whole of the country side unwilling through fear to give the Police any assistance whatsoever the tracing and apprehension of eh ascending Hurs who are believed to be responsible for the crimes is a matter or great difficulty. So far about 22 arrested have been made and it is hoped that this will prove to be first step towards breaking up the gangs. In order to encourage the police and to raise the morale of the local population the District Commander has arranged for demonstration marches of infantry in mechanized transport in the two districts. There is no doubt however, that very special measure must be employed and it is for this reason that the issue of a special ordinance has advocated.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^th March, 1942.]

 

11^th February 1942: Forty-six Chinese of the crew of the cable ship “Store Nordiske” a Danish vessel under charter to the British Admiralty, ceased work on the 11^th February and demanded an increase of wages of 5 Pound per mensem and refused to resume duty unless their demand was conceded immediately. It was feared that the might attempt to commit acts of sabotage on the ship and they arrested under rule 129 of the Defense of India Rules and jail custody. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

 

13^th February 1942: Eight of the crew of the cable ship “Store Nordiske” a Danish vessel under charter to the British Admiralty were released on the 13^th February. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

15^th February 1942: The Sind Provincial congress Committee propose to recruit two thousand volunteers to implement the terms of the Wardha resolution. The volunteers are to be trained in drill and sent out to villages to carry the Congress constructive program among the masses. So far the response has been poor. Lakhmichand N. Kinger, who was previously convicted for the same offence, has made some very anti-British speeches in Karachi recently and the question of his prosecution is under consideration. The anniversary of Swami Dayanand was celebrated by the Arya Samajists at a public meeting on the 15^th February which was attended by about three hundred and fifty persons. At a public meeting of the Sind Provincial Hindu Sabha Working Committee at Hyderabad, resolution were passed condemning the Punjab Sales Act and urging the Government to recall forthwith Indian troops serving abroad for the defense of India. The Rashtrya Ghnayam Sewak Sangh, Hyderabad, continues to hold parades and carry out sword and ‘lathi’ exercises. At one of the parades, a speaker exhorted the people to prepare themselves for the protection of the Hindus. He added that as an organization the Sangh endorse the Congress policy of non-voilence. On the contrary, it considered the use of arms and violence necessary and legitimate for the protection and preservation of the Hindus. He added that the internal situation is very grave and that time was not far off when the Muslims will create civil disorders in India, endangering the life and property of the Hindus. Action against the Sangh is still under consideration. The Muslim League and the Khaksars remain inactive. Sir Abdullah Haroon, M.L.A. (Central) has appealed to the Muslim to celebrate the 23^rd March as Pakistan Day.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

18^th February 1942: Poet Hadi Bux ‘Misken’ and, Poet Syed Fatih Muhammad ‘ Misken’ of Tando Jahanyan breathes their last.[Gul Hayat Collection]

18^th February 1942: The Premiere of Sind return from New Dehli meets the governor of Sindh and discussed with him his discussions with congress leaders. [newspapers]

20^th February 1942: Social worker Bhagwan Kalwani is born at Tando Adam after partition migrates to Ajmir [Gul Hayat Collection]

21^st February 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation informs him that bodies like the Fidian-i-Islam , Rashtriya and others are busy in creating communal trouble between Hindus and Muslims.[D.O. No:77/F.R]

21^st February 1942: Thirty-eight crew of the cable ship “Store Nordiske” a Danish vessel under charter to the British Admiralty were released on the 21^st February and have been sent to Calcutta for repatriation to China under orders from the Government of India. They were paid their wages up to the date they left the ship and also three days maintenance.

The dispute resulting from the dismissal of certain hands of the Dalmia Cement Factory has not yet been settled. The Port Workers Union, Karachi, held a public meeting, attended by about four hundred persons, in which resolutions, assuring Government of the full co-operation of labor in the war effort and requesting Government to grant war allowance to laborers, were passed. The Karachi Electric supply Corporation Workers’ Union recently passed a resolution requesting Government to grant the same war allowance to the Workers in Karachi as has been granted workers of the Bombay Electric Supply Corporation.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

 

In the First half of February :Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The deterioration of the situation in the Far East and the Pacific in general and the last and critical press of the battle of Singapore in particular have been widely appointed upon, it being freely expressed that Singapore’s fall is imminent. The escape of three German battleship through Straits of Dover is regarded as very unfortunate and “a powerful addition to the German Battle Fleet which this spring is expected to give battle in the North Sea or against Russian in the Battle. (Sind Observer). Interest in the Libyan campaign has dwindled although the possibility of the Rome. In gathering sufficient forces to attack. Egypt is not altogether disregarded. There is little comment on the news from Russia. The assumption of military leadership by Nahas Pasha in Egypt has been welcomed.

The visit of Marshal Chaing-Kai-Shek has been acclaimed as an important event and papers of all shades have extended a hearty welcome to him and Madame Chiang-Kai-Shek. It is stated that the visit will lead to greater co-operation between India and China in their defense measures Japan. The “Daily Gazette” opines that Marshall Chaing-Kai-Shek would place India “under a deep debt of gratitude to him if he succeeds in persuading the Congress leaders to extend a hand of co-operation in this war of aggression even at the risk of having to withdraw all the legitimate and understandable condition imposed on such co-operation”. The “Hindu Sansaar” also prays that the Marshal may succeed in bringing about an honorable settlement of the questions.

The debate on India in the House of Lores was resort in all the papers and comments generally took the line the even conservative politicians like Lord Hailey realized the force of Indians demands for freedom. The “Muslim voice” a leading article under the caution “National Settlement” praised the frank statement of the Duke of Devonshire and his appreciation of the position of the Muslim League and expressed a hope that congress will not be appeased at the cost of the Muslim League. Nationalist papers continue to deplore the impasse adding that the absence of a settlement is a handicap to India’s war effort.

There is a general condemnation of outrage committed by the Hurs. The “Al-wahid”, a Muslim League organ remarks that if the Ministry unable to cope with the situation it is the duty of His Excellency the Governor to take dramatic steps to check the Hurs.

A reporter of the “Sind Observer” submitted a statement given by Miss Curie, who represents the New Yorks Horald Tribuno Syndicate and Allied Newspaper of London, on the set-backs suffered by Hitler in Russia which was passed for publication.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^thMarch, 1942.]

 In the First half of February the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The Japanese successes in the East Indies have occupied the public mind to the almost complete exclusion of the rest of the war. The fall of Singapore was looked upon as inevitable and as portending grave danger to India and Burma and doubts as to the outcome of the operations in Burma have been expressed. Disappointment continued to be shown with the news from Libya. Events in Russia, although recorded in the usual cabled news, have not received much comment. The escape of the three German warships from Brest has also been regarded as a severe blow. But though there is much questioning, there have been no signs of any panic nor of any incarnation for the general public to enlist for the various forms of A.R.P. work.

Every effort is being made to induce further recruitment to the A.R.P. services and a number of meeting have been held one of which was a meeting of the City journalist on the 10^thFebruary at the A.R.P. School Karachi, in which an appeal was made by the secretary to Government, Civil Defense, to all editors to co-operate with the authorities in measures of Civil Defense and to do all they could to keep the morale of the people in case of an emergency. The Provincial Press Adviser took the opportunity of reminding the editors of Press Notice No. IX.

Mr. Hold’s worth convened an informal meeting at Government House on the 13^th in which the Mayor of Karachi, some prominent businessmen and representatives of the banks were present. There was a discussion on the measures to stimulate interest in the Defense Bonds and Postal Cash Certificates. The question of appointing a non-official Provincial Loans Committee is under consideration.”[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^th February, 1942.]

In the Second half of February The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow:There has been a further deterioration in the situation in the Nawabshah and Thar Parkar Districts where the outrages committed by the Hur adherents of the Pir Pagaro have increased in number in spite of the fact that 7 Police officers an 454 other ranks of the Police over and above the normal strength of these districts have been on continuous duty in the affected areas, carrying out the most vigorous patrolling and investigation Dacoities with murder continue and the causality list for the past three months (December, 10 killed and 3 wounded; January , 5 killed and 11 wounded; February, 26 killed and 23 wounded) shows that the measures so far employed which have included demonstration marched by troops in mechanized transport are not proving effective. Thar is no doubt that extra ordinary measures are called for, the press of the ordinary law are of no avail. In view of the difficulties which have been raised in connection with promulgation of an Ordinance, Legislation is being resorted to but there is no doubt that measure which might have been effective two months ago will now be little use. It now seems probable that the extensive as of troops will be necessary. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

In the Second half of February Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The fall of Singapore has been regarded as a very serious calamity and a severe blow to British prestige. The coastal towns of India are now thought to be liable to attack from Japanese raiders. The papers, however, have avoided undue pessimism. The “Sind Observer” remarked. “All is not lost and the will to revenue remains as firm as ever.” While the general deterioration in the Far Eastern situation is regarded as one of the results of the “unimaginative” policy perused by Britain in regard to her Empire in the East, the implications of British reverses are ally recognized. The “Sind Observer” remarked: “The people of India and hoping and praying for the ultimate success of the Allies because in spite of Mr. Churchill and Mr. Amery, their future is with the “democratic Allies and not with the Totalitarian Axis.” The “Karachi Daily” hopes that Indians will teach a lesson to the Japanese what it means to disturb the peace of any nation. The “Hindu” remarked that Indians should be prepared to face the emergency bravely. Similar exhortations were made by all the important papers. The “Nizam” advocated the setting up of a “Volunteer Corps” and appealed to the rich to give financial in setting it up.

The reshuffling of the British Cabinet has been well received, particularly the appointment of Sir Stafford Cripps. The demand for a change at India Office continues.

The advice given to Britain by Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek in his parting message about the grant of political freedom to India evoked much enthusiasm. The “Sind Observer” regarded the Marshal as a “great ambassador of peace and goodwill.” The “Daily Gazette” remarked that Marshall Chiang Kai-Shek’s impassioned appeal for unity between India and China in fighting the aggressor will find a warm echo throughout the length and breadth of India. The Muslim press also praised the message given by Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek.

Almost all Karachi papers are writing about civil defense measures. The general criticism is that the public does not know what measures Government proposes or has already adopted to meet emergency. It is also stated that there is no co-operation between Government and the Karachi Municipal Corporation in respect of defense measures. The “Karachi Daily” goes to the extent of suggesting that the Karachi Municipal Corporation should be granted complete autonomy to devise measures for the defence of Karachi and that Government should only advise. All papers deprecate any tendency panic. The statement of the Honorable Premier to the effect that those who can leave Karachi conveniently may do so now, received much prominence and most of the papers endorsed the view of the Honorable Premier. The “Daily Gazette” published very prominently the statement of the Honorable Home Minister to the effect that so far there was no danger to Karachi. There is a demand that Government should issue a communicate stating clearly whether it wants people to leave Karachi.

A meeting of the Press Advisory Committee was called on 23^rd February, which was attended by the Hon’ble Minister, Home Department, and the Hon’ble Premier. The Hon’ble Minsiter, Home Department addressed the Committee explaining the harm which is done by defeatist writings and appealed for co-operation of the Committee in seeing that such writings were avoided. The members of the Committee stated that no paper deliberately feature defeatist headlines or wrote defeatist editorials, but that most of the news which came recently was in itself depressing and that the constitutional issue in India could not be divorced from the war. The nationalist press in Karachi, comprising mainly of four papers, the “Sind Observer”, “Karachi Daily”, the Hindu” and the “Sansar Samachaar”, takes the same attitude as that taken by the “Hindustan Times” and the editors of these papers put forward the same arguments for the expression of their views as the edit of the “Hindustan Times” did before the Hon’ble Home Member of Government of India. The Government of Sind have decided to take security from the “Sansaar Samachaar” and the “Karachi Daily” has been given final warnings. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

In the Second half of February the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The fall of Singapore and the Japanese advance in Burma have had a very depressing effect throughout the Province, but more particularly perhaps in Karachi City. Many disturbing rumors were current some to the effect that Calcutta and Madras were being evacuated. Returned Sind work merchants from Singapore, etc., have been responsible for some of the worst of them. So far, however, there has been no great rush to leave Karachi and the District Magistrate reports that evacuation has not assumed very serious proportions. There has been some evacuation by boat to the Cutch area and by train but evacuation by train has not necessitated the putting on of extra trains or even extra coaches. But more people may leave when the annual school examinations terminate on the 6^th March. The President of the Karachi City Muslim League and the President of Karachi District Congress Committee have jointly considered measures for civil defense and at the special meeting of the District Congress Committee on the 19^th February a sub-committee was appointed to collaborate with other organizations in such measures. Little interest is expressed in the news from other theatres of the war”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

26^th February 1942: “Partap” (Sindhi weekly of Hyderabad) is warned for publishing the news item referred to above. [Gul Hayat Collection]

28^th February 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 38 (Under Defense of India Rules-26 by Sindh Government), 19(Under Defense of India Rules-129 by Sindh Government), Total is 57

(b)   Prosecuted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-81)= Total is 6.

In the Second half of February The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The criminal activities of the Hurs continue and there is no doubt, as I have personally explained in my recent visit to Dehli, that the outbreak will not be put down without the extensive use of military forces. There is little to add to the note I left with you except to say that the G. O.C of the western District is now in Karachi investigating the possibilities of such action. The latest serious outrage was the recent murder of the chief officer of the Khairpur State Police at Kenwari in the State. On receipt of the news all possible assistance was sent and arrangements were made in Dehli for the dispatch of Crown Representative Police Forces.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

1^st March 1942: Poet and Politician Abdul Khalik ‘Azad’ is born in Jumo Bhutto. [Gul Hayat Collection]

3^rd March 1942: Poet Muhammad Haroon ‘Udasi’ is born at Motani Mahar, Folklore Poet Faqir Muhammad Channo is born at Mahmood Khan Channo, Poet Faqir Shah ‘Miskeen’ Bukhari is born at Bori and Folklore Poet Talib Machhi  is born at Mian Waryal. [Gul Hayat Collection]

 

4^th March 1942: The Sindh Assembly passes condolence resolution on the death of Khan Saheb Pir Rasol Bakhsh Shah and Jamnalal Bajaj. On this day K.B Allah Bux Soomro presented the budget estimates in the house for the financial year 1942-43 also [The proceedings of Sindh Assembly, dated: 4^th March 1942, Pg. 4-13]

5^th March 1942: Poet & Singer ‘Dargahi’ Merani is born at Hunbah. [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th March 1942: There is little political activity to report. The Karachi District Congress Committee convened a public meeting on the 5^th instant at the Khalikdina Hall, which was presided over by Dr. Popatlal A. Bhootpatkar, M.L.A. Speakers demanded the unconditional release of all detunes and security prisoners. Mr. N.A. Bechar, M.L.A., made an anti-British speech in which he stated that Indians were being crushed under the heels of the British Government for the last 150 years, that the Prime Minister and the representatives of the British Government in India were no better than Nazis and that there was no difference between a German concentration camp and the Deoli camp. The Congress reactions to the Prime Minister’s announcement were on the whole favorable. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

6^th March 1942: While taking part in the Sindh Assembly G.M Sayed bitterly criticized the political role of Congress in Sindh. He says that: “The results of this short-sighted policy of the Congress are too plain to need a detailed description by me here. The Muslims in Sind Have been forced in spite of their many handicaps and hardships to realise that while on the one hand they have been reduced to poverty and deprived of their just share of the amenities and advantages that their numerical strength entitles them in this Province, the Congress seeks to perpetuate their slavery by claiming to speak on behalf of India, so as to achieve Hindu oligarchy when Britain parts with power”. [The proceedings of Sindh Assembly, dated: 6^th March 1942, Pg. 57]

9^th March 1942: Journalist Mumtaz Mahar is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

9^th March 1942: The president of Sindh Provincial Muslim League writes to Nawab Zada Liaquat Ali Khan. The text of letter is under:

“Dear Sir,

I have the honour to invite your special attention to the Resolutions Nos. 13, 14 and 15 (copy enclosed), which have been passed by the Council of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League at its meeting held on the 8^th instant.

Hari problems in Sindh

 

The Council of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League hereby resolves that the policy of the Muslim League in this Province in respect of the Hari problem shall be an follows:

 

(a)        Permanent and inalienable tenancy rights be conferred upon the Haris in Sindh, and,

(b)        In the future Legislative Assembly of Sindh that will be constituted following revision of the constitution, such number of seats shall be exclusively reserved for the Haris as may be due to them on the basis of their actual population in the province.

 

Note:  This resolution have been referred to the Working Committee.

 

 

In views the fact that in these times and under present conditions every country and provinces has been trying to conserve its economic resource for its own people and to make provision for future  in its population, this council lays down the following policy for its own guidance as also for the guidance of the Sindh  Assembly Muslim League party:

 

1.         Agricultural lands in Sindh shall not be given in perpetuity or sold to Non-Sindhis, whatever the circumstances:

 

2.         Recruitment to Government services in Sindh shall be restricted only to Sindhis and domiciled Sindhis expect in the case of experts when their importation for furthering certain scientific and technical projects becomes absolutely inevitable; even in this respect, the Government may lay-out and introduce a plea whereby, within a certain period, Sindh becomes wholly self-contained; provided that in order to prevent the positively of Non-Sindhis being stealthily or otherwise included in that category, the term “domiciled” shall be so defined as to include only those persons who have personality settled down in Sindh for more than 25 years.

 

Note:-  This Resolution was referred to the Working Committee.

 

 

This council of he Sindh Provincial Muslim League emphatically protests against the proposed assignment of Makhi lands to ree-sindhis on the basis of certain conditions which are act only unsound but do positively offend against the sense of self-respect on the part of the people of Sindh. In the opinion of this Council, importation of foreigners under these conditions would create fresh difficult proteins in this province and would at the same time fail to produce the desired results. The purpose for which these lands are being given to outsiders can be achieved equally well, by letting their original owners have them subject to such conditions as the authorities may deem necessary to impose.

 

Yours faithfully

President

SINDH PROVINCIAL MUSLIM LEAGUE

Napier Road, Karachi”

9^th March 1942:  World War II badly effected Sindh Workis of Japan Today in response to Question asked by R.K. Sidhwa, In Sindh Assembly, it told that following Sindh workis returned to Sindh:

Tokyo:-                                                                        

A.N.Banerjee, P.C. Burmanary, K.C.Dutt, B.C.Gautama, K.S.Kaisi, G.K.Khanna, J.Mehta, S.Swarup.

Yokohama:-

B.G.Walker, Mrs.S.Walker, Miss V.Walker, Miss H.Walker, Miss.G.Walker, Miss.M.Walker, Miss.A.D.Walker, Miss.O.K.Walker, E.C.Wood, Idanmal Lokumal Daswani, Mrs.P.I.Daswani, Miss G.Daswani, Miss L.Daswani, B.E.Daswani, B.E.Daswani, L.E.Daswani, M.I.Daswani, A.E.Daswani, P.D.Detaramani, Gangaram Gulabrai (Sakrani),T.K.Harpalani, T.V.Hathiramani, Jhamatmal Motumal Sabrenani, Mrs.Devi Jhamatmal, R.Jhamatmal, L.Jhamatmal, Miss.B.jhamatmal, N.Khanchand, Idanmal P.Mahbubani, I.L.Mahtani, Mrs.P.Mahtani, Miss.B.I.Mahtani, Miss.B.T.Mahtani, R.Mahtani, T.Mahtani, L.Mehtani, G.Mahtani, R.Mahtani, Mrs.P.K.Melvani, Miss.K.K.Melvani, Miss.C.K.Melvani, Miss.S.K.Melvani, C.K.Melvani, Miss.K.K.Melvani, L.Nebhraj (Chullani), Naraindas Tirthdas Mirchandani, Mrs. Isarbai Narindas, Mrs.Lachmibai Bhagwandas Mirchandani, Jethanand Naraindas Mirchandani, Kishno Narinadas, Ram Narindas, Purshotam Naraindas, M.R.Patel, Tolaram Assanmal, Udharam Bhavandas Raisingani, H.T.Utamchandani, C.V.Vaswani, Mrs.D.C.Vaswani, Miss K.Vaswani, C.Vaswani.

Kobe:-

A.W.Hill, Mrs.A.W.Hill, A.Arab, Cecil Arab, J.A.Farias, Mrs.J.A.Farias, L.E.Farias, James Robb, E.L.Vas, Mrs.E.Vas, Master F.Vas, Master D.Vas, Miss.S.Vas, A.F.Vas, Miss.L.Vas, Miss.E.L.Wilson, Mrs.A.F.Vas, Noordin Abdullah, Kunj Lal Agarwal, Ebrahim Hossen Amra, Ranchodas Dharshi Ashar, Master Ashar, Miss Ashar, Abdul R.S.Baig, Champaklal Motchand Gagnani, Mrs.Kamlagavri C.Gagnani, Vrajlal Hijri Bhansali, Husaini Dahwoodbhai Casubhai, Jotindronath Chakravarti, Vissumal Isardas Chawla, A.A.Chinwalla, Hossain Yusoof Dadabhoy, Abdulkarim Cassim Dama, Mrs.Khairunnisa Abdul Karim Dama, Miss Gulrukhsar Dama, Miss.K.A.Dama, Miss.F.A.Dama, Master Hamid Dama, Sadhi Gagandas Daryani, Dhunjisa Rustonji Daver, Manulal Ramkrishin Dave. Maganlal Ranchhoji Desai, Ratilal Dhirajlal Desai, Lilaram Detaram, Mrs.Gyan Lal Devi, Miss.Subhadra Devi, Miss.Krishna Devi, Chellaram Hernandas Dodani, Ramchand Hernandas Dodani, Shantilal Panachand Doshi, Lokusing Harusing Donsinagani, Sheikh Rahmat Elahi, Husani Dahwoodbhoy Cassubhoy, Esmail Abdul Ganee, Mrs.Fatima Esmail Ganee, Master H.Ganee, Miss H.Ganee, Miss.Z.Ganee, Dawoodbhoy Ghulam Hussein Ganevivala, Abdul Ghafur, Vallabhdas Goculdas, Shamun Abdulkayam Goga, Mrs.Safiabai Shamun Goga, Miss.Khatiya Goga, Shamdas Rewachand Gulrajani, Parmanand Hassaram, Goerdhandas Rupchand Hathiramani, Khemchand Sawalani Hoondamal, Nathermal Hotchand, Ghanshyamprasad Kahandas Inamdar, Gopal Srinvias Iyengar, Lalchand Jiomal, Pranlal Sundviji Kapadia, Tarachand Natumal Khanna, Miss.S.Khanna, Miss.K.Khnna, Miss.P.Khanna, Dawood Hoosein Khatri, Mrs.Janaki Krishnamoorthy, Miss.Janki Krishnamoorthy, Master.S.Krishnamoorthy, Krishan Kuma S/o Durgandas, Chetanram Kiwalram Lalwani, Aboobucker Abdul Latiff, Jivatram Karamchand Maharaj, Mrs.Parpati Jeshanand Mahitani, Miss.K.Mahitani, Miss.Mahitani, Master Mahitani, Narain Jethanand Mahtani, Girdharilal Chandiram Mahitani, Nasir S.Mamaijiwalla, Abdeali Abdul Hussein Mansure, Vallimohamed Abdulkarim Maskatiya, Taher Haidarli Maradali, Mrs.Bachubai (Jivraj) Mathuradas, Amritlal Jivat Maun, Peermalhomed Meralli Master, Mrs.Koolsumbahi P. Maherali Master, Miss.N.Master, Miss.S.Master, Master S.Maher, Miss.R.Master, Maganlal Dharamchand Menghani, Ramlabhaya Mehra, Mrs.Dhanvati Ramlabhaya Mehra, Master.K.Mehra, Miss.N.K.Mehra, Harbhajandas Ramitmal Mehra, Mrs.Dargo Dei Mera, Miss.S.Mehra, Sib Dayal Mera, Nashoomal Metharam, Mrs.Dhanmai Darab Doshanbhai Mirzan, Master.K.Mirzan, Miss.K.Mirzan, Nanoomal Kisoomal Mirchandani, Habib Mohamed, Casam Ali Mohamed, Sobhraj Chattaram Motwani, Thakurdas Wadhumal Motwani, Kiratrai Deomal Moorjani, Master Moorjani, Kishinchand Kiratri Murjani, Badridan Mohamidaly Musabhoy, Mandanlal Dwarkadas Musumdar, Hassanali Nazarali (Master), Mrs.Kulsumbai Hassanally Nazarally (Master), Mrs.N.N.Nazarally (Master), Miss.M.Nazarally (Master), Master A.Nazarally (Master), Miss.R.Nazarallay (Master), Jamshed Mancekji Nanporia, Nanubhai Kalyanji Pandya, Matharbhai Tulsidas Patel, Lakmishanker Harishanker Pathak, Abdul Sattar Ajij Panawalla, Prabhakar Jayaram Pitale, Gropaldas Ranchnoddas (Nathoo), Hussainali Maksad Rangoonwalla, Chandumal Dayaram Sadhwani, Mrs.Mathribhai Lalchand Samtani, Master K.Samtani, Master R.Samtani, Dharamchand Seth, Dina Nath Sethi, V.D.ass Sharma, Manohar Janardham Shroff, Bhagai Singh, Harbans Singh S/o Narain Singh, Harnam Singh, Rajnit Singh S/o Harnamisingh, Haroomal Sitaram, Mrs.Indravarti H.Sitaram, Master V.K.Sitaram, Ibrahim Tayabhai Songerwalla, Esmail Haji Suleman, Manishanker Ramchandra Vaidya, Mrs.Amy Hormasji Vasumia, Master B.Vasumia, Master H.Vasumia, Dharamchand Widge, Mohammad Mulla Yayabhoy, Mrs. Asma Mohammad Mulla Yayabhoy, Miss.N.Yayabhoy.

Makden:-

Miss.J.Henderson, Miss.I.Mackintosh, Miss.C.O.White, Mrs.Mohnibhai Lalchand Shahani, Miss.G.Lalchand Shahani, Master.G.Lalchand Shahani, Master B.Lalchand Shahani.

Yokohama:-

J.Gabaretta, Miss.F.H.Gabaretta, B.G.Walker, Miss.S.Walker, Miss.V.Walker, Miss.H.Walker, Miss.G.Walker, Miss M.Walker, Miss.A.D.Walker, Miss O.K.Walker, E.C.Wood, A.Arab, Mrs.A.Arab, Cecil Arab, J.A.Farias, Mrs.J.A.Farias, L.E.Farias, A.W.Hill, Mrs.A.W.Hill, James Robb, E.L.Vas, Master F.Vas, Master D.Vas, Miss.S.Vas, A.F.Vas, Mrs.A.F.Vas, Miss.L.Vas, Miss.E.L.Wilson.

Mukden:-

Miss.C.O.White.

Kobe:-

D.M.Young, Mrs.D.M.Young (Japanes), Aliens, Miss.K.Sato (adopted child of D.M.Young).[The proceeding of Sindh Assembly dated 9^th March 1942 pg.98]

 

11^th March 1942: Sind Legislative Assembly is told that “Seven seats are reserved for Sindhi male students at the Grant Medical College, Bombay, and four seats are reserved for Sindhi lady students at the Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Dehli. [Proceeding of Sindh Legislative pg. 21]

In the First half of March Sir Abdullah Haroon, M.L.A. (Central), President of the Sind Branch of the Muslim League, has sent a cable to the Prime Minister stating that the Hon’ble Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh had been installed as Premiere by the Hindu element of the Legislative Assembly and that he does not represents the Sind Muslims, repudiating on behalf of the Muslim the contents of the cable sent by the Hon’ble Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh and putting that the Sind Muslims were opposed to the proposals made by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru. The Sind Provincial Muslim League has passed a resolution holding the Hindus of Sind Provincial Muslim League has passed a resolution holding the Hindus of Sind responsible for the existing state of discontent and disorder in the province and suggesting the passing of agrarian and economics legislation to improve the condition of the cultivating classes. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

In the First half of March Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: There has been some improvement in the tone and headlines of the newspapers. There appears to be a greater realization of the danger to India and a greater appreciation of the effect of a negative attitude towards the war.

The attitude of press towards “China Day” was very helpful. Almost all the papers wrote editorials commending the part played by China in resisting Japanese aggression and emphasizing the unity of purpose between India and China. Even an extremist paper like the “Karachi Daily” observed: “The 7^th of March 1942 will remain memorable at least in the history of India and China, if not of the world, for an attempt by the British “Government to bring the two peoples of Asia closer “together” The “Sind Observer” and “Daily Gazette” brought out special supplements and the daily “Hayat” (Urdu) issued a China number.

The fall of Rangoon was received in a resigned and philosophical manner. The “Sind Observer” thought that “Japan has swallowed more than she can digest”. The “Daily Gazette” observed that “to depress the national “morale would be to deny the God in man and enthrone Satan.”

Mr. Churchill’s announcement on India has been received very favourably. There was a chorus of approbatior on the choice of Sir Stafford Cripps. The “Sind Observer” appealed to all Indians to make his mission “a resounding success so as to strike terror in the minds of enemies of India, who are proposing to invade the country and “force it into slavery.” The “Daily Gazette” thought that the change of heart for which the Indians have been pleading for so many years has come at last. The “Sansar Samachar” and the “Hindus Sansar” welcomed Sir Stafford Cripps’ Mission.
The daily “Hayat” observed that the appointment of Sir Stafford Cripps was a proof of the sincerity of the British Government in ending the present deadlock.

The central budget came in for a good deal of criticism. It was observed that no bold proposals of taxing monopolies have been put forward. The “Sind Observer” remarked that if a nationalist Government is formed at the center it will have to devise bolder methods of taxation. The “Hindu” remarked that no attempt was made to touch the salaries of High Government officials.

The “Hayat” in a leading article under the caption “Uncivilized Treatment of Indians” commented upon the speech made by Mr. Jumabhoy, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Singapore, at the meeting of the federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce hold in Dehli and regretted that indiscriminate treatment should have been meted out to Indians at a time when their whole-hearted co-operation is needed in the successful prosecution of the war.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

12^th March 1942: Public meetings arranged by the local branches of the Sindh Muslim league at Kambar, Dokri and Gatahar declare that they will not accept any move minus Pakistan.
1948: Karachi is declared as the capital of Pakistan. Kelat asks for three months to decide amalgamation with Pakistan.

15^th March 1942: Poet Laxman Dubi is born at Village Shar after partition he migrates to India. [Gul Hayat Institute]

In the First half of March the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The News of the fall of Rangoon was received much more calmly that that of the loss of Singapore. This was partly because it was generally held that Singapore was a far stronger position to defend than Rangoon but was also due to the fact that the news was received at about the same time as the announcement of the Visit of Sir Stafford Cripps to India was made. This announcement was very favorably received in all quarters and to some extent diverted attention from the position in Burma.
There are many more rumors current about events in Malaya and Singapore and there is a feeling that Indians in the Far East received less consideration generally than did Europeans. So far however, in spite of the uneasiness prevailing evacuation from Karachi has not reached any serious proportions although it has necessitated some strengthening of the existing train service of the North-Western Railway.

“China Day” was observed all over the province on the 7^th March. There were meetings at all the district headquarters and in the town at which resolutions were passed praising the resistance offered by China against Japanese aggression and condemning the civil intentions of Japan towards India. Processions of school children were taken out with banners and flags were sold. Approximately Rs. 18000 have so far been collected towards the China Fund”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

In the Second half of Sir Stafford Cripps and his discussions with the Indian leaders are the main interest. Opinions, unfortunately, are colored very largely by communal considerations. The Hindus consider that the proposals will lead to the breaking up of the unity of India while the Muslims appear to be more satisfied, not so much because they consider the proposals as a fulfillment of their demands as because they do not seem to find favor with the Hindus. There is no organized public opinion in this provinces and further reactions to the Cabinet proposals will depend upon the decision of the Congress and the Muslim League. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1942, 4^th April, 1942.]

In the Second half of March The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Outrages by the Hur Followers of the Pir Pagaro continue and fourteen crimes involving robbery dacoity, incendiaries and murder were committed by them during the fortnight under review resulting in the death of thirteen persons and in injury to twelve others. There was an attack on Bhitshah Railway Station in the Hyderabad District, some damage was done and Rs 105/- stolen and there have also been three cases of the cutting of telegraph wires. The most serious incidents was an attack  by some fifteen Hurs, reported to have come from Bahwalpur State, on the village of a rival Pir, the Pir of Bharchundi in the Sukkur District. During the attack nine inhabitants of the village were killed and five injured. Causalities among the Hurs are reported to be six killed and two injured. Special steps are being taken to protect the village as further attack on it is expected. 
As we had failed to secure assent to the promulgation of an ordinance to assist in dealing with the problem, a Hur Outrage Suppression Bill was passed in a secret session of the Legislative Assembly. The Bill is awaiting the assent of the Governor-General.

Government have now appointed an experienced I.C.S officers as Additional District Magistrate with an additional District Superintendent of Police in the three affected talukas of Thar Parkar and Nawabshah Districts and he will be in complete charge of that area. His first task will be to assess the position, for this he is being accompanied by a field officer from the regiment stationed at Hyderabad, and to submit his recommendations for operations against the Hurs and their strongholds. That his recommendations will involve the extensive use of troops is certain and the real question at issue will be whether the troops will be able to give sufficient help while acting in aid of the civil power or whether the promulgation of martial law will be found necessary. As far as information ‘goes at present, the odds are on martial law being inevitable.  [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1942, 4^th April, 1942.]

 In the Second half of March Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The chief topic of interest has been Sir Stafford Cripps and the negotiations in Dehli. Practically all the front page headlines during the fortnight were in connection with his “mission”. The Karachi journalists were much disappointed at not being able to interview Sir Stafford Cripps on his arrival in Karachi. There was a tone of hopefulness in most of the editorials till the 30^th March when the Cabinet proposals were publicly announced. The papers are now waiting for a lead from the Congress or the Muslim League, as the case may be, before commenting in detail on the proposals but the immediate reactions to the scheme are unfavorable. Even the “Daily Gazette” in most respects moderate considers the proposals as a “challenge to India’s nationalism”. The “Sind Observer” regards the offer as “clever but clumsy”, although it concedes that the proposals are “liberal and generous”. The main criticism is regarding the reservation of defense and the clause permitting a province to remain outside the Union, if it so desires, “which may result at the Balkanistation of India after the war”. (“Sind Observer”) Muslim League papers have not commented so far.

The fall of the Andamans was expected but it none-the-less considered ominous and Ceylon is considered to be the next objective of the enemy. There is little interest in the news from Russia, Libya, etc.

Some papers have published leaders on the “Scorched earth” policy. The “Hindu” endorsed the view expressed by Mahatama Gandhi against the scorched earth policy in India and stated that the policy if pursued will be suicidal to Indian industries which are still in their infancy and also result in acute unemployment. The “Sansar Samachar” wrote in the same strain. The “Hayat”, a Muslim Daily, while commenting on the scorched earth policy remarked that the opposition to the scorched earth policy came from the capitalists who had already grown fat on the earnings made possible owing to the conditions of war.
There is a general complaint regarding the ineffectiveness of the Government control of prices. It is stated that while the price of the wheat is fixed at Rs 5/8/- a maund it is actually being sold at Rs. 8 or Rs. 9 per maund and that it is difficult even to secure good flour in the market. 
Owing to a strike in the “Sind Observer” Press there was no issue of the “Sind Observer” on the 27^th, 28^th, 29^th and 30^th March. The paper has reappeared from the 31^st March. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1942, 4^th April, 1942.]

 

In the Second half of March the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Newspaper and other comment on the war has been so subordinated to that dealing with the presence and activities in India of Sir Stafford Cripps that it is somewhat difficult to gauge local reactions for the fortnight. But anxiety is still being expressed regarding the trend of operations in Burma and there is a fear, more or less general, of invasions. The progress of the war in Russia, Libya, etc. is receiving somewhat scanty attention.

Greater interest is being taken in A.R.P matters and a Civic Defense Committee has been formed in Karachi, including representatives of the Congress, the Muslim League and other organizations. The Managing Committee consists of fifteen members. Mr. M.H. Gazdar, M.L.A., Mayor of Karachi, is the Chairman. The Committee has not yet defined its functions or program, but it will be allowed to organize volunteers so long as there is no attempt to run a parallel A.R.P. Organization.

The Figures of Saving Bank withdrawals in Sind show that in the recent months the rush was largest in the fourth week of February when the net Savings Bank withdrawals amounted to Rs. 2, 09,237 as compared to the withdrawals of Rs. 6,528 in the corresponding week in the year 1941. There has been gradual decrease in withdrawals since then, the figures for the first, second and third weeks of March being Rs 1,26,032, Rs. 1,52,927 and Rs. 1,06,881 respectively in the first week of March, increased to Rs. 1,43,790 in the second week and dropped to Rs. 97,000 in the third week. Discharges in the corresponding weeks in 1941 were Rs. 45,407, Rs. 45,635 and Rs. 57,301 respectively. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March 1942, 4^th April, 1942.]

 

21^st March 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India informing him that the Bill for the supersession of the Hurs has been passed by the legislative Assembly and it was some sort of great achievement. [D.O. No: 114/F.R.]

25^th March 1942: “Sansar Samachar” (Daily Sindhi of Karachi) is warned for depositing security of Rs. 1000/- demand under the Indian Press (Emergency Powers) Act, 1931. [Gul Hayat Collection].

26^th March 1942: Religious Scholar and Editor Moulana Abdul Wahab Chachar is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

31^st March 1942: The dispute In the Dalmia Cement Factory, referred to in my previous report, has been settled in the favor of the workers. The management have accepted the award, but there are signs that the trouble is not yet over. About twenty-five laborers of the Asian Flour Mills struck work on the 31^st March as a protest against the discharge of one of their co-workers. They resumed work, however, after a couple of hours, when the proprietor of the Mill pointed out to then that their action was illegal as they had given no notice of the strike to the management. About 400 copies working in the Government Timber Depot, West Wharf, Karachi, went on strike on the 1^st April and demanded an increase in their daily wages. They were replaced at once by the Military Technical Institute and N.E.D Engineering Works suspended work on the 30^th March as they were not granted the “Id-e-Milad” holiday. They resumed work and were allowed a half holiday.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18^th April, 1942.]

31^st March 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 47 (Under Defense of India Rules-8), 6(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 35(Under Defense of India Rules-129), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-22),1 (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 31(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45), 38(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120)=Total is 133

(b)   Prosecuted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8) total is 2

(c)    Convicted: 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6, 39(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-22), (Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 31((Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45), 38(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 4(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120), Total is 126.

1^ST April 1942: Poet & Scholar Dr.Bashir Ahmad ‘Shad’ Pathan is born in Shikarpur later on shifts to Larkano. He did Ph.D under the supervision of Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan. It is worth note that his son Dr. Ehsaan Danish did Ph.D and Dr. Dur Muhammad Pathan was his co-guide. [Gul Hayat Collection].

2^nd April 1942: Poet GhulamRasool ‘Ghulam’ Jatoi is born in Sttardino Sangi. [Gul Hayat Collection].

4^th April: Research Scholar Dr.Arz Muhammad Unar is borin in Allah Vasayo,

 Writer Zahid Ali Magsi is born in Dadu. [Gul Hayat Collection]

4^th April 1942: There is a feeling of frustration at the unsuccessful results of Sir Stafford Cripps mission and there is little appreciation of the difficulties inherent in the situation. As usual the British accused of lack of sincerity. The Congress celebrated “National Week” by holding meeting and by carrying on street propaganda. References were made to the Jallianwalla Bagh incident and dissatisfaction was expressed at the proposals brought by Sir Stafford Cripps. The Sind Provincial Forward Bloc held a public meeting on the 31^st March to rejoice at the contradiction of the news of the death of Mr. Subhas Chandra Bose. The meeting was attended by about 500 persons and the speeches delivered were strongly anti-British and the anti-war. The Sikhs held their annual Diwan in Karachi from the 4^th to 6^th April. Resolutions were passed requesting Government to grant separate representation to the Sikhs in the Sind Legislative Assembly, on het Karachi Municipal Corporation and in Government services, and to recognize Gumukhi as a medium of instruction for Sikh schools in Sind. At the request of the local Sabha, the military authorities had permitted fifteen Sikhs of the R.I.A.S. and I.A.O.C to attend the Diwan. One of the speakers remarked that the Germans had invented weapons for modern warfare by following the teachings of the Vedas and the Sikhs, who were born to rule, were now selling themselves for 15/- each while a pair of bullocks cost Rs. 300.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18^th April, 1942.]

6^th April 1942: Religious Scholar & Freedom Fighter Moulana Muhammad Baejvi breathes his last. [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th April 1942: Actor Khealdas Golani is born in Bilawalpur later on migrates to Ulhasnagar.[Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th April 1942: Artist Molo Pamnani is born in Thatto later on migrates to Baroda [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th April 1942: The failure of the Cripps mission continued to provide a topic for discussion, but interest mainly centered itself on Mr. Rajagopalacharia. His statement caused a great sensation but while some sections of opinion praised him for his realism, the general feeling of the local Congress has been against him. It was generally expected that he would receive little support at Allahabad.

There have been the usual flag salutation ceremonies and the hackneyed Jallianwalla Bagh speeches, but little other congress activity. The Baluch League Working Committee has decided to raise volunteers and if necessary to co-operate with the Civic Defense Committee and the A.R.P. organization. Small public meetings were held by the Sind Forward Bloc and the speeches delivered were anti British and objectionable. A Sikh Diwan, attended by about 400 people, was held on the 13^th April and speeches were made on “Jallianwalla Bagh” and also on the Cripps proposals. About 100 sikhs military sepoys who were in mufti were present.

The Honorable Khan Bahadur Allahbakhsh, Premier of Sind, has proceeded on a tour of the province to inaugurate and organize the National War Front movement. He has begun his campaign with speeches at Jacobabad and Sukkur which apparently have been well received. It is hoped to make the movement a real live one.

The sudden death of Haji Sri Abdoola Haroon, M.L.A. (Central) is regarded as a serious loss to the Muslim League in Sind.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

14^th April 1942: Poet Syed Madad Ali Shah ‘Manzar’ is born in Mahota. [Gul Hayat Collection]

20^th April 1942: The Mirpurkhas Gazette (Sindhi weekly of Mirpurkhas) is warned the news regarding the damage done to ship building yard at Vizagapatam was not correct. [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the First half of April The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The Hur trouble continues and thirty three crimes of murder, robbery and dacoity were committed by the Pir’s followers during the fortnight. Fourteen deaths and twenty-one cases of injury resulted. The Special Additional Magistrate has taken charge as a preliminary has carried out a reconnaissance march through the Makhi Dhand reported to be the chief stronghold of the ringleaders of the revolt. An early report from his is expected but meanwhile, on his recommendation, over 700 Hurs have been arrested and confined to jail in order to clear the countryside of abettor’s sympathizers. Until his report is received, the general plan of campaign cannot be settled and our efforts are at present concentrated on strengthening our Police and in securing outside assistance. His Excellency the Viceroy and Governor-General has given his assent to the Hur Outrage Suppression Bill.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18^th April, 1942.]

 

 In the First half of April the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Local feeling is again somewhat difficult to sum up but although there is no sign of panic, there is no doubt that the general position in Burma and the apparent naval superiority of Japan in the Bay of Bengal as instanced by the attacks on Ceylon, Vizagapatam and Coronado and the losses suffered by our naval forces, have had a depressing affect and the fear of invasion looms large. But what expression there is mainly takes the form of regrets that the negotiations with Sir Stafford Cripps have failed to produce a settlement with Sir Stafford Cripps have failed produce a settlement which would have enabled India to put forward her maximum effort towards the prosecution of the war. Events elsewhere continue to excite comparatively little interest. Thirty-five thousand people left Karachi by rail during the period 1^st to 14^th April but without a detailed analysis of the figures of arrivals and departures, it is not possible to discuss the significance of this figure, there is most certainly no evidence of a general exodus from the city”.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18^th April, 1942.]

In the Second half of April The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The Hurs still hold the centre of the stage. Eighteen crimes of violence have occurred during the period under report resulting in 6 deaths and 5 cases of injury. There have also been instance of the breaching of canals and of the burning of crops. The securing of firearms is one of the main motives for many of the Hur raids and there is no question that the possession of a firearm is a positive danger in a vest number of cases. The police forces at the disposal of the Special Additional District Magistrate have now been reinforced by 6 platoons of the North-West Frontier Province Constabulary and by 2 platoons of Zhob Militia and further assistance has been promised from the Punjab. Thus strengthened, the District Magistrate is now pursuing a policy of clearing up the open areas of the affected talukas combined with rounding up operations in the Makhi Dhand. As a further preliminary to more intensive action, the Pir’s bungalow at Garang was raided in the early morning of the 30^th April and the Pir’s Family removed there from and brought to Karachi. This was done as the presence of the family in the heart of the Hur country was considered to provide a stimulate to the criminal activities of the Hurs which it was necessary to remove. The raid on the bungalow was without incident and care was taken to have a lady present to deal with the lady members of the family as they are purdah. Wide publicity was given to the nature of this arrangement by means of the issue of a Press Note. The bungalow is being searched prior to its complete destruction which it is hoped will be a step towards the eradication of the Pir’s influence. Government are now considering the further disposal of the family.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

 In the Second half of April the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “There is no marked change in the general attitude towards the war. The position in Burma is recognized to be exceedingly grave, if not hopeless, and there is much speculation as to the next move of the Japanese. Even so, however, many seem to be content to wait upon the Congress decision and there is little positive feeling one way or the other. Movement from Karachi has slowed down somewhat during the fortnight, but there is no doubt that a real scare might arise at any time and would lead to large scale evacuation of the city, especially of the Hindu element. As for A.R.P., the publicity campaign which was launched to stimulate recruitment has led to more interest being shown and the number of Wardens has increased to 720 as against 539 at the end of March last. The services as a whole are, however, still far below minimum strength.

The Karachi Civic Defense Committee met again on the 11^th under the chairmanship of Mr. M.H. Gazdar, M.L.A. a local Muslim Leaguer. It decided to collect subscription to enable volunteers have so far had little or no results”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

Second Half of April: The Labor situation is definitely disturbing. There have been strikes or threats of strikes from the employees of the Lighter age Companies, Keamari, the Dalmia Cement Company, the East India Tramways Company, the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation, the Ganesh Khopra Mills and Tin Factory, the Sandal Shop workers (chaplies) and from sections of the dock workers. In some cases demands for increased wages caused the trouble but the main question being raised is that of advances to employees to enable them to remove their families from Karachi. This issue is being raised particularly in the case of the larger concerns such as the Tramways Company and the Electric Supply Corporation and it would appear probable that Government will have to refer the question for adjudication. The principal investigators of the strike in the Dalmia Cement Company have been challaned under the Defense of India Rules and their trail is proceeding.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

25^th April 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation and informs him that “there is genuine disappointment that the Cripps Mission was unsuccessful in Sind”. [D.O. No: 154/F.R.]

27^th April 1942: Freedom Fighter Haji Abdullah Haroon breathes his last in Karachi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

29^th April 1942: The Mirpurkhas Gazette (Sindhi weekly of Mirpurkhas) is warned to advise the Editor to avoid writing defeatist articles. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th April 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 33 (Under Defense of India Rules-129)

(b)   Prosecuted: 9 (Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-20), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-22), 49(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 13(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 7(Under Defense of India Rules-81) Total is 79.

Second Half of April: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The Press has concerned itself with the dangerous position in Burma and the threat of hostile action against India, but politics seem still to be considered more important than war.

M.Laval’s return to power has shown how helpless the Vichy France was. The “Sind Observer” remarked. However had a man Laval may be, it does not simply pay the Allies to make a present of him to Hitler. He and the aged Marshal have to be handled very carefully whatever their aberrations.” The “Daily Gazette” observed: Laval’s return to power has given rise to serious misgivings in Washington and Allied capitals”. The “Hindu” wrote, “The appointment of M.Laval as the French Premiere indicates that France will in all probability enter the war on the side of Germany. The “Hindu Sansar” remarked that the fall of France was indeed regrettable and that it would be difficult to find a parallel for France’s ignoble fall in the history of the world.

The news of the bombing of Japanese cities was favorably received. The “Hindu” Wrote “The bombing of the Japanese cities was only a beginning of an offensive against the Axis powers. “The Daily Gazette” observed: “The raid has been hailed both in America and England”.

Hitlers speech is regarded as apologetic, Commenting upon it the “Sind Observer” remarked “There is no doubt that he is a tight corner. His much published spring offensive is a gambler’s last throw: if it rails, it will mean not only the end of his political career but also the end of war for German. “The Daily Gazette” observed: “Reading between the lines the shrewd observer cannot fail to realize that Hitler is preparing the Germans for a further series of reverses”. It added: “The fact remains that the (Hitler) has seen the writing on the wall and is begginig at long last to lose faith in his own invincibility.”

The action taken by certain Provincial Governments against certain papers without consulting the Press Advisory Committees was severely criticized by newspapers. The “Sind Observer” remarked: “The fact of the matter seems to be that there is an all-in Dehli, not so much because of the fear of foreign invasion but due to the failure of the Cripps Mission.” The “Hindu”wrote that the action against the “Bombay Sentinal” , the “Partap” of Lahore and the “Yugantra” of Calcutta without regard to the Press Advisory Committee constituted a flagrant violation of the Dehli Agreement and advised the Government of India to seek the co-operation of the press rather than gag it. The “Hindu Sansar” remarked: We do not desire that irresponsible journalism should be tolerated but at the same time responsible journalism should not be suppressed. Where is the need of setting up the farce of Press Advisory Committees, when they are not consulted before any action is taken against newspaper?”

The Madras resolution favoring Pakistan had a mixed reception. The “Daily Gazette” and the “Al-wahid” welcomed the lead given by Rajaji. The former wrote: “A public known for its sense of fairness will not take long to realize that Rajaji is not the “Pakistani” his enemies unscrupulously make him out to be, but he is only offering a first class prescription to cure Pakistanis of their suicidal mania. He laughs best who laugh last.” The latter observed that Rajaji had given right lead to the country. The “Sind Observer” did not favor the Madras resolution and remarked: “We say it is more insane to set up a Pakistan which will lead to civil war.”[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

1^st half Of May:There has been little political activity. Dr. Gopichand Bhargaya, a Congress leader from the Punjab, made a tour of the province and addressed a number of meetings in which he stressed the constructive program of the Congress and the need of treating Hindustani as the lingua franca of the country. In some meetings he made anti-war and anti-British speeches.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

 

1^st half Of May: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: While the English newspaper continue to feature the war news in their front pages, the vernacular newspaper give more prominence to the news of the outrages committed by the Hurs. The editorial columns of the vernacular press are almost entirely devoted to the question of internal security.

The Mauling of the Japanese navy in the Coral Sea has been greatly welcomed and occupation of Madagascar by the Allies has been hailed as very timely. Hopes have been expressed that the spring offensive of Hitler will be met by the Russians with the same determination and courage as shown by those brave people hitherto. The news of the R.A.F. attacks on Germany and occupied France has been welcomed and it is hoped that the raids will be kept up. The bombing of the eastern towns of Assam has not evoked very much comment.

The controversy regarding the attitude of Mr. Rajagopalacharia towards Pakistan continues, the “Sind Observer” and other Hindu papers strongly deprecating his move and foretelling his doom.

The National War Front scheme has received much publicity during the fortnight and the speeches made by the Honorable Premier and the Provincial Organizer, National War Front, have been reported in most of the papers. The only paper which has commented adversely on the National War Front is the “Sind Observer”, which remarked that there can be no national enthusiasm for the war till India’s political status is improved.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

 

1^st May 1942: May Day was celebrated by the Sind Provincial Trade Union Congress as well as the Radical Democratic Party. The former held a meeting under the president ship of Mr. N.A. Bechar, M.L.A., and some of the speeches made were anti-British. Resolutions were passed appealing for improvement in the conditions of service of laborers under the Defense of India Rules, requesting Government to appoint a tribunal immediately to settle labor disputes in Karachi and requesting Government to withdraw the cases under the Defense of India Rules against certain Dalmia Cement Factory Wokers. The Radical Democratic Party passed resolutions of an anti-Facist nature and exhorted people to help in war effort. It also passed a resolution asking Government to release the Dalmia Cement workers who had recently been arrested.

The Labor situation itself is a little easier. The strike of the Dalmia Cement workers ended on the intervention of certain members of the Radical Democratic Party when the workers were persuaded to return. At the Ganesh Khopra Mills and Tin Factory the Management have accepted all the demands of the workers. The Coal Stack workers in the Dock area went on strike, demanding increases in wages. They agreed to return on the promise of an interim increase of 2 annas per day and a final settlement by arbitration. About 150 coolies working in the various godowns in Karachi suspended work demanding an increase of pay, which was secured at the intervention of Mr. N.A. Bechar. Coolies working in the North-Western Railway Goods Yard demanded an increase of wages which was also secured.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

5^th May 1942: “Hindu Sangathan” (Sindhi daily of Sukkur) is warned for publishing an article in an objectionable language. [Gul Hayat Collection]

6^th May 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation informs him that Hurs are creating problem and cutting irrigation bunds and branches in respective areas. [D.O. No: 164/F.R.]

6^th May 1942: Nawab Zada Liqauat Ali Khan sends copy of letter to Yousuf Haroon, dispatched to him by Mr. Sri Prakash M.L.A. (Central) of Banaras

Sevashrana

Banares

April 29, 1941

 

My dear Nawabzada Saheb,

I am indeed shocked to read of the sudden death of my esteemed friend and colleague, Sir Abdolla Haroon. I can never forget his personal kindness and courtesy to me during the years we have been members of the Assembly together. The kindliness of his nature the charity of his disposition, the sympathetic attitude which he brought to bear on everything and his deep knowledge of affairs coupled with the childlike simplicity of his nature greatly attracted me to him. It is indeed unfortunate that the cruel hand of death should have removed him in the midst of his usefulness.

 

I write to send you and your Party my sincere condolences in your great loss. I shall also be obliged if you will convey my sympathy to the members of the bereaved family. I regret I know none of them myself personally and so I am unable to write direct. I hope you will please not mind this trouble.

 

Trusting all is well with you,

 

I am,

Yours sincerely,

(Sri Prakash)

 

 

7^th May 1942: Writer & Social worker Gurmukh Sing Tahliani born in Karachi later on migrates to Ajmir. [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th May 1942: “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing a misleading headline. [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th May 1942: “Hindu Samachar” (Sindhi weekly of NawabShah) is warned for publishing prophecies of a defeatist nature. [Gul Hayat Collection]

16^th May 1942: “Dukhayal” (Sindhi weekly of Larkana) is warned for strongly worded article under the caption: “A cursory review of the history of the National Week”. [Gul Hayat Collection]

16^th May 1942: “Hindu Sansar” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for writing an interoperate article under the caption: “In memory of the Martyrs”. [Gul Hayat Collection]

16^th May 1942: “Mirpurkhas Gazette” (Sindhi weekly of Thar-Parkar) is warned to advise the editor to avoid publishing anonymous letters received from the followers of the Pir Pagaro. [Gul Hayat Collection]

16^th May 1942: The Congress Committee, Sukkur, held a meeting to observe an Indian Mutiny Martyrs Day, the first time such meeting has been held in Sind. It was attended by about 150 persons. Speeches were in the main anti-British and gave a highly colored version of the Mutiny.

Dr. Choithram P. Gidvani, Mr. GHanshyam Jetharand and Mr. Doulatram Jairamdas, three Congress M.L.A.s , have been vehemently condemning Government for its inability to deal with the Hurs but the main feeling among Congress men appears to be one of complete bewilderment owing to Mahatama Gandhi’s solution for the ending of the trouble. The advice tendered has proved far from popular although it is said that one prominent leader is willing to live among the Hurs and attempt to convert them to non-violence if he is given adequate protection. The utterances, however, of the persons referred to above gave rise to some speculations regarding possible changes in the Ministry, but the reply of His Excellency to the Bombay Sindhi Association, which has called upon him to assume responsibility for law and order in the province, characterizing the Association’s proposal as retrograde and stating that there had been throughout complete agreement between him and his Ministers, has set these speculations at rest. It is reported that the Forward Bloc contemplate opening a regular branch office in Karachi. Tickets with some resemblance to one rupee and ten rupee notes and bearing the photograph of Subhas Chandra Bose have been issued by Alim T. Gidwani. They appear to be receipts for contributions to the Forward Bloc Swaraj Fund.

The Working Committee of the Sind Provincial Muslim League met on the 16^th May to elect a President in place of the late Sir Abdullah Haroon. There were two candidates, Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro. M.L.A., and Mr. Yousuf Haroon, and a split seemed likely in the League ranks. The trouble was tided over by the postponement of the election and it was decided that Khan Bahadur M.A. Khuhro should carry on the affairs of the League meanwhile.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6^th June 1942.]

18^th May 1942: “Sind Sevtak” is warned for published the news of the forced landing of some American planes in Cutch which was in contravention of the provisions of clause 7 of the Press Notice No. VI of the press instructions for war. [Gul Hayat Collection]

20^th May 1942: Shaikh Abdul Majid Sindhi sends telegram to Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan informing him that “Working Committee and Council of the Sindh Muslim League Unanimously recommended Yosuf Abdullah Haroon for Central Assembly by election and in this regard your decision is followed in letter and spirit. [Muslim League Documents]

In the First half of May The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The “Hur” situation has very definitely worsened during the fortnight and the following crimes have been committed by the Pir’s “murids’ since my last report:-

Thirty-four crimes involving dacoity and murder (including two derailments of trains) in which 33 persons have been killed and 44 injured. Of these, 24 persons were killed and 27 injured in the derailment of the Karachi-Lahore Mail on the night of the 16^th instant and in the looting and murdering carried on by the Hurs after the train had been put out of action. Among the injured were 7 Europeans.

Six offences against railway property (including the two derailment on the North-Western Railway), one attack on a railway station on the Jodhpur Railway in which an Assistant Station Master was murdered and two cases of telegraph wire cutting.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

In the First half of May the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “During the past fortnight our local troubles the Hurs in particular, have monopolized local attention and the safety of life and property in the mofussil is apparently a more burning topic than the war. Consequently the struggle in Burma, events in the Pacific and what may be the opening of Hitler’s spring offensive in Russia have caused little comment. The prompt action in Madagascar has received general approval but there is no question that fear of internal disturbance in more evident than fear of any other untoward happening. The Hindus in the richer towns are extremely nervous especially about their money but they are not prepared to invest it towards the furtherance of the war.

There was a combined display of tanks, aero planes, and anti-aircraft guns at Clifton on the 14^th May 1942. It was witnessed by His Excellency the Governor and a large crowd of about thirty thousand people who seemed greatly impressed by the anti-aircraft firing and the bombing and machine gunning from the air of a dummy village. The aircraft employed included Flying Fortresses, Hurricanes, Mohawks, Lockheeds and Blenheims.

The Radical Democratic Party celebrated India Defence Week commencing on the 26^th April. Street Propaganda was carried out and five meetings were held. The speakers stressed the need for fighting Fascism and Nazism, supported the scorched earth policy, demanded arms from Government for the protection of the public in times of danger and exhorted the audience to raise volunteer corps in their respective localities. Movement from the city of Karachi has slowed down still further.

The Honorable Premier has completed his preliminary tour of the province in connection with the National War Front. He addressed representative gatherings in all headquarter towns and proposes to make a more extended tour later. Progress so far is encouraging”. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

13^th – 15^th May 1942: As a protest against the supposed inadequacy of the proposals for advances of salary to workers to send their families away from Karachi, ten employees of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation have tendered their resignations and more are expected to follow. The general question, however, of advance to workers for the purpose of sending families out of Karachi is being referred to a Judge of the Chief Court for award. About 100 employees of the Dalmia Cement Factory met on the 15^th May and passed a resolution requesting Government to remit the sentences of the 20 workers sent to jail in connection with the last strike. After the meeting they decided to give up their associations with the All India Trade Union Congress and to join the Indian Federation of Labor under Mr. M.N. Roy. The speakers urged that if the Company failed to grant their outstanding demands, two months’ notice should be given to the Management and a strike declared. About 40 camel cart drivers employed in the New Ghali Godown struck work demanding higher wages on the 14^th May, but the strike was called off the same day as the employees promised to refer their case to the Manager, Transport Carriers Association. About 600 coolies working in the Government Timber Depot, West Wharf, Karachi, refused to work overtime on the 13^th May as the proprietor of the contracting firm was alleged to have assaulted one of the cooly jamadars. The strikers left the Depot and on the following day other men were engaged. Mr. N. A. Bechar, M.L.A., President of the Factories Workers Union has made certain demands on behalf of the workers from the Dock Engineering Works, Kiamari, which have been agreed to be referred to arbitration. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6^th June 1942.]

In the Second Half Of May: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The crimes committed by the Hurs continue to be the main news items in this province and news of the war is trained as being of secondary importance. The situation on the China front is regarded with misgiving, although events in Russia are still considered encouraging in spite of the loss of Kerch. Comments on the end the Burman campaign take the view that the army did the best that it could do in the circumstances. Mahatma Gandhi’s advice that the Sind Ministry and Congress M.L.As. should resign and form Peace Brigades was generally criticized and attributed to Mahatma Gandhi’s ignorance of the conditions of Sind. Only two paper’s supported Mahatma Gandhi’s ignorance of the conditions of Sind. Only two papers supported Mahatma Gandhi, the “Hindu” and the “Sansar Samachar”. The “Hindu Sansar” criticized the local Congress for resolving that Government should not have kept the Pir Pagaro in jail without trial. The “Sansar Samachar” published an extract from the “Vir Bharat” of the Punjab which implied that the Muslim League was responsible for encouraging the Hur Menace. The “Al-wahid” made a spirited reply to this charge ridiculing it and remarking that the object of the Hindu press is to make an apology for the inability of the present Ministry to cope with the situation. The “Al-wahid” holds the Congress responsible for the breakdown of law and order in the province. The statement of His Excellency the Governor on the Hur menace and his message to the Zamindars of Sind had a very good press and were approvingly quoted in the editorials of several papers. The “Sansar Samachar” criticized the action of the United Province Government in confiscating the security of Rs. 6,000 from the “National Herald” of Lucknow.

At a press Conference on the 31^st May, the Provincial Press Adviser explained the implications of Martial Law and exhorted the editors to exercise the utmost caution in dealing with Hur news. H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of May 1942, 6^th June, 1942.]

 

26^th May 1942: The Hon’ Secretary of the BHAIBUND SHEWA MANDAL Shahi Bazar, Hyderabad, Sindh sends the following letter to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah :

Mohamed Ali Jinnah Esqr.

I appeal to your aesthetic sense and fervently request that you will responsible to the call of duty and come personally to demonstrate to the world that your organization is equal to the task in the matter of their responsibility, irrespective of what you may feel within about our opinion about the separation of Sindh and its consequences.

 

In case you do accept my invitation, I shall be glad to make suitable arrangements for your stay in our town as I propose to do for Mahatma Gandhi.

 

Please be kind enough to wire me if you accept my request. Rest assured, we shall welcome you with great pleasures and pride.

 

I remain, respectfully yours,

 

Hon’ Secretary

 

Copy of letter

—— to Mahatma Gandhi

 

 

 

BHAIBUND SHEWA MANDAL

Shahi Bazar

Hyderabad, Sindh 26^th May 1942

 

 

27^th May 1942: “Hindu Samachar”, (Sindhi Weekly of Nawabshah) was asked to advise the editor not to publish exaggerated accounts of the Lahore mail derailment incident. [Gul Hayat Collection]

 

27^th May 1942: The President of the BHAIBUND SHEWA MANDAL Shahi Bazar, Hyderabad, Sindh sends the following letter to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah :

Esqr.

League,

 

Mr. Jinnah

I beg to draw your kind attention to the copy of letter enclosed herein which I have forwarded to Mahatma Gandhi yesterday. The communication speaks for itself and needs no further lucid on.

 

I personally do not be with Congress or any other organization save and except my own of which I happen to be an honorary secretary, I hope you will understand our anxiety to restore peace and order in this unfortunate province of ours.

 

I feel confident that it is only your and Mahatma Gandhi as presence which can bring about normal and healthy situation. The masses do not care much about other workers of any organization but easily listen to the heads; they are mostly illiterate and require some big persons to explain to them the difference between right and wrong.

 

Our country is at the present moment in a hope chaos and needs your immediate help without which there is no other way to save us and property.

 

29^th May 1942: “Nawa Bharat” (Sindhi weekly of Nawabshah) is warned for publishing an anonymous letter under the caption “Gohar Party will do havoc” as publication of such letters was likely to exacerbate communal feelings. [Gul Hayat Collection]

31^st May 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 24(Under Defense of India Rules-129). The total is 263 and details of previously detained persons is 46(Under Defense of India Rules-26) and 217(Under Defense of India Rules-129).

(b)   Prosecution: 4(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 21(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 24(Under Defense of India Rules-81). Total is 58

(c)    Convicted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-90). Total is 8. Whereas persons convicted previously are two three in number and details are 56(Under Defense of India Rules-8) ,1(Under Defense of India Rules-21), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-22), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 60(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45),65 (Under Defense of India Rules-52), 31(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 2((Under Defense of India Rules-93) and 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120).

1^st– 13^th June 1942: There have been a number of desultory strikes during the fortnight. On June 1^st, a meeting of about one hundred and fifty dock workers took place at Keamari where laborers were exhorted to join the Dock Workers Union in order to secure the grant of war allowance. On June 3^rd, about 300 casual laborers, who were operating American cargo, ceased work and demanded an increase in their daily wages fro, annas 12 to Rs. 1/4. At the advice of one M.A. Khatib, who informed them that their action was illegal and that they should have given a notice before resorting to strike, they resumed work the following day. Some workers of the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation gave notice to the company on June 3^rd, demanding an increase in pay and great of an advance of three months’ pay to send their families away from Karachi. The Manager promised to grant the advance the said that the question of raising their pay would be considered later. On this the employees withdrew their notice. A Domestic Servants Union has been formed under the leadership of Mr. N. A. Bechar, M.L.A., and Kazi Muhammad Mujataba to represent the grievances of domestic servants in Karachi to the authorities and to get them a minimum wage of Rs. 25/- per mensem and a month’s leave with pay in a year. As a result of the fines inflicted for offending traffic laws and alleged harassment by the Police, the local gharriwallas went on a strike on June 13^th, which was called off on the next day at the intervention of the authorities.  [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]

4^th June 1942: Founder SGA Dr.Muhammad Suleman Shaikh born in Hala. [Gul Hayat Collection]

4^th June 1942: “Sind Observer” The editor was asked For not to publish the day-to-day temperature of Karachi. [Gul Hayat Collection]

6^th June 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation informs him that the dissension in the local branch of the Muslim League for the over the election of President has its amusing side. While Yosuf Haroon sought to be aged out of this post on the ground of his immaturity and in experiences, he has at the same time been elected by the Muslim League fittest candidate to context his father’s seat as M.N.A in the central Assembly. [D.O. No: 204/F.R.]

11^TH June 1942: “Sindhi” (Weekly Sindhi of Sukkur) The District Press Adviser, Sukkur, was asked to advise the editor to refrain the editor to refrain from writing inflammatory article standing to embitter communal feelings. [Gul Hayat Collection]

12^th June 1942: Artist Kanayo Roopani is born in Tharo Shah Later on shifts to Ahmadabad. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th June 1942: Artist Kanaya Lal Methwani is born in Jaipur. [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the First half of June Congress members in Sind seem to be in a state of considerable confusion. Dr. Choithram the local President and Mr. R. K. Sidhva, the leader of the Congress party in the Assembly, have for a long time been bitter enemies, but at the moment feelings between them are more strained than ever. It appears that Dr. Choithram wishes congress M.L.As. to resign from the Assembly in accordance with Mahatama Gandhi’s advise while Mr. Sidhva and his followers are anxious to cling to their membership as long as possible. At present they are awaiting the promised visit Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who it is known, does not agree with the Mahatma’s advice on the attitude Congressmen should adopt towards the Hurs, and they are hoping he will be able to settle their difference, particularly that regarding the question whether the Congress should continue to support the present Ministry. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]

In the First half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The Press was Imaninmous in welcoming the promulgation of Martial Law. It was considered a wise and courageous – though belated – step on the part of Government. While analyzing the circumstances leading to the declaration of Martial law, most of the papers have condemned the Sind Police. The “Sind Observer” dubbed it as “inefficient, corrupt, and communal”.
There is some dissatisfaction at the way in which the official news about the Hur operations is issued. The Press expected daily or at least bi-weekly ‘communiqués’ on the Hur operations. The Provincial Press Adviser is not in a position to confirm any news concerning the Hurs received from private sources in the area under Martial Law and when he is consulted advises against its publication. There is general demand for daily ‘communiqué’ on the Hur operations.

The visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester received very full publicity. Both the “Daily Gazette” and the “Sind Observer” splashed it on their front pages and wrote editorials welcoming His Royal Highness. The “Daily Gazette” regarded the visit as a goodwill mission and saw in it an attempt to approach the Indian question from a new angle in spite of the “flamboyant self-confidence of Sir Stafford Cripps”. The “Karachi Daily” opined that the visit will create confidence among the people of India as to their defenses. 
The heavy raids on Cologne and Essen were welcomed and received banner headlines. The situation at Sebastopol is regarded as critical. Comments on the resumption of operations in Libya express uncertainty as to the result of the battle.
The news of the proposed movement of Mahatma Gandhi has not received any prominence, although extracts from the “Harijan” have been published in Congress papers. The “Hindu Sansar” reproduced an article from the “Riyasat” of Dehli, dated the 1^st June 1942, under the caption: “Prevent India from becoming another Burma.” The article, which is defeatist in tone, quotes General Alexander and states that the loyalty of Burmans to the British and exhorts the British Government to confer political independence on India.
The speeches of President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill on the celebration of the “United Nations Flag Day” received due publicity. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]

In the First half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Hurs the proclamation of Martial Law on Junes 1^st in the area effected by the operations of the Hurs came on the whole as a relief to the inhabitants of the area, but there is now a certain amount of protest developing against such orders as the Curfew Order and those calling in areas. In particulars, the Curfew Order makes the irrigation of land for cultivation purposes extremely difficult. This question is under examination by the martial law authorities and the Public Works Department and it is hoped to devise a system which will enable the water distribution to be carried on without offending the terms of the order. Steps are also being taken for protective measures in outlying villages by allowing arms for defenses purposes provided ‘Morchas’ are built and the arms taken charge of by responsible persons. This should do much to remove the grievances caused by calling in areas. 
Outrages have continued and during the fortnight 18 crimes of murder, dacoity and robbery involving 11 deaths and 14 cases was that in which a P.W.D Sub-Divisional Officer on duty near the Makhi Dhand area was set upon and killed and in another, which incidentally did not occur in the martial law area, 2 persons armed with pistols boarded a train on the Jacobabad-Kashmir line, held up the passengers of one compartment, including 3 Tapedars, and robbed them of Rs. 3,500, Rs. 3,330 of which represented Government Land Revenue collections. While leaving they shot one of the Tapedars. There is, however, something to set on the other side. Dacoits attempting to raid Perumal village in Thar Parkar Districts, where the late Seth Sitaldas, M.L.A., lived, encountered an unexpected resistance and 4 of them were killed by gun fire. Also following the repulse of the raiders, 19 Hurs concerning in the actual raid or rounded up for harboring and abetment were arrested, tried under Martial Law and hanged on June 10^th, while a party of soldiers and Police have at last succeeded in arresting Ahmed son of Hussain, wanted for taking part in the murder of Pir Fateh Ali Shah last October, and other crimes. His capture should be a severe blow to the Hurs operating in the SUkkur Districts.

As in natural, there is a considerable demand for news from the martial law area and as publicity for important captures, etc. could only but have beneficial results it is suggested that the issue of a daily ‘communiqué’ to the Press is advisable. At present such ‘communiqués’ are very few and far between. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]   6^th June 1942: Martial Law was imposed in eastern part of Sindh to curb Hur Movement on 1st of June 1942, and Sindh Press started opposing this act of high handed ness besides advising people to avoid un-due differences with martial law authorities. Monthly ‘Touheed’, Karachi, edited by Moulana Din Muhammad Wafai has touched the matter in course of its editorial, today.[Gul Hayat Collection]

In the First half of June the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The German drives in Russia and the resumption of the struggle in Libya have quickened interest in the war news and there is some expression of anxiety in respect of both these theatres of war. It is realized that the Russian Armies are facing a very critical situation and that the immediate result of the Libya battle is uncertain. China is thought also to be in considerable danger of being put out of the war. On the other hand it seems to be generally held that the threat to India from Japan has received and it is hoped that the result of the attack on Midway Island coupled with that of the Coral Island battle will be to postpone, if not preclude, any attempt at a sea-Berne invasion. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]

16^th June 1942: We are not going to walkout of India right in the middle of the war, though we have no wish to remain there for any imperialistic reasons’, says Sir Stafford Cripps in interview in London. (Source: The Indian Annual Register, Vol-1, 1942).

17^th June 1942: Acting president of the Sindh Provincial Muslim Leagues sends the following letters to editors of various newspapers

 

 

Dear Sir,

I enclose a copy of the Resolution of the Working Committee Sindh Provincial Muslim League, on the present political situation in the province, with a request that you will please publish it in your esteemed paper in full.

“The working committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League has given its most earnest and serious consideration to the circumstances leading up to and the situation arising from the declaration on the 1^st of June 1942 of Martial Law in more than half the Province and deems it its duty to take the necessary steps  to safeguard:

(1)        the constitutional rights of the people;

(2)        the economy of the Province; and

(3)        the civic rights of the citizens,

 

All of which, in the opinion of the Committee have been seriously infringed, threatened or affected. The Committee records here below its conclusions and appoints the following four of its members, namely: (1) K. B. Muhammad Ayub Khuhro,

(2) Shaikh Abdul Majid,

(3) Mr. Muhammad Hashim Gazder, &

(4) Mr. G. M. Sayed,

To wait upon H. E. the Governor of Sindh and discuss with him the issues involved.

 

The following are seems of the consequences of the extra ordinary step that has been taken by the authorities in promulgating Martial Law:

(i)            Complete breakdown of civil administration

(ii)          Resort to Martial Law all at once in such a large area in the hope of retrieving the situation;

(iii)        Serious likelihood of dislocation of the economic life of the Province and the inevitable consequences bordering upon a general famine, as a result of the operation of Martial Law on the lines on which it is being at present enforced; and

(iv)        Apprehension of Martial Law being extended to the remaining parts of the Province thereby making conditions still worse.

 

2.         In the opinion of this Committee, this disastrous crisis is the inevitable —-come of the anti-Muslim and unscrupulous policy of exploitation followed by the present ministers, resulting in a long chain of events that have been taking place during the period they have held the reins of Sindh administration. The Ministers have thereby given an indisputable proof of their incompetence and complete failure to maintain law and order.

 

3.         It is common knowledge that throughout their regime, the Ministers have taken no steps to alleviate the causes of the growing discontent amongst the masses or to reform their methods of administration, with the result that the situation has been steadily deteriorating. Finding themselves faced with the growing discontent and the serious consequences of their aimless policy which was solely directed against the best interests of the masses, the Ministers have now resorted to Martial Law and thereby surrender no less than half the Province to Military rule. The Committee is strongly of the opinion, which is shared by a very large and ever increasing section of the population, that the Ministers having been confounded by the growing number of murders, dacoities and other acts of lawlessness were compelled in their bewilderment and to save their face to take this action. As far as this Committee is aware, in the history of Provincial Governments in British India, this unhappy Province is the first to have achieved the invidious distinction of having more than half of its area subjected to Martial Law, while the so-called popular Ministers continue to retain their office. There are extensive provisions of the existing laws including the all embracing defense of India Rules that are calculated to be adequate to meet even such an abnormal situation as is created by war conditions, on the other hand the Government of India Act, 1935, lays down several provisions for effectively dealing in almost every conceivable manner with a situation that appears seriously to threaten the peace and tranquility of the Province. In spite of all this, the present Government have deemed it fit to promulgate Martial Law and thereby deprive the larger part of the very people from whom they are supposed to derive their present position as Ministers, of their fundamental rights. The position militates against the constitutional law and is quite incompatible with the very sprit of Provincial Autonomy. It is really strange that such a drastic and desperate stop should have been taken without sacking previous arrangements to see that the vast numbers of people whose fundamental rights were thereby going to be so seriously invaded were duly instructed and prepared in regard to the handicaps and hardships inevitable to the operation of martial law. It was further necessary to restrict the operation to only such a small area as was absolutely essential for the purpose in view and at the same time to ensure that the daily rounds of the peoples’ activities connected with their lawful livelihood were not interfered with and as far as humanly possible no innocent people were victimized. But the Committee regret to observe that no such precautions were taken. Even if the need for promulgation of Martial Law was real, the committee feels that if the present Ministers had any the slightest regard to the popular feeling or felt in any manner responsible to the people at large, they would have at the most sought military assistance without placing such a vast area all at once under the military rule, just as it had been done during the unfortunate Sukkur riots. But the hot haste with which a measure of such a drastic nature was precipitated upon the entire population in this vast area, in itself betrays a sad lack of sense of responsibility and unmakes the hollowness of their representative character. Standing as the Ministers therefore do so thoroughly self-condemned and exposed, this Committee which voices the feelings of the entire Muslim population of the Province when it emphatically urges upon H.E. the Governor to end this travesty of Provincial Autonomy and relieve the present Ministers of their office to which they have forfeited every possible.

 

4.         In view of the above, it is the earnest request of this Committee that H. E. the Governor of Sindh will be pleased:

(a)    to convene immediately a session of the Sindh Legislative Assembly to consider the problems of vital nature above referred to:

(b)      to appoint a Court of Inquiry to investigate and report upon the causes responsible for the failure of the present Ministers and their administration that led to the necessity of promulgation of Martial Law, without having tried the various remedies provided under the Government of India Act and the Defence of India Rules:

(c)    to take stops to see that Martial Law is so administered that while it enables to effectively deal with the turbulent and guilty elements it does not restrict the Lawful pursuits of agriculturists or the carrying out of legitimate activities of constructional nature and the exercising of civic rights by peace-loving and law-abiding citizens.

 

5.         The Committee further deems it necessary to draw the attention of the authorities to the handicaps of the citizens occasioned by the operation of Martial Law in the affected areas in particular so as to make it possible for agricultural operations to continue unhampered, as otherwise there is a serious danger to the economy of the Province which may be so adversely affected as to create a situation that may bring a wide-spread ruin upon the entire Province. Side by side with this, the Committee urges the necessity of suitable amending, relaxing or rescinding the restrictions imposed upon the population under the provisions of Martial Law so as to enable the people to carry on their social activities of peaceful nature and at the same time to enable the recognized political bodies to carry on their constitutional propaganda and organization work, especially when a bye-election for the Central Assembly seat is shortly to take place. Some of the difficulties which are being experienced by the people now and which need to be remedied immediately are the following:-

(a)    The ferries on the river be opened to traffic with suitable provisions to check the movements of undesirable persons so as to permit agriculturists, fire-wood sellers, cattle-owners and others whose livelihood makes it necessary to use the ferries.

 

(b)        The night movements of agriculturists be permitted in order to enable them to irrigate their fields if their turn for water happens to be fixed during night-hours or if they have to work their Parsian-whools for Jomar and other food-crops in lift lands or in non-barrage areas.

 

(c )       The carrying and use of hatchets and other implements necessary for agricultural operations be made possible.

 

(d)        The restrictions imposed upon the assemblage of five or more persons be suitably amended so as to permit the carrying out of agricultural operations such as canal-clearance division of crops, sloughing, transplantation, harvesting, etc. and performance of social duties connected with marriages, deaths, etc.

 

(e)        The order regarding wholesale disarming of people at one and the same time through the vast area now under the Military should be modified with suitable precautions to ensure their rightful use, as otherwise the bad characters may be able to carry on their unlawful activities without any fear of armed resistance from the disarmed population. In such village where the population exceeds 500 souls, at least six or more guns be permitted to be retained by the people for protection of the villages and towns according to the population of each such village or town. Complete disarming of the civil population will, in the opinion of the committee, create chaotic conditions and a very difficult situation in the mofussil, particularly when it may not be possible for the Military authorities to arrange their own patrol for each and every village, in such a vast area over twenty thousand square miles, controlled by them.

 

(f)        Those persons in this area who had a genuine cause of fear due to personal enmity and were therefore granted extra or special gun licenses by the civil authorities for the protection of not only their own person and property but also of their localities should be restored their arms and encouraged to render assistance to the police authorities or be provided with military or police guard at their own expense;

 

(g)        Where arms cannot be restored, effective protection for immediate aid in time of danger must be made;

 

(h)        With a view to achieving quick results, the restrictions and hardships inevitable upon the operation of Martial Law should be applied only to those areas which are the source of trouble. The area should therefore be confined only to (1) Shahdadpur and Sinjhoro Talukas of Nawabshah District and (2) Sanghar and Khipro Talukas of Thar & Parkar District and (3) Mirpur Mathelo and Ubauro Talukas of Sukkur District, (4) to the area within one mile on each side of the Railway line between Kotri and Reti on the K.W. Ry. And Khokharpar and Hyderabad Sindh on the J. Railway, (5) to the left bank of the river to check the traffic on the ferries and across the river, (6) the eastern border to check the movements of dispicious characters to and from the states of Jaisalmere and Jodhpur.

 

(i)         Local Advisory Committee be set up to advise and collaborate with the Military authorities in the course of their duties so as to eliminate the possibility of harassment of innocent persons through the machinations of local subordinate Police upon whose advice the Military may have to depend, being unaware of local conditions and approaches to cut-of-way places to be visited by them in the course of their rounds:

 

(j)         Large numbers of people who seek to migrate from the affected areas to places of their permanent residence or for personal safety or convenience may be enabled to do so, especially these who move each season across the river for harvest work in the Barrage areas and return to their homes on the close of the harvest; also those traders and their agents from Karachi who have to bring cattle by —– across the river from the affected areas for the supply of neat and milk to the urban population of Karachi and Hyderabad be afforded easy and safe passage including the use of ferries to safeguard them from loss of money or personal inconvenience and also to ensure the regular supply of these needs of the urban population.

 

The Working Committee further resolves that a copy of this Resolution may be forwarded to:

 

(1)        The President All India a Muslim League.

(2)        The Private Secretary to H. E. the Governor of Sindh.

(3)        The Private Secretary to H.E. the Viceroy and Governor-Coronal of India, and

(4)        The Secretary of State for India.”

 

20^th June 1942: Singer Teyon Faqir is born in Khando. [Gul Hayat Collection]

20^th June 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation informing political party they are exploiting the situation created by Martial Law promulgated in some parts of Sindh. [D.O. No: 218/F.R.]

22^nd June 1942: The labor situation has been quieter. There was only one strike during the fortnight under report – that of about hindered workers of Sind Flour Mills who went on strike on the 22^nd June as a protest against the management dispensing with the services of an engineer. The strikers were informed that the strike was illegal and they resumed work, but have since given a regular strike notice. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 4th July, 1942.]

27^th June 1942: The visit of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad has been postponed. Congressmen are discussing the proposed campaign of Mahatma Gandhi and intend to raise volunteers in Karachi if and when the campaign is inaugurated, although it is generally believed that in the event of a campaign being launched, Sind will be excluded in view of its internal troubles.
The Muslim League Civic Defense Delegation, consisting of Nawab Muhammad Ismail, Mr. Khaliq-uz-zaman and Kazi Muhammad Isa, arrived in Karachi on the 27^th June and left on the 29^thJune. They addressed a well-attended meetings at the Khalikdina Hall, in which the Congress leaders were attacked and the goal of Pakistan re-affirmed. It is understood that the delegation advised the Muslim League M.L.As to co-operate with the authorities in the measures of Civil Defense. The Working Committee of the Sind Provincial Muslim League passed a lengthy resolution on the promulgation of the Martial Law which is directed more against the Ministry than against Martial Law itself. The Committee was of the opinion that there was no justification whatsoever for the existence for Martial Law in Sind.

 [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 4th July, 1942.]

28^th June 1942: In his paper ‘Harijan’, Mahatma Gandhi writes under the heading ‘The Hurs in Sindh’, as under:
“I have no doubt if I could have gone to Sindh, I might have been able to do some thing. I have done such things before, not without success. But I am too old for such missions. What little energy I have, I am storing up for what promises to be the last fight of my life”. (Source: “Harijan”)

In the Second half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: The number of crimes committed by the Hurs has steadily increased and the month of May has seen a very definitely worsening of the situation. Including those resulting worsening of the situation. Including those resulting from the derailments of trains described in my last report the total casualties for then month resulting from Hur outrages and operations against them are 58 killed and 72 injured the worst crime except for the derailment of the Lahore Mail, being an attack or a passenger bus in the Thar Parkar District in which the bus was held up and burnt and 13 persons, one being an Inspector of Police, were killed. Other offences, such as the cutting of telegraph and telephone wires, the derailment of a patrol engine in which the drivers was killed and the searching of canals and the damaging of canal regulators also occurred. Of the latter, the most serious was the cutting of the bank of the Jamrao Canal on the 20^th May which resulted in the flooding of the town of Khadro with much damage to property and to the breaching of the railway. And this has been in spite of the vigorous measures taken by the Additional District Magistrate, Nawabshah and Thar Parkar, and the reinforcing of the Sind Police under his control by  6 platoons of North West Frontier Province Constabulary, 2platoons of Zhob Militia and 100 armed police form the Punjab. It is thus clear that the local Government were correct in their forecast made as long ago as February last that the extensive use of troops would be necessary to clear up the trouble and that their requests for troops put forward in the beginning of March for the purpose were fully justified. Vigorous military action at that stage might possibly have localized the trouble then and have obviated the necessity for the proclamation of Martial law over such a large area as has now been found necessary. Martial law has now been proclaimed with effect from the 1^st June and it is to be hoped that the Adminstrator will be able to restore the position to grips with the Hurs who have been operating in widely scattered bands with the assistance willing or unwilling of the country side, and of the ease with which the ringleaders and the main bands go to ground or find refuge in the desert areas of Thar Parkar District and of Jaislamir State, the problem It is fear will be found to be a very troublesome one.

One result however of the trouble so far has been to confirm our misgivings regarding the efficiency of the Sind Police, both in the unarmed and armed branches. There can be no question that serious deficiencies have been revealed and in the building up the force under the recently sanctioned reorganization schemes the most careful recruitment must be made. Operations against the Hurs have shown that while forces in Nawabshah and Thar Parkar District  may not have been handled as vigorously as they might have been the lower ranks have also shown themselves to be lacking in the qualities necessary for such work as putting down a rising of this sort. There is no doubt that our police force has given a very sorry account of itself. The Hindu policemen are usally timid and the Muslim policemen are corrupt, and the higher ranks of the police are not still free from the evil accepting ‘rasails’. The recruitment policy needs thoroughly overhanding and steps will be taken in due course to do that. In mitigation, it may urged that the Sind Police have never been adequate for Sind’s requirements since the drastic economies effected in 1922, their strength is even now far below requirements and the men have for long, in spite of the efforts of the Home Departments, suffered from such drawbacks as had housing conditions, etc. The department can with some justification put forward the same plea as General Alexander has advanced for the loss of Burma.

Before the proclamation of Martial Law, His Excellency the Governor issued an appeal to the Zamindars of Sind warning them against the consequences of trafickking with the Hurs and its is hoped that this appeal and the confidence which the proclamation of Martial Law will engender will result in the co-operation from the Zamindars and other influential persons in the locality which is so essential for the crushing of the Hurs.     [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6^th June 1942.]

 

In the Second half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Confidence is now gradually returning in the area under Martial Law and the number of organized crimes has lessened. Nevertheless, the offences committed by the Hurs during the fortnight under report account for the death of nine persons and injury to six. Restricted night running trains on the Karachi-Lahore line has been resumed. A flag march was arranged in the Dadu District on the 21^st June and had good effect on the local population. The orders of the Chief Administrator of Martial Law asking people to remove themselves from the desert area of the Thar Parkar district and Khairpur State have come in for a good deal of criticism mainly on the ground that no proper arrangements were being made for the evacuees. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 4th July, 1942.] 

In the Second half of June The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: There have been six dacoities during the fortnight committed by Hurs in the Nawabshah and Thar Parkar Districts in which two persons were killed but the improvement reported in my last report continues. The martial law area has been enlarged with effect from the 29^th July by extending the western boundary to a line 5 miles west of the railway line- Kotri, Larkana, Sukkur to Habikot and on the north to a line from Habikot to Rohri. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of July 1942, 4^th August, 1942.]

 In the Second half of June the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “News of the war still continues to play second fiddle in Sind accounts of the exploits of the Hurs. What comment there is, however, indicates that while Russia is generally recognized to be holding out very stoutly, China is in a very difficult position, cut off as she is from the Allies. Criticism of the withdrawal from Burma has on the whole been moderate and hopes are expressed that the lessons learnt in the campaign will be taken advantage of it attacks on India develop.

Interest in civil defense is on the increase and political parties are making some show of being anxious to co-operate with Government but it is very doubtful whether any solid assistance will result. Recruitment to the warden service is proceeding at a more satisfactory pace and the number of wardens has now risen to 1,134 the total aimed at being 1,300. The exodus from Karachi has very largely stopped partly owing to the feeling of insecurity in the mofussil. Two camps have been constructed for housing essential workers and their families. Refugee camps on the road from Karachi to Thatta (58 miles) are under construction. Fifty-one thousand running feet of slit trenches have been dug in forty different parts of Karachi for the use of the public caught on the streets away from their homes. Blast walls have been built in large numbers and twenty-eight public shelters are ready and sites for twenty more have been selected. Equipment for emergency casualty hospitals is being purchased.
The radical Democratic Party has opened a permanent office and has been holding street propaganda meeting at which speakers have been exhorting the public to help Government in their war efforts. The Larkana District Hari Committee held a public meeting in which Japanese methods and intentions were exposed and the audience exhorted to work for the defense of India.

A war week was celebrated in Nawabshah from 18^th to 25^th May. Meeting were held in different parts of Nawabshah district. The collections during the week amounted to nearly Rs. 45000. A contribution to His Governor’s War Fund place a break of war had reached Rs. 14, 47,300 on the 15^th May 1942.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6^th June 1942.]

In the Second half of June the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The fall of Tobruk and the withdrawal of the Allied forces in Libya have had a very depressing effect. Earlier reports had not prepared the public for the present reverses and they have aroused much misgiving. It had not been appreciated that General Rommel had been able to be reinforced to the extent he obviously must have been, both in men and material, and there is great disappointment at his success. The feeling of apprehension also extends to the struggle in Russia and taking thing all round the local view is that immediate prospect are gloomy. 
Nihas Pasha’s declaration regarding the neutrality of Egypt has not had a very good effect. It is pointed out that in spite of the attack on Egyptian territory Egypt has not entered the war and it is stated that she is playing the part which the Congress advocates for India.
The newly formed Sind Provincial Defense Committee which is composed of the Mayor of Karachi, two M.L.As. belonging to the Muslim League and a number of prominent citizens with the Secretary, Civil Defense Department as joint Secretary, held its first public meeting on the 30^th June las. The Honorable the Home Minister spoke and made and appeal for more volunteers for the A.R.P. services and the Civic Guards. From July onwards, part of the A.R.P. organization will be on a full time paid basis.
June 22^nd was observed as “Russia Day”. There were well attended meetings at various headquarters towns in the province at which tributes were paid to the gallantry of the Russian and resolutions were passed emphasizing the unity of purpose which prevail among the Allied nations. At Karachi all the Labor and Students’ Union held a joint public meeting in which the speakers exhorted the audience to join the A.R.P and Civic Guards. At some places prayers were offered for the success of the Allies. The Assistant Provincial Organizer, National War Front, visited Hyderabad, Dadu and Larkana districts and convened propaganda meetings. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 4th July, 1942.]

30th June 1942: Politician Nihalchand Teckchandani is born in Kandyaro after the partition migrates to Ajmir. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th June 1942: Politician Moulana Pir Muhammad Ismail Jan is born at Tukhar [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th  June 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 329 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-129), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-129). Total is 330. Previously detained are 75(Under Defense of India Rules-26) and 334(Under Defense of India Rules-29).

(b)    Prosecuted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 9(Under Defense of India Rules-8). Total is 25.

(c)    3(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 16(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-81). Total is 22. Previously number of detained is 250 and details are: 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 52(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-21), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 60(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45) , 77(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 38(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-90), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93),  1 (Under Defense of India Rules-120)

4^th July 1942: G.M Sayed writes to Sir Bugh Dow, Governor of Sindh Karachi following letter:

“Yours Excellency,

At the request of the members of the Muslim League party, in the Sindh Legislative Assembly (of which I am the leader), I beg hereby formally to move your Excellency to be pleased to summon a session of the Sindh Legislative Assembly at an early date preferably before 15^th August 1942, for the following reasons:

            (a)        Hon’ble the Premier promised on the floor of the House on the 10^th March last, on the close of Budget session, to convene a meeting of the Sindh Legislative Assembly early in May. But although we are now in July i.e. two months have elapsed after the promised date, no session has so far been summoned, nor does there appear to be any prospect of his advising Your ‘Excellency to summon one in the near future.

(b)After the Budget session i.e. during the interval of last 3 to 4 months, many important events have taken place which require to be debated and discussed on the floor of the house as early as possible.

(c)Martial Law has been declared in about half the Province with effect from 1^st June 1942, as a result of the collapse of civil administration. This being the most important and unprecedented event in the history of this Province, the Legislative Assembly ought to have an early opportunity to express its views on such an important event.

(d)There are motions of adjournment pending on this issue of Martial Law; there are resolutions demanding an enquiry about the failure of this Government to maintain law and order in the Province; and there are many questions and bills, both private and Government, on the anvil of this Legislature, awaiting early disposal.

Under the provisions of section 62(2), Government of India Act 1935, it lies in the discretion of Your Excellency to summon the session of Legislative Assembly and therefore I am addressing this letter to Your Excellency with the request that you will be pleased to summon the session at an early date.

I may also add here for Your Excellency’s information that my party in the Assembly now commands a strength of 15 members.

I beg to remain,

Your Excellency’s

Most Obedient Servant,”

 

6^th July 1942: The “Hindu” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) and The “Alwahid” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing a misleading headline on the fall of Sevastopol. [Gul Hayat Collection]

7^th July 1942: Singer Lilo Jhangyani is born at Karachi later on migrates to New Delhi/ [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th July 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sind writes to Viceroy and Governor General of India to apprising him of the political situation rise that “the two sections of the congress are still at dagger’s drawn. Dr. Choithram’s party are still working for withdrawal of congress support from the Ministry, and Sidhwa  has retorted by a long letter to Gandhi in which he accuses Choithram of making purely personal attacks on Allah Bakhs and of having himself collected money for “aashram Choithram and Ghanshayamdas draw a salary without doing any work on its staff. Gandhi has asked Choithram for his answer to these charges. [D.O. No: 252/F.R.]

12^th July 1942: Writer Leal Bana is born [Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of July Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: Some satisfaction has been expressed at the checking of Rommel’s advance into Egypt, but it is realized that the drive in Russia and the threat towards the Suez Canal are very closely co-related. The situation in Russia is considered to be exceedingly grave and the opening of a second land front against Hitler in Europe is being advocated. News from China is published without much comment. The fear of a Japanese attack on India appears to have vanished for the time being.

Opinions are divided on the proposed Congress move. The “Karachi Daily” whole-heartedly supports the stand taken by the Working Committee of the Congress and regards this as a final chance for Britain to settle the Indian question. The “Hindu” and “Hindu Sansar” also support the stand taken by the Congress is of the opinion that the plan and program of “Quit India will prove a Herculean task. The “Daily Gazette” Urges co-operation with the British on the issue of resistance to Japanese aggression and warns that divisions in India can only strengthen the enemy. The “Sansaar Samachar” does not think that the movement will gain the same momentum as the Civil Disobedience Movement launched I 1940 did. The Muslim papers do not attach any importance to the proposed Congress move.

The Further expansion of the Executive Council of His Excellency the Viceroy has not been favorably received. The “Hindu” regards it as an affront to embittered India”. The “Hindu Sansar” thinks that these half-hearted measures cannot satisfy the popular demand. The “Daily Gazette” regards the scheme as “inadequate, disappointing and unsatisfactory”. The general comment is that the expansion has been made more to satisfy opinion in England and America than to satisfy public opinion in India.

Criticism of the inadequacy of the Price Control measures still continues. The imposition of adequate sentences on some of the offenders against the Price Control orders has been welcomed by the press, the only dissenting voice being that of the “Karachi Daily”, which regards these sentences as harsh. The “Mirpurkhas Gazette” appeals to Government to impose a ban on the export of wheat as it is feared that if wheat is continued to be exported to Bombay and Marwar on the present scale there will be scarcity of wheat in Sind. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18^th July, 1942.]

14^th July 1942: The All-India Congress Committee passes ‘Quit-India Resolution’. The text of the resolution is as under:

“Whereas the British War Cabinet proposals by Sir Stafford Cripps have shown up British imperialism in its nakedness as never before, the All-India Congress Committee has come to the following conclusions:

The committee is of the opinion that Britain is incapable of defending India. It is natural that whatever she does is for her own defense. There is the eternal conflict between Indian and British interest. It follows that their notions of defense would also differ.
The British Government has no trust in India’s political parties. The Indian Army has been maintained up till now mainly to hold India in subjugation. It has been completely segregated from the general population, who can in no sense regard it as their own. This policy of mistrust still continues, and is the reason why national defense is not entrusted to India’s elected representatives.
Japan’s quarrel is not with India. She is warring against the British Empire. India’s participation in the war has not been with the consent of the representatives of the Indian people. It was purely a British act. If India were freed, her first step would probably be to negotiate with Japan.

The Congress is of the opinion that if the British withdrew from India, India would be able to defend herself in the event of the Japanese, or any aggressor, attacking India.

The committee is, therefore, of the opinion that the British should withdraw from India. The plea that they should remain in India for the protection of the Indian princes is wholly untenable. It is an additional proof of their determination to maintain their hold over India. The princes need have no fear from an unarmed India.

The question of majority and minority is the creation of the British Government, and would disappear on their withdrawal.
For all these reasons, the committee appeals to Britain, for the sake of her own safety, for the sake of India’s safety and for the cause of world peace, to let go her hold on India, even if she does not give up all her Asiatic and African possessions.

This committee desires to assure the Japanese Government and people that India bears no enmity, either toward Japan or toward any other nation. India only desires freedom from all alien domination. But in this fight for freedom the committee is of the opinion that India, while welcoming universal sympathy, does not stand in need of foreign military aid.

India will attain her freedom through her non-violent strength, and will retain it likewise. Therefore, the committee hopes that Japan will not have any designs on India. But if Japan attacks India, and Britain makes no response to its appeal, the committee will expect all those who look to the Congress for guidance to offer complete non-violent non-cooperation to the Japanese forces, and not to render any assistance to them. It is no part of the duty of those who are attacked to render any assistance to the attacker. It is their duty to offer complete non-cooperation.

It is not difficult to understand the simple principle of nonviolent non-cooperation:

First, we may not bend the knee to an aggressor, or obey any of his orders.

Second, we may not look to him for any favors nor fall to his bribes, but we may not bear him any malice nor wish him ill.

Third, if he wishes to take possession of our fields we will refuse to give them up, even if we have to die in an effort to resist him.
Fourth, if he is attacked by disease, or is dying of thirst and seeks our aid, we may not refuse it.

Fifth, in such places where British and Japanese forces are fighting, our non-cooperation will be fruitless and unnecessary.

At present, our non-cooperation with the British Government is limited. Were we to offer them complete non-cooperation when they are actually fighting, it would be tantamount to bringing our country deliberately into Japanese hands. Therefore, not to put any obstacle in the way of the British forces will often be the only way of demonstrating our non-cooperation with the Japanese.

Neither may we assist the British in any active manner. If we can judge from their recent attitude, the British Government do not need any help from us beyond our non-interference. They desire our help only as slaves.

It is not necessary for the committee to make a clear declaration in regard to a scorched-earth policy. If, in spite of our nonviolence, any part of the country falls into Japanese hands, we may not destroy our crops or water supply, etc., if only because it will be our endeavor to regain them. The destruction of war material is another matter, and may, under certain circumstances, be a military necessity. But it can never be the Congress policy to destroy what belongs, or is of use, to the masses.

Whilst non-cooperation against the Japanese forces will necessarily be limited to a comparatively small number, and must succeed if it is complete and genuine, true building up of swaraj [self-government] consists in the millions of India wholeheartedly working for a constructive program. Without it, the whole nation cannot rise from its age-long torpor.

Whether the British remain or not, it is our duty always to wipe out our unemployment, to bridge the gulf between the rich and the poor, to banish communal strife, to exorcise the demon of untouchability, to reform the Dacoits [armed bandits] and save the people from them. If scores of people do not take a living interest in this nation-building work, freedom must remain a dream and unattainable by either non-violence or violence.

Foreign soldiers: The committee is of the opinion that it is harmful to India’s interests, and dangerous to the cause of India’s freedom, to introduce foreign soldiers in India. It therefore appeals to the British Government to remove these foreign legions, and henceforth stop further introduction. It is a crying shame to bring foreign troops in, in spite of India’s inexhaustible man power, and it is proof of the immorality that British imperialism is.” [Gul Hayat Collection]

 

14^th July 1942: Poet Syed Madad Ali Shah ‘Manzar’ is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

15^th July 1942: Journalist Fakir Hadi Bux Abro is born in Shikarpur, Poet, Journalist & Political Activist  Mueshis Gilani is born in Ghotki and Writer Altaf Abbasi is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

17^th July 1942: Writer Eishwar Bharthi is born in Tando Adam later on migrates to Ahmadabad [Gul Hayat collection]

10^th– 18^th July 1942: The workers of the Sind Flour Mills who had given a regular strike notice of fourteen days went on strike on the 18^th July, but resumed on the 10^th July, when the Labor Commissioner was appointed to adjudicate on their dispute under Sub-rule (1) of Rule 81 (a) of the Defense of India Rules. The workers have drawn up ten points including claims for increase adjudication. In all disputes between twelve firms and laborers for grant of war allowance have been referred to the Commissioner of Labor for adjudication. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18^th July, 1942.]

 

18^th July 1942: Interest has been centered round the deliberations of the Congress Working Committee. There is now a growing feeling among Congressmen in Sind that they should be allowed to participate in any movement which may be launched by Mahatma Gandhi Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is expected to reach Karachi on the 18^th instant and there is much speculation as to the attitude he will adopt on the question whether the Congress should continue to support the existing Ministry. The Muslim League is busy making propaganda in support of its candidate for the Central Assembly seat rendered vacant by the death of Sir Abdullah Haroon. Some of the League workers propose to go on a canvassing tour of six weeks, but it has been made clear that no political meetings will be allowed in the Martial Law area. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18^th July, 1942.]

In the First half of July the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The holding up of General Rommel’s advance into Egypt has had a reassuring effect on the whole the war news is realized to be exceedingly grave and the progress of the German Armies in Russia is being anxiously scratched. There are, however, no signs of panic and to some extent local opinion is more concerned with the latest political developments and the alleged shortcomings of price control than with anything else.
The Provincial Civic Defense Committee have held three public meetings in Karachi during the fortnight at which appeals for more A.R.P volunteers and Civic Guards were made and now propose to hold propaganda meetings throughout the city. Intensive training in all branches of A.R.P. is being carried on, but more recruiters are still needed. A.R.P. building works, in common with other works in Karachi, have been held up owing to the shortage of cement and unfortunately the recent rains have caused much damage to slit trenches, etc. So far, over two hindered women have registered themselves for service in the W.V.S. started by Lady Dow and being allotted various duties.

A publicity van has begun to function in Karachi on behalf of the National War Front. The Van, which is fitted with radio and is accompanied by an announcer, does daily rounds in the mornings and evenings, stopping at important public places where the news is relayed and the announcer makes short speeches. The van has been attracting good crowds. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18^th July, 1942.]

 

20^th July 1942: Writer Padan Sharma is born in Mirpur later on migrates to Mumbai. [Gul Hayat Collection]

20^th July 1942: “Nava Bharat” (Sindhi weekly of Nawabshah) is warned for giving the location of aerodrome in Nawabshah district by mentioning villages from which land had been acquired [Gul Hayat Collection]

22^nd July 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sind writes to Viceroy and Governor General of India to apprising him of the political, social and administrative situation writes that “ there is a real lull and local political activity is always the case when important question of policies are under consideration by the central executives of all India Association: None of our politician are of a caliber to have much influence in shipping these decisions and few are able to anticipate them so they have to wait to see which way the cat will jump.” [D.O. No: 279/F.R.]

23^rd July 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation writes that “I think it is likely that with the declaration of martial law we shall get fuller information as it extend to achieve prominent members of the Congress party have been dealing with the HURS”. He talks about the context of Sidhwa and Ghanshaymdas with Hurs. [D.O. No: /F.R]

25^th July 1942: “Hayat” (Daily Urdu of Karachi), “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing a misleading headline when Rostov had been entered by the Germans. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th July 1942: The Muslim League Civic Defense delegation is received by the Sindh Governor but a reputation wishes to raise a Muslim Volunteer Organization in this regard to face any situation in the war days. [D.O. No: 252/F.R.]

In the Second half of July Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: War news has again been relegated to the background; the newspaper have devoted most of their editorials, etc. to discussion on the resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee and to the damage caused by the floods in Upper Sind. The progress made by the German armies in Russia has caused little comment.

The Hindu papers continue to give prominence to the statement of Congress leaders on the resolution of the All-India Congress. Committee. The articles of Mahatma Gandhi published in the “Harijan” have been freely reproduced and there has been very bitter criticism of the attitude of the Government of India and Mr. Amery. The papers have laid great emphasis on the anti-Fascist, was expelled from its ranks. Congress believes that there is much anti-British feelings in India and that this will help the Japanese to conquer the country. India will be a thousand times worse off under Japanese than under British rule, but as she cannot defend approval of the proposed mass movement. It seems to be generally recognized that such a movement is fraught with danger and appeals have been made to Britain to avert it. The remarks of the “Daily Herald” of London chastising the Congress leaders for not approving the “Cripps” proposal have been bitterly criticized by the national papers which have also condemned the attitude of the English Labour Party. The broadcast of Sir Stafford Cripps to America met with a very hostile reception. The speeches of local Congress men on the resolution of the Working Committee were not published by any paper. The statement of Mr. Jairamadas Doulatram M.L.A., was the only statement of a local leader published on the subject. The “Muslim Voice” and the “Alwahid”, two organs of the Muslim League, have both vehemently opposed the Congress stand. The two papers characterize the attitude of the Congress as intransigent and emphasize that Congress can do nothing without settling accounts with the Muslims.
Much sympathy is expressed for those who have been rendered homeless by the floods in Upper Sind. The “Hindu Sansar” holds Government partially responsible for not warning the people in time of the impending floods. A letter to the same effect has appeared in the “Daily Gazette” by Mr. Shaikh Abdul Majid, ex-Minister.

A number of articles on price-control have appeared in the “Daily Gazette”, which also published the rejoinder of the Chief Controller of Prices. It is argued that Government should control distribution and introduce a rationing system. The same paper also published some letters complaining that the European community and the military do not set a good example during A.R.P practices. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of July 1942, 4^th August, 1942.]

 

In the Second half of July the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The move threatened by the Congress, the widespread floods in Upper Sind and the short comings of price control have been the Chief topics of local discussion during the fortnight and come on the war has been somewhat perfunctory. Such comment as has been made has been mainly devoted to the progress made by the German Armies in Russia and to the serious threat this progress constitution. There are, however, no signs of panic in Karachi and people in the mofussil have at present other things to think about.

As for the Congress, the resolution of the Working Committee and the statements issued by the Congressmen express themselves as welcoming the decision to launch a movement for India’s freedom. So far no outward demonstrations have occurred except the holding a small meeting in Karachi on the 17^th July. The Muslims have exhibited no sympathy with the proposed movement. Non-Congress Hindus have generally supported the Congress demand but are not in favor of going so far as a nation-wide mass movement. Labor has not yet expressed any great interest one way or the other. There is some feeling that even if a movement is launched, Sind will again be excluded from it by reason of the fact that there are now only two districts completely outside the martial law area and also possibly by reason of the situation created by the floods.
These floods are extremely serious, probably the most serious which have ever occurred in Sind. Owing to the high level of the Indus, the ‘bunds’ breached and in spite of all efforts being made control the flood water, very extensive damage has been done. The main railway lines to Lahore and to Quetta were breached, many roads were cut, a large number of villages have been submerged it is estimated that 150,000 acres of cultivation have been lost. Fortunately, as far as it known, there has been no loss of life but there has been widespread damage to property. It has been possible to re-establish the main line to Lahore with effect from the night of the 31^st July-1^st August and communication with Quetta is still possible by the loop line from Larkana to Jacobabad. The latest reports, however, show that an improvement in the situation which had begun to show may not be maintained and a serious threat to the loop line appears to be developing. Energetic steps to control the flood are being taken. Ample funds have been placed at the disposal of the Collectors of Sukkur and Larkana and the Deputy Commissioner, Upper Sind Frontier District, the districts most affected, and everything possible to assists people who have been forced to evacuate their villages and homes is being done. A Flood Relief Fund will shortly be inaugurated. The political groups, the Congress, the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha, have formed relief committees and it is reported that in Sukkur the Collector has succeeded in perusing the committees formed there to coalesce into one non-political committee. How long the arrangement will hold and how it will work remains to be seen. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of July 1942, 4^th August, 1942.]

31^st July 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 51 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 8 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-129), previously detained persons are 120(Under Defense of India Rules-26) and 715(Under Defense of India Rules-129).

(b)   Prosecuted: 1(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-10), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-34), 23(Under Defense of India Rules-51), 19(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 4(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-120). Total is 61.

(c)    Convicted: 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-52) 1(Under Defense of India Rules-81). Total is 21. Previously convicted persons total is 289 and details are: 6(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 66(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-21), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-22), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-24), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 63(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-45), 95(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 44(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-90), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-93), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-98) and 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120).

1^st August 1942: The situation generally is uneasy. The Dalmia Cement Company Workers Union have given notice of a strike while the Company itself have asked for Government aid and have even suggested that Government should take over the factory. Government are considering the appointment of a senior I.C.S officers to adjudicate on the dispute between the Company and the Union and also of a Board to investigate the general position of the factory which is admittedly very inefficiently run and which is giving a very low output. There is also much unrest in the port and it is extremely probable that various points of disagreement between the Port Trust and sections of the port workers will also have to be referred to adjudication. A strike was called last night (1^st August) among the dock laborers employed by the

Labor has been quiet on which and has so far refrained from any demonstration in support of pre Congress action. The Honorable Mr. Justice Lobo has given his award in connection with the amounts and terms of the loan to be given by the East India Tramways Company, Limited, to its workers and a senior I.C.S officers has been appointed to adjudicate in a number of other disputes between various other concerns , include the Karachi Port Trust, and their workers. It was reported that Mr. N. A. Bechar, M.L.A., a local Trades Union leader, was planning a general strike in sympathy with the Congress and he was at once arrested with attempting to hold a meeting. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

5^th August 1942: Singer Jagdesh Mohnani is born at Quetta later on migrates to Ulhasnagar and Writer Umed Ali Shah Rizvi is born at Bhoral Shah [Gul Hayat Collection]

7^th August 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of the serious flood situation in Sindh that has damaged real communication with quetta via Larkana-Jacobabad loop Line. [D.O.No. 297/F.R.]

9^th August 1942: All-India Congress Committee launches ‘Quit India’ Movement. Sindh Congress played its praiseworthy role. (Source: Newspapers).

10^th August 1942: The various its of rowdyism and hoolganism take place in Karachi and it is almost exclusively the work of the Hindus student of the local colleges and schools. [Press Note No. P-308 issued by directorate of information]

10^th August 1942: Early in the morning of the 10^th August, the day following the arrival of the news of the arrest of the Congress leaders, a number of policemen refused duty on account of the inadequacy of their pay to meet the increased cost of living. It is not thought that the strike has any political motive behind it and the announcement of dearness allowance by the Government of India to railway workers probably had a good deal to do with the timing of the incident. On being assured that the question of a grant of a dearness allowance was under the active consideration of Government and that it would have effect from the 1^st August, the men quickly resumed work. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

11^th August 1942: The managing committee of the Karachi Indian Merchants Association passes a resolution in which government is accused of restoring to indiscriminate firing for maintaining law and order with the help of Hired Goons. [Newspaper]

12^th August 1942: At the Amil Institute in the Newtown after lathi charge, students are arrested for their attempt to damage public and private property. [Newspaper]

12^th August 1942: Poet Shahnawaz ‘Shad; Dayo is born at Tayab. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th August 1942: The Daily Gazette Newspaper office request ranchore Police Station to send some constables as soon as possible. [Newspapers]

14^th August 1942: He meeting of the Working Committee of the Muslim League is hold the probe into the reported misappropriation in the ‘Flood Fund’. (Source: ‘Source-Material on Sindh Muslim League’, compiled by Gul Hayat Institute).

15^th August 1942: Poet Madad Ali Shah ‘Manzar’ is born at Mahota. [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the First half of August The fortnight up to the time of the arrests was mainly spent in wondering what Government would do and, since the arrests, in complaining about the action taken. The arrests themselves cannot be said to have occasioned much excitement and protests against them have so far mainly taken the form of rowdy demonstrations in Karachi and Hyderabad by college students who have shown that their college authorities have no control whatsoever over them. In Hyderabad, the Chief Administration of Martial Law made short work of the students’ activities but in Karachi acts of hooliganism lasted for some days and included attempts to burn tram cars, the stoning of buses and attacks on such Government property as telephone booths and letter boxes. Most of the prominent Congress leaders have been arrested, some by request, and for the present normal conditions prevail. Attempts at getting shopkeepers to close their shops met with little success. The Muslim Community has rigidly refrained from taking part in any pro-Congress activity. There has been some slight Khaksars activity in the Thar Parkar District and a number of Khaksars gathered at Jamesabad to hear the new directions issued by Allama Mashriqi to his followers. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

 

In the First half of August The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Martial Law operations against the Hurs continue and there have been skirmishes and round-ups in which a number of Hurs have been skirmishes and round-ups in which a number of Hurs have been killed and captured. A body thought to be that of Waryam, one of the principal ringleaders, was recovered early this month. The Jodhpur State troops which had been used to guard some of the railway stations in the Thar Parkar district have been withdrawn. A few dacoities have been committed in the Nawabshah district. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

 In the First half of August Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The Press has continued to give greater prominence to political news than to the war and the local papers have devoted most of their space to discussions and forecasts regarding the political situation, to deploring the arrests of the Congress leaders and in attempting to prove that Mr. Gandhi’s plan of campaign is in no way meant to embarrass the war effort of the United Nations. And a pretty hopeless task it has been.

There has been condemnation of the publication of the “Allahabad” papers and certain glee at the publicity given to the “Puckle” circular. But the move towards Civil disobedience has received very little support am the violent outrages which have occurred in many parts of India have been condemned. The local efforts in that direction, carried out by college students, have also been disapproved of although the usual criticism of the Police has been made.

The Provincial Press Adviser held two press conferences at which the implications of the Government of India orders under Rule 41(1) (b) were explained. The “Hindu” and “Hindu Sansar”, which had written some very strong editorials before the arrest of Mr. Gandhi, were severely warned by the Provincial Press Adviser. After the orders under Rule 41(1) (b) were passed, they have ceased writing editorials. The “Hindu” has informed its readers that it will not write editorials on the Congress movement owing to the restrictions imposed upon the press. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

 

In the First half of August the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Political events in India have almost completely deflected with political cogitation and the arrest of the Congress leaders than with the course of the war in Russia or elsewhere. Reuter’s telegrams are published but there is little comment of importance on them. As far as the war is concerned the average person in this province seems to be lulling himself to sleep.
A.R.P measures progress but slowly. Structural precaution works are badly held up for lack of cement inspire or there being two cement factories in the province, The Dalia factory is however, working very inefficiently and to a very low output. Two combined depots have been completed and will be occupied almost at once as the necessary Deputy Superintendents have been selected and are under training. Recruitment of paid personnel for the Report and Control Centre is complete. Equipment is now being received in fairly large quantities, but the factories which need trailer pumps are still without them. The Area Adviser is expected to visit Sind during September next and it is hoped that the Fire Expert with the Government of India will be able to come to Karachi at an early date.
Complaints regarding high prices and the alleged shortcomings of price control measures continue unabated, although the Press campaign has to some extent died down. Wheat is being sold below the controlled price but prices many foodstuffs, particularly vegetables, potatoes, etc., are extremely high.
Some boards of foodstuff have been detected. Where they have been of controlled commodities, they have been taken over at wholesale prices and sold in the Government shops. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August 1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

19^th August 1942: There is still unrest caused by the high cost of living and dearness allowances are under by the high cost of living and dearness allowances are under discussion in many quarters. The Government of Sind have passed orders granting a dearness allowance to their employees at the ratio of Rs. 6/- per month to those drawing pay up to Rs. 80/- In Karachi urban areas and Rs. 5/- per month to those drawing up to Rs. 60/- in the mofussil but they are being out bided by such bodies as the Karachi Port Trust and the Karachi Municipality which are proposing higher allowances. It remain to be seen how the situation will develop.

Labor has, however, evinced little interest in Congress activity possibly partly because Mr. Naraindas Bechar, M.L.A., was one of the first persons to go to jail. Approximately 400 dock themselves from work on the 19^th August but resumed the following day. This was the only response made by labor to the call for a general strike on that day. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7^th September, 1942.]

19^TH August 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of rowdyism and gundaism of Hindu student and arresting of them. [ D.O. No. 312/F.R.]

20^th August 1942: Artist Moti Kalwani is born in Sindh later on migrates to Baroda. [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the Second half of August The fortnight began quietly and in the main Congress activity was  confined to the dissemination of unauthorized bulletins and leaflets advocating ‘hartals’, general strikes, interference with all forms of transport, withdrawal of deposits from banks and Post Offices and the like. There were some small meetings and processions but they were ignored in the hope that non-interference by the Police would result in the public losing interest. To some extent this policy was at first successful, a call for a general ‘hartal’ on the 19^thAugust evoking a poor response which caused no particular inconvenience to anyone except the shop-keepers themselves, but later the Hindu students of the local colleges, who have throughout behaved extremely badly, started rowdly processions again and made another attempts to set fire to a tramcar on the night of the 28^th August. They also stoned both English and American troops leaving a cinema on the same night, but fled on the appearance of a handful of Military Police. The colleges re-opened on the 24^th but the attendance therein has been low and confined mainly to Muslim students. It would seem that the state of discipline in the colleges throughout Sind calls for enquiry. The principals of the Karachi colleges were summoned and asked what they were doing and what they could do to maintain control over their students. It was obvious from their demeanor that they had no hope of exercising any control and it appeared doubtful whether they had any real desire to do so they considered they had completed their duty which they closed the colleges. In order to test the discipline of the University Officer Training Corps, the District Commanders called a parade one was unable to establish contact with one Kewalraman, the Commanding Officer, he was among the missing. Following considerable agitation from certain sections of the public, Government appointed a special officer to enquire into allegation of ill-treatment by the Police of students arrested and confined in police station in the city on the12th August. His report has not yet been received but the Superintendent of Police are District Magistrate Karachi, state that his appointment has had an extremely bad effects on the morale of the City Police Force. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7^th September, 1942.]

In the Second half of August The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: There is little to report apart from the activities of the Congress which have already been dealt with. Dacoities and murders by the Hurs are still occurring and there was one particularly daring raid on a village called Kot Nawab, only a few miles from Sanghar. The men of this village had carried out a raid on the Hurs and in return were raided and Post 13 men and 5 women killed and 8 men and 3 women injured. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7th September, 1942.]

In the Second half of August Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: Political happenings in India continue to be the main concern of the Press and there has been general criticism of the policy of Government in arresting the Congress leaders. The displays of violence and hooliganism which have taken place have been condemned but the Hindu Papers absolve the Congress from all the blame in respect of these outrages. “Government’s decision to appoint a special officer to enquire into the alleged mal-treatment of the boys at one of the police stations after their arrest has been welcomed by the Hindu papers. The Muslim papers have, however, operate the treatment which they have consider to be mere concession to Hindu and which in their opinion, will completely demutualize the police, “The Muslim Voice” the “Alwahid” and the Nusrat praised the executive authority and the police for t handling of the situation in Karachi. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7^th September, 1942.]

In the Second half of August the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The general attitude towards the war continue to be one of almost complete apathy. The progress of the Congress movement has been deemed to be far more interesting. There has been much condemnation of Government’s policy towards Congress and while some disapproval of the acts of violence and sabotage has been expressed, it has been on the whole mere lip service. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1942, 7^th September, 1942.]

28^th August 1942: Poet Pir Bux ‘Piyasi’ is born at Tando Muhammad Khan [Gul Hayat Collection]

31^st August 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 21 Congress (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 12 Congress (Under Defense of India Rules-29), 37 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 69 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules- 129), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-129). Total 942.

(b)   Prosecuted: 4(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-8), (Under Defense of India Rules-34), 30(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-81). Total is 54.

(c)    Convicted: 3(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-35), 46(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-81) total is 53.

1^st September 1942: Journalist Muhammad Iqbal Dal is born at Soomar Dal. [Gul Hayat Collection]

4^th September 1942: Artist Mangho Dharamdasani is born at Kand taro later on migrates to Ahmadabad. [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th September 1942: “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing news regarding fire in a parachute factory in Kashmir.[ Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th September 1942: “Hindu  Sansaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) asked the District Press Adviser, Thar Parkar to call the editor and warn him for publishing two objectionable articles. [Gul Hayat Collection]

5^th September 1942: “Frontier Gazette”, “Hitechhu” (Gujerati daily of Karachi), (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Qurbani” (Sindhi daily of Shikarpur), “Hindu  Samchaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) and “AL Wahid” ( Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for for  Failure to indicate the source of Satyagraha news. [Gul Hayat Collection]

7^th September 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of the repercussion of action taken by the Government against the members of the Congress working Committee. [D.O.No. 334/F.R.]

7^th September 1942: “Frontier Gazette”, “Hitechhu” (Gujerati daily of Karachi), (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Qurbani” (Sindhi daily of Shikarpur), “Hindu  Samchaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) and “AL Wahid” ( Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for for  Failure to indicate the source of Satyagraha news. [Gul Hayat Collection]

7^th September 1942: “Babul – Islam” (Sindhi weekly of Hyderabad) is warned for intemperate writings tending to embitter communal feelings. [Gul Hayat Collection]

8^th September 1942: Singer Arjun Bhambhani is born at Tharo Shah later on migrates to Ahmadabad. [Gul Hayat Collection]

10^th September 1942: “Frontier Gazette”, “Hitechhu” (Gujerati daily of Karachi), (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Qurbani” (Sindhi daily of Shikarpur), “Hindu  Samchaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) and “AL Wahid” ( Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for for  Failure to indicate the source of Satyagraha news. [Gul Hayat Collection]

12^th September 1942: Yousuf Haroon on behalf of Sindh Provincial Muslim League sends the following letter to the honorary Secretary of All-India Muslim League:

Dear Sir,

I have the honour to forward herewith a copy of the resolution passed by the Working Committee of the All India Muslim League at their last meeting.

Yours Sincerely

Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan

Honorary Secretary

Copy of the Resolution.

“The Working Committee of the All India Muslim League place on record their deep sense of sorrow at the sad death of Haji Sir Abdoola Haroon and convey their heartfelt sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

The Muslim League has lost one of its foremost loyal members and Muslim India a zealous and sincere worker in the cause of Islam.”

To

Yousuf Haroon Saheb

Napier Road,

Karachi.

13.       Resolved that a Friday be fixed on which just before or after the  Friday Prayers, the —————— over Sindh could pass the following Resolution and the facts connected therewith and the import ———————- explained to the present:

“This public meeting of all the —— in this — strongly condemn the ignoble part that K. B. Allah Baksh has played in his efforts to ——- Hindus by putting up the Azad Conference above and alternating thereby to ——- the representative character of the Muslim League ——- is the only true representative of the Muslims in ——– country.

This  public meeting emphatically declares the fact that neither K. B. Allah Baksh represents the Muslim nor does he enjoy or deserve the confidence of the Muslims of Sindh much less of those of India.”

14.       Resolved that in view of the fact that the Congress, the Muslim League, the Hindu Sabhe —— and other co-organizations have decided not to set up a separate organization of their own in connection with the A. R. B. and other defense measures and they have all formed a separate committee known as Civil Defence Committee, consisting of representatives of all the said organizations, for the purpose of rendering all possible help that may be needed at the time of Air —— in the city of Karachi this Council is of the opinion that the Sindh Provincial Muslim League should extend its support to all such activities in Karachi ——- or other towns in Sindh. It therefore request the All India Muslim League to permit the Sindh Muslim League to participation in the above kind of joint activities in view of the special conditions prevailing in Sindh.

This Council requests Mr. Muhammad Hashim Gazdar to communicate at an early date to the President Sindh Provincial Muslim League, the details regarding the constitution and duties of the civil defence committee referred to above.

15.       This meeting strongly support ——– absolution dated 23^rd February last passed by the working committee of the All India Muslim League condemning ———- and congress proposals of the non-party conference of Sir Taj Bahadur Sapru and emphatically declares that the Muslims of Sindh shall not  hesitate to offer every possible sacrifice in order to oppose any constitution that is promulgated in India without cannot of the Muslim League whether for the duration of war or for ———————

 

12^th September 1942: The directorate of Information, Government of Sind issues the press note about acts of rowdyism and hoolganism by Hindus students.

15^th September 1942: Social worker & Founder Manik Moti Tanzeem Muhammad Usman Mangi is born at Khairodero. [Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of September 1942There have been sporadic attempt in Karachi to hold meeting and to take out processions and two minor effort at arson, one in which was a fire started at High School stairs but was extinguished by the Chowkidar and another was cigarette thrown through a ventilator of an office of a North western Railway Premises. No damage of any account was done in either cases. A student who said he had been enlisted into a Revolutionary gang of Karachi was found in possession of automatic pistol stolen from a Government officer at Sukkur but so far no other member of gang was discovered. The local colleges are open but attendance is low and consists mainly of Muslims students who incidentally are complaining that the Hindu Principle are not making proper arrangements for their lecture. A considerable number of Congress bulletins are in circulation and many of them contain very objectionable anti-British and anti war propaganda.
The situation however is one of uneasy calm and there is no doubt that Hindu population of Karachi including the prominent Hindu businessmen are largely in sympathy with congress movement. The Hindu justices of peace have resigned as a protest against policy adopted by the Government.

The special officer was appointed to enquire into the allegation of the ill treatment of students after arrest by Police has submitted his reports. After recurring the statements of various persons and officers concerned he came to the conclusion that there were no ground for further investigation into the conduct of the Police officers alleged to have concerned. His conclusion was accepted by the Government and Press Note was issued in which the Government took an opportunity to deplore the reckless making of allegations against the Karachi Police Force. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]

 

In the First half of September Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: There were stock taking articles in several papers on the occasion of the third anniversary of the war. The consensus of opinion was although the position of the Allies had improved there were at present no signs of the end. Tributes were paid to the magnificent resistance of the Russian Armies to the terrific onslaught of the Germans and it was generally conceded that Rommel was being well held in Egypt. The seriousness of the Japanese threat to Australia and to India was fully recognized. The “Sind Observer” opined that the course of the war could only be changed by the opening of a Second Front in Europe and several papers exhorted the Allies to take the offensive instead of remaining on the defensive. Although the “Daily Gazette” and “Sind Observer” continue to treat the war in its proper perspective by devoting front pages to the war news, and writing editorials on the day-to-day course of the war, the vernacular press gives greater prominence to political happenings in India and publishes whatever how it can get of the disturbances caused by the Satyagarha campaign.

The nationalist press continues to press for peace with the Congress. The acts of violence though condemned, are regarded largely as spontaneous outbursts of resentment at the interment of the Congress leaders. The “Sind Observer” which holds a brief for the Congress has not been able entirely to exonerate the Congress leaders of blame for plunging the country into disorder.
Mr. Churchill’s statement on India came in for a good deal of spirited criticism. The “Daily Gazette” left its leader column headed “Mr Churchill’s Statemanlike’ Solution to Indian Deadlock” blank. Exclaiming the blank column the same paper remarked next day that the Provincial Press Adviser might have developed “political delirium” if it reproduced. A.G. Gardiner’s assertion that the Mr. Churchill lacked a soul and rounded up by saying that it was not fair to take Mr. Churchill seriously. The “Sind Observer” complained of the “Tory Imperialism” of Mr. Churchill and regarded the appeal of some of the India leaders including the Premieres of Bengal and Sind that India should be declared independent “here and now as the best answer to Mr. Churchill”. The “Azad” a new Muslim daily which is the organ of the nationalist Muslim, questioned the correctness of Mr. Churchill’s assertion that the Muslims were opposed to the Congress and stated that the Momins, the Jamiat-ul-ulema and other Muslim organizations support the Congress stand for independence. The Muslim League papers, the “Al-wahid” and the Muslim Voice have not commented on Mr. Churchill’s speech.

The radio speech of the Commander-in-chief was published without comment.
The “sind Observer” writing under caption “This must stop at once” protested against the rash and negligent driving of some American Negro soldiers which has recently resulted in 5 persons being killed in the streets of Karachi. The Assurance of the district Magistrate, Karachi, that the culprits were being tried by Court Martial was received with satisfaction. The “Daily Gazette” continues to complain of the ineffectiveness of the Price Control measures and the “Sind Observer” views with alarm the shortage of food stuffs and advocates the requisitioning and rationing of such supplies. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]

 

In the First half of September The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: During the Fortnight the Hurs have continued to commit odd docoities involving murder and there have been two murders on Railway. The first was the minor incident in which three shot were fired at a rail motor between Ghotki and Sarhad Railway stations on September the 2^nd. No casualties were occurred and no damage was done. The second was an attack which might easily have had very serious results, on the Jodhpur Mail in the Mirpurkhas district in the early morning of the 6^th September. On the rounding the bend the driver of the driver mail noticed an obstruction on the line.  He at once accelerated and pushed through the obstruction but while doing so shots were fired and he and three Muslim ladies on the train received slight pallet wound. As far as discovered that attackers were on large body, estimated at 150 Hurs from the desert area, mounted on camels and there is no doubt that if the train had been forced to stop or had been derailed, a tragedy similar to that of the derailment of the Lahore Mail, in may last night have ensured. Fortunately the train was not stopped and most of the passengers, including a party of men belonging to the Baluchistan Regiment returning from leave, were unaware of the incident until the next station was reached. The attackers were perused by a military force and it is believe casualties were inflicted upon them. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]

In the First half of September the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The third anniversary of the war was observed in the most district in the Province by the holding of meetings under the auspices of the National War Front and the offering of prayers on the 6^th September, but there is very little real interest in the progress of the war. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]

12^th September 1942: Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: Since the 10^th August last the various acts of rowdyism and hooliganism which have taken place in Karachi have been almost exclusively the work of the Hindu students of the local colleges and schools. Such acts have followed a definite and clearly pre-arranged plan and have included the holding up of tramcars and motor buses, attempts to damage them by stone throwing and by fire, attempts to set fire on telephone booths and post boxes, and attack on a Police chowki and continued stoning of the city Police engaged in preventing such willful destruction of property and the holding of meetings and processions in defiance of the orders of Government.

Following one such display, a number of students were arrested on the morning of the 12^th August last at the Amil Institute in the New Town after the lathi charge in which some of them received injuries. After arrest the boys were first taken in police Lorries to the Soldier Bazaar Police Station and from the thence to the lock up at the Rachore Police Station. Later in the day, they were released.

Previous to this incident there had been much criticism of the action taken by the Police in dealing with meetings processions and acts of disorder and the Managing Committee of the Karachi Indian Merchants Association had already on the 11 August passed a resolution in which Government were accused of resorting “to indiscriminate firing” maintaining law and order “with the help of hired goondas” using the civic guards and A.R.P. personnel “for manhandling member of the public whom they are expected to protect”. Lathi-charging small school going children and other inhuman acts. And this was followed by the appointment of a Committee of members of the Association of the Buyers and Shippers Chamber which went even further. This Committee examined certain persons and on the strength of their testimony produces a report in which they made more astounding allegations of a nature which cannot be given in this statement but which in any case should have only been made after the most careful and impartial enquiry. As the more revealing accusations were definitely in regard to the treatment in the Ranchore Police Station of the students arrested on the 12^th August, Government decided that an enquiry should be made into the alleged misconduct of the Police at that station and appointed Mr. G.H.K Agha, an officer of very wide magisterial experience, to hold it. It was decided that Mr. Agha should examine the persons who made the complaints of ill-treatment and report whether in his opinion there were grounds for the institution of further proceedings against any of the Police officers against whom allegations might be made. Mr. Agha accordingly examined R.B. Hotchand Chandumal, R.B. Ramchand, their two grandsons and a number of other students; Mr. Parmanand Kindanmal, Mr. Gopaldas Lala, and Dr. Kishinchand who had attended the grandson of R.B. Ramchand. Then as the students examined involved a sub-Inspector named Mr. Hansotia, he also recorded the evidence of Mr. Best, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Karachi, Mr. Sharma, Editor of the “Daily Gazette”, and Mr. Gamadia, Manager of the Daily Gazette Press.

The evidence of the students was generally to the effect that after they were placed in the lock up at the Ranchore Police Station, they were taken out of the lock-up by a constable of whose identity on indication is given, in batches of 3 or 4, taken along the varandan of the Police Station and that then each boy was taken separately into the Sub-Inspector’s room and beaten either on his buttocks or on the Soles of his feet. Some of them stated that they were also asked to touch the shoes of the officer who conducted the beating and in one instance to crawl along the ground none complained or the more serious indecencies as recorded in the report of the Committee referred to above. To begin with, no witness gave any clear indications as to the identity of the Police officer said to have conducted the mishandling of the whom three of the lads said they would be able to recognize. The Enquiry Officer, therefore, asked the District Magistrate to produce before him the police officers who were present on the 12^th August. Mr. Hanstotia was produced first he is clean shaven and the three students identified him whole two others did the same.
It being quite clear from the statements made by the various witnesses that the alleged beating etc. must, if the students’ stories were time have begun between 12:45 and 1. P.m. and ended between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. Mr. Hansotia was asked to account for his movement between those times. In denying the allegations he was able to prove conclusively that he was not at the Police Station between the times in question except for a short period between 1:10 and 1:30 pm. Until he returned there in the course of his duties at about 2:45 p.m. He cited as witnesses to this effect the District Magistrate, the District Superintendent of Police, Karachi Camp. Fullerton, D.A. Provost Marshall Sind Dist., the Assistant Superintendent of Police Karachi and also as is mentioned above Mr. Shama and Mr. Gamadia, while a very relevant entry in the situation Telephone Book was also produced. 
Mr. Agha did not, after hearing the Assistant Superintendent of Police, think it necessary to hear the first three officers cited, as will be shown below, there was obviously no need to do so. Mr. Best, the Assistant Superintendent of Police, stated that when he left the to do where two tramcars had been burnt near the Mouldino Mussafarkhana about 1 p.m. , Mr. Hansotia was still there and that he met him later at the same site, at about 2:15 p.m. again leaving him there when he left. The Ranchore Police Station Telephone Book, which Mr. Agha states was properly pages containing seriatim therein the calls received at the station, show in proper order and place the following entry:-

S.No	Date	Time	Text of Message	Remarks
224.	12.8.42	1:10 p.m.	Received a phone call from city Police Station that S.I. Hansotia should be informed to reach to “Daily Gazette office with to constables as soon as possible.	To be informed.

The entry shows that the Sub-Inspector was not at the Station at 1:10 p.m. and Mr. Hansotia’ story that he arrived there at about 1:30 p.m. from the site of the burnt tramcars and on receiving the above message collected a party and proceeded to the “Daily Gazette” office and that he did not get back to the Police Station until about 2:45 p.m. is amply corroborated by Mr. Shama, Mr. Gamadia, Mr. Abdul Aziz, Inspector of Police and Mr. Best A.S.P. The story of the students that Mr. Hansotia was present at the station at the time of the alleged beating and personally carried out or supervised it, and the students were very positive on the point is obviously false. This being so, there is no reason to believe the rest of it, more particularly when the evidences of Mr. Panmanand Kundanmal and Mr. Golpaldas Lala is considered. These gentlemen arrived at the Police Station at above 4.p.m., the former to ball out one of his servants and the latter to procure the release of his son none of the students then complained to them of any mal-treatment. The fact Mr. Pramanend says there was nothing suggestive of any ill-will or resentment and Mr. Lala says he found the boys in the lock-up to be in a holiday mood. Mr. Agha has, therefore, reported that it would be to no purpose to order any further enquiry. With this finding Government after a careful examination of the statements recorded are in full agreement. They would only wish to add that they consider it singularly unfortunate to that bodies such as the Karachi Indian Merchants Association and the Karachi Buyers and Shippers Chamber should be so willing to give audience to such scandalous accusations of misconduct on the part of members of the Police Force on whose protection at other times they are so to rely and who have so far undoubtedly behaved with commendable Merchant ain the face of organized rowdyism and of stone throwing which has united so far as injuries some of them united. [Press Note, No. P-308. Karachi, dated 12^th September 1942]

16^th September 1942: Shri Birham Khastri Co-Operative Stores are opened in various Muhallas of Karachi so as to provide commodities to people on cheap rates, because economy of the country was very much badly affected by the World War and people were to be helped accordingly. (Source: The Daily Gazette, Karachi).

16^th September 1942:  Following letter is send by Sindh Provincial Muslim League to the The Secretary, All India Muslim League, Daryagunj,Delhi

 

“Dear Sir,

I am sending you some of the Resolution passed by the Provincial Muslim League Working Committee held in Karachi between 12^th and 14^th instant with a request that you will kindly look into these and take necessary steps to help us.

 

With best wishes,

 

Yours faithfully,

Napier Road Karachi

 

RESOLUTION NO: 1,

 

The Working Committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League fully endorses the Resolution passed by the working committee of the All India Muslim League on 20^th August 1942 at Bombay on the present political situation. It further assures the Quaid-e-Azam and his working committee that the Muslim League Organization of this Province will do its best to act up to the spirit and letter of the said resolution.

 

RESOLUTION NO: 2.

 

The Working Committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League regrets to observe that in spite of repeated grandiloquent claim put forth by the British Ministers that the constitution was flourishing in five provinces in India (including Sindh), no session of the Sindh Legislature has been called throughout the current year barring the brief Budget Session of March last which perhaps could not be avoided on account of the mandatory nature of the Law operating in respect of such sessions. During this period Sindh has been confronted by problems such as she had never before encountered and which the people’s representatives were fully entitled to disuses on the floor of the Legislature. There were ——- and the subsequent promulgation of Martial Law which  still continues; there were floods followed by a Public outcry for an enquiry into the causes which led to the bursting of Bachao Bunde; there were complaints as to the partiality and gross ——- shown in rendering proper relief to the suffering multitudes, there were questions connected with the general political upheaval in the country of which Sindh but an integer part; there were certain problems associated with the Sindh-Punjab dispute over the waters of the Indus not to spelt of the fact paralyeation of the legislature in this arbitrary fashion had deprived the country’s chosen representatives of all opportunities of exercising their most vital constitutional rights, such as the of exercising control over the ministry and of putting forth interpellations and moving resolutions and adjournments.

 

The committee while registering its most emphatic protest against this deliberate effort to keep the constitution a frozen state, urgent upon the Government to convene a session of the Legislature forthwith to consider the entire situation which confronts the province.

 

Proposed by Shaikh Abdul Majid

&

Seconded by Sayed Hassan Bux Shah

 

 

 

 

RESOLUTION NO: 4.

The Working Committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League deems it expedient to invite the attention of the Premier to the effect that the funds collected by him and by the Chairman of the Flood Relief Committee (For the Flood Relief Work) need to be disbursed through a joint Committee representative of all important organized parties in the Province so that all possibilities of the charge of exploitation of these funds for party purposes are obviated. Further more in view of the fact that Sindh has had the misfortune of experiencing the calamity of floods on an unprecedented scale, it is just and proper that the Provincial and Central Government should make substantial contribution towards the orientation of these funds which are to be utilized in rendering relief to the sufferers in constructing the areas that have gone through this terrible process of devastation. In the opinion of this Committee however such stupendous task cannot be tackled on the strength of ordinary Provincial Revenue or by means of Private contribution and consequently it is imperative that the Government of Sindh sould raise a loan for this vital purpose on which hinges the future of this vast act. So far utilization of these funds is concerned, the committee is clearly of the view that the principle put forth in the first part of this resolution viz. setting up of a representative committee to control these funds shall have to be extended to this as well.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO: 5.

The Working Committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League wants to make it clear as a matter of principle, that in case of react calamities such as Sindh has just experienced in the shape of floods, it is the exclusive duty and sole responsibility of the Government to help the affected community to come into its own, an raise it to the original level of life, irrespective of the consideration whether the public charity suffices for it or not. In the Sindh case this principle has greater applications and force in view of the fact that ——- facts there are sound grounds, not so far disproved by any Judicial Finding to believe that Sindh owes in a large measure, thin misfortune to the wrong handling of flood situation by their own functionaries. This meeting is further of the opinion that the relief sanctioned for the flood sufferers is absolutely inadequate to meet the requirements of sufferers and this meeting protests against stopping of all relief measures in Sukkur and Larkana Districts prematurely. This meeting therefore suggests the following measures which should be adopted by Government for giving relief to the sufferers and the alleviation of distress amongst them until the next Rabi crop.

 

From supply of food to these who are unable to work for themselves.

From supply of fodder.

Free supply of seed.

Takavi leens to enable the agriculturists to erect there huts, purchase of bullocks and reclamation of their lands.

Suspension of all decrees whether of Civil Courts or of Co-Operative Societies or recovery of all Government dues.

General permission for cultivating Ne-Kabuli lands.

Free supply of fuel and timber to the sufferers, more particularly small khatedars and peasants for construction of their huts.

General remission for lands that have been flooded as well as remission of old assessment arrears.

Remission of old and out-standing P.W.D. and Revenue Fines.

 

 

 

RESOLUTION NO.6

This meeting of the working committee of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League has carefully considered the reports from various sources including the statement made by Hon’able R. S. Gokaldas in the press relating to the causing which have led to the advent of the flood calamity and demands that tribunal be set up by Government to enquire  into and educate upon at an early date in regard to the following points:-

 

1.         The reasons why the Old Sukkur Begari Bund was cut to soak the loop Bund when the river was abnormally high inspite of the protests from the inhabitants of neighboring villages.

 

2.         Whether the old Sukkur Begari bund did have sluices for the purpose of soaking New Bund.

 

3.         Whether the New loop Bund was constructed in accordance with the Indus River Commission specifications.

 

4.         Who were than constructers for the loops Bund whether they executed their work efficiently and properly or their faults were connived at.

 

5.         Why was the flood water appeared into the Right Bank Canals and it was not allowed to take its natural course, in excess of the ————————— canals to carry such volume of water.

 

6.         Why deliver ———– without justifications, as un-necessary discriminatory and actuated by a feeling of —— ——————— river in the right bank canals at various places thereby flooding and devastating large areas in Larkana, Sukkur and Dadu  District.

 

7.         Why cuts in the Old Bund ways not ——- when soaking process had been completed and the neighboring people were willing and anxious to ——— the water level had for some short interval receded.

 

8.         Whether Government of the Province had received warnings from Peshawar  and other places in the effect that heavy floods were coming down to Sindh and if no what precautionary measures. Government took to meat the ———–

 

9.         Whether the ——liable to be affected by the deliberate cuts into the canals or bunds were given adequate notice to evacuate.

 

10.       What is the extent of losses suffered by the Government as well as people thus affected.

           

It is further urged that all those people who have suffered by loading their valuable crops, buildings, cattle and other moveable and immoveable property as a result of these breaches and cuts in the Sindhs and —— should be adequately —— by the Government and a special officer of not loss than a collector’s rank be appointed to estimate these losses for the purpose of payment of the compensation.

 

 

RESOLUTION NO. 8.

The committee of the following persons is empowered to deal with the question relating to the Martial law and report the result of its efforts to the Working committee within two months.

 

K. B. M. A. Khuhro,

G. M. Sayed,

Shaikh Abdul Majid,

 

Mr. G. M. Sayed’s resolution in this connection is referred to the above committee for consideration and disposal.”

 

Second half of September The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow:Little to export the Martial Law authorities are busy with operations against the Hurs in the desert area. Nine offenses of dacoity and murders win which 5 persons including 1 policeman were killed were committed by Hurs during the fortnight.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3^rd October, 1942.]

Second half of September Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: War news continues to occupy the front pages of the newspapers out editorials have been mainly devoted to the debates in the Central Legislative Assembly and to exhortations for a settlement with the Congress.
Russian tenacity and doggedness have earned repeated praise. The “Sind Observer” losses no occasion to draw a moral from the Russian example to assert that free “India” will oppose Hitler as well as the Russian have done. Operation in Madagascar have been praised and gratification expressed at the British success in that island. The statement of Mr. Wendell Willkie’s expressing the need of second Front has been commented upon with approval by some paper although the “Sind Observer” thought it was badly timed and that it may provide grounds for false and pernicious propaganda may use by the enemy to drive a wedge between the United Nations.
Considerable interest has been shown in comments in the American and the statements of some prominent American showing anxiety over the Indian question.
The move of Mr. Arthur Moore has been hailed with approval The “Daily Gazette” hoped that his lead and that of other Europeans of his group will counteract the effect of Mr. Churchill’s pronouncement which afforded a fertile ground for uncongenial “reactionaries”  The “Sind Observer” called it a refreshing move “an opportunity of an Life time for the British in India” The speech of the Honorable Sir Sultan Ahmed and Sir Jogedar Singh has been well received but there has been severe criticism  of the statement of the Honorable the Finance Member.

The “Sind News” the Hindu Daily of Hyderabad, in a leading article has denounced mob violence and has appealed for the strengthening of United Front against the enemies of mankind. The “Al-wahid” a Muslim Daily regard the campaign of non-co-operation against the British Government as the war against the Muslim communities and minorities communities.

The renouncing to titles by the Honorable Premier was widely commented upon Both “The Daily Gazette” and “Sind Observer” hoped that the British statesmen would take it as sign of the times and would revise their policy in regard to India.
The Government Press Note on the report of the Special Officer, who was appointed to enquire into the alleged maltreatment of students at one of the Police station in Karachi after their arrest, was welcomed by Muslim papers. The “Al-wahid” blamed the Hindu community for clearing unnecessary trouble and express gratification at the vindication of integrity of the police. The “MIllat and Nusrat both Muslim weeklies, congratulated the Enquiry Officer on his just conclusion. The Hindu papers on the other hand, have criticized the Government Press Note. The “Sind Observer” called it a “whole and corner” enquiry and the “Daily Gazette” opens it to be “labored attempt at eye wash”.
The Hindu Sansar has again drawn the attention of the minorities to the abnormal rise in the prices of foodstuffs and other necessities. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3^rd October, 1942.]

21^st September 1942: “Hindu  Sansaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing a misleading headline. [Gul Hayat Collection]

21^st September 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of the interest of Sindh Ministers in high profits either for zamindars or for Baniya middlemen and that has created problem to control over prices in effective way. [D.O.No. 357/F.R.]

26^th September 1942: Outstanding, but drastic action is taken by Khan Bahadur Allah Bux Soomro, the Premier of Sindh. He denounces the title in protest against British policy regarding  granting freedom to India. Though, he was not Congress man and took the decision on his own and history will remember him as a Freedom Fighter of his own right, but it proved to be big political support for Congress also, because it was busy in ‘Quit India’ Movement launched by it. full text of Allah Bakhsh Soomro’s letter to the viceroy of sindh, that paved way for his dismissal as the premier of sindh.

[An unprecedented thing happened which brought out in a striking manner the real character of British policy. The Premier of Sindh, Mr. Allah Bakhsh Soomro, who had publicly protested against the Government’s repressive policy, is dismissed from his office by the Sindh Governor. The extraordinary reason given is that Mr.Allah Bakhsh no longer possessed the Governor’s confidence and that he could not in consequence continue to hold office.

For the first time since the 1935 Act came into force, this new principle was applied that a Premier, though no motion of ‘no-confidence’ had been passed against him in a Legislature, could be dismissed from office by the Governor on the ground that he did not possess Governor’s confidence! The only offence of Allah Bakhsh, the Premier of Sindh was that, as a protest against Mr. Churchill’s statement, he renounced the honours which he had received from the Government.

“ I beg to inform your Excellency that I have decided to renounce both the honours I hold from the British Government as I feel I cannot consistently with my views and convictions retain them any longer.

India has been struggling for her national freedom for along time past. Upon the outbreak of the present war it was hoped that  under the very principles and ideology, in defence of which the Allies were waging a titanic conflict, India would be made free and participate in the world struggle as a free country. Convinced as I am that India has every to be free and that the people of India should have conditions in which they could live in peace and harmony, the declaration and action of the British Government have made. I clear  that, instead of giving their co-operation to various Indian parties and communities in settling their differences and parting with power to the people of land and allowing them to live happy in freedom and mould the destinies of their country according to their birthright, the policy of the British Government has been to continue their imperialistic hold on India and persist in keeping her under subjection, use the political and communal differences for propaganda purposes, and crush the national forces to serve their own imperialistic aims and intentions.

The last speech delivered by Mr. Wiston Churchill in the House of Commons has caused the greatest disappointment to all men of good will who wish to see rendered to India justice which is long due to her. As that helpless pronouncement withholds such justice from India and adds to the volume of evidence that Britain has no desire to give up her imperialistic hold on India, I feel I cannot retain the honours I hold from the British Government which in the circumstances that have arisen. I cannot but regard as tokens of British Imperialism.” (Source: ‘Source-Material on Allah Bakhsh Soomro’, compiled by Gul Hayat Institute).

 

28^th September 1942: “Hindu  Sansaar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) and “Sansaar Samachar”( Sindhi Daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing news regarding the cutting of telegraph wires near Junshahi. [Gul Hayat Collection].

In the Second half of September the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Indian political still appear to be more interesting than war news. But events in Russia are receiving close attention and Mr. Wendell Wilkie’s statement that it is high time a second front was opened was widely commented upon. There seems to be a little apprehension or an attack on Indian itself. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3^rd October, 1942.]

30^th September 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 93(Under Martial laws Reputations), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-38). Total is 95.

(b)   Prosecuted: 3(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 4(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-34), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-35),8(Under Defense of India Rules-38),5(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 4(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-86), 1 (Under Defense of India Rules-120) total is 34.

(c)    Convicted: 4(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-10), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-34) ,1 (Under Defense of India Rules-35), 6(Under Defense of India Rules-36), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 6(Under Defense of India Rules-52) ,1(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-86) and 1(Under Defense of India Rules-120) Total is 38.

2^nd-9^th October 1942: The Indian political still appear to be more interesting than war news. But events in Russia are receiving close attention and Mr. Wendell Wilkie’s statement that it is high time a second front was opened was widely commented upon. There seems to be a little apprehension or an attack on Indian itself.

There has been no serious trouble with the Congress movement anywhere in the Province but attempts were made to take advantage of ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ on the 2^nd October and also on the occasion of the 9^th October to whip up enthusiasm for the cause. A number of meetings were held and ‘prabhat pheries’ were taken out. In most cases these activities were ignored but on one or two occasions the police were stoned and a number of arrests were made. The majority of the persons arrested were released the same day but some were prosecuted and fined.

The order under section 144, criminal procedure code, issued by the District Magistrate, Karachi, has now been withdrawn and a number of the less important Congress workers arrested early on have been released. Stray incidents however, still continue to occult and will probably continue to do so for some time. The colleges and schools are mainly closed for the usual vacation but the situation particularly in regard to the colleges is by no means satisfactory and the examinations with the exceptions of those of the local engineering college, which were held in Poona, have not been held owing to picketing by students.

Outside the Karachi there has been a little activity except for the issue of unauthorized bulletins which goes in merrily both in the city and elsewhere. 
One curious incident is perhaps worth recording. Early in months four business men from Bombay appeared in Mirpurkhas with ostensible reason of preventing the local owners of the cotton ginning factories from making deliveries of cotton. After some parley, negotiation appeared to be breaking down but meanwhile the District Magistrate had served them with an order to quit and they left for Bombay, Before they left they, however, bought 25,000 bales themselves. Whether they were out to stop deliveries or to get cheap cotton for themselves is not yet clear, but anyway the amount purchased is not large enough to have any appreciable effect on the situation. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of October 1942, 19^th October, 1942.]

5^th October 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprising him of political situation of Sindh that “The Provincial Sindh Muslim League is not a happy family and Allah Bux Soomro is trying hard to catch Shaikh Abdul Majeed Sindhi from the League and induce him to join him his own party. Muslim League’s are quarreling over the control and disbursement of the little bits of money they have managed to collect for blood relieve. [D.O. No. 376/F.R-]

6^th October 1942: “Karachi Daily” is warned For Publishing misleading news. [Gul Hayat Collection].

8^th October 1942: “Sansaar Samachaar”,“Sind Observer” ,“Karachi Daily”,“Sind Samachar”,“Al wahid” is warned for publishing new relating to  the cutting of telegraph wires. [Gul Hayat Collection]

13^th October 1942: Poet Bhagwan Nirdosh is born at Darya Khan Marri later on migrates to Ahmadabad [Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of October Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The Resistance put up by the Russian at stalingard has evoked widespread admiration. Editorial comments express a hope of the turning of the tide in favor of the Allies. Hitler’s speech was published with adverse comments but the “Sind Observer “wondered why his reference to India had been omitted in Reuters’ dispatch. Little interest is both shown in other theatres of war.
The dictatorial comments made by the “Times” of London in the Indian political statements were featured with banner headlines were favorably commented upon. Mr. Amery indictment of the congress in the House of Commons evoked bitter criticism. The “Sind Observer” characterized it as voice of the a chorus girl in a Greek tragedy” while the “Daily Gazette” uttered and dictum that “great empires and little minds go ill together” and ended by appealing to Indians to do all to help the fighting men and working men to win the war and win it quickly. The “Sansar Samachar” refused to admit that the present disturbances were the work of Mahatama Gandhi and opined that those who were indulging in acts of violence were out to malign the congress. The effort of the Hindu Mahasabha have not evoked any enthusiasm. The nationalist papers deplore the decision of the Viceroy not to allow interviews with the Congress leaders.

The embargo on the Hajj pilgrimage has since been adversely commented upon by the “Azad” and the “Alwahid” the two Muslim Sindhi dailies, who urge the Government of India reconsider their decision.

Nationalist papers speaks with two voices with one the eulogize the effort of the congress in the advancing the cause of the Indian freedom and the other way condemns two acts of violence committed in the wake of the Congress movement. The “Daily Gazette” ask the misguided people who resort the reckless sabotage and destruction whether they realize what harm they are doing to their countrymen and country’s political advancement and “The Destruction of property”, the paper goes on to say, “involves a waste of public money, additional taxation and additional burdens”.

The topic which has attacked the largest measures or attention during the fortnight has been the removal of Mr. Allah bakhsh the former premiere from his office. All the three English dailies question of the constitutional property of his Excellency the Governor in removing the premier from office when he had not lost the confidence of assembly. The Daily Gazette opined that Mr. Allah bakhsh will now pass for “a hero punished unjustly and unfairly for his political opinion”, “The Azad” foresee in the dismissal great sacrifice in the part of Mr. Allah bakhsh and great future for him. The “Hindu Sansar” and The “Daily Sind News” deplore the action of his Excellency the Governor. The “Alwahid”, on the other hand welcome the removal premier of ex-Governor and adds it has come as a relief to the Muslims. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of October 1942, 19^th October, 1942.]

15^th October 1942: Folklore Poet Noonh Panhwar breathes his last. [Gul Hayat Collection].

17-21^st October 1942: The Civil Disobedience movement went its weary way In Karachi students continue to make a nuisance of themselves “prabhat pheries” attempt to create sympathy and small meetings are being held, An  order under section 144, Criminal procedure code, prohibiting meetings and procession is still in force but meetings which do not appear likely to create trouble are being ignored. The local colleges have now closed for the vacation s which should normally have begun the 17^th October,  but arrangement are being made to hold the various examinations. The spate of bulletins, some very violent in tone, show no sign of diminution. There is little actively outside Karachi although the railway telegraph and telephone line was cut near Jungshahi about 40 miles from Karachi on the night of 21^st.

There is however, on aspect of the movement which may call for action. Pressure is being exerted from Bombay. A deputation of interested person has arrived from that city- to endeavors to prevent the owner of ginning factories from selling cotton, particularly to British owned firms. The Deputation is reported to be promising to compensate the factory owners from Congress Funds for any loss they may suffer. So far little success has attended their efforts but the situation is being carefully watched.

The Muslim community have kept completely aloof from the movement. The Statement of Shaikh Abdul Majid M.L.A ex minister, and Secretary of Sind Provincial Muslim League, criticizing “repression” and advocating release of Indian Leaders was condemned at a meeting of the working Committee of Sind Provincial Muslim League. Shaikh Abdul Majid explained that the statement was an expression of his personal views and was not made by him as the General Secretary of the Sindh Provincial Muslim League. It was held that the statement was objectionable. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3^rd October, 1942.]

 

In the First half of October the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The removal of Mr. Allahbakhsh from his office of premiere and speculation regarding the formation of a new Ministry have attracted more attention locally than news of the war. The heroic defense of Stalingrad and indeed the efforts of the Russian Army as a whole continue, however, to excite general admiration and this coupled with the somewhat apologetic strain of Hitler’s latest speech has led to a rise in Allied Stock. The remainder of the war news has not evoked much comment although some interest has been expressed in connection with events in the Solomon Islands.
Local leaders of the National War Front have held a number of well attended meetings in the Nawabshah and THar Parkar Districts and have also issued bulletins to counteract the mischievous propaganda contained in the unauthorized bulletins which are being circulated. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of October 1942, 19^th October, 1942.]

In the Second half of October Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The opening of an attack by the Right Army has been welcomed both as a sign that the Allied Forces are taking to the offensive and as a factor likely to have a beneficial effect on opinion in Turkey and Egypt. Admiration for the Russians increases day by day and it is considered quite on the cards that Stalingrad may prove as impossible of capture this year as Chittagong and parts of Assam caused little or no comment.
The abrogation of the extra-territorial rights in China by the British and American Government has been commended as a first step towards the re-orientation of the European policy towards the Asiatic countries. The “Daily Gazette” saw in the abrogation an application of the principles of the Atlantic Charter to Asia. The “Sind Observer”, however, with its usual perverseness remarked that this magnanimous gesture has been dimmed to some extent by the British intentions to continue such rights in Hong Kong and also complained that the recent Ordinance of the Government of India against members of the Military and Naval Forces of the United States amounted to the application of extra-territorial rights in India. Mr. Wendell Willkie’s recent broadcast was given great prominence and was generally hold to be a valuable contribution to the Indian problem.

There is much dissatisfaction at the continuance of the political stalemate and there is now more expression of a desire for settlements coupled with a certain amount of open condemnation of acts of violence.
Local politics continue to be the main interest and the two Hindu Ministers who have joined the new Ministry have come in for much unrestrained criticism. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4^th November, 1942.]

In the Second half of October The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Outrages by Hurs continue has continued to make a spectacle of itself by adjourning its meeting on the slightest pretext but there is little hope that it will over do anything else. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4^th November, 1942.]

In the Second half of October the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Apart from an occasional comment on the defense of Stalingrad, the obscurity of the position in the Solomon islands area and the new offensive in Egypt, one hears little discussion of the war and there is no doubt that the average person in Sind considers himself as very little concerned with it. There seems to be a general feeling that all will be well in the end but that no-one knows when that will be. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4^th November, 1942.]

Second half of October Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The opening of an attack by the Right Army has been welcomed both as a sign that the Allied Forces are taking to the offensive and as a factor likely to have a beneficial effect on opinion in Turkey and Egypt. Admiration for the Russians increases day by day and it is considered quite on the cards that Stalingrad may prove as impossible of capture this year as Chittagong and parts of Assam caused little or no comment.
The abrogation of the extra-territorial rights in China by the British and American Government has been commended as a first step towards the re-orientation of the European policy towards the Asiatic countries. The “Daily Gazette” saw in the abrogation an application of the principles of the Atlantic Charter to Asia. The “Sind Observer”, however, with its usual perverseness remarked that this magnanimous gesture has been dimmed to some extent by the British intentions to continue such rights in Hong Kong and also complained that the recent Ordinance of the Government of India against members of the Military and Naval Forces of the United States amounted to the application of extra-territorial rights in India. Mr. Wendell Willkie’s recent broadcast was given great prominence and was generally hold to be a valuable contribution to the Indian problem.

There is much dissatisfaction at the continuance of the political stalemate and there is now more expression of a desire for settlements coupled with a certain amount of open condemnation of acts of violence.
Local politics continue to be the main interest and the two Hindu Ministers who have joined the new Ministry have come in for much unrestrained criticism. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4^th November, 1942.]

18^th October 1942: Social worker Zafar Sangi is born at Larkano. [Gu Hayat Collection]

21^st October 1942: Writer Rashida Hijab is born at Shikarpur. [Gul Hayat Collection]

22^nd October 1942: H.Dow the Governor of Sindh writes to The Viceroy of India apprinsing him of inducting Hindu Ministers in Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah’s Cabinet. They R.S. Gokuldus and Dr. Hemandas Vadhwani. [L.O. No. 389/F.R]

22^nd October 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sind writes to Viceroy and Governor General of India to apprising that dismissal of Allah Bux from the Premiership has been much criticized in Sindh Press but I have paid no regard to these criticism. [D.O.No: 389/F.R.]

31^st October 1942: Journalist Hussain Bux Talpur is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

31^st October 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

Detained: 13(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 1 The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 93(Under Martial laws Reputations), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-129) total 14.

(b)   Prosecution: 1(Under Defense of India Rules-5), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-9), 12(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 1(Under Defense of India Rules-90) total 24.

(c)    Convicted: 15 (Martial Law Regulations), 125 (Indian Penal Code), 33(Under Defense of India Rules-38), Total 77.

In the First half of November Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The action taken by the Allied Forces in French North Africa has been greatly acclaimed although there is a tendency to overlook the fact that the moves could not have been made without the British Navy’s command of the sea. The general Press opinion is that the German High Command is faced with a very serious situation and that the German-Italian divisions in Libya are faced with the prospect of surrender or annihilation. Hope is expressed that the operations in North Africa will be a prelude to the opening of a Second Front in Europe. Interest in the battle for Stalingrad has slackened somewhat and less interest has been taken in the struggle in the Solomon.
Comments on the success of the Republicans in the recent United States elections generally take the line that Mr. Roosevelt’s position is not at stake, for all the parties including the Isolationists are solidly behind him for the efficient prosecution of the War. The “Sind Observer” put forward the view that the results of the elections show that President Roosevelt is slipping from the position of vantage he had occupied so far, but hopes that the heat generated by the elections will not deter the U.S.A from the mighty task it has set before itself. The article contributed by Mr. Louis Fischer in the “Nation”, New York, on the Cripps, mission has been reproduced in the “Daily Gazette”, which paper considers that only the intervention of  His Majesty the King can bring about the desired effect in India. The refusal of His Excellency the Viceroy to permit Mr. Rajagopalacharia to interview Mahatama Gandhi has been generally deplored.
The “Daily Gazette” commenting on the Ordinance making paper-money defaced with political slogans illegal tender, states that the orders will cause great hardship to illiterate persons who are not likely to understand the significance of political slogans and suggests that the withdrawing of the paper-money and its replacement by coins would be a more satisfactory proposition. Complaints against the rise in prices of foodstuffs and other commodities have reappeared and the “Karachi Daily” protests strongly against the export of rice to Ceylon and of wheat to other parts outside India. The “Azad” is the only Muslim paper to continue its appeal to Government to make arrangements for the transportation of pilgrims to the Haj. The local press was asked not to publish the following items:-
(1) Statement of Mr. Hussain Zaheer on the Goodwill Mission to Russia; 
(2) Comments on the arrangements for the repatriation of Indian and British passengers from Japanese occupied countries; and 
(3) Draft Resolution before the last session of the Executive Committee of the Muslim League threatening direct action if Pakistan was not conceded and the draft Resolution on Palestine.
The Press in Sind refrained from publishing these items or commenting on them.  [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of November 1942, 18^thNovember, 1942.]

5^th November 1942: The Sindh Governor H. Dow writes to the Viceroy and Governor General of India apprising him of political situation of the Sindh and justifies his action for asking Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah to form Ministry in Sindh. [Letter No. L.O. NO. 414/F.R.]

5^th November 1942: There is no marked change in the political situation. The present Congress movement persists although its manifestations have more of a nuisance value than anything else. Unauthorized bulletins and leaflets continue to appear but on a somewhat reduced scale and there have been a number of cases of incendiaries. Some 30 bales of loose cotton were set fire to by moans of phosphorus in a railway godown at Sukkur, a second class compartment in a a Railway parcels office at Mirpurkhas and a Railway Booking Office at Nawabshah were also damaged by fire, fortunately very slightly. Post boxes have also been interfered with and section in Karachi. Such scattered incidents are difficult to deal with but it is hoped that steady pressure will gradually bring them to an end.

The colleague in Karachi have re-opened and although there have been attempts to picket, the average attendance is now more than 50 percent.

Picketing at the houses of the two Hindu Ministers has now ceased.

Supporters of the Congress did not celebrate “Divali” and some markets were closed on the 5^th instant as a protest against the detention of the Congress leaders. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of November 1942, 18^thNovember, 1942.]

 

In the First half of November the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The recent successes of the Eight Army and the landings in French North Africa have created much interest and hope is freely expressed that at last the tide is on the turn. With the Russians still holding out at Stalingrad, the German and Italian Armies in an extremely difficult position in North Africa and the Japanese being held in the Solomon Islands area, it is generally considered that Hitler must be beginning to realize the weight of the forces which will ultimately be brought against him.  The danger is that a too-optimistic feeling will assert itself but nonetheless the recent news has been a good and much needed tonic.
The Assistant Provincial Organizer toured Karachi, Dadu, Hyderabad, and Thar Parkar districts, where meetings were held which were addressed by Leaders and Sub-Leaders. Full use was made of the Publicity Van in Karachi district and of lantern slides, showing war subjects in order districts. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of November 1942, 18^thNovember, 1942.]

Government report says that “Three of the four Muslim ministers are now members of the Muslim League, and the other (Pir Illahi Bakhsh) is alleged to be fence-sitting. He will almost certainly follow their example if Jinnah can be induced to give his blessing, or even to withdraw his open disapproval. Khuhro and Gazdar have just gone to Dehli to argue with Jinnah, and are openly sanguine of success. Sir Ghulam’s adhesion to the League has certainly given Jinnah a line of honorable retreat, but I do not count on it too much, for Jinnah has strong personal antipathies which he sometimes deliberately indulges against his interests. The ministers at any rate are not likely to budge and if Jinnah does not give way, he will hardly be able to pretend in future that his Pakistan policy has even the most tenuous hold over the Muslim of Sind”. [D.O.No. 414/F.R., 5^th November 1942]

16^th November 1942: Writer Ponam Chandromalani is born at Hyderabad later on migrates to Mumbai [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the Second half of November Government reports says that “The two Hindu members have at present hardly any following in the Assembly, and Nihchaldas is working ceaselessly against them. The picketing has been rather disgraceful. The possibility of adopting this form of coercion seems to have been first mooted as a possibility in the meetings of the Hindu Independent Party, and when Gokuldas and Hemadas broke away and joined the Ministry, Nihchaldas at once issued a statement to the press that he hoped the new ministers would not be picketed. This of course, was entirely of a piece with Brer Rabbit’s advice to BrerFox not to throw him in the briar patch, and was just as successful. Next day both Ministers were picketed mainly be schoolchildren and woman under Congress incitement, and a crude bomb was thrown one night outside Hemandas’s residence. It was one of the ingredients in this bomb which provided the clue which has led to the discovery of the amateur bomb factory and the arrests referred to in the official report”.  [D.O.No. 414/F.R, 5^th November 1942]

Stray incidents connected with the civil disobedience movement persist but to all intents and purposes the movement in this province is dead and such incidents as have occurred of late are not worth reporting. Attendance in the Karachi Colleges has steadily improved and has now reached 80 percent.
Mr. Nihchaldas C. Vazirani an ex-Minister, is still trying to mobilize Hindu opinion against the two Hindu Ministers in the existing Ministry but the recent advice of Mr. Savakar to Sind Hindus to support the present Ministry will make it extremely difficult for him to make much headway. The Honorable Pir Illahi Bakhsh has joined the Muslim League which now claims twenty sixM.L.As out of thirty five Muslim M.L.As in a house of sixty members. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4^th December, 1942.]

 

In the Second half of November The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: Extensive operations for the rounding up of wanted Hurs continue in the Martial Law area and a number of arrests have been made during the fortnight. Four offences of dacoity and murder in which Hurs were involved have taken place in the area during the same period. Many rumors are afloat regarding the Pir and it is being freely stated that he will be brought to trial. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4^th December, 1942.]

In the Second half of November Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: While the continued progress of the Allied Forces in North Africa has received its due need of praise, the prowess of the Russian Armies has been given pride of place by all the provincial newspaper. The general estimates appears to be that Hitler is now in real corner from which he will find it exceedingly difficult to extricate himself. It also seems to be thought that event in the Pacific will to some extent be made to wait upon those in Europe.
France continues to excite alternately pity and respect. The mobilization order in Spain is not considered to be any special significance it is taken to signify a state of preparedness already adopted in neutral countries such as Turkey, Spain, it is though will cling to her neutrality.
The elimination of Sir Stafford Cripps from the Cabinet is regretted and regarded as ominous for India. It is feared that his removal will facility the activities of the more reactionary elements in the Cabinet as far as India is concerned. The Prime Minister’s Mansion House speech in which he expressed his determination not allow the liquidation of the Empire has come in for a good deal of criticism and is regarded as a pointer to his Indian Policy. The “Sind Observer” commenting on the Prime Minister’s speech stated that with every Allied victory there has been a hardening of attitude towards India. The “Daily Gazette” pleading for the release of Mahatma Gandhi opined that he alone can quell the violence which has demoralized the public life of this country.
The shelving of the Grady Report is also regretted and its publication is now demanded by those very papers which had formerly regarded the setting up of the Mission with suspicion.
There is much comment on the scarcity of newsprint and it is suggested that the Indian paper mills should be compelled to manufacture newsprint. The “Sind Observer” makes a plea that the sterling balance at India’s credit should be used to liquidate the foreign capital invested in Indian industries and should not be repaid in the form of goods.
The same paper gave currency to the rumors regarding the suggested trial of the Pir Pagaro and wrote a leading article condemning the Pir but suggesting that he should not be tried as his trial and the infliction of the extreme penalty of death will drive the Hurs mad with vengeance. The “Muslim Voice” suggested that the editor of the “Sind Observer” has been “bought up” by the sympathizers of the Pir.
Interest in the Congress campaign has almost ceased and there is more open condemnation of acts of violence.   [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4^th December, 1942.]

21^st November 1942: “Sindhi” (Sindhi weekly of Sukkur) ,“Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind), “Sind Savak” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) “Sind Samachar” (Gujarati daily of Karachi), “HItechhu” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) ,“Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) , “Karachi Daily” ,“Sind Observer”, “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Hindustan” (Sindhi weekly of Karachi) ,“Al-Wahid” & “Hindu Sansar”(Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned For Publishing news item in contravention of the Government of Sind, Home Department (special ), Notification No. S. D-146/42, dated the 2^nd November 1942, issued under Rule 41(1) of the Defense of India Rules. (Acts of sabotage directed towards Post Office). [Gul Hayat Collection]

23^rd November 1942: “Sindhi” (Sindhi weekly of Sukkur) ,“Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind), “Sind Savak” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) “Sind Samachar” (Gujarati daily of Karachi), “HItechhu” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) ,“Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) , “Karachi Daily” ,“Sind Observer”, “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Hindustan” (Sindhi weekly of Karachi) ,“Al-Wahid” & “Hindu Sansar”(Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned For Publishing news item in contravention of the Government of Sind, Home Department (special ), Notification No. S. D-146/42, dated the 2^nd November 1942, issued under Rule 41(1) of the Defense of India Rules. (Acts of sabotage directed towards Post Office). [Gul Hayat Collection]

25^th November 1942: “Sindhi” (Sindhi weekly of Sukkur) ,“Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind), “Sind Savak” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) “Sind Samachar” (Gujarati daily of Karachi), “HItechhu” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) ,“Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) , “Karachi Daily” ,“Sind Observer”, “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Hindustan” (Sindhi weekly of Karachi) ,“Al-Wahid” & “Hindu Sansar”(Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned For Publishing news item in contravention of the Government of Sind, Home Department (special ), Notification No. S. D-146/42, dated the 2^nd November 1942, issued under Rule 41(1) of the Defense of India Rules. (Acts of sabotage directed towards Post Office). [Gul Hayat Collection]

26^th November 1942: “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is asked to deposit Scrutiny before publication for a period of 2 months. He has decided to close as a mark of protest. [Gul Hayat Collection]

27^th November 1942: “Subh-e-ZIndangi” (Sindhi weekly of Jacobabad) , “Sindhi” (Sindhi weekly of Sukkur) ,“Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind), “Sind Savak” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) “Sind Samachar” (Gujarati daily of Karachi), “HItechhu” (Gujarati daily of Karachi) ,“Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) , “Karachi Daily” ,“Sind Observer”, “Azad” (Sindhi daily of Karachi), “Hindustan” (Sindhi weekly of Karachi) ,“Al-Wahid” & “Hindu Sansar”(Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned For Publishing news item in contravention of the Government of Sind, Home Department (special ), Notification No. S. D-146/42, dated the 2^nd November 1942, issued under Rule 41(1) of the Defense of India Rules. (Acts of sabotage directed towards Post Office). [Gul Hayat Collection]

In the Second half of November the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “A very lively interest continues to be taken in the war news and the magnificent achievements of the Russian Armies and events in Northern Africa have evoked much speculates as to future developments. Warnings have appeared that too much in the way of good news cannot be expected but there is no doubt that further successes are being hoped for. Considerable sympathy has been expressed for the French in their present difficulties. The struggle in the Pacific has not caused much comment, possibly owing to the time-lag in the appearance of news from that quarter. All round, feelings of confidence are beginning to reassert themselves.

Meetings were held under the auspices of the National War Front at the various places on November 22^nd in which the significance of Allied successes in North Africa were explained and prayers were offered for the ultimate victory of the Allies. The Assistant Organizer, National War Front, toured Sukkur, Larkana and Dadu districts in company with the Honorable Minister, Education Department, and organized meeting in support of the Front. The Hyderabad Publicity Van, which is fitted up with 35mm. film projector apparatus, showed a number of Film Advisory Board films and proved a great attraction.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4^th December, 1942.]

25^th November 1942: Poet Abdul Ghafoor ‘Aid’ is born at Mir Hassan. [Gul Hayat Collection]

 

30 November 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 70 Hurs(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 726((Under Defense of India Rules-129)

(b)   Prosecution: 16 (Indian Penal Code) , 27( special Laws), 10(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 6(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-9), 9(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 9(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-81), Total is 45.

(c)    Convicted: 134 (Under Martial Law Regulation), 36( Indian Penal Code), 11(Under Defense of India Rules-52).

 

1^st December 1942: for taking part in civil disobedience movement 134 congress workers are awarded imprisonment under various laws, 9 persons are awarded imprisonment under Indian Penal code and 75 under defense of India Rules their total 218. Whereas 85 workers are detained their particulars are 76 under section 26 of defense of India rule and 9 under other laws.[Gul Hayat Collection]

 

3^rd December 1942: Congress leaders and workers arrested during ‘Quit India Movement’ are released in Sindh. [Gul Hayat Collection]

 

 5^th December 1942: H. Dow the Governor of Sind writes to Viceroy and Governor General of India to apprising the political, social and administrative conditions. He compares the state of political party in Sindh with that of England about the end of reign of George I and said that “Fluid Element” or also in Sind Politics to him there are in Sind hardly any party are  personal loyalities strong enough to withstand the temptation rupees 1500 or even Rs. 500 a month. D.O. No: 414/F.R.]

 

3^rd – 10^th December 1942: As stated in my last report, the Congress movement is in reality dead but attempts are being made to keep the body from decent burial. Incidents such as the explosion of cracker bombs in two of the Karachi colleges a similar incident in Sukkur, causing no damage in any case, and the partial burning of the contents of two letters boxes in Karachi have occurred. Attempts at speeches, parbhat pheries, and the circulation of bulletins also persist but they seem more for forms sake than anything else. The colleges and schools on the whole are functioning well and there is evidence that a fair number of the students in jail wish to be released in order to continue their studies. The local Cotton, Grain, Cloth and Seeds markets remained closed on the 3^rd and 10^th of the month for political reasons and the Indian Merchants’ Association, the Cotton Association, the New Cloth Market and other similar bodies have resolved to close on the 9^th of each month in future. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of December 1942, 18^thDecember, 1942.]

10^th December 1942: Poet Muhammad Talib Soomro his last breathes at Tando Ali Sher. [Gul Hayat Collection].

12^th December 1942: Religious Scholar, poet, Journalist & Freedom Fighter Hakim faith Muhammad Sehwani breathes his last at Karachi.[ Gul Hayat Collection]

First half of December Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: As a whole the Press does justice to the objective side of the war news but when the various papers have published the contents of the telegrams and communiqués they are more or less finished. Some comment they do make but it is very mixed.

Such pronunciations as the speech made by the Prime Minister by Lord Cranbourne, etc. are eagerly scrutinized and generally deplored as revealing no change in British Imperialism or in the policy of Great Britain towards India. A paper such as the “Sind Observer” might almost be disappointed if such a change became evident. Similarly with speeches made by Mr. Wendell Willkie in America – all such utterances are closely examined for references to India.
Sir William Beveridge’s social reforms scheme also received attention and one paper said it was clear that the Indian Empire would have to continue to be plundered to pay for social reforms in the United Kingdom. The Jam Sahibs’s addressed to the East India Association was generally regards as showing greater regard for the rights of the princes than for liberties of their subjects. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of December 1942, 18^thDecember, 1942.]

 

In the First half of December the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “Recent events and the evidence of the continued pressure being exerted by the Allied Forces have created a strong feeling of confidence throughout the province and the view is now widely hold, although grudgingly in some quarters, that there is no question as to the ultimate outcome of the war. In fact, over confidence is now likely to be dangerous. But while this is so, domestic matters such as the scarcity and high prices of the ordinary necessities of life and the blatant profiteering going on are much more the concern of the ordinary individual than progress of the war. The man in street possibly because he does not give full credit for the many difficulties inherent in the problem of food and price control in a country such as India, is plainly of the opinion that the whole business of control has been made a complete mess of. He is being continually subjected to assurances that all is well but fact remains that he cannot get his supplies at what he considers to be a reasonable price.
The premiere the Honorable Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah, has now assumed the leadership of the Front and has begun a tour in the Karachi District in order to give further stimulus to the movement. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of December 1942, 18^thDecember, 1942.]

Second half of December Sindh Govt. In its fortnightly report throws light on the road of press as follow: The attitude of the Press towards the war remains the same, news of it is given adequate presentations but other matters are the main concern. Such subjects as the address of His Excellency the Viceroy to the Associated Chamber of Commerce the Sapru Conference, the Pakistan movement and the like provide the chief topics for discussion and for the continual repetition of the old threadbare arguments, the principal one being that the British Government is solely responsible for the lack of unity among Indians. This argument if it were not so tragic would be comic.
The orders barning the publication of reference to the fast of Professor Bhansali has evoked considerable resentment and the local papers blacked out the Honors Lists and have decided to close down for the 6^th.
The food and fuel shortage and what is described as the price control middle continues to receive much attention.

The death of Sir Sikander Hayat Khan has been universally mourned. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6^thJanuary, 1943.]

In the Second half of December the position of the war as reported in Sindh Governments correspondence is told that “The feeling of confidence in the outcome of the war, referred to in my last report, is now stronger than ever owing to the remarkable successes achieved by the Russian Armies and the progress of the war generally. That the end of the struggle with the Axis powers is now in sight as a view very often expressed. Apart from some query whether the Japanese air-raids on Calcutta have been fully reported, the raids themselves have not evoked a great deal of comment and such as has been made has been in no way objectionable. People are still far more concerned with soaring prices and the difficulty experienced in securing the common necessities of life than in either the war or the political situation. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6^th January, 1943.]

In the Second half of December The secret fortnightly report of the govt of the sind throw light on the law and order situation as follow: There has been somewhat of recrudescence crime by Hurs and twelve cases of dacoity and murder occurred during the fortnight. These resulted in death of eight persons and in the theft of considerable property. 
The Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh held a number of parades in Hyderabad and in consequences four of the leaders were arrested and brought before the Martial Law Authorities. They were admonished and released on an undertaking not to indulge in such activity for the period of the war. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6^thJanuary, 1943.]

Second half of December 1942 There is little to report. Congress bulletins continue to be circulated through on a reduced scale, some containing poisonous anti-British propaganda based on Axis broadcasts. There was a salt making demonstration by some Karachi Congressites when an attempt was med to prepare salt from sea water. Such ‘parbha pherries’ and processions as have been attempted have been very poorly attended. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6^thJanuary, 1943.]

29^th December 1942: “Sansaar Samachar” (Sindhi daily of Karachi) is warned for publishing news regarding the fast of Professor Bhansali. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th December 1942: Poet Muhammad Bux ‘Niaz’ is born. [Gul Hayat Collection]

30^th December 1942: “Daily Sind News” (Sindhi daily of Hyderabad, Sind) is warned for publishing allegations against the military near Tando Jam District Hyderabad. [Gul Hayat Collection]

31 December 1942: The details of persons detained, prosecuted and convicted for political and anti-war activities are:

(a)    Detained: 78 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-26), 729 Hurs (Under Defense of India Rules-129), 80(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 9(other laws).

(b)   Prosecution: 66(Special Rule), 7(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 7(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 16(Under Defense of India Rules-9), 5(Under Defense of India Rules-26), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-34), 13(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-39), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-46), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 15(Under Defense of India Rules-81), 22(Under Defense of India Rules-89), 7(Under Defense of India Rules-129).

(c)    Conviction: 42(Special Rules), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-6), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-8), 17(Under Defense of India Rules-9), 2 (Under Defense of India Rules- 26), 3(Under Defense of India Rules-38), 2(Under Defense of India Rules-45), 11(Under Defense of India Rules-52), 8(Under Defense of India Rules-81) and 7(Under Defense of India Rules-129), 5(martial Law Regulations).

WAR

Except in the large cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur, the people of this province appear to take very little interest in the day to day course of the war. War Publicity Committees have been formed in all the districts and are doing what they can to stimulate interest and to promote investment in Defense Loans, etc. The District Officers and the Special Officer for Rural Reconstruction, who tours throughout the Province, carry out propaganda and address meetings for the same purpose. Collections for war funds have exceeded Rs 75000 in districts of Larkana and Thar Parkar while the collections in other districts also show improvement. The further progress of collections will depend upon the out-turn of the cotton crop which is the chief money product of the Barrage area, and the prices thereof. There have been no anti-war activities during the fortnight under report except a few speeches delivered in the meetings of the Satyagraha Committees in which the usual view was expressed that India has no interest in this war and could not fight for the freedom of other countries, being itself in shackles Frequent practices and meetings of the Air Raid Precaution wardens are held in Karachi, and A.R.P. schemes are under preparation for sukkur, Rohri and Kotri The Civic Guard movement is making little progress save in the city of Karachi. Mr. David William Hardy Scott-Moncrieff was arrested on arrival from Habbaniyah by flying boat “”Clifton” at the instance of the Director, Intelligence Bureau, Dehli, and the case has been reported to the Government of India for orders.

[No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1940, 5th December 1940.]

 

There was no marked reaction to the war news during the fortnight.
[No. P.25 H(S)/40, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1940, 4th January 1941.]

There is a general feeling that the war is taking a course more favorable to the Allies, but it cannot be said that interest in the news is particularly marked. The news from North Africa has tended to act as a soporific.

[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1941, 8th February 1941.]

 The Italian reverses in North Africa continue to excite much interest and there is a feeling that Italy is about finished. In fact there is a tendency to forget that the real danger is Germany.

[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the first half of February 1941, 18th February 1941.]

The action taken in Syria has been welcomed while outbreak of war between Germany and Russia has been received by a general expression of relief, the reason for which it is not easy to understand. It is clear that the public as a whole do not appreciate the possible implications of the attack on Russia, but this is perhaps not to be wondered at. The immediate reaction appears to be spread of an impression that India has been freed from any immediate danger and this is unfortunate in so far as it intensifies the general feeling that India is still far from the war area and that active assistance to the war effort is therefore less urgent. The protestation against the inadequacy of the provincial preparations for air attacks and other defense measures have in great measures ceased. The A.R.P. preparation in Karachi have recently been inspected by the Government of India A.R.P. Officer and have been declared to be much below requirements and in part faulty in organization. As the province so far has received no expert advice in the matter, this is not altogether surprising. 

[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 5^th July 1941.]

Very Considerable interest is being displayed in connection with the struggle which taking place in Russia and increased attention is being paid to the radio news from Berlin, the reception of which however is not very good. The local Socialists and Communities are now taking the line that the attack on Russia makes it necessary for them to support the war. Mr. N.A. Bechar, M.L.A., the local labor leader, who claims Soviet Russia as his ‘Spiritual home’, convened a meeting which was attended by about two hundred persons, mostly laborers. The meeting passed resolutions condemning the German invasion of Russia, appealing to the Congress to direct its energies to assist Soviet Russia, requesting Government to releases and remove restrictions from all communist leader in order to enable them to work for the destruction of Hitlerism and asking Government to permit the sending of volunteers and money of Russia. Mr. N.A. Bechar and Mr. Abdul Kadir, President of the Sind Provincial Hari Committee, have issued instructions to “Haris” (cultivators) and laborers throughout the province to hold meetings and to condemn the invasion of Russia. Propaganda is also being carried on amongst the laborers, who have been asked to contribute one day’s wages for a war fund for soviet Russia and also to assist in recruitment for the war.
[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, the second half of July 1941 19th July, 1941.] 

The general attitude to the war remains much the same. There is still considerable interest in the progress of events in Russia, but it is recognized that the situation there is very grave. There is general condemnation of the part Japan is seeking to play. District Congress Committees have received instructions that all Congress members in the Municipalities, Local body concerned votes any money for the War Purposes Fund and a proposal put forward in the Karachi Municipal Corporation that the Corporation should contributes Rs. 5000 to the War Fund was declared out of order by the Mayor mostly through the influence of the Congress members who would have been called upon to resign if the resolution had been carried. The Municipal Corporation is prepared to call upon both the Government of India and the Government of Sind to undertake heavy expenditure to protect the people of Karachi from air raids, but it is no prepared to do much else.
The freezing of Japanese assets in America and England is taken to portend the declaration of war between Japan and these countries. This has led to the apprehension that these countries. This has led to the apprehension that there will be a serious shortage of cloth. Consequently there is a great rush on the local cloth shops in Karachi and Hyderabad with a natural rise in prices.  [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of July 1941, 5th August, 1941.]  

Interest in the war news has become somewhat more marked and there is much sympathy for Russia and much admiration for the way in which the German attack has so far been withstood. The drive in the Ukraine has, however, raised some apprehension and there is considerable speculation whether Russia will be able to preserve her front in that region and whether Germany will be in a position to threaten India through Iran. The approach of the Karachi War Fete and Sind War week which is proposed to be celebrated in the beginning of September has received interest in the districts and at a meeting of the District War Committee held at Nawabshah in order to give publicity to the weak, the District Magistrate addressed the audience on the general war situation with the result that considerable subscription were promised. In Mirpurkhas also Rs. 5000 were collected at a recent meeting of the District War Committee. The “V” Campaign has been taken up in right earnest in Karachi where the symbol is to be seen on telegraph poles, on the gates of houses and cars. Some prominent citizens in Karachi have embossed the letter on their note paper and letter stamped with “V” are seen everywhere. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, 20^th August, 1941.]

The apprehension in regard to the course of the war in Russia, which I mentioned in my last report, is now more marked and there is a widespread belief that Russia is nearing collapse. Japan is being closely watched and there is considerable speculation as to her future policy. As for Iran, the recent Muslim League resolution does not seem to have had much effect on the Muslims in Sind. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of October 1941, 7th NovemPber, 1941.]

There is still some uneasiness regarding the position in Iran, but the main feeling is one of satisfaction that a settlement is likely to be reached. The struggle in Russia is being very closely followed and, although it is realized that the situation there is extremely serious, it is hoped that Russia will be able to hold out without the further loss of any great strategic centers until the winter when weather conditions may bring the German advance to a standstill.
The Sind War week and Karachi War Fete ended on September the 14^th and can only be described as a great success. In most districts well attended meetings were held at which speeches and addresses on war subjects were made and responses to appeals for funds were generously met, particularly in the Nawabshah District where some Rs. 60,000 were collected and in Jacobabad District which contributed approximately Rs. 40000. The fete in Karachi, which was opened by His Excellency the Governor on the 6^th September by a speech in which the people of Sind were exhorted to shed their complacency and to redouble their efforts to assist the war effort to do all in their power to bring war to a successful conclusion went with a very considerable swing. The fete included Naval, Military and Air Force displays and proved a great attraction, very large numbers of people attending throughout the week while on the closing day about 25000 persons paid for admission. No doubt many attended by reason of the attractions provided by the Amusement Park, etc, but nonetheless, the Army and Air Force exhibits received very great attention and the displays must have had excellent propaganda effect. A.R.P. demonstrations were given and the Civic Guards were very usefully employed throughout the week. The week will be followed by a number of sporting events, also staged in support of war funds, and it is hoped that the total gross receipts will be in the neighborhood of Rs. 2 ½ lakhs. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1941, 22nd September, 1941.]

The war continues to be the main topic of interest and the progress of events in Russia and Iran has been very keenly watched. The Hindu section of the population of the province appeared on the whole to welcome the timely action taken by the British and Russian forces in Iran and to consider that it was essential both for Britain and India to eradicate the Nazi influence in Iran. Muslims, on the other hand, showed some concern at the entry into Iran, but this feeling has given place to one of relief that the outbreak of serious and prolonged hostilities has been avoided.
The Karachi War Fete and Sind War Week, which commences on the 6^th instant, is promising well at it is hoped that in spite of petrol rationing, it will add a lakh to the War Funds. Meanwhile, the total of His Excellency’s War Purpose Fund stands at just over Rs. 3 lakhs. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August 1941, 6th September, 1941.]

Events in Crete and Iraq have awakened interest in the war and the position in Iraq particularly has led to much speculation and also some nervousness regarding the possible liability of Karachi to air raids. If this leads to further recruitment to the A.R.P. Services, good will result. A certain number of residents of Karachi, mostly from cutch and Gujrat, have left the city for their homes. A Defense Committees has been formed with the Mayor as Chairman. It has sent in scheme costing Rs. 12 lakhs for the protection of certain vital services in the city and for digging subsoil water wells for fire fighting. The scheme is under the consideration of Government.
The arrival of evacuees from Iraq also created interest. The first two batches have particularly all been disposed of evacuees of European extraction being sent to Satara in the Bombay Presidency while those of Indian extraction were quickly sent to their homes. The third batch, which consists of the Baghdadi wives and children of British Indian subjects working in Iraq, present a problem of considerable difficulty as they seem to have no connections in India. They are being accommodated in the Pilgrims Camp here for the present. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of May 1941, 14^th June, 1941.]

The news of the recapture of Benghazi, Derna, Bardia and Sollm by the enemy has caused some anxiety among the public and there is a feeling of nervousness abroad regarding events in the Balkans and in Greece. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1941, 21^st April, 1941.]

Events in Iraq have aroused great interest and the general feeling is that war has come much closer to India. This feeling however has not led to any tangible effort to help with the war by subscript to war funds on investments in defense loans. Etc. A number of European evacuees from Iraq have arrived in Karachi and such of them as have not been able to fend for themselves have been accommodated at the British Military Hospital pending disposal to camps elsewhere in India. About two hundred Indian evacuees mostly women and children also arrived on the 15^th night and have been housed temporarily in the Pilgrims’ Camp. They were nearly all deck passengers and come from different parts of India. Arrangements are being made to send them to their respective homes. [No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1941, 19^th May, 1941.]

The progress made by Japan since her entry into the war is being closely watched and it is realized that very dangerous position exists in the Pacific. There is, however, fear that Japan will not eventually be defeated. The achievements of Russian Armies have had a very heartening effect and although it is difficult to form a close estimate of the position in Russia, it is generally held that the German plans have gone far astray. In Libya the capture of Benghazi and Bardia have been acclaimed.

[No. P.25 H(S)/41, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of December 1941, 6th January, 1942.]

The continued successes of the Russian Armies with their great significance are at present completely overshadowed by events in the Far East and the course of the struggle with Japan is causing considerable perturbation; the threat to Burma and Singapore being regarded as of the utmost gravity. Attacks on India in the comparatively near future are thought to be by no means improbable. But with all this and in spite of the air raids on Rangoon and elsewhere in Burma, there is little enthusiasm for A.R.P and no increase In the number of volunteers for such work. The issue of a press note by Government recommending the carrying of identify discs by people in Karachi in order to facilitate the identification of possible causalities caused a certain amount of consternation. There has not, however, been any panic or sign voluntary evacuation from Karachi. Rommel’s latest flare up in Libya has caused disappointment as it had been hoped that he was more or less accounted for.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of January 1942, 4th February, 1942.]

 

The Japanese successes in the East Indies have occupied the public mind to the almost complete exclusion of the rest of the war. The fall of Singapore was looked upon as inevitable and as portending grave danger to India and Burma and doubts as to the outcome of the operations in Burma have been expressed. Disappointment continued to be shown with the news from Libya. Events in Russia, although recorded in the usual cabled news, have not received much comment. The escape of the three German warships from Brest has also been regarded as a severe blow. But though there is much questioning, there have been no signs of any panic nor of any incarnation for the general public to enlist for the various forms of A.R.P. work.

Every effort is being made to induce further recruitment to the A.R.P. services and a number of meeting have been held one of which was a meeting of the City journalist on the 10^th February at the A.R.P. School Karachi, in which an appeal was made by the secretary to Government, Civil Defense, to all editors to co-operate with the authorities in measures of Civil Defense and to do all they could to keep the morale of the people in case of an emergency. The Provincial Press Adviser took the opportunity of reminding the editors of Press Notice No. IX.

Mr. Holdsworth convened an informal meeting at Government House on the 13^th in which the Mayor of Karachi, some prominent businessmen and representatives of the banks were present. There was a discussion on the measures to stimulate interest in the Defense Bonds and Postal Cash Certificates. The question of appointing a non-official Provincial Loans Committee is under consideration.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of February 1942, 19^th March, 1942.]

 

The fall of Singapore and the Japanese advance in Burma have had a very depressing effect throughout the Province, but more particularly perhaps in Karachi City. Many disturbing rumours were current some to the effect that Calcutta and Madras were being evacuated. Returned Sind work merchants from Singapore, etc., have been responsible for some of the worst of them. So far, however, there has been no great rush to leave Karachi and the District Magistrate reports that evacuation has not assumed very serious proportions. There has been some evacuation by boat to the Cutch area and by train but evacuation by train has not necessitated the putting on of extra trains or even extra coaches. But more people may leave when the annual school examinations terminate on the 6^thMarch. The President of the Karachi City Muslim League and the President of Karachi District Congress Committee have jointly considered measures for civil defense and at the special meeting of the District Congress Committee on the 19^th February a sub-committee was appointed to collaborate with other organizations in such measures. Little interest is expressed in the news from other theatres of the war.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of February 1942, 5th March, 1942.]

 

The News of the fall of Rangoon was received much more calmly that that of the loss of Singapore. This was partly because it was generally held that Singapore was a far stronger position to defend than Rangoon but was also due to the fact that the news was received at about the same time as the announcement of the Visit of Sir Stafford Cripps to India was made. This announcement was very favorably received in all quarters and to some extent diverted attention from the position in Burma.
There are many more rumors current about events in Malaya and Singapore and there is a feeling that Indians in the Far East received less consideration generally than did Europeans. So far however, in spite of the uneasiness prevailing evacuation from Karachi has not reached any serious proportions although it has necessitated some strengthening of the existing train service of the North-Western Railway.

“China Day” was observed all over the province on the 7^th March. There were meetings at all the district headquarters and in the town at which resolutions were passed praising the resistance offered by China against Japanese aggression and condemning the civil intentions of Japan towards India. Processions of school children were taken out with banners and flags were sold. Approximately Rs. 18000 have so far been collected towards the China Fund. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of March 1942, 20^th March, 1942.]

Newspaper and other comment on the war has been so subordinated to that dealing with the presence and activities in India of Sir Stafford Cripps that it is somewhat difficult to gauge local reactions for the fortnight. But anxiety is still being expressed regarding the trend of operations in Burma and there is a fear, more or less general, of invasions. The progress of the war in Russia, Libya, etc. is receiving somewhat scanty attention.

Greater interest is being taken in A.R.P matters and a Civic Defense Committee has been formed in Karachi, including representatives of the Congress, the Muslim League and other organizations. The Managing Committee consists of fifteen members. Mr. M.H. Gazdar, M.L.A., Mayor of Karachi, is the Chairman. The Committee has not yet defined its functions or program, but it will be allowed to organize volunteers so long as there is no attempt to run a parallel A.R.P. Organization.

The Figures of Saving Bank withdrawals in Sind show that in the recent months the rush was largest in the fourth week of Feburary when the net Savings Bank withdrawals amounted to Rs. 2,09,237 as compared to the withdrawals of Rs. 6,528 in the corresponding week in the year 1941. There has been gradual decrease in withdrawals since then, the figures for the first, second and third weeks of March being Rs 1,26,032, Rs. 1,52,927 and Rs. 1,06,881 respectively in the first week of March, increased to Rs. 1,43,790 in the second week and dropped to Rs. 97,000 in the third week. Discharges in the corresponding weeks in 1941 were Rs. 45,407, Rs. 45,635 and Rs. 57,301 respectively. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of March  1942, 4^th April, 1942.]

Local feeling is again somewhat difficult to sum up but although there is no sign of panic, there is no doubt that the general position in Burma and the apparent naval superiority of Japan in the Bay of Bengal as instanced by the attacks on Ceylon, Vizagaptam and Coconada and the losses suffered by our naval forces, have had a depressing affect and the fear of invasion looms large. But what expression there is mainly takes the form of regrets that the negotiations with Sir Stafford Cripps have failed to produce a settlement with Sir Stafford Cripps have failed produce a settlement which would have enabled India to put forward her maximum effort towards the prosecution of the war. Events elsewhere continue to excite comparatively little interest. Thirty-five thousand people left Karachi by rail during the period 1^st to 14^th April but without a detailed analysis of the figures of arrivals and departures, it is not possible to discuss the significance of this figure, there is most certainly no evidence of a general exodus from the city.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of April 1942, 18^th April, 1942.]

There is no marked change in the general attitude towards the war. The position in Burma is recognized to be exceedingly grave, if not hopeless, and there is much speculation as to the next move of the Japanese. Even so, however, many seem to be content to wait upon the Congress decision and there is little positive feeling one way or the other. Movement from Karachi has slowed down somewhat during the fortnight, but there is no doubt that a real scare might arise at any time and would lead to large scale evacuation of the city, especially of the Hindu element. As for A.R.P., the publicity campaign which was launched to stimulate recruitment has led to more interest being shown and the number of Wardens has increased to 720 as against 539 at the end of March last. The services as a whole are, however, still far below minimum strength.

The Karachi Civic Defense Committee met again on the 11^th under the chairmanship of Mr. M.H. Gazdar, M.L.A. a local Muslim Leaguer. It decided to collect subscription to enable volunteers have so far had little or no results.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of April 1942, 5^th May, 1942.]

During the past fortnight our local troubles the Hurs in particular, have monopolized local attention and the safety of life and property in the mofussil is apparently a more burning topic than the war. Consequently the struggle in Burma, events in the Pacific and what may be the opening of Hitler’s spring offensive in Russia have caused little comment. The prompt action in Madagascar has received general approval but there is no question that fear of internal disturbance in more evident than fear of any other untoward happening. The Hindus in the richer towns are extremely nervous especially about their money but they are not prepared to invest it towards the furtherance of the war.

There was a combined display of tanks, aero planes, and anti-aircraft guns at Clifton on the 14^th May 1942. It was witnessed by His Excellency the Governor and a large crowd of about thirty thousand people who seemed greatly impressed by the anti-aircraft firing and the bombing and machine gunning from the air of a dummy village. The aircraft employed included Flying Fortresses, Hurricanes, Mohawks, Lockheeds and Blenheims.

The Radical Democratic Party celebrated India Defence Week commencing on the 26^th April. Street Propaganda was carried out and five meetings were held. The speakers stressed the need for fighting Facism and Nazism, supported the scorched earth policy, demanded arms from Government for the protection of the public in times of danger and exhorted the audience to raise volunteer corps in their respective localities. Movement from the city of Karachi has slowed down still further.

The Honorable Premier has completed his preliminary tour of the province in connection with the National War Front. He addressed representative gatherings in all headquarter towns and proposes to make a more extended tour later. Progress so far is encouraging.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of May 1942, 20^h May, 1942.]

 

The German drives in Russia and the resumption of the struggle in Libya have quickened interest in the war news and there is some expression of anxiety in respect of both these theatres of war. It is realized that the Russian Armies are facing a very critical situation and that the immediate result of the Libya battle is uncertain. China is thought also to be in considerable danger of being put out of the war. On the other hand it seems to be generally held that the threat to India from Japan has received and it is hoped that the result of the attack on Midway Island coupled with that of the Coral Island battle will be to postpone, if not preclude, any attempt at a sea-Berne invasion. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of June 1942, June, 1942.]

News of the war still continues to play second fiddle in Sind accounts of the exploits of the Hurs. What comment there is, however, indicates that while Russia is generally recognized to be holding out very stoutly, China is in a very difficult position, cut off as she is from the Allies. Criticism of the withdrawal from Burma has on the whole been moderate and hopes are expressed that the lessons learnt in the campaign will be taken advantage of it attacks on India develop.

Interest in civil defense is on the increase and political parties are making some show of being anxious to co-operate with Government but it is very doubtful whether any solid assistance will result. Recruitment to the warden service is proceeding at a more satisfactory pace and the number of wardens has now risen to 1,134 the total aimed at being 1,300. The exodus from Karachi has very largely stopped partly owing to the feeling of insecurity in the mofussil. Two camps have been constructed for housing essential workers and their families. Refugee camps on the road from Karachi to Tatta (58 miles) are under construction. Fifty-one thousand running feet of slit trenches have been dug in forty different parts of Karachi for the use of the public caught on the streets away from their homes. Blast walls have been built in large numbers and twenty-eight public shelters are ready and sites for twenty more have been selected. Equipment for emergency casualty hospitals is being purchased.
The radical Democratic Party has opened a permenant office and has been holding street propaganda meeting at which speakers have been exhorting the public to help Government in their war efforts. The Larkana District Hari Committee held a public meeting in which Japanese methods and intentions were exposed and the audience exhorted to work for the defense of India.

A war week was celebrated in Nawabshah from 18^th to 25^th May. Meeting were held in different parts of Nawabshah district. The collections during the week amounted to nearly Rs. 45000. A contribution to His Governor’s War Fund place a break of war had reached Rs. 14, 47,300 on the 15^th May 1942.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June 1942, 6^th June 1942.]

The fall of Tobruk and the withdrawal of the Allied forces in Libya have had a very depressing effect. Earlier reports had not prepared the public for the present reverses and they have aroused much misgiving. It had not been appreciated that General Rommel had been able to be reinforced to the extent he obviously must have been, both in men and material, and there is great disappointment at his success. The feeling of apprehension also extends to the struggle in Russia and taking thing all round the local view is that immediate prospect are gloomy. 
Nihas Pasha’s declaration regarding the neutrality of Egypt has not had a very good effect. It is pointed out that in spite of the attack on Egyptian territory Egypt has not entered the war and it is stated that she is playing the part which the Congress advocates for India.
The newly formed Sind Provincial Defense Committee which is composed of the Mayor of Karachi, two M.L.As. belonging to the Muslim League and a number of prominent citizens with the Secretary, Civil Defense Department as joint Secretary, held its first public meeting on the 30^th June las. The Honorable the Home Minister spoke and made and appeal for more volunteers for the A.R.P. services and the Civic Guards. From July onwards, part of the A.R.P. organization will be on a full time paid basis.
June 22^nd was observed as “Russia Day”. There were well attended meetings at various headquarters towns in the province at  which tributes were paid to the gallantry of the Russian and resolutions were passed emphasizing the unity of purpose which prevail among the Allied nations. At Karachi all the Labour and Students’ Union held a joint public meeting in which the speakers exhorted the audience to join the A.R.P and Civic Guards. At some places prayers were offered for the success of the Allies. The Assistant Provincial Organizer, National War Front, visited Hyderabad, Dadu and Larkana districts and convened propaganda meetings. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of June  1942, 4th July, 1942.]

 

The holding up of General Rommel’s advance into Egypt has had a reassuring effect on the whole the war news is realized to be exceedingly grave and the progress of the German Armies in Russia is being anxiously scratched. There are, however, no signs of panic and to some extent local opinion is more concerned with the latest political developments and the alleged shortcomings of price control than with anything else.
The Provincial Civic Defense Committee have held three public meetings in Karachi during the fortnight at which appeals for more A.R.P volunteers and Civic Guards were made and now propose to hold propaganda meetings throughout the city. Intensive training in all branches of A.R.P. is being carried on, but more recruiters are still needed. A.R.P. building works, in common with other works in Karachi, have been held up owing to the shortage of cement and unfortunately the recent rains have caused much damage to slit trenches, etc. So far, over two hundered women have registered themselves for service in the  W.V.S. started by Lady Dow and being allotted various duties.

A publicity van has begun to function in Karachi on behald of the National War Front. The Van, which is fitted with radio and is accompanied by an announcer, does daily rounds in the mornings and evenings, stopping at important public places where the news is relayed and the announcer makes short speeches. The van has been attracting good crowds. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of July 1942, 18^thJuly, 1942.]

The move threatened by the Congress, the widespread floods in Upper Sind and the short comings of price control have been the Chief topics of local discussion during the fortnight and come on the war has been somewhat perfunctory. Such comment as has been made has been mainly devoted to the progress made by the German Armies in Russia and to the serious threat this progress constitution. There are, however, no signs of panic in Karachi and people in the mofussil have at present other things to think about.

As for the Congress, the resolution of the Working Committee and the statements issued by the Congressmen express themselves as welcoming the decision to launch a movement for India’s freedom. So far no outward demonstrations have occurred except the holding a small meeting in Karachi on the 17^th July. The Muslims have exihibited no sympathy with the proposed movement. Non-Congress Hindus have generally supported the Congress demand but are not in favor of going so far as a nation-wide mass movement. Labor has not yet expressed any great interest one way or the other.There is some feeling that even if a movement is launched, Sind will again be excluded from it by reason of the fact that there are now only two districts completely outside the martial law area and also possibly by reason of the situation created by the floods.
These floods are extremely serious, probably the most serious which have ever occurred in Sind. Owing to the high level of the Indus, the ‘bunds’ breached and in spite of all efforts being made control the flood water, very extensive damage has been done. The main railway lines to Lahore and to Quetta were breached, many roads were cut, a large number of villages have been submerged it is estimated that 150,000 acres of cultivation have been lost. Fortunately, as far as it known, there has been no loss of life but there has been widespread damage to property. It has been possible to re-establish the main line to Lahore with effect from the night of the 31^st July-1^st August and communication with Quetta is still possible by the loop line from Larkana to Jacobabad. The latest reports, however, show that an improvement in the situation which had begun to show may not be maintained and a serious threat to the loop line appears to be developing. Energetic steps to control the flood are being taken. Ample funds have been placed at the disposal of the Collectors of Sukkur and Larkana and the Deputy Commisioner, Upper Sind Frontier District, the districts most affected, and everything possible to assists people who have been forced to evacuate their villages and homes is being done. A Flood Relief Fund will shortly be inaugurated. The political groups, the Congress, the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha, have formed relief committees and it is reported that in Sukkur the Collector has succeeded in perusaing the committees formed there to coalesce into one non-political committee. How long the arrangement will hold and how it will work remains to be seen. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of July 1942, 4^th August, 1942.]

Political events in India have almost completely deflected with political cogitation and the arrest of the Congress leaders than with the course of the war in Russia or elsewhere. Reuters telegrams are published but there is little comment of importance on them. As far as the war is concerned the average person in this province seems to be lulling himself to sleep.
A.R.P measures progress but slowly. Structural precaution works are badly held up for lack of cement inspite or there being two cement factories in the province, The Dalmia factory is however, working very inefficiently and to a very low output. Two combined depots have been completed and will be occupied almost at once as the necessary Deputy Superintendents have been selected and are under training. Recruitment of paid personnel for the Report and Control Centre is complete. Equipment is now being received in fairly large quantities, but the factories which need trailer pumps are still without them. The Area Adviser is expected to visit Sind during September next and it is hoped that the Fire Expert with the Government of India will be able to come  to Karachi at an early date.
Complaints regarding high prices and the alleged shortcomings of price control measures continue unabated, although the Press campaign has to some extent died down. Wheat is being sold below the controlled price but prices many foodstuffs, particularly vegetables, potatoes, etc., are extremely high.
Some boards of foodstuff have been detected. Where they have been of controlled commodities, they have been taken over at wholesale prices and sold in the Government shops. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of August  1942, 18^th August, 1942.]

The general attitude towards the war continue to be one of almost complete apathy. The progress of the Congress movement has been deemed to be far more interesting. There has been much condemnation of Government’s policy towards Congress and while some disapproval of the acts of violence and sabotage has been expressed, it has been on the whole mere lip service. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of August  1942, 7^th September, 1942.]

The third anniversary of the war was observed in the most district  in the Province by the holding of meetings under the auspices of the National War Front and the offering of prayers on the 6^th September, but there is very little real interest in the progress of the war. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of September 1942, 19th September, 1942.]

 

Indian political still appear to be more interesting than war news. But events in Russia are receiving close attention and Mr. Wendell Wilkie’s statement that it is high time a second front was opened was widely commented upon. There seems to be a little apprehension or an attack on Indian itself. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of September 1942, 3^rd October, 1942.]

The removal of Mr. Allahbakhsh from his office of premiere and speculation regarding the formation of a new Ministry have attracted more attention locally than news of the war. The heroic defense of Stalingrad and indeed the efforts of the Russian Army as a whole continue, however, to excite general admiration and this coupled with the somewhat apologetic strain of Hitler’s latest speech has led to a rise in Allied Stock. The remainder of the war news has not evoked much comment although some interest has been expressed in connection with events in the Solomon Islands.
Local leaders of the National War Front have held a number of well attended meetings in the Nawabshah and THar Parkar Districts and have also issued bulletins to counteract the mischievous propaganda contained in the unauthorized bulletins which are being circulated. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of October 1942, 19^th October, 1942.]

Apart from an occasional comment on the defense of Stalingard, the obscurity of the position in the Solomon islands area and the new offensive in Egypt, one hears little discussion of the war and there is no doubt that the average person in Sind considers himself as very little concerned with it. There seems to be a general feeling that all will be well in the end but that no-one knows when that will be. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of October 1942, 4^th November, 1942.]

The recent successes of the Eight Army and the landings in French North Africa have created much interest and hope is freely expressed that at last the tide is on the turn. With the Russians still holding out at Stalingrad, the German and Italian Armies in an extremely difficult position in North Africa and the Japanese being held in the Solomon Islands area, it is generally considered that Hitler must be beginning to realize the weight of the forces which will ultimately be brought against him.  The danger is that a too-optimistic feeling will assert itself but nonetheless the recent news has been a good and much needed tonic.
The Assistant Provincial Organizer toured Karachi, Dadu, Hyderabad, and Thar Parkar districts, where meetings were held which were addressed by Leaders and Sub-Leaders. Full use was made of the Publicity Van in Karachi district and of lantern slides, showing war subjects in order districts.[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of November 1942, 18^thNovember, 1942.]

A very lively interest continues to be taken in the war news and the magnificent achievements of the Russian Armies and events in Northern Africa have evoked much speculates as to future developments. Warnings have appeared that too much in the way of good news cannot be expected but there is no doubt that further successes are being hoped for. Considerable sympathy has been expressed for the French in their present difficulties. The struggle in the Pacific has not caused much comment, possibly owing to the time-lag in the appearance  of news from that quarter. All round, feelings of confidence are beginning to reassert themselves.

Meetings were held under the auspices of the National War Front at the various places on November 22^nd in which the significance of Allied successes in North Africa were explained and prayers were offered for the ultimate victory of the Allies. The Assistant Organizer, National War Front, toured Sukkur, Larkana and Dadu districts in company with the Honorable Minister, Education Department, and organized meeting in support of the Front. The Hyderabad Publicity Van, which is fitted up with 35mm. film projector apparatus, showed a number of Film Advisory Board films and proved a great attraction.

[No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the second half of November 1942, 4^th December, 1942.]

Recent events and the evidence of the continued pressure being exerted by the Allied Forces have created a strong feeling of confidence throughout the province and the view is now widely hold, although grudgingly in some quarters, that there is no question as to the ultimate outcome of the war. In fact, over confidence is now likely to be dangerous. But while this is so, domestic matters such as the scarcity and high prices of the ordinary necessities of life and the blatant profiteering going on are much more the concern of the ordinary individual than progress of the war. The man in street possibly because he does not give full credit for the many difficulties inherent in the problem of food and price control in a country such as India, is plainly of the opinion that the whole business of control has been made a complete mess of. He is being continually subjected to assurances that all is well but fact remains that he cannot get his supplies at what he considers to be a reasonable price.
The premiere the Honorable Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah, has now assumed the leadership of the Front and has begun a tour in the Karachi District in order to give further stimulus to the movement. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the First half of December 1942, 18^thDecember, 1942.]

The feeling of confidence in the outcome of the war, reffered to in my last report, is now stronger than ever owing to the remarkable successes achieved by the Russian Armies and the progress of the war generally. That the end of the struggle with the Axis powers is now in sight as a view very often expressed. Apart from some query whether the Japanese air-raids on Calcutta have been fully reported, the raids themselves have not evoked a great deal of comment and such as has been made has been in no way objectionable. People are still far more concerned with soaring prices and the difficulty experienced in securing the common necessities of life than in either the war or the political situation. [No. P.25 H(S)/42, HOME DEPARTMENT (SPECIAL), SIND Secretariat, Karachi, Report for the Second half of December 1942, 6^th January, 1943.]

 

Wikipedia provides information about Henry Pottinger Lieutenant General Sir Henry Pottinger, 1st Baronet, GCB, PC (3 October 1789 – 18 March 1856), was an Anglo-Irish soldier and colonial administrator who became the first Governor of Hong Kong. Henry Pottinger was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1789. He was the fifth son of Eldred Curwen Pottinger, Esq., of Mount Pottinger, County Down, and his wife Anne, who was the daughter of Robert Gordon, Esq., of Florida House in the same county. They had three daughters and eight sons. Eldred Pottinger was his nephew. Henry studied at the Belfast Academy, today known as Belfast Royal Academy. In 1804, he went to India to serve in the army and explored the lands between the Indus and Persia, travelling in disguise as a Muslim merchant and studying local languages, under the orders of Sir John Malcolm. In 1806, he joined the British East India Company and in 1809, he was a Lieutenant who fought in one of the Anglo-Mahratta wars. In 1810, he and Charles Christie undertook an expedition from Nushki (Balochistan) to Isfahan (Central Persia) disguised as a Muslims. Christie went north to Herat and then west while Pottinger went west across two deserts to Kerman and Isfahan where they rejoined. The expedition was funded by the East India Company to map and research the regions of Balochistan and Persia because of concerns about India being invaded by French forces. It would be 100 years before another European took this route, and Pottinger rose to the rank of Colonel. Pottinger later became Resident Administrator of Sindh in 1820. He later held the same post in Hyderabad. In 1820, he married Susanna Maria Cooke who in 1831 gave birth to their son, Frederick Pottinger who became notorious for his run-ins with bushrangers as Inspector of Police in New South Wales, Australia. Their second son, Henry, was born on 10 June 1834 and died on 18 October 1909. He was created a baronet when he returned to England in 1839. Pottinger accepted Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston’s offer of the post of envoy and plenipotentiary in China and superintendent of British trade, thus replacing Charles Elliot. In 1841, when Pottinger was sent to China, Palmerston instructed him to “examine with care the natural capacities of Hong Kong, and you will not agree to give up that Island unless you should find that you can exchange it for another in the neighbourhood of Canton, better adapted for the purposes in view; equally defensible; and affording sufficient shelter for Ships of War and Commerce”. On 4 November 1841, Palmerston’s successor Lord Aberdeen wrote to Pottinger that he had doubts over Hong Kong’s acquisition since it would incur administrative expenses, and complicate relations with China and other nations. After Pottinger joined the British expeditionary force in northern China, he negotiated the terms of the Treaty of Nanking (1842), which ended the First Opium War and ceded Hong Kong Island to the United Kingdom. Pottinger became the second Administrator of Hong Kong (1841–1843) and the first Governor of Hong Kong (1843–1844). When he forwarded the treaty to Aberdeen, Pottinger remarked, “the retention of Hong Kong is the only point in which I have intentionally exceeded my modified instructions, but every single hour I have passed in this superb country has convinced me of the necessity and desirability of our possessing such a settlement as an emporium for our trade and a place from which Her Majesty’s subjects in China may be alike protected and controlled.” On 26 April 1843, the Governor’s residence (Former French Mission Building) was robbed. On 26 June 1843, he was appointed to become the Chief Commander of the British troops stationed in Hong Kong. During his very short tenure, Pottinger established executive and legislative chambers, with one discussing political affairs and one designing legal codes. However, the chambers did not convene often, and this gave Pottinger wide-ranging powers to decide on policy. Towards the end of his tenure, Pottinger lost the support of the local British merchants and was isolated. He left on 7 May 1844. During his governorship, Hong Kong became the major port for trading opium in China. Pottinger became a member of the Privy Council in 1844, and became Governor of Cape Colony in 1847 and also of Madras in the same year. In 1851, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general. He died in retirement in Malta in 1856. In 1836, Lord Auckland deputed Henry Pottinger to the Amīrs, to negotiate an offensive and defensive alliance with Amirs of Sindh without giving them protection against the Sikhs. Pottinger’s maneuverings in Sindh yielded results. The Amīrs were forced to conclude a treaty with Pottinger on 20 April 1838. British diplomacy in Sindh had permanently thwarted Raṇjīt Siṅgh’s designs on that country. Pottinger, who remained political agent in Sindh from 1836-40. During his stay in Sindh in capacity of Political Agent, he made correspondence with The East India Company Government on the Sindh Affairs that is preserved in Sindh Government Records. I am sharing here with brief of his correspondence, which reflects the Political and social situation of Sindh during his tenure of his posting in Sindh. People of Sindh know Colonel Pottinger, because of his book “Travels in Beloochistan and Sinde” that was translated into Sindhi & publish by Sindh Adabi Board. Most of us are not aware about his negative role played by him while he was Political Agent in Sindh. He made correspondence with his government that is available in Sindh in government files. The then Government of Bombay published catalogue on this official correspondence. Entries in this catalogue regarding correspondence made by Pottinger are as under:

Letter No. 256, dated 20^th November 1831, from Political Superintendent, Cutch to Government of Bombay relating to the pursuit after free-booters ( Soda Jagatsing of Nagar Parkar and Soda Poonjaji of Vera- veer ) by Sindian troops under Nawab Ghulam Shah Laghari, Chief of Saimkote.(Year, 1832 …Department, Political …File No, 300 Page (22-24) &)

Letter, dated 24^th November 1831, from Captain Sir C. Malcolm, Superintendent of Navy, to Earl of Clare, President and Governor in Council, informing him as to the time the Sind Mission, under Colonel Pottenger would take to reach Mandvi  ; letter from Mr.  C.  Morris, Chief Secretary to Government of Bombay to Captain Sir C. Malcolm in reply to the above letter; letter No. 1789, dated 28^th November 1831, from Government of Bombay to Envoy in Sind informing him that an advance of Rs. 15,000 had been made in his favour on account of the mission to Sind; (Year, 1832 Department. Political… File No, 300 Page (1-3) &) (Year 1832 Department Political… 300 Page (5) &)

Letter from Governor in Council to His Highness Nawab Bahawalkhan, Daood Potra, Chief of Bahawalpore, making a Present of certain valuable articles to him for showing kind attentions and hospitality to Lieutenant Burns while on his journey to Lahore ; (Year, 1832 …Department, Political …File No, 300 Page (9-10) & )

Letter, dated December 1831, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger forwarding him a   copy of a letter written under order of Governor-General to Political Assistant at Ludhiana, and of one to the address of Maharajah Ranjeetsing, Ruler of Lahore, relating to Colonel Potenger’s Mission to the courts of Ameers in Sind in connection with improvement of means of intercourse between His Highness’s territories and those of British Government by the route of Indus; (Year, 1832 …Department, Political …File No, 300 Page (47-54) &)

Letter No. 43, dated 9^th January 1832, from Government of Bombay to Colonel Pottenger acknowledging receipt of his Progress report relating to the mission to the Ameers of Sind and sanctioning grant of Presents to the Agent of His Highness Meer Murad Ali Khan of Sind; (Year, 1832 … Department, Political … File No, 300 (71-72) & )

Letter, dated 12^th January 1832, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger approving of the emissary of Meer Naseer Khan and of the course proposed to be followed in continuing his journey to Hyderabad;( Year, 1832 … Department, Political … File No, 300 (73-83) &)

Letter, dated 19^th January 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India informing how he was received by the ‘Mahenandaes’ of Meer Murad Ali Khan, that his baggage was detained at the mouth of Indus and that he remonstrated with the ‘Mahemandars’ of Meer Alimurad Khan against the unfriendly act on the part of the Meer; (Year, 1832 … Department, Political … File No, 301 (26-35) &)

Letter No. 2, dated 21^st January 1832, from Government of Bombay directing Colonel Pottenger to act in accordance with sentiments expressed in extract paragraphs 5 to 8 of the dispatch from the Governor-General. (Year, 1832 … Department, Political … File No, 301 (87-89) &)

Letter, dated 25^th January 1832, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger stating that the accounts of the Sind Mission will ultimately be passed by Supreme Government, but as the Bombay Government were connected with the Mission it would be convenient that they should pass in the first instance through that Government;(Year, 1832 … Department, Political … File No, 300(93-94)&)

Letter, dated 26^th January 1832, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger acknowledging receipt of his letter of 8^th idem and expressing-

(i)           His Lordship’s approval of the instructions issued to Dr. Del Hoste to avail himself of the opportunities afforded by the Mission to extend acquaintance with the Geography of Sind;

(ii)         Enjoining great caution to avoid incurring any imputation of converting the Mission into an expedition for the purpose of exploring the routes and military resources of the country.(Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(95-96) &)

(iii)        Letter No. 40, dated 21^st January 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India stating that Syed Zainuddin discussed with him the claims of several rival candidates to the musnud of Sind Government after to the death of Meer Muradali Khan; (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301 (41-51) &)

(iv)        Letter from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger acknowledging receipt of a letter and it translation from Meer Murad Ali Khan expressing His Highness’s friendly wishes and intentions towards His Lordship;(Year, 1832 … Department, Political … File No, 301 (41-51)&)

Letter No. 43, dated 31^st January 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting the following proceedings with the Government of Sind with effect from the date of his arrival in Sind :-

(a)  Suspicions raised in the mind of Meer Muradali owing to the deputation of Colonel Pottenger to Khairpur and obstruction put by the Ameer in the Colonel Pottenger’s design to proceed to Khairpur;

(b) Reception of Colonel Pottenger and his associates by Meer Muradali Khan;

(c)  Interview of Colonel Pottenger with the Ameer.

(d) Draft treaty consisting of nine articles-Discussions of-with Munshi Khushiram. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301 (52-103) &)

 

Letters No. 46 and 46-B of 3^rd February 1832 and 5^th February 1832, respectively, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India informing that Meer Muradali had permitted him to proceed to Khairpur had permitted him to proceed to Khairpur and that before leaving Hyderabad he had sent an outline of treaty to Meer Muradali to calm his suspicions and asking for further instructions;( Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301 (147-175) (178-190) &)

Letter No. 53, dated 11^th February 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India informing:-

(a)  That Meer Muradali accepted the Presents sent by His Lordship;

(b) That he had  another interview with Meer Muradali Khan;

(e)  That owing to certain disturbances at Khairpur his departure had been postponed to that place at the expressed desire of the Meer; (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301 (190-215) &)

Letter, dated 15^th February 1832, from Government of India in reply to Colonel Pottenger’s letter No. 38, dated 21^st January 1832, expressing approval of his conduct in the intercourse he had with Mehmandars; (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(117-118) &)

Letter, dated 17^th February 1832, from Government of India in reply to Colonel Pottenger’s letter No. 40, dated 21^st January 1832, approving of the manner in which he discussed the question of succession and the caution maintained by him, and giving future instructions in connection with the matter; Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301 (119-120) &)

Letter No. 57, dated 22^nd February 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting the following further proceedings at the Court of Meer Muradali:-

(I)         Message from Meer Muradali Khan desiring Colonel Pottenger to quit Hyderabad at once and proceed to Khairpur;

(2)        Memorandum from Colonel Potenger to Meer Muradali stating that he was ready to act agreeably to his advice and that he was waiting for reply from Meer Rustomkhan;

 (3)       Deputation of Ahmedkhan and Bakshali to accompany Colonel Pottenger and his party to Khairpur;

(4) March of Kharaksing to Dera Gazikhan and preparations made by Ameers of Hyderabad to meet him on the Sind Frontier;

(5)         Message from Meer Muradalikhan desiring Colonel Pottenger to return to Cutch if such a contingency arose and informing that he would write a letter to His Highness Governor-General explaining him the reason for dismissing the Mission;

(6) Memorandum from Colonel Potenger to the Meer making some suggestions for establishing certain degree of political influence, without which no treaty would be found effectual.

(7) Letter from Colonel Pottenger to Meer Murad Ali Khan informing that he had decided to send one of the gentlemen of his suite (Dr. Delhoste) to Khairpur ;unfriendly attitude adopted by the officers and difficulties thrown in the way of Colonel Pottenger’s access to Khairpur by the Meer and Colonel Pottenger’s protest. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(249-290) &)

Letters, dated 29^th February 1832, and 2^nd March 1832, from Dr. Delhoste, attached to the Mission to Colonel Pottenger, relating to his reception at the Khairpur Durbar. ; (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(167-181) &)

Letter, dated from February 1832, from Government of India forwarding, for information, to Colonel Pottenger copies of-

(I)           A letter from Maharajah Ranjeetsing respecting the navigation of the River Indus and by him in explanation;

(2)       A letter from Maharajah Ranjistsing in reply;

(3)         Letter from Government of India in reply to the above. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301 (201-207) &)

Letter, dated February 1832, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger acknowledging receipt of Colonel Pottenger’s letter of 31^st January 1832 and approving of his conduct in the difficult and troublesome discussions with Ruler of Hyderabad and his officers;(Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(161-163) &)

Letter No. 56 of Colonel Pottenger appointing Dr. Delhoste to proceed to Khairpur and giving him instructions for guidance. ;( Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(249-290) &)

Letter, dated 17^th March 1832, from Government of India (I) approving, with certain modifications of the draft treaty negotiated with Meer Muradali and giving further instructions; (2) forwarding a letter to the address of Meer Muradali Khan, assuring His Highness that British Government had no desire to covet his possessions (i.e. Shikarpur) and that integrity of Sind dominions will ever be respected. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(209-211) &)

Letter, dated 17^th March 1832, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger, conveying His Excellency the Governor General’s approbation of the prudent and conciliatory course of proceedings which he (Colonel-Pottenger) adhered throughout the course of his negotiations and furnishing further instructions. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(213-218) &)

Letter No.59, dated 19^th March 1832, from Acting Resident at Bhooj forwarding copies of correspondence relating to complaint of one Sador Rahbaree of Palanpur against an outrage committed by certain Khosas of Islamkote and (2) of a letter to the address of Ameers of Sind for redress of grievances. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(268-270) &)

Letter No. 71 of March 1832 from Government of Bombay to Colonel Pottenger reporting depredations committed by the Free-booter Pittoojee Waghela and requesting that it should be brought to the notice of the Ameers, if so desired. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(188) &)

Letter No. 69, dated 6^th April 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India informing-

(I)           That negotiation with Khairpur State has taken a turn which would appear equally inexplicable and unexpected to His Lordship.

(2)        That several alterations  were suggested in the treaty by the officers of Khaipur    State, which in his opinion, were absolutely useless and that he informed the Vazir that he would take care to bring to the notice of Governor-General that such useless stuff had not proceeded from him;

(3)  That he had a further interview with Meer Rustomkhan on 5^th April 1832 but he had to return to his tents without being able to discover the cause of the visit having proved abortive. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(349-385) &)

Letter No, 71, dated 14^th April 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting-

(I)           That Meer Rustomkhan suggested certain modifications to be made in the treaty which he refused point blank and at his request he omitted paragraph 5 of the treaty altogether;

(2)        That he had a last interview with Meers Rustomkhan, Mubarak Khan and Alimurad Khan when the treaty was exchanged between the parties; Meer Rustomkhan thereafter dismissed the Mission in kindest manner possible.

(3)      Meer Rustomkhan sent to Colonel Pottenger certain presents worth Rs. 1,000 in all;

(4)      Visit of sons of Meer Rustomkhan and Mubarak Khan to Colonel Pottenger as a token of respect for him;

(5)     His departure from Khairpur on 11^th April 1832;

(6)     Pointing out certain inconsistencies displayed by Meer Rustomkhan, his relations and ministers and at the same time assuring that the Meer was really disposed to form close alliance with British Government but he was restrained by his brother and Meer Muradali Khan of whom he could not be said to be independent;

(7)     That the question relating to succession to supreme authority at Khairpur on demise of Meer Rustomkhan was unsettled as that of Hyderabad;

(8)     That Meer Alimurad Khan made certain overtures in an underhand way and he desired to enter into a separate treaty, granting favourable terms, which he refused. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(406-443) &)

Letter No. 68, dated 16^th April 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding them a copy of a letter, dated 28^th March 1832, from Jethmal, Native Agent at Hyderabad, relating to-

(I)           Plundering of Larkana Purgunnah by the Thanedat of Mehrabkhan Brohee and deportation of Ahmedkhan son of Nawab Wali Mohomed for committing reprisals;

 (2)       Interview of Captain Wade with Maharajah Ranjeetsing for permission to open a factory at Mithankot. Meer Muradali Khan hearing of this desired that if a factory was opened at Mithankote there was no necessity of opening another in Sind. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(342-349) &)

Letter, dated 22^nd April 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay informing that Meer Muradali Khan of Hyderabad had agreed to hand over British Government some of the chiefs of Parkar and traitor Ismailkhan and requesting that Captain Robert might be directed to proceed to Lukhput to receive the prisoners; letter of 17^th May 1832 from Government of Bombay approving of the above proceedings. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(450-452) &)

Letter, dated 23^rd April 1832, from Acting Resident regarding plunder of Rahim ka-Bazar in Thar Parkar by Pittoojee Waghela and requesting that the Sind Government be moved to exert themselves to apprehend the free-booter. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(269-270) &)

Letter No.64, dated 27^th April 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Governor-General of India reporting the arrival of Mission at Khairpur and their proceedings at the Court of that Ameer as under:-

(I)           Letter from Meer Rustomkhan inviting Colonel Potenger to his Court and informing that officers would be dispatched to meet him on the Frontier;

(2)      Letter from Colonel Pottenger to Meer Muradalikhan informing him of his departure to Khairpur and requesting that orders be issued to the boatmen to accompany him; Message Zulfukarkhan to Colonel Pottenger requesting him not to write anything to his Excellency Governor-General that would create displeasure towards him and desiring that Government of India would allow him (Colonel Pottenger) to remain at Cutch as no one would understand the way to preserve and add to friendly feelings between two Governments; reply from Colonel Potenger to the above stating that he was grateful to His Highness’s good opinion about him and that he was sure that Governor-General  and Governor of Bombay would replace him in Cutch or place some other capable officer there;

 

(3)          Colonel Pottenger’s present of one hundred Gola (venetians) to Syed Zulfukarkhan; Meer Muradali’s letter to Colonel Pottenger stating that it was contrary to the custom of his Government to receive such gifts; Colonel Pottenger’s suitable reply to the above;

(4)         Departure of Colonel Pottenger from Hyderabad on 27^th February 1832, and his arrival on 10^th March 1832 at Mithiani the first village in Meer Rustomkhan’s territories where he was met by Dewajikhan, Diwan Lakhmichand and others.

(5)         Letter from Dr. Delhoste regarding his good reception at Khairpur, enclosing a letter from the Mir expressing his friendship with British Government and cordially inviting Colonel Pottenger to his court;

(6)        Arrival of Colonel Pottenger at Khairpur on 21^st March 1832; Wazir Fatehkhan Ghori met him at the town of kot Laloo and informed him that Mir Rustomkhan was anxious to meet him; hearty welcome accorded and munificient hospitality shown to Colonel Pottenger; 23^rd March was fixed for public reception of the Mission; Colonel Pottenger sent a draft treaty to Meer Rustom Khan and requested him to add to or alter it any way he considered necessary; Further interview granted to Colonel Pottenger; draft treaty discussed with Mir Mubarak Khan and the Vazir ; the terms were seffled and copied fair. (Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(297-327) &)

Letter No. 80, dated 1^st May 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting:-

(I)           Return of mission from Khairpur and their arrival at Hyderabad on 16^th April 1832.

(2)         That a memorandum was received from Meer Muradali Khan asking him for information on several points in connection with the Mission at Khairpur and his reply there to;

(3)        That had an interview with His Highness Meer Muradali and other Ameers and the former spoken about the treaty which he (Colonel   Pottenger) promised to send to him on the next day; the terms of the treaty were discussed with Munshi Khushiram who took a copy of it to Meer Muradali;

(4)         That on evening of 20^th Meer Bakar and Diwan Baharmal brought a statement of customs and other duties leviable on goods and vessels passing up the Indus which were very high; he remonstrated with Diwan and explained to him the position His Lordship the Governor-General would take if His Highness insisted to adopt the above tariff schedule; that in the afternoon of 21^st Munshi Khushiram with others returned with the statement of customs schedule and said that Meer Muradali desired that they should be definitely fixed before he (Colonel Potenger quitted Hyderabad ; the deputation was assured that the question would be fairly considered and discussed by British Government and that the matter would be referred to His Highness Meer Muradali’s final approbation and confirmation;

 (5) Final interview with His Highness Meer Muradali on 22^nd April when the treaty was given to him. The Ameer introduced Bahadoor Khan Khokhur, the Chief, to whom he proposed to entrust the duty of extirpating the robbers who committed depredations on the requested that speedy arrangements be made with Rajah of Jessulmere for dispatch of army against the plunderers.

(6) Meer Muradali Khan granted permission to the Mission to return to India and sent several presents for Colonel Pottenger.

(7) That a supplementary treaty was signed and handed over to Colonel Pottenger.

 

(8) Departure of Mission from Hyderabad on 28^th April 1832.

 

(9) Forwarding a copy of the revised treaty with His Highness Meer Muradali of Hyderabad and discussing suitability or otherwise of the proposed rates of custom duties. &c.

 

Letter, dated 2^nd May 1832, from Government of India forwarding for information a copy of the report of Captain Wade on the commerce of Punjab. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(452-502) &)

Letter No. 82, dated 7^th May 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India informing that Khosas and other Banditti, among whom was one Pettajee Waghela , had committed depredations in eastern districts of Sind and had repulsed the detachment sent against them by Meer Alimurad of Mirpur.

 

Visit of Bahadurkhan Khokhar to Colonel Pottenger and his desire to carry operations against the free-booters during the rains;(Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (518-525) &)

 

Letter No. 83 of 7^th idem from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay dispatching the above for transmission to Government of India and requesting for co-operation of Rajahs of Jessulmere in routing with British and Sind Government in routing the Khosas and other murderers. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (526-530) &)

 

Letter, dated 10^th May 1832, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger acknowledging receipt of several letters received from him and expressing regret at the sudden turn which negotiations at Khairpur had taken and trusting that authorities at Khairpur would not impede the attainments of the principal object of the Mission, &c. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.300 Page No (317-318) &)

 

Letter No. 84, dated 13^th May 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India asking for orders on the disposal of presents and informing that the accounts of the mission would be sent after two months. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (530-536) &)

 

Letter No. 93, dated 14^th May 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India transmitting three original treaties concluded by him with the Ameer of Khairpur and Hyderabad. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (561-563) &)

 

Letter No. 87, dated 18^th May 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that Meer Naseerkhan of Mirpur made overtures for a separate treaty on favourable terms but he refused to do anything with him without orders of Governer-General. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (541-546) &)

 

Letter No.67, dated 26^th May 1832, from Government of Bombay to Colonel Pottenger approving of measures suggested for extirpation of Parkar free-booters and arrangements made with the Ameers of Hyderabad for the purpose. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.300 Page No (327-329) &)

 

Letter No. 104, dated 11^th june1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India.

 

(I)           Submitting with his remarks copies and translations of statements of duties furnished by chiefs of Hyderabad and Khairpur in virtue of treaties concluded with them;

 

   (2)      Informing that Duties on goods carried by land were quite high; commerce in                 Sind was therefore at a standstill and that this fact appeared to have given to the Ameers the smallest concern and that on several occasion His Highness Meer Muradali expressed that he and his family would deeply regret the revival of trade by Indus, whatever fiscal advantages he might reap. This was because it interfered with his shikargahs or preserves for game with which the whole course of Indus from Tatta to Sehwas was lined, &c.

 

(3) Giving a vivid description of river Indus and bringing to notice the deplorable condition of its banks and suggesting several improvements for its proper navigation;

 

(4)   Drawing attention to the Journal of Royal Asiatic Society of London for 1830-31, Page 227, in which the exports and imports were fully stated;

 

(5) Stating that at the time of invasion of Nadirshah there were forty thousand weavers of loongis and Calico at Tatta but in 1832 it was not even one-tenth of the size it was in 1809. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (564-575) &)

Letter dated 16^th June 1832, from Government of India to Government of Bombay intimating that the Governor-General had full confidence in the discretion of Governor in Council exercised in connection with joint operations contemplated against the freebooters and that Governor-General’s Agent at Ajmere would procure effective co-operation of Jodhpur and Jessulmere Durbars in the action against the plunderers. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.300 Page No (423-424) &)

 

Letter No. 108, dated 18^th June 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay requesting that arrangements might be made for manufacture of 6 sword blades and 6 highly furnished right hand guns, &c, in England for Meer Muradali Khan and suggesting that the cost of these articles be met from public funds; . (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (593-594) &)

 

 

 

Letter dated 19^th June 1832, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger in reply to several of his letters:-

 

(I)           Requesting transmission of ratified treaties, signed and sealed by Governor-General to their respective destinations;

 

(2)      Advising consideration of several details before the proposed Customs Tariff                schedule was drawn up and accepted by the Ameers;

 

(3)      Making further enquiries relating to the possessions of Meer Naseerkhan;

 

(4)      Enquiring as to the best place which may be fixed and at which customs dues would be collected;

 

(5)      Discussing the provisions of 4^th article of the treaty relating to issue of passports to persons proceeding to Sind for purposes of trade and appointing persons and fixing places where they should be issued;

 

(6)      Approving of line of conduct proposed to be adopted towards Meer Naseerkhan;

 

(7)      Expressing satisfaction on the result of what passed Colonel Potttenger and Ameer of Sind on the subject of combined operations against Khosas and other plunderers and giving further instructions on the matter. . (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.300 Page No (349-359) &)

 

Letter No. 110, dated 22^nd June 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay in connection with dispatch of troops under command of Captain Robert for punishment and suppression of Khosa and other marauders. . (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (595-606) &)

 

Letter from Colonel Pottenger to Meer Muradali for making arrangement for dispatch of Sind forces for the purpose and return of Jagatsing and Poonjaji, Parkar chiefs, alleged to have been implicated with the Plunderers.

 

Letter dated 2^nd July 1832, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger forwarding to him copy of a letter from Envoy of Persia on the subject of proposed alliance between a son of Meer Muradalikhan of Hyderabad and a daughter of the king of Persia and other matters connected with affairs of North West Frontier. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (606-612) &)

 

Letter No. 126, dated 10^th July 1832, from Government of Bombay intimating that a letter had been addressed to Honorable Court for execution of articles required by Meer Muradali; (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.300 Page No (393) &)

 

Letter No. 154 dated 23^rd July 1832, from Government of Bombay approving of the suggestions made by Colonel Pottenger with regard to the assemblage of the army for routing out the tree-booters. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (413-414) &)

 

Letter dated 27^th July 1832, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger forwarding to him a copy of their letter to Government othe services of Colonel Pottenger and for reasons mentioned therein appointing him as Agent for affairs of Sind; (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.300 Page No (425-432) &)

 

Letter No. 159, dated 31^st July 1832, from Government of Bombay to Colonel Pottenger informing him that Government of India had issued orders to Agent at Ajmere to open a communication with Rajah of Jodhpur for co-operation with British Government against Parkar plunderers and for adopting the measures preventing them from finding an asylum in his territories. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.300 Page No (437-439) &)

 

Letter No. 164, dated 3^rd September 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Colonel Litchfield, Commanding Sind Force-

 

(I)           Furnishing him with suggestion to be useful to him in the expedition against the Parkar free booters.

 

    (2)      Acquainting him with cause which led to the necessity for the expedition and for co-operation of certain Native powers with the British;

 

     (3)     Informing him that the strength of the enemy was estimated at 2000 fighting men and the Khosas, a tribe of Baluchees who composed the majority Rulers of Sind, and they refused every advance made to them by the Talpoors and formed themselves into a nucleous for the disaffected and turbulent of the circumjacent regions:

 

    (4)    That Means, which formed the most infamous body of Parkar robbers lived in wands. Or temporary villages along the Northern edge of Parkar. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (672-702) &)

Letter No. 162, dated 1^st August 1832, from Government of Bombay to Colonel Pottenger (I) intimating him of appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Litchfield to the command of the expedition against Parkar and (2) Vesting him (Colonel Pottenger) with general of expedition and the measures consequent on its termination, (3) directing that Lieutenant William Pottenger should accompany the expedition in civil capacity and afford to Lieutenant Colonel Litchfield advantage of his experience and knowledge of Sind Auxiliaries, &c. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.300 Page No (445-449) &)

 

Letter No. 120, dated 5^th August 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding a map with a memoir on the Province of Sind prepared by Lieuenant Delhoste and Pottenger; (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (623-624) &)

 

Letter No. 123, dated 7^th August. 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Adjutant-General of the Army, Bombay, making suggestions for assemblage of forces to act against the plunderers. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (625-630) &)

 

     Letter No. 127 of 10^th August 1832 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India:-

(I)             Describing the limits of the territory in possession of Meer Muradali of Hyderabad and Meer Rustomkhan of Khairpur;

(II)          Informing that the latter had agreed to his suggestion for levy of duties at one place and that Meer Muradali should be asked to make a similar arrangement in his own country so far the vessports were concerned and that system of farming may be continued with regard to local trade;

(III)         That the Bombay army would move across thriver to put down the plunderers of Parkar as soon as he heard from Colonel Lackete about the march of Jodhpur and Jussulmere forces;

(IV)         That Meer Muradali intimated that his army was awaiting orders from him. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (630-642) &)

 

Letter No. 128, dated 11^th August 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay submitting account of the presents purchased on account of Sind Mission. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (643-645) &)

 

Letter No. 140, dated 13^th August 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay forwarding copies of letters received from Native Agent from Sind to the effect:-

 

(I)           That Meer Muradali desired that he would recover the losses incurred by the people from the Parkar chiefs and that he was prepared to hand them over to Colonel Pottenger on his assurance that they would be kept for two months and they would not be sent to any place from Bhooj:

 

(2)    That news had been received from Hakim of Shikarpur that Kirpalsing with four thousand men joined General Ventura at Dero Gazikhan and that Ameers of Hyderabad sent trustworthy spies to find out the object and direction of their intended movements;

 

(3)    That Meer Muradali and his sons sent presents to Sardar Dost Muhomed of Colonel though Nizamuldin Peerzada. The object of the Mission was to persuade the Sardar to make a demonstration against Sikh territories at any time Raja Ranjeetsing directed his attention towards Shikarpur.

 

(4)      That His Royal Highness Abass Mirza of Persia arrived at Meshed and Prince Kamran of Heart opened a friendly correspondence with him the object of placing himself under his protection. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (646-651) &)

 

Letter No. 157 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding copies of letters received from:-

 

(I)           Meer Muradali and observing that reports had been received that Meers of Hyderabad and Khairpur had entered into agreement with Shah Shujaool Mulk, king of Cabool, to help him in recovering his part in event of his success agreed to the Ameers and to acknowledge independence of Sind and to give a final release for payment of tribute; that Meer Muradali had sent Munshi Khushiram to Khairpur to consult him on the subject and that His Highness Meer Rustomkhan consented to the plan on certain conditions.

 

(2)     That the boxes containing the treaties were received and he delivered those for Meer Muradali in public Durbar, and the other he forwarded to Khairpur.

 

(3)     That Meer Muradali said that he having consulted his sons Mohomed Bakarshah to Bhooj in charge of the Parkar chiefs;

 

(4)     That some Kassids came from Khairpur who reported that Meer Alimurad Khan had fled to Bujrika Goth where he had collected a strong garrison and Meer Rustomskhan had sent troops for taking the place. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (655-659) &)

 

Letter No. 127 of 19^th August 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India:-

 

(I)           Describing the limts of the territory in possession of Meer Muradali of Hyderabad and Meer Rustomkhan of Khairpur;

 

     (2)     Informing that the latter had agreed to his suggestion for levy of duties at

              One place and that it would be desirable that Meer Muradali should be asked                   to make a similar arrangement in his own country and that system of farming may be continued with regard to local trade;

 

     (3)     That the Bombay army would move across the river to put down the plunderers of Parkar as soon as he heard from Colonel Lackete about the march of Jodhpur and Jessulmere forces;

   

     (4)     That Meer Muradali intimated that his army was awaiting orders from him. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (630-642) &)

 

Letter No. 241, dated 15^th September 1832, from Government of Bombay on the same subject and signifying the Governor’s concurrence with opinion expressed by Governor-General of his conduct in the Late Sind Mission, &c. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.300 Page No (561-562) &)

 

Letter No. 189, dated 24^th September 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding a copy of a letter from the Native Agent in Sind reporting:-

 

That there was a considerable chance of a civil war in Khairpur State between Alimurad and his two elder brothers;

 

(2)    That the cause of the war was refusal on the part of Meer Rustomkhan and Mubarak khan to restore Meer Alimurad some Purgunnahs which he had given to them; that Meer Muradali Khan of Hyderabad’s effort to reconcile the brothers proved ineffective. (Year 1832-33 Department Political …File No.301 Page No (708-709) &)

 

 

Letter, dated 5^th October 1832, from Meer Muradali of Hyderabad dispatching Parkar prisoners under charge of one Ghulam Hyder Mujranee and requesting that they might be sent back made and him after necessary enquiries had been made and their guilt disproved; Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(719-722) &)

Letter, dated 6^th October 1832, from Agent to Governor-General, Rajputana to Colonel Pottenger informing him that Jodhpur and Jessulmere with British Government in capturing the Parkar robbers and to send their forces for the purpose; Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(611-616) &)

Letter, dated 8^th October 1832 from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger approving of his instructions to the officer appointed to the command of the force against Khosas and others of Parkar. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(623-624) &)

Letter No. 215, dared 10^th October 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay informing that Meer Muradali had sent some petty Blooch Sardars in place of Jagatsing and other Parkar Chiefs. He sent them back as he found them old hopeless men and of the lowest station in life. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(716-719) &)

Letter No. 242, dated 15^th October 1832, from Political Superintendent, Palanpore, to James William, Pol. Commr., Guzarat, forwarding a copy of letter addressed by Meer Mohomed Khan Abbas, Chief of Kalhora family to Lieutenant Presscot asking for assistance from British Government in securing Sind (their territory) from the Talpooes. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(643-644) &)

Letter No. 290, dated 16^th October 1832, from Government of Bombay to Colonel Pottenger approving of his proposal to appoint Lieutenant Delhoste to examine part of the country, left of river Indus. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(647) &)

Letter No. 237, dated 20^th October 1832, from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Roberts, Commanding Poona Auxiliary Force, informing of his appointment as officer in charge Intelligence Department with Parkar Expeditionery Force; that he had informed Meer Muradali that Government had appointed him to be medium of communications between the Officer Commanding the Forces and Meers Sardars; that he had appointed a Munshi Syed Rahmatullah who with his acquaintance with knowledge of Sindhi and Gujarati will knowledge of Sindhi and Gujarati will prove efficient person; that as Head of the Intelligence Department he was required to perform certain duties as detailed in paragraphs 9-12 of his letter. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(737-746) &)

Letter No. 234, dated 19^th October 1832 from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Colonel Litchfield, Officer in charge Expedition Force, against Parkar free-booters giving him further assistance for guidance. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 301(733-736) &)

Letter, dated 25^th October 1832, from Agent to Governor-General, Rajputana, to Colonel Pottenger informing that communications had been received from certain Chiefs who it appeared were greatly alarmed at the approach of British army expressing their willingness to relinquish their predatory calling if any arrangents could be made for their support, &c.

(2)      Making certain suggestions to this end. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 300(741-745) &)

Letter, dated 16^th December 1833, from Native agent at Hyderabad to Colonel Pottenger, Political Resident, Cutch, informing of death of Meer Muradali and stating that Meer Nur Mohomed Khan and Meer Mohomed-khan determined to send presents to Bombay Government, &c.; letter from Colonel Pottenger to Meer Nur Mohomed Khan condoling with him on the death of his father; letter dated March 1834 from Meer Nur Mohomedkhan of Hyderabad to Colonel Pottenger in reply to the above. Year, 1833-39… Department, Political … File No, 302Page No (1-7) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302page No (9-12) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302page No (53) &),

Letter from Colonel Pottenger to Munshi Jethanand desiring him to inform the Ameers (Nur Mohomed, Sobdarkhan and Naseerkhan) of his appointment as Agent to Governor-General in Sind and of appointment of Captain Melwill as his Assistant in Sind and his head quarters being fixed at Hyderabad. As that gentleman did not accept the appointment on account of delicate health, he had intended to proceed to Sind requesting that arrangements be made to meet him at Badin. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302page No (31-35) &),

Letter, dated 18^th August 1834, from Munshi Jethanand to Colonel Pottenger reporting that he had he had sent a letter and a hundi for Rs. 500 to Bahawalkhan, who expressed thanks to the Governor and said that the Colonel Pottenger should be assured that the friendship between him and British Government would continue from generation to generation; that a cassid had arrived from Cabool who gave an account of the unsuccessful attempt of Dost Mohomad to attack the fort of Candhar; that Ameers of Sind had received letters from the Chiefs of Candhar giving account of their victory and route of the King. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 302page No (43-51) &)

Letter dated 18^th August 1834, from Native Agent to Colonel Pottenger informing that there was some disagreement between Meer Nur Mohomedkhan and Meer Sobdarkhan on question of division of the State on the demise of late Meer Muradalikhan; that he had reminded Meer Nur Mohomedkhan to return the treaty where in it was provided that a Native of India would be placed in Sind. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302page No (43-51) &)

Letter No. I, dated 8^th January 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Robert, Assistant Political Agent, Bhooj, directing him to be strictly neutral with regard to the application from Meer Mohomed for assistance of British troops in collecting the tribute from the district of That Parkar, &c; letters Nos. 2 and 3 of even dates from Colonel Pottenger forwarding to Government of India Bombay a copy of the above for information. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (1) &) Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (2) &)Letter No. 4, dated 9^th January 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India informing that news had been received from Native Agent at Hyderabad that His Majesty Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk had arrived at Kelat with two hundred retinue and so closely followed by Khoodadad Khan of Candhar that he was obliged to take refuge within the country of Khan of Kelat who acceded to the unfortunate monarch the protection and hospitality he sought for; that the Ameers of Sind hearing that information had taken steps to strengthen the garrison at Shikarpur; that it was clear it was clear that the king would not remain for a long time and he would not remain for a long time and he would proceed to Bombay via Sonmeanee, if the Ameers did not permits him a passage through their territory; in the other case he would pass through Sind to Bhooj and Bombay; requesting that he was anxious to know the terms on which the King was to be received and treated; letter No. 5 of even date from Colonel Pottenger to the above and asking for instruction on the above Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (3-4) &) Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (5) &)

Letter No.6, dated 31^st January 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India stating that the Native Agent informed that His Majesty Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk had arrived at Bhag in Cutch Gandava and that the son and the nephew of Meer Rustomkhan had arrived at Hyderabad for persuading Meer Nur Mohomedkhan not to allow the Emperor to enter Sind. Meer Nur Mohomed had promised that he would not allow the king to remain anywhere for more than a day and that he would not only grant him a free passage but would treat him with all respect and honour due to him; letter No. 7 of even date forwarding a copy of the above to Government of Bombay. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (6) &) Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (7) &)

 

Letter No. 9, dated 11^th February 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting as under:-

(I)           That His Majesty Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk had arrived at Larkana on his way to Hyderabad;

     (2)          That one Mr. Semon who was once in Sindhia’s service has returned from Peshawar and has entered the service of Meer Alimurad of Meerpur;

     (3)         That Syed Ismail shah and Said Zynooldin were appointed Governors of Larkana and Shikarpur. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (8-10) &)

Letter No. 10, dated 17^th February 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding copies of instruction prepared for guidance of Native Agent and desiring that Lieutenant Mackeson should always address the Ameers of Sind through Munshi Jethanand to avoid delays and subterfuges on the part to the Ameers; That he had moved the Government of Bombay to publish the Indus Toll Treaty in Bombay Government Gazette in English, Persian and Gujarati (vide letter No. 12. Of even date); letter No. 14, dated 18^th February 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Mackeson forwarding him copies of the above with enclosures for instructions. Year, 1835… Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (10-11) &) Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (21) &)

      Letter No. 17, dated 25^th February 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding a copy of the letter from the Native Agent reporting as under:-

That Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk arrived at Hyderabad on 14^th February and on the following day all the Ameers with relation and children paid their respect to His Majesty who requested Meer Nur Mohomed to permit him to stay at Shikarpur till he could collect a force. Meer Nur Mohomed declined to accede to his request but he agreed to assist him when he returned with his army from Ludhiana. A treaty to that effect was entered into by His Majesty who in return gave Shikarpur as a free gift to the Ameers and abandoned all claim to tribute from the Sind Ameers. Meer Nur Mohomed and other Ameers gave presents, etc. to His Majesty; That Dost Mohomedkhan of Cabool had assumed the title of Ameer and had khutba read in his name and that he was collecting troops to drive Sikhs from Peshawar. Year, 1835, Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (23) &)

Letter No. 20, dated 26^th February 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding copies of correspondence between him and Meer Nur Mohomed relating to suppression of Khosas under Paroo Jamadar and other predatory tribes on the border of Cutch and protest of Meer Nur Mohomed against attack of British Commander at balmere. Year, 1835, Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (26-27) &)

Letter No. 23, dated 15^th March 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding a copy of a letter from Native Agent, Hyderabad, reporting:-

(a)  Peeru Khoso’s son complained to Meer Nur Mohomed of the treatment received by his father from Officer Commanding the Forces at Blameer. Meer Nur Mohomed gave him a disappointing reply;

(b) That Rajah Ranjeetsing had sent one Chunilal as a Vakil to Cabool for transmitting any news from that quarter;

(c)  Mirza Mohomed Bakarshah who was deputed by Meer Nur Mohomed to establish a treaty with Meer Mehrabkhan of Kelat, returned;

(d) Salamatrai Munshi and Vakil of Rajah of Jessulmere arrived with some presents for Meer Nur Mohomed and Meer Naseerkhan. Year, 1832-33 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (32) &)

Letter, dated 18^th March 1835, from Native Agent to Colonel Pottenger informing that Bharra and other Khosas appeared before Meer Nur Mohomed and the latter reprimanded them for their conduct and ordered them to leave Thar and reside in Sind; That reports had been received that Dost Mohomed Khan had determined to give battle to the Sikhs and that he was collecting men and money for the purpose. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (38-40) &)

 

Letter, dated 29^th March 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding a copy of a letter from Native Agent to the following effect:-

That the Ameer Nur Mohommed sent for Bhara Khosa and others of the same tribe and warned them to abstain from their predatory habits and recommended them to leave Thul and take up their abode within the precints of Sind; Khan had determined on giving battle to the Sikh army and every day people were flocking from Khorasan to Dost
Muhammad’s standard. Year, 1835… Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (38-40) &)

 

Letter, dated 9^th April 1835, from Native Agent to Colonel Pottenger reporting that Meer Nur- Mohomed was taking vigourous steps against the Khosas. Year, 1835, Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (41) &)

Letter No. 29. Dated 18^th April 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India informing that he had received a letter from Native Agent at Hyderabad for permission to go to Bhooj as a bearer of certain secret and important messages from Sind Ameers.

Letter No. 34, dated 23^rd April 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that object of the Ameers in sending the Native Agent with messages to Bhooj was to remonstrate against British Government’s intentions to build the fortress in Bahawal Khan’s country. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (52-53) &)

Letter No. 30, dated 27^th April 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that Meer Nur Mohommed Khan had given orders for half treasures being brought from various places. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (42-43) &)

Letter No. 34, dated 25^th May 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay acknowledging receipt of a copy of their letter to Mohomed Rahim Shirazi relating to opening the trade by the Indus and informing was in end of February, March and April as the southerly winds blew regularly then; letter No. 31 of even date forwarding copy of the above to Government of India for information. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (56-57) &)

Letter No. 40, dated 13^th June 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that the Ameers of Hyderabad refused to restore to Rai of Cutch a vessel which had stranded near one of the months of river Indus and that he had made a further reference to the Meer on the subject and should he still refuse to comply with the request, he should be forced to restore the property and should be forced to restore the property and abandon the barbarous custom of confiscating the stranded vessels and requesting that the survey of the months of river Indus should be set about early; Letter No. 47, dated 14^th June 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India informing that Meer Nur Mohomed had in consequence of remonstrance restored the vessel and the property; That His Highness had forced the Khosas to move to the Eastern Frontier and that he had given a civil and encouraging reply to a Persian merchant who had gone to make enquiries respecting the trade by Indus. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (58-59) &)Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (67-68) &)

Letter No. 50, dated 26^th August 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Mackeson, British Agent for Navigation of the Indus, pointing out the disadvantages of applying to Sind Government on each occasion of the boats for special order as a beaten road for travelers. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (69-72) &)

Letter No. 51, dated 26^th August 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding copy of the above for information. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (72) &)

Letter No. 54, dated 27^th August 1835 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay asking for permission to set the Ranna of Parkar (a state prisoner at Bhooj at liberty on condition that he would either live in Cutch or Sind; Informing that in anticipation of Government orders he had acceded to the request of Meer Nur Mohomed and released eight of the relations and followers of Rana Jagatsing of Parkar placed in confinement by the Sind Government. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (73-75) &)

Letter No.58, dated 30^th August 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that the Ameer had consented to restore the boat and other property seized by the Sind officers; That the practice of condemning stranded vessels might be considered to have been finally abandoned; asking for instructions before he brought the question of a survey of the Indus to Meer Nur Mohomed ; Forwarding copy of the above for making remarks on the question of the survey of river Indus. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (79-81) &)

Letter No. 63, dated 10^th September 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting substance of two letters from Meer Nur Mohomed and from the Native Agent. In the one the Meer asked for permission to be granted to Native Agent to proceed to Bhooj with certain confidential messages and asking for a medical officer to be sent to Hyderabad; In the other the Native Agent reporting that Meer Nur Mohomed promised that no molestation would be offered to the merchants trading by Indus; That the Ameers were in great tribulation about Ranjeetsing attacking Shikarpur; Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (94-97) &)

Letter No. 67, dated 19^th September 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India relating to Mission sent under Diwan Lakhmichand by Meer Rustomkhan of Khairpur; letter No. 70, dated 3^rd October 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that Meer Rustom’s Vakeel who arrived at Bhooj, some days ago, paid him visits and brought presents from his master for Government of India and for him; expressed feelings of friendship and devotion to British Government. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (99) &)

Letter dated 25^th September 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Sir Charles Metcalfe Governor-General of India for promotion. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (100-104) &)

Letter No. 70, dated 2^nd October 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting the nature of the secret messages brought by the British Native Agent from Ameers of Sind and the reply he intended to give and intimating his intention of deputing Lieutenant Burns to Hyderabad as the medium of certain communications which appeared to him to be urgently called for. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (106-111) &)

Letter No. 73, dated 10^th October 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Mackeson, British Agent for the Navy of Indus, informing that the Ameers of Sind were aware of his appointment and the duties he was required to perform; That he was sending Lieutenant Burns to Hyderabad, in connection with certain explanatory messages to the Ameers and that the necessity for their directing their local officers to attend to his requisitions had formed a part of Lieutenant Burn’s instruction. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (114-115) &)

Letter No. 77, dated 12^th October 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting (I) some secret communications made by the Vakeel from Khairpur relating to determination of Meer Rustomkhan’s position with respect to Hyderabad Government, (2) requesting instructions. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (117-119) &)

Letter No. 78, dated 15^th October 1835, and from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Burns furnishing him with detailed instructions as to how he should move with Ameers while on deputation at Hyderabad; letters Nos. 79 and 80 of even date forwarding copy of the above to Government of India and Government of Bombay for information. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (120-130) &) Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (130-131) &)

Letter No. 81, dated 31^st October 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Burns informing him of the deputation of Dr. Heddle to Sind for negotatiating with the Ameers in connection with the survey of river Indus and desiring him to confine himself to what he contemplated in his letter of 22^nd October; letter No. 82 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India intimating that the deputation of Dr. Heddle by Government of Bombay without his consultation had put him and Lieutenant Burns in a difficult position; letter No. 84, dated 3^rd November 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Dr. Heddle informing him of the appointment on deputation of Lieutenant Burns to Hyderabad, stating that he had strictly prohibited Lieutenant Burns from interfering with the objects to proceed with his business without reference to his presence; letters Nos. 85 and 86 of even date from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay and Government of India forwarding a copy of the above for information. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (131-132) &) Year, 1835… Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (132-135) &) Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (136-137) &) Year, 1835… Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (137) &)

Letter No. 88, dated 10^th November 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India intimating that Nihalsing with a considerable force had arrived at Multan and he halted there for orders to advance; that Dost Mohommed Khan of Colonel had proposed to Ameers of Sind to join with him in the great struggle against the consternation and were making active arrangement to oppose the Sheikhs. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (138-139) &)

Letter No. 92, dated 20^th November 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Wade, Political Agent, Ludhiana, regarding detention on Indus of boats coming from Ludhiana and the grounds for calling on the Ameers to pay demurrage. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (140-142) &)

Letter Nos. 98 and 99 of 4^th December 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Burns expressing his approbation of his proceedings with Ameers of Sind and directing him to remain at Hyderabad if Meer Nur Mohommed proposed him to do so. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (146-147) &)

Letter No. 106, dated 18^th December 1835 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay explaining in detail the motives which had induced him to direct Lieutenant Burns to take no share in Dr. Heddle’s negotiations with the Ameers of Sind for the survey of Indus; letter No. 107, dated 18^th December 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding copy of the above for information. Year, 1835… Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (152-161) &) Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (161-162) &)

Letter No. 108, dated  22nd December 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India acknowledging receipt of their letter on the subject of Lieutenant Burns deputation and offering some further explanation of the motives which induced him to take that step without previous reference and expressing his hope that the result of the deputation would appear satisfactory to Government.  Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (162-165) &)

 

Letter No. 109, dated 23^rd December 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay forwarding copy of the above and informing that Meer Noor Mohomed Khan had consented to a survey and examination of the river Indus and requesting that necessary order be issued for commencing the work. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (166) &)

Letter No. 116, dated 25^th December 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding copy of Lieutenant Burns’ dispatch containing overtures from Ameers of Sind for establishing intimate connection with the Province including the residence of British Agent in Sind and recommending that proposals be accepted. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (170-175) &)

Letter No. 108, dated 32^nd December 1835, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India acknowledging receipt of their letter on the subject of Lieutenant Burns’ deputation and offering some further explanation step without previous reference and expressing his hope that the result of the deputation would appear satisfactory to Government. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (162-165) &)

 

Letter No. 5, dated 22^nd January 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India transmitting a copy of a letter received from Government of Bombay commenting on his measures regarding Dr. Heddle’s mission to Sind and trusting that his conduct would be viewed by Governor-General with due allowance for the delicate situation in which he was placed. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (190-191) &)

Letter No. 9, dated 28^th January 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India transmitting a copy of a letter from Dr. Heddle complaining of the incivility he experienced in Sind and offering some palliative circumstances in the Ameers demeanour. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (193-211) &)

Letter No. 11, dated 5^th February 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that he had Jearnt that Assistant Surgeon Hathorn Had been recalled from Sind under orders of Government of Bombay and offering his opinion as to the light in which Meer Noor Mohomed Khan might view this measure. Year, 1835… Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (213-216) &)

Letter No. 13, dated 10^th February 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Burns regarding a flat-bottomed boat that was to be sent from Bombay to the Commander of East India Company’s Sloop “War Amherst” to deliver in charge of Petamber, the Bunder Master at Mandvi, the above boat; letter No. 17, dated 8^th March 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Carless asking him to return to Mandvi as the season had far advanced and it was not possible to proceed with the survey work and informing that he had asked Lieutenant Wood of Indian Navy to remain on the Indus and watch the progress of the Indus; Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (217-218) &) Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (219-220) &) Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (220-221) &)

Letter, dared 5^th March 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Meer Rustomkhan of Khairpur informing that friendship and good will of British Government towards Khairpur will remain forever. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (221-223) &)

Letter, dated 5^th March 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Munshi Jethanand informing him that merchants going from Bombay had been disturbed on the way while passing through Indus and that he had written to Meer Noor Mohomed to issue orders to his men not to interfere with the boats. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303

Letter No. 22, dated 11^th March 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding for information a copy of his letter to Meer Noor Mohomed Khan discussing the terms of a new treaty he made with him. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (225-228) &)

Letter No. 18, dated 18^th March 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Wood forwarding a copy of the above and intimating that he had informed Meer Noor Mohomed of the above arrangements and that he had requested the Meer to afford him every facility in carrying out his duties. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (221-223) &)

Letter No. 20 of March 1836 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India submitting copies of instructions issued to officers of India Navy employed in surveying and examining the Indus and stating his opinion with regard to the river being examined annually. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (224) &)

Letter No. 34, dated 15^th April 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding translation of a letter from Meer Noor Mohomed Khan and of a letter from his agents complaining of the incivility with which his highness’s emissaries had been treated at Bombay; letter No 39, dated 17^th May 1836 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting receipt of a second letter from Mir Nur Muhammad Khan regarding the treatment meted out to his Vakeels at Bombay. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (251-253) &)

Letter No. 36, dated 21^st April 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding translation of a letter from Native Agent at Hyderabad containing the observations made by Meer Noor Muhammad Khan on the reply sent to him regarding a European being permanently stationed in sind. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (245-249) &)

Letter No. 41, dated 17^th May 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India informing that treaty made by Mirza Bakarshah (who was sent to Baluchistan) with Mehrabkhan of Kelat to make a simultaneous attack on the plunderers who infested the borders of both the States. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (254-255) &)

 

Letter No. 46, dated 11^th June 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India submitting translation of a letter from Native Agent, Hyderabad, containing the defence of His Highness as to his conduct towards Dr. Heddle and explaining his motives for having kept the above letter for long. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (259-265) &)

Letter No. 48, dated 15^th June 1836, from Colonel Pottenger of India forwarding a translation of the letters from Native Agent at Hyderabad reporting that he waited on Meer Noor Mohammad Khan in connection with the question relating to establishment of a British Agent in Sind; communicating further news. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (266-267) &)

Letter No. 50, dated 15^th June 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting the substance of the letters received from Meer Rustomkhan of Khairpur and asking for permission to send presents to him and his brother. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (269-271) &)

Letter Nos. 55 and 56 of 21^st June 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay and Government of India forwarding-

(I)           A copy of the letter from Assistant Surgeon Hathorn for allowances during the period he was in Sind.

      (2)       Medical case of His Highness Meer Noor Mohomad Khan of Hyderabad. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (276) &)

Letter No. 57, dated 29^th June 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India acknowledging receipt of a letter from the Honorable the Court Directors regarding mode to be adopted for trial of British subjects when delivered over to Native states and reporting that he had no occasion to hold any trial since the receipt of the Circular of October 1834. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (277-279) &)

Letter No. 59 of 1^st July 1836 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding Extracts of a letter from Native Agent at Hyderabad reporting on the following points:-

(I)           The alarm of the Ameers at the intimation received from Rajah Ranjeetsing of his intention of calling on them to restore Shikarpur town;

(2)        Further application for pecuniary aid from Dost Mohomad

(3)        Failur of Hyderabad Ameers in mediating between Meer Nusseerkhan of Hyderabad Meer Alimurad Khan of Mirpur with regard to some disputed land.

(4)       The quantity of opium passed through Sind and the bad faith of Ameers in their promises to the merchants; letter No. 60 of even date from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay forwarding copy of the above with his comments on the opium question. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (281-83) &)

Letter No. 62, dated 12^th July 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting receipt of a kind letter from Meer Noor Mohomad Khan accompanied by five camel loads of mangoes and the purport of his reply he addressed to him. Year, 1835 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (286-287) &)

Letter No. 124, dated 10^th December 1836, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting as under:-

(I)           That on his arrival at Vikkur he was met by Governors of Tatta and Mugerbin, and servants of Meers Noor Mohomed and Meer mohomed, respectively At Tatta he was met by Mirza Bakar, Meer Noor Mohomed’s principal treasurer, Secretary and bosom friend,  who brought a message from his master desiring him to keep secret the fact of his visit to Sind on invitation by him (the Meer);

(2)        That on evening of 22^nd Mirza Bakar saw him and enquired whether he wanted to pay visit to the Meer and said that the Meer wanted to know the object of his Mission. He was replied that he had two communications to make (one regarding opening of the Indus and the other of a purely political nature) Mirza Bakar desired that there were still cogent reasons which rendered secrecy and precaution advisable for some time This conversation afforded him a perfect insight into domestic dissensions of the ruling family;

(4)      His visit to the Meer on 23^rd with Mirza Bakar and Baluch Khans who formed his escort;

(5)    That on the next day he paid another visit to Meer Noor Mohomed Khan and when he met him in his room Meer Noor Mohomed Khan whispered him not to say anything in public as Mohomed Usif and Mohomed Khan Talpoor, servants of Meer Mohomed Khan, were sitting as spies;

(6)    That on the morning of 25^th he sent his commercial memorandum to Meer Noor Mohomed through his agents who expressed his agreement to all proposals contained therein. Mirza Bakar’s conversation with him on the politics and propects of Sind, the relations of all the Ameers with one another and the un-compromising attitude of Meer Sobdarkhan towards the British and his object of going out on hunting on the day of Colonel Pottenger’s arrival; 

(7)     On 28^th he devoted that day to receiving visits from one Mohammed Tahir, Agent of Agha Rahim Shirazee of Bombay, and from several well him on the trade of Sind. The latter complained that on account of the dread of Shikhs, Shikarpur which was once known for its flourishing trade with Khorasan had been Deserted and that the whole World anxiously looked to the British to interfere and thereby restore prosperity not only of Shikarpur but of all countries bordering on their dominions;

(8)      That in the afternoon he sent his secret memorandum to Meer Noor Mohomed through Syed Azamoodin.

(9)      Visit of Colonel Pottenger to Meer Noor Mohomed Khan and on his return he was accompanied by Mirza Bakar who consulted him on two points:-

(a)    That Meer Noor Mohomed had an intention to call out the whole army and proceed against Maharajah Ranjeetsing;

(b)    That it was possible Meer Sobdarkhan might refuse to allow commercial treaty to be carried into effect.

(10)   On the 1^st November Mirza Bakar brought the commercial treaty signed and sealed by the three Ameers;

(11)   That on 1^st December he had an interview from Syed Ali, Agent of Ali Mohomed Khan Shustry a merchant of Bombay, who desired Colonel Pottenger to recommend him to Meer Noor Mohomed Khan’s protection. This he accordingly did. In the evening Colonel Pottenger saw the ex-Rana of Parkar who resided at Hyderabad and received his stipends from the Native Agent. He expressed his thankfulness to Meer Noor Mohomed for his kind treatment;

(12)   That heoffered presents to Meer Noor Mohomed Khan which were appreciated by him;

(13)   That he learnt from Munshi Jethanand that Sobdar regretted his refusal to sign the treaty and that he wished to open communication with British Government through him. Colonel Potternger refused to see him without obtaining permission from Meer Noor Mohomed;

(14)   That he sent the commercial treaty in English and Persian duly sealed and signed to Meer Noor Mohomed He went to the Durbar where Meer Noor Mohomed told him that he would religiously abide by stipulations made in it;

(15)   That on the morning of 5^th he rode down and embarked on board the “Jhampti”. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 303 page No (279-333) &)

Private letters from Azamuddin Hassan to Colonel Pottenger informing that he had forwarded papers to him; one relating to the local trade of Vikkur and the other to the general system of revenue in Sind, character of the people, their mode of life; private letter, dated 15^th April 1837, from Azamuddin Hassan to Colonel Pottenger reporting that on 14^th Mirza Bakar Khan came from Meer Noor Mohomed to welcome him and presented him with a purse of Rs. 200 which he accepted. He entered into discussion on several points relating to treaty and had assurance from him that the Governor-General will not interfere into the private and family disputes of the Ameers. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (103-109) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (149-161) &)

Letter, dated 11^th May 1837, from Colonel Pottenger to Syed Azamuddin Hassan informing him that His Lordship made a direct and precise offer of mediating between the Governments of Sind and Lahore on the understanding that the Sind Government of a Resident in their territory; and asking him to return to Bhooj after taking leave from the Ameer. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (171-173) &)

Letter from Colonel Pottenger to Munsho Jethanand informing that it was understood that one Ali Muhammed Khan who was going from Hindoostan to the Court of Mohomed Shah of Persia and that Ameers of Sind had given “Ureezee” (petition) for him and that it was important that he should find out how far it was true. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (219-224) &)

Letter, dated 27^th February 1838, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger approving of the tenor of Communications made to Meur Sobdarkhan and concurring with Colonel Pottenger in his opinion that his visit to Sind should be dependent on the final appointment of a Resident in Sind. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (369-370) &)

Letter, dated 22^nd March 1838, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger informing him that Government of India were surprised and concerned to hear that Ameers of Sind had submitted themselves to the Court of Persia and desiring him to apprise the Ameere of the views of British Government the matter. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (377-378) &)

Letter, dated 11^th April 1838, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger approving of his intention of going to Sind in company with the Resident in Sind when that officer was finally appointed after the formal ratification of the agreement tendered to the Ameers. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (385-386) &)

Letter, dated 20^th April 1838, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger appointing him as Resident in Sind in addition to his duties as Resident at Cutch and appointing Caption Melwill as Assistant to the Resident in Sind and British Agent for navigation of the British ships on Indus; and desiring him to proceed to Hyderabad with Captain Melwill and to return to Cutch as soon as he had placed matters on a satisfactory footing; leaving Captain Melwill at Hyderabad to be the channel of all communications between him and the Ameers; letter, dated 20^th April 1838, from Government of India to Meer Noor Mohomed Khan informing him of appointments of Colonel Pottenger and Captain Melwill as Agents and Assistant Agent for Sind; informing that in deference to the wishes of junior Ameers he had signed separate agreements for Ameers Sobadarkhan, Meer Mohomedkhan and Nuseerkhan and that he would not separate treaties with them, should any occasion arise in the future. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (393-395) &)

     Letter, dated 22nd April 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Munshi Jethanand asking him to enquire from Meer Sher Mohomed Khan of Mirpur whether he liked to have a separate treaty signed by His Lordship. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (225-227) &)

Letter, dated 2^nd May 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Meer Noor Mohomed informing him that Dhoolaji brother of Jagatsing of Nagar Parkar had been seized and would be sent to Hyderabad if His Highness so desired. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (233-235) &)

Letter, dated 24^th May 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Meer Noor Mohomed Khan sending him treaties of articles ratified by Governor-General; informing that he had been appointed as Resident in Sind and that as Captain Mellwill, his assistant, was on account of his delicate health unable to proceed to Hyderabad he had determined to come there as soon as arrangements were made for him; that Governor-General had sent some presents for would bring them when he next visited Hyderabad. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (243-246) &)

Letter, dated 2^nd June 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Meer Noor Mohomed Khan informing that some boats coming from Punjab had been stopped and plundered at a place called ‘Bakee Puttung’ by sepoys of Meer Ali Murad son of late Meer Sobdarkhan and requesting that as that act was a direct breach of treaty it was in the interests of both the Governments that measures should be taken without delay for the punishment of the culprits; that as the outrage was committed in the country of Meer Rustomkhan he was sending him a copy of the above letter for necessary action; letter from Colonel Pottenger to Munshi Jethanand on the above subjects, directing him to call on Meer Nur Mohomed and request him to send trustworthy officers to investigate the matter and to punish the people of Alimurad at fault. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (255-258) &)

Letter, dated 5^th June 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Munshi Jethanand informing that he was surprised to hear that His Highness Meer Noor Muhomed Khan should have objected to his showing the letter to Meer Sobder Khan and that he had told him several times that the British Government wished to be on friendly terms with all the Ameers of Sind and it was his duty to cultivate friendship as much as possible. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (265-268) &)

Letter, dated 5^th June 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Meer Rustomkhan informing him that Government of India will not make any application to Maharajah Ranjeetsing for restoration of Muzaree district and Rojan until Moulvi Naseerdin was seized and his followers driven out of Sind. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (269-271) &)

Letter No. 65, dated 5^th June 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting arrival of Dr. Gordon and of the Dewan in service of Maharajah Ranjeetsing from Bombay en route to Ludhiana; visit of Dewan to Colonel Pottenger and delivery of a letter with some presents to him from Maharajah; that Meer Sher Mohomed Khan of Mirpurkhas visited  Meer Noor Muohomed and a treaty composing the difference between the Ameers was drawn up and when it was sent to Meer Sobdarkhan he refused to affix his seal; that Meer Noor Mohomed Khan had no fear of Persian Army taking heart and recommended them to send troops for his assistance; that he had written a letter to Meer Rustomkhan of Khairpur requesting him to take adequate steps for punishing Nasroodin; letter dated 12^th June 1838 from Government of India approving of the manner the Dewan was received by him and authorizing him to charge in his accounts the disbursements made by him to the Dewan, &c; letter No. 82, dated 13^th July 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that he had received letters from Meer Sobdarkhan and Meer Sher Mohomed Khan acknowledging the ratified treaties and expressing the gratification at his appointment as Resident; giving an account of the alleged Persian Prince who had arrived at Hyderabad.

Letter, dated 3^rd August 1838, from Government of India approving of the tenor of his letter to the address of Meer Rustomkhan desiring him to write to the Meer to put the frantic Nasroodin in confinement and to hold him responsible for further mischief committed by him. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (407-408) &)

Letter No. 85, dated 13^th August 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India submitting translation of a petition by Meer Noor Mohomed to Shah of Persia, &c. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (461-446) &)

Letter No. 89, dated 14^th August 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting substance of a letter from Native Agent of Hyderabad and explaining the natu e of fued alluded to therein between the Talpoors and Lagharees. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (465-469) &)

Letter, dated 18^th August 1838, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger desiring him to approach the Meer of Khairpur to allow British Government to occupy Bukkur to enable them to keep open the passage of the river for troops proceeding to Candhar and to maintain their communications. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (429-430) &)

Letter No. 143, dated 20^th August 1838, from Government of Bombay requesting Colonel Pottenger to keep them informed of the progress of his negotiations with Ameers of Sind; best mode of transmitting troops to Sind should such a contingency arose; what extent of transport would be obtained either at mouth of Indus or at Tatta? Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (423-425) &)

Letter, dated 23^rd August 1838, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger requesting him to take measures for purchase of grain crops at Larkana from the Ameers of Sind and other dealers at that place; Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (435-436) &)

Letter No 94, dated 25^th August 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting his intention of resuming his journey in a few days to Sind. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (475-478) &)

Letter No. 100, dated 27^th August 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India acknowledging receipt of instructions of 26^th July 1838, and assigning reasons for calling on Government of Bombay to prepare a force for eventual service in Sind. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (493-496) &)

Letter No. 102, dated; 6^th September 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk had sent a letter to the Ameers of Sind for help and the Ameers had sent a reply to him. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (505-509) &)

Letter, dated 6^th September 1838, from Government of India to Captain Burns appointing him in charge of Mission at Cabool, giving him further instructions for his guidance. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (511-515) &)

Letter, dated 8^th September 1838, from Government of India acknowledging receipt of Colonel Pottenger’s letters of 25^th and 27^th August and informing that in view of “deep duplicity displayed by Meer Noor Mohomed Khan, his unjustifiable conduct in other respects, and owing to feelings of unwarrantable eneimity and jealousy with which he appeared to be regarded by some of the Chiefs, it was essential that a British force of 5000 men should advance without delay for occupation of Shikarpur or any other place deemed Indus; informing that Captain Burns had been deputed to visit Khairpur and if necessary to enter into a new treaty with the Meer guaranteeing his independence and assuring him protection of British Government against all external enemies. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (499-503) &)

Letter, dated 14^th September 1838, from Captain Burns to Colonel Pottenger informing him that he would reach Bukkur by end of the month and requesting that before he proceeded to Khairpur he might be informed of the decision arrived at by him regarding affairs of Sind; from Colonel Pottenger in reply informing him that arrangements had been made by his agents for purchase of corn, &c., as directed by Governor-General; letter No. 116, dated 8^th October 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Burns furnishing information on the points referred to in his letter; informing him how he was insulted when he returned from the Durbar of Meer Noor Mohomed and in the circumstances it was hopeless on his part to succeed to get the fort of Bukkur on loan; letter dated October 1838, from Captain Burns to Colonel Pottenger reporting his arrival at Bukkur.

Letter dated 16^th September 1838 from Government of India acknowledging receipt of copies of communications from Meer Noor Mohomed to the Shah of Persia relating to his allegiance to him and informing him that the duplicity on the part of Meer Noor Mohomed in making professions of submission to Persia and of close alliance with British Government had forfeited for him (Nur Mohomed) all confidence and friendly consideration on part of Governor-General; directing him to proclaim as soon as a force arrived from Bombay that if an act of hostility and bad faith had been committed towards British Government the share of the Government of Sind held by any party should be transferred to the most faithful members of the family and that as security for the future, a British subsidiary force should be maintained in Sind, and giving further instructions for future guidance. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (523-524) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (601-607) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (601-607) &)

Letter No. 108, dated 17^th September 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay informing that Ameers had sent their reply to Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk refusing to allow His Majesty a passage through Sind; that if British Government had to send troops to Sind the Indus would be the proper channel and if advisable a detachment might proceed to occupy Karachi. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (527-529) &)

Letter, dated 29^th September 1838, from Government of Bombay to acting Assistant in charge of Residency at Bhooj asking him to report whether tonnage could be obtained at Port of Mandvi for conveyance of Regiment of Cavalry destined for service in Sind.

Letter, dated 29^th September 1838, from Government of Bombay to Superintendent of India Navy for assistance in transporting a force to Karachi. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (565) &)

Letter No.283, dated 29^th September, 1838 from Government of Bombay to Colonel Pottenger asking him for information regarding the route by which he would recommend the force should march from Bombay and the probability of their being opposed; whether it would be expedient either by force or with consent of the Ameers to occupy the Fort of Karachi with a detachment of British troops; whether it would be expedient to make any demonstration on Hyderabad either from Cutch or Deesa; and assuring Colonel Pottenger that Government of Bombay would on all occasions be prepared to comply with his wishes and requisitions with utmost cordiality. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (575-578) &)

Letter No. 114, dated 3^rd October 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to agent to Governor-General of India, Ajmeer and Deesa, informing Khan’s opening a correspondence with Rajah Mansing was to invite him to join a combination of the States westward of India against British Government and that he had detected Meer Noor Mohomed and others in a treacherous correspondence with Mohomed Shah of Persia and that he had reported to government of India of the arrival of a self led Persian Prince at Hyderabad. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (595-596) &)

Letter, dated 5^th October 1838, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger informing him that from the papers received the suspicions felt by Governor-General of the unfriendly disposition of principal Ameers of Sind to British Government had been amply justified and if the Ameers showed a different disposition he should give immediate effect to the instructions with which he that a separate engagement be made with the Ameer at Khairpur on the basis of recognizing his in dependence provided he maintained the same friendly attitude towards the British Government. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (519-521) &)

Letter No. 118, dated 9^th October 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that on his visit to Mir Sobdarkhan he was insulted on the way by the people; that Meer Noor Mohomed sent a deputation under his son Meer Shahdad Khan to apologies for the insult offered to him and to assure him that Meer Noor Mohomed had taken adequate steps to punish the culprits; that question of money payment by the Ameers of Sind to Shuja-ul-Moolk was perplexing on account of the two releases written in Kurans and sealed and signed by His Majesty which the Ameers produced; discussing the policy to be perused discussing the policy to be pursued by British Government towards the Ameers; letter No.124, dated 13^th October 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting some fresh instances of the unfriendly, suspicious and despicable conduct of Meer Noor Mahomed. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (617-621) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (623-625) &)

Letter No. 129, dated 16^th October 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay informing him that Viccur would be the best point for disembarkation of the troops; that he did not imagine that Ameers had any fixed resulation of opposing the British Government and that their fears will deter them from proceeding to open hostilities; that there was no fort at Karachi except a small squre outwork of no strength which could be of use for the purpose stated; that he had learnt from his Agent at Karachi that he was able to secure 500 camels for the army, &c. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (627-631) &)

Letter No. 2, dated 16^th October 1838, from Captain Burns to Government of India reporting that in view of the feeling evinced at Hyderabad it was hopeless to do anything satisfactory to supply the army and thing satisfactory to supply the army and unless a charge is effected in the minds of the Ameers there was great probability of Colonel Pottenger’s quitting Sind. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (651-652) &)

Letter, dated 17^th October 1838, from Captain Burns to Colonel Pottenger discussing the feasibility of moving the Khairpur Meers for occupying the Fort at Bukkur; reporting that proceedings of Khairpur Chief deserved rewards for the  reason that he not only refused to received that imposter Haji Husain Ali Khan, the self-styled Persian Prince, but openly expressed that he had nothing to do with enemies of British Government. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (643-646) &)

Letter No. 132, dated 18^th October 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting that he was making arrangements for provision of carriages and river boats for Bombay troops.

Letter No. 133 of 18^th October 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay desiring that should any part of the Bombay Army be sent to Karachi, it should bring forage with it and be prepared to march to nearest point of the Indus; letter No.134 of the same date Colonel Pottenger to Captain Burns informing him that he would sent him the purwanas as soon as he got them from Meer Noor Mahomed Khan. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (635-640) &)

Letter, dated 19^th October 1838, from Captain Burns to Government of India reporting that he arrived at Khairpur on the morning of 18^th and delivered to Meer Rustom Khan the letters from Governor-General and Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk; that he paid a visit to the Ameer and explained to him the object of Government in restoring Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk to his indignation at the treatment accorded to Colonel Pottenger and desired to send some one of his men to convey his sentiments to Meer Noor Mohomed; letter No.2, dated 21^st October 1838, from Captain Burns to Government of India reporting that a deputation from the Meer waited on him and they entered into a long to the share of the tribute which Meer Rustom Khan was called upon to pay to Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (657-659) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (661-666) &)

Letter No. 339 of 20^th October 1838 from Government of India informing Colonel Pottenger that arrangements were being made to dispatch all the troops to Karachi by sea and that orders would be issued from Military Department for sending Lieutenant Treshire and Ramsay in “S.S Polinurus” for purpose of enquiry into resources of the country on the spot under his instructions. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (669-670) &)

Letter No. 138 of 22^nd October 1838 from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Burns informing that all the communications he had with Meer Noor Mohomed had not an hour passed without obtaining additional proofs of inimical feelings.

Letter No.141 of 23^rd October1838 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay informing that should Meer Noor Mohomed order him to quit Sind he would proceed to Viccur or embark for Mandvi. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (673-675) &)

Letter No. 147, dated 25^th October 1838, rom Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting his proceedings up to the date:

(I)           That information had been received from the Chief of Candhar that he had made arrangements for assistance from Russia through Shah of Persia and that he advised Meer Noor Mohomed to do the same. Meer Noor Mohomed sent a reply saying that all the Ameers were ready to follow his advice,

(2)        That Meer Noor Mohomed said to his brother Meer Mohomed that it was useless to rely on British Government and the best course was to send Colonel Pottenger away and declare allegiance to Persia. Meer Meer Mohomed refused to be a partner to such a measure. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (693-750) &)

Letter, dated 25^th October 1838, from Captain Burns to Colonel Pottenger informing that a deputation under the Minister and Agent from all the Ameers of Khairpur waited on him and expressed the earnest desire on the part of their principals to enter into a separate treaty with them and adding that they wanted to place themselves under British protection and pronounced to do nothing without consent and advice of British Government. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (743-747) &)

Letter No. 359 of 26^th October 1838 from Government of Bombay to Colonel Pottenger informing him that the Bombay army was proceeding to Sind under the command of General Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of Bombay.

Letter, dated 26^th October 1838, from Captain Burns to Colonel Pottenger forwarding him a copy of a letter written by Meer Noor Mohomed Khan to Meer Rustom Khan of Khairpur exhibiting his faithlessness and disposition towards the British Government. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (707-709) &)

Letter, dated 29^th October 1838, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger informing that from the treatment openly show to the self-styled Prince at Hyderabad, the insulting letter written by the Ameers to Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk afforded conclusive proof of their design to favour the enemies of British Government and that Governor-General had determined to establish a British subsidiary force there in lower Sind at the earliest possible moment; and directing that he should not enter into any negotiations with the Ameers until his authority was supported by the actual presence of the  British forces. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (729-737) &)

Letter No. 152, dated 29^th October 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Burns replying to his several letters and offering remarks for not confirming the treaty he had sent to him and stating the terms on which he was prepared to grant a new one to the Chiefs of Khairpur and expressing great doubts of their sincerity. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (771-777) &)

Letter, dated 29^th October 1838, from Captain Burns to Colonel Pottenger forwarding him a copy of a letter of 29^th October 1838, from Government of India showing him the desirability of tendering to Meer Rustom Khan a treaty guaranteeing his to enter into negotiations with him on the terms similar to those which had been entered into by Nawab of Bahawalpur; informing that military and commercial position of Khairpur being of far greater importance than Bahawalpur, stipulations should be added for temporary occupation of Rohri and Bukkur and that the Meers should co-operate with other powers in extending or facilitating commerce or navigation of Indus. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (783-787) &)

Letter of 31^st October 1838 from Captain Burns to Colonel Pottenger pointing out the unfriendly attitude of Meer Mubarak Khan to British Government and his warning to him conveyed through the Minister; discussing whether Shikarpur formed part of Sind or was a separate district. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (789-792) &)

Letter No. 158 of 31^st October 1838 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding for information a copy of his letter No. 157 of the same date to Captain Burns informing him of the unfriendly and impertinent remarks of one Lala Ladhanand, an Every of Meer Rustom Khan, who had come to see him at Hyderabad. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (793) &)

Letter No. 160 of 2^nd November 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Burns acknowledging receipt of his letter of 28^th October 1838, and intimating that it had made no change in his opinion as regards the insincerity on the part of Chiefs of Khairpur and suggesting his proceedings while on his Mision; letter No. 161 of 2^nd November 1838 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding a copy of the above, expressing his regret at having to dissent from that officer’s opinion and offering remarks as regards settlement in Sind.

Steam communication between Bombay and mouth of Indus and opening of a depot at Tatta-

Letter No, 472, dated 2^nd November 1838, from Government of Bombay to Resident in Sind relating to—

Letter No. 472, dated 2^nd November 1838, from Government of Bombay to Resident in Sind relating to – Year, 1838… Department, Political … File No, 287 page No (203-206) &)

Letter, dated 6^th November 1838, from John Ramsay, Assistant Quarter Master-General, to Colonel Pottenger informing that Lieutent Trashier, Assistant Commanding-General, and he himself had, under orders, left for Ghorabari where they would wait for further instructions. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (853-854) &)

Letter, dated 11^th November 1838, from Captain Burns to Colonel Pottenger informing that Meer Noor Mohomed Khan had written a letter to Meer Rustom Khan asking him to be guided by the Ameers of Hyderabad and that the English and that Khairpur Meers should drive them. The latter replied to him in the negative, and he assured him (Captain Burns) that he was firm in adhering to British Government. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (863-864) &)

Letter, dated 12^th November 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting his proceedings at the Court of Meer Noor Mohomed Khan and the result of an important conference held with deputation sent to him by Meer Noor Mohomed Khan. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (867-882) &)

Letter, dated 14^th November 1838, from Captain Burns to Government of India reporting his action taken in connection with supply of grain and other necessaries for the army.

Letter dated 15^th November 1838, from Government of India to Captain Burns stating that measures taken by him for an alliance with the Meer of Khairpur are judicious and expedient and that the communitions addressed to him would show him the nature of the treaty whereby it was proposed that alliance should be concluded; that as regards Bukkur it would be required as a depot for treasure, &c.; that the Meer of Khairpur should not be called up to contribute any sum for maintenance of subsidiary force; letter, dated 17^th November 1838, from Captain Burns to Government of India forwarding them a copy of his letter of even date to Meer Rustom Khan of Khairpur relating to the treaty and the terms on which it would be entered into and applauding his professions of friendship and devotion to British Government. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (799-801) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (803-805) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (823-824) &)

Letter No. 190, dated 17 November 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Burns forwarding him the Purwanas as required under the seals of Meer Noor Mohomed Khan and Naseer Khan; letter No. 191, dated 17^th November 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Melwille acknowledging receipt of seven hoondis for Hyderabad for rupees thirty thousand; letter No. 192, dated 17^th November 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Captain Burns giving him instructions relating to purchase of corn, &c., near Bukkur. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (889-893) &)

Letter No. 196 of 18^th November 1838 from Colonel Pottenger to the Officer in charge of British troops informing him that he should consider himself in a friendly country and that he should at first land at Viccur until the whole force was assembled; letter No. 197 from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant East wick giving him instructions to be followed on the occasion of his deputation to meet the troops coming from Bomaby. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (901-A) &) Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (903-905) &)

Letter of 19^th November 1838 from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger informing him that Governor-General received with painful feeling the reports of the continued treachery and enmity of the principal Ameers of Sind and that his Lordship was not prepared to take measures against their machinations; that should Meer Noor Mohomed’s future conduct make amends for his past and should he evince a disposition to meet the just and necessary views of British Government the Governor-General would be unwilling to proceed to extremities; that should the negotiations not end in a ready submission to allow the just demands of British Government or in elevation of Meer Sobdar Khan to supremacy of Lower Sind, he was authorized to guarantee to each member of the family his separate possessions upon their agreeing to pay such quota of a fair and reasonable subsidy as might be deemed proper; that Governor- General refrained from recording his Majesty Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk was said to have executed. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (925-929) &)

Letter No. 204, dated 22^nd November 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to the Agent to Messrs. Firth & Co., Bombay, advising him not to bring his goods into the interior of Sind and informing him that his attempt to proceed to Shikarpur would expose him to the risk of being insulted, if not plundered. Year, 1838… Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (174-175) &)

Letter No, 205, dated 22^nd November 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Charles, Commanding the H’ble Count’s Surveying Brigade, requesting him to hand over the treasure consigned to him to Lieutenant East wick and desiring him not to leave the coast of Sind until the arrival of the troops as his intimate acquaintance with the locality of the whole of delta of Indus would be valuable to His Excellency; letter No. 221 of 26^th November 1838, from Colonel Pottenger forwarding copy of the above letter to Government of Bombay. Year, 1838… Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (175-178) &) Year, 1838 … Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (195) &)

Letter, dated 22^nd November 1838, from Lieutenant Burns, submitting his report with regard to the other preparations made in Sind to receive the army. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (939-942) &)

Letter No. 209 of 23rd November 1838 from ColonelPottinger to Government of Bombay offering his opinion relating to subsidiary force to be established in Lower Sind and its composition and strength; letter No. 214 of 23ed November 1838 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting his proceedings up to that and his observations regarding the strength of subsidiary force and the cession of a portion of the country to meet the cost on account of the subsidiary force; letter of 13^th December 1838 from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger informing him that His Lordship was not disposed to entertain any position having reference to territorial acquisitions in Sind as at all advisable, &c. Year, 1838 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (955-957) &)

Letter, dated 26^th November 1838, from Captain Burns to Government of India recommending for several reasons mentioned therein (I) fixing of a subsidiary force, (2) that Meer Noor Mohomed Khan, if permitted to reign, should send his son to apologise for all his misdemeanor to Governor-General. Year, 1833-39 … Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (839-845) &)

Letter No. 223, dated 27^th November 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Major-General Wiltshire, Commanding British Troops in Sind, congratulating him on his arrival in Sind and offering his opinion on several points connected with the disembarkation of the force. Year, 1833-39… Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (965-966) &)

Letter No. 230 of 28^th November 1838 from Colonel Pottenger to Mr. Pestanjee Framji, Agent to Messrs. Firth & Co., informing him that he considered it unsafe for him to proceed to the interior of the Province and that as he had no authority to grant by the river route (via Viccur) and then advance up the river as soon as the army moved. Year, 1838 … Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (209-210) &)

Letter No. 233-A. of 28^th November 1838 from Caption Eastwick to Captain Melwille, Assistant Resident in Cutch, requesting him to supply him with one thousand camels or even more to enable the force to proceed into the interior as it was useless to depend on the Ameers of Sind for any assistance as they, in spite of their professions, were hostile to the advance of the British army and would be delighted to throw obstacles in their way. Year, 1838 … Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (218-220) &)

Letter No. 239-A., of 1^st Desember 1838 from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Colonel Sir Alexander Burns relating to dispatch of treasure by the ships bringing the troops, &c.; letter No. 256 of 12^th December 1838 from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay forwarding copy of the above for information and making suggestions for sale of bullion at Hyderabad to get coin necessary to meet expenses incurred by the troops; that the greatest difficulty he found and the one in which he was unable to see his way out was want of money and in spite of having 25 lakhs of bullion he was unable raise one thousand rupees at Hyderabad or at Tatta, &c.; that he had instructed Lieutenant Leckie to remain at Hyderabad as long as he was not threatened or insulted by the rabble or he saw no cause to apprehend that he and other gentlemen of the Residency were in sort of personal danger, &c. Year, 1838 … Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (228-231) &) Year, 1838 … Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (260-264) &)

Letter No. 271, dated 1^st December 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India forwarding a copy of his letter No. 267 of 20^th December 1838 to Government of Bombay calling for subsidiary force to Sind without delay and informing that he agreed with Colinel Burns in his opinion that the presence of His Majesty Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk in Sind would be advantageous and that he trusted that His Majesty would march to Shikarpur without delay. Year, 1838 … Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (318-323) &) Year, 1838 … Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (312-317) &)

Letter No. 241, dated 2^nd December 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting his proceedings up to 1^st December 1838, as under:-

That Meer Noor Mouhammed Khan expressed his willingness to pay his share and for other Meers of the tribute of Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk, but he was informed that he (Colonel Pottenger) had been prohibited by His Lordship from interfering into the affair; that on the morning of 27^th he received a letter from Lieutenant Eastwick regarding arrival of the troops at the mounth of Indus and and reporting that Ghulam Shah, who had been sent off by Meer Noor Mohomed a month ago, had not only collected grain but he refused to sell provisions on a large scale to the Army; that before the news of the arrival of the troops reached Hyderabad Meer Noor Mohomed khan called all the Baluchees to Hyderabad and brought all his guns from the bank of the river to an enclosure near Colonel Pottenger’s camp; that Meer Noor Mohomed informed the Native Agent that he meant to oppose the British army but if Colonel Pottenger gave him assurance of the safety of the country he would issue orders for their dispersal; that he was prepared to pay the tribute to Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk and if he was not able to raise the money he would put him (Colonel Pottenger) in possession of Larkana or Shikarpur till he was able to liquidate the loan. Year, 1833-39… Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (979-983) &)

Letter No. 242, dated 2^nd December 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Colonel Burns informing him that he felt doubtful whether he would be able to get ‘Puewanas’ from the Ameers for purchase of corn for the troops. Year, 1838 … Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (241-242) &)

Letter, dated 3rd December 1838, from Captain Burns, Envoy at Kelat, to Colonel Pottenger relating to the supplies to be procured in Lower Sind for the Bombay Armay under the command of Sir John Keane; letter, dated 8^th April 1839, from Government of India to the senior officer in command of the troops at Shikarpur, directing him to co-operate with the Political Agent in all matters regarding advance, protection and comfort of the army; letter, dated 26^th August 1839, from Government of India to Mr. Ross Bell, Political Agent, Shikarpur, forwarding to him for transmission to Meer Rustom Khan of Khairpur, a copy of the proclamation of His Majesty Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk regarding his entry into Cabool; letter, dated 14^th October 1839, from Government of India to Mr. Ross Bell forwaeding him copies of correspondence with Political Agent at Ludhiana on the subject of proposed proclamation by Sikh Government encouraging the general trade Government encouraging the general trade between Sind and the Punjab. Year, 1838-41… Department, Political … File No, 308 page No (63-65) &) Year, 1838-41… Department, Political … File No, 308 page No (117-120) &) Year, 1838-41… Department, Political … File No, 308 page No (133) &) Year, 1838-41… Department, Political … File No, 308 page No (153) &)

Letter No. 255, dated 12^th December 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay informing that he concurred with Commander-in-Chief regarding proposed communication with the Indus by means of a steamer and advisability of the plan and that he would make proper arrangements to receive all stores, &c., for the force. Year, 1838… Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (257-258) &)

Letter No. 260, dated 15^th December 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India reporting his proceedings as under:-

That he had an interview with Meer Noor Mohomed Khan and other Meers in the afternoon of 3^rd of December; that information had been received from Seth Naomal of Karachi, that he had collected eight hundred camels for the army but the owners of the animals could not proceed to Viccur without the express permission of the Government of Karachi; that he sent a message to Meer Noor Mohomed telling him that if the camels were not speedily produced he would suggest the Commander-in-Chief to take possession of Karachi; that he proceeded to Viccur and met Commander-in-Chief on 8^th when a messenger arrived with a letter from Meer Noor Mohomed stating that he had failed to keep his promise about the camels and that he had issued orders for dispatch of several thousand camels to Viccur, &c.; that all the Ameers had given orders for guns to be removed to Lakhat, a place near Sehwan, with a view to defend Hyderabad; that one ‘ Jam located near Karachi, sent a message through his brother offering his services to British Government and proposed to meet him (Colonel Pottenger) at night through Seth Naomal but his offer was declined. Year, 1837-39… Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (1015-1025) &)

Year, 1838-41… Department, Political … File No, 308 page No (63-65) &)

Letter No. 262, dated 18^th December 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Colonel Pottenger Burns informing him that for reasons stated therein he would be unable to render him any help in collecting supplies and obtaining carriage for the army of the Indus, &c. Year, 1838… Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (299-302) &)

Letter No. 264, dated 19^th December 1838, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Colonel Burns informing him that disclosure of His Lordship’s plans regarding Lower Sindh will be ill-advised and premature and that it would enable the Ameer to Make preparations for best resistence in their power to the British Army, &c.; that Honorable Company’s steamer “Semeranis” would be dispatched on 28^th with cooli laborers’ together with treasure and sepoys. Year, 1838… Department, Political … File No, 307 page No (306-310) &)

Letter No. 589, dated 23^rd December 1838, from Government of Bombay to Comisary-General and letter No. 2067, of 26^th December 1838 from the latter to the Government of Bombay in connection with entertainment of a body of coolies required by Political Resident for service in Sind. Year, 1833-39… Department, Political … File No, 302 pages No (1089-1090) &) Year, 1833-39… Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (1095-1097) &)

Letter No. 633 26^th December 1838, from Government of Bombay to Colonel Pottenger enquiring whether it was necessary that whole of the force should arrive atonce at Karachi. Year, 1833-39… Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (1061-1064) &)

Letter, dated 31^st December 1838, from Government of India to Colonel Pottenger relating to character of the measures taken by the Ameers towards the British Government ; warning to the Ameers that their proceedings during the expedition would regulate the future them and that His Lordship was unwilling to entertain any propositions of territorial acquisition. Year, 1838… Department, Political … File No, 287page No (90-95) &)

          Steam communication between Bombay and mouth of Indus and opening of a depot at Tatta.

Letter No. 559, dated 14^th February 1839, from Commisary-General to Government of Bombay, pointing out the difficulty experienced in proceeding carriage for advance of Sind army; letter No. 1125, dated 4^th March 1839, from Government of Bombay to Commisary-General, authorizing him to purchase camels for the army. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (265-266) &) Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (266-267) &)

Letter, dated 18^th February 1839, from Government of India to Government of Bombay conveying the approbation of His Lordship of the prompt measure adopted by His Excellency the Naval Commander for reducing Karachi. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (307-308) &)

Letter, dated 28^th February 1839, from Lieutenant Eastwick, Assistant Resident in Sind, to His Excellency Sir John Keane, Commander-in-Chief of the army of the Indus reporting that the army under his command had been plundered and that the prices of commodities had been kept so high that the camp followers with their limited means were unable to purchase sufficient grain. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211page No (215-221) &)

Letter No. 366, dated 30^th March 1839, from Colonel Pottenger to Officer Commanding Tatta in connection with the preservation of Shikargahs of the Ameers of Sind while passing the army through their territory. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (301-302) &)

Letter No. 2 of 3^rd April 1839, from T.D. Lecki, Assistant Resident, Sind, to Colonel Pottenger informing him that he passed on the communications to Meers Noor Mohomed, Naseer Khan, Meer Mohomed and Sobdar all the Ameers seemed dissatisfied with the amended treaty, but they were distinctly told that the orders of Governor-General were final and no alterations could possibly be made in it. It had however come to his notice that the Ameers, one and all, had no intention to accept the amended treaty. Year, 1833-39… Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (1105-1109) &)

Letter No 3 dated 6^th April 1839, from T.D. Leckie, Assistant to Lieutenant Eastwick on the subject of “Dak” runners for transmission of post from Tatta to Hyderabad and to Bukkur. Year, 1833-39… Department, Political … File No, 302 page No (1110) &)

Letter No. 23, dated 24^th April 1839, from Lieutenant Leckie to Colonel Spiller, Commanding at Tatta, informing him that he would get permits from the Ameers for cutting timber required for hutting the troops and that he should send them on to him early. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (685-686) &)

Letter No. 40, dated 4^th May 1839, from Lieutenant Leckie to Colonel Pottenger reporting that the fleet had been detained at Sehwan under the orders of Ameers. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (581-584) &)

Letter No. 607, dated 10^th May 1839, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay forwarding meteorological Register for July in reply to their letter on the subject of climate of Tatta and Karachi. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (625-630) &)

Letter, dated 23rd May 1839, from Government of India to Political Agent, Shikarpur, forwarding for information extracts from Mr. McNaughton’s letter, dated 26^th April 1839, conveying good news of triumphant occupation of Kandhar by His Majesty Shah Shuja-ul-Moolk. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (473-474) &)

Letter, dated 1^st July 1839, from Government of India to Mr. Ross Bell expressing approval of the arrangements for conveyance of dak between Shikarpur and Dadur and informing that no arrangements had been made for ‘dak’ between Dadur and Quetta &c. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (419-420) &)

Letter, dated 1^st July 1839, from Government of India to Mr. Ross Bell approving his plan for enlistment, organization and employment of Baluch crops. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (423) &)

Letter, No. 532 dated 4^th July 1839, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of Bombay forwarding a copy of a letter from Military Board on the question of wages and rates of hire prevailing in Sind. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (525-531) &)

Minute, dated 20^th August 1839, by Governor-General on the army of the Indus and political prospects and arrangements in Afghanistan. Year, 1839-41… Department, Political … File No, 203 page No (271-316) &)

Letter No. 635-A, dated 31^st August 1839, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India regarding concentration of troops at Sukkur and informing that he agreed with Mr. Ross Bell in his suggestions made on the subject. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (611-612) &)

Letter No.591 of August 1839, from Colonel Pottenger to Lieutenant Leckie, Assistant Resident at Hyderabad, regarding fuel depots on the Indus. Year, 1839…Miscellaneous..Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (647-652) &)

Letter, dated 3^rd September 1839, from Government of India to Sir H. MacNaughton, Envoy and Minister at Cabool, directing him to communicate to the officers of trust and responsibility the orders of Government prohibiting them from sending copies of correspondence to their friends in England relative to the duties on which they were employed. Year, 1839-41… Miscellaneous. Department, Political … File No, 203 page No (69-71) &)

Letter, dated 5^th October 1839, from Lieutenant Leckie to Lieutenant White Lock at Tatta, informing that he was unable to hire boats for conveying grain with the army as the boatmen refused to accept reduced pay. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (79-80) &)

Letter No. 707, dated 10^th October 1839, from Colonel Pottenger to Government of India expressing his views regarding the seaport of Karachi and mentioning facts illustrative of the difficulty of introducing policy of British Government in Sind and submitting for information of His Lordship an English version of a memo. To the address of the Ameers of Sind for subsidy to be paid by the Ameers towards the maintenance of the British Army in Sind. Year, 1838-40… Department, Political … File No, 287 page No (115-119) &)

Letter, dated 29^th October 1839, to Colonel Pottenger reporting theft of camels, from the Kafila under Surwarkhan Lohana; letter, dated 6^th November 1839, to Captain Eastwisk, Assistant Political Agent, Upper Sind, informing that he had brought the above to the notice of the Ameers of Hyderabad and the latter had directed Takkee Shah, Governor of Shikarpur, to investigate the matters and bring the parties at fault to book; letter, dated 7^th November 1839, to Colonel Pottenger informing that he brought the above facts to the notice of Mir Nur-Mohomed Khan who gave an enasive reply to him. Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (539-540) &) Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (541) &) Year, 1839… Department, Political … File No, 211 page No (543) &)

Letter No. 351, dated 20^th February 1840, from Government of Bombay to Government of India for orders on the letter from Lieutenant-General Sir John Keane reporting the arrangement made by him for breaking of the part of the army of Indus under the command of Major-General Wiltshire and  distribution of the troops to remain in Upper Sind and Lower Sind; and requesting that as the junction of the two forces at that moment was premature both from a political and military point of view orders be issued for the command at Karachi to stand as it did, previous to the change ordered by His Excellency Lord Keane; letter, dated 2^nd March 1840, from Government of India sanctioning the arrangements reported by Lord Keane and approving of the staff appointed for Sind Brigade under command of Brigadier Stevenson, &c.

Proposal of Lord Keane for establishing a permanent Cantonment for European troops at Karachi (vide letter of 20^th February 1840) Year, 1839-46… Department, Political … File No, 224 page No (141-144) &)

Letter, dated 23rd March 1840, from Government of India to Government of Bombay informing that Governor-general agreed with the above proposal of Lord Keane and at the same time approved of the resolutions of Governor in Council that be held distinct, each by a Brigadier of second class, &c. Year, 1839-46… Department, Political … File No, 224 page No (177-180) &)

Letter No. 346, dated 4^th March 1841, from Government of Bombay to Envoy and Minister at Cabool  informing that Governor in Council being apprised of the unsettled state of affairs at Heart and candhar had issued orders to Military Board directing them to send to Karachi the Ordinance and Military stores and to place them at the disposal of Political Agent, Lower Sind; letter No. 347 of even date forwarding copy of the above to Major Outram requesting him to receive charge of the above and supply them to the Envoy and Minister at Cabool when 1841, from Military Board to Government of Bombay reporting compliance of their order of 4^th March 1841; letter, dated 19^th April 1841 from Government of India to Government of Bombay informing that the advance season of the year had rendered it impracticable to convey heavy artillery through Bolan Pass and it was desirable that all siege Ordnance be stored at Sukkur till the arrival of proper season for transporting them; letter No. 480 of 19^th April 1841, from Government of India to Major Outram forwarding him copy of the above for information. Year, 1839-46… Department, Political … File No, 224 page No (257-258) &) Year, 1839-46… Department, Political … File No, 224 page No (259-260) &) Year, 1839-46… Department, Political … File No, 224 page No (261-262) &) Year, 1839-46… Department, Political … File No, 224 page No (275-276) &) Year, 1839-46… Department, Political … File No, 224 page No (279) &)

Letter No. 166, dated 6^th April 1840, from Major Outram and Political Agent, Sind, to Government of India relating to issue of permits for goods passing free of transit duty into British Cantonments in Sind. Year, 1838-40… Department, Political … File No, 287 page No (227-230) &)

Letter, dated 11^th May 1840, from Major Outram, Political Agent, Lower Sind, to Government of India discussing the propriety of a toll- tax being levied by the Ameers on boats plying in the Indus, &c.; letter No 386, dated 22^nd June 1840, Government of India to Political Agent, Lower Sind, in reply furnishing instructions.

Letter, dated 25^th May 1840. From Government of India to Captain Outram approving of his arrangements made in connection with the establishment of packet boats between Karachi and Sukkur.

Letter, No. 562, dated 17^th August 1840, from Government of India to Political Agent, Sind, informing him that the precautions taken by him in his letter quoted above to prevent the Ameers from being defrauded of their just dues were highly necessary. Year, 1838-40… Department, Political … File No, 287 page No (239-241) &)

Letter No. 16, dated 4^th July 1842, from Captain Brown, Assistant Political Agent, Sind and Baluchistan, to Major Outram forwarding for transmission to Governor-General Copy of the plan of Bukkur together with a report thereon. Year, 1839-41… Department, Political Miscellaneous. … File No, 203 page No (79-87) &)

Letter No. 2072, dated 1^st August 1842, from Lieutenant Brown to Government of India reporting the death of Mr. Ross Bell; letter No. 2106, dated 3^rd August 1842, to Government of India informing that a will had been found among the effects of Mr. Ross Bell and that Lieutenant Brown had been selected one of the six executors of his will. Year, 1840-47… Department, Political … File No, 204 Vol.I. Page No (87) &) Year, 1840-47… Department, Political … File No, 204 VoI.I.  Page No (91) &)

Letter No. 263, dated 2^nd March 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charless Napier, Commanding Sind and Baluchistan, regarding re-enforcement of troops in Sind; letter No. 283, dated 6^th March 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier Commanding Sind, intimating that he had asked the Commander-in-Chief to send two regiments of infantry and one of artillery to Sukkur; letter No. 297, dated 8^th March 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier informing that 9^th and 55^th regiments had been ordered to proceed to Sukkur from Ferozepur and that he had ordered for six steamers with flats for carriage of troops; letter No. 315, dated 13^th March 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier expressing doubts of the ability of Bombay Government to send two regiments to Sind and intimating that Bombay Government had been requested to send coal, grapes, heavy guns, and mortars to Sind and asking him to call, if necessary on the Naval officers at Karachi to send guns with seamen to work there; letter No. 323, dated 15^th March 1843, from Commanding Sind, informing that as a Native Regiment could not be sent from Bombay, 3 of Infantry and 4 Rissaldars would be sent to Sukkur from Ferozepur and making other arrangements for the dispatch of the army. Year, 1840-47… Department, Political … File No, 204 VoI.I. Page No (1-2) &) Year, 1840-47… Department, Political … File No, 204 VoI.I. Page No (5) &) Year, 1840-47… Department, Political … File No, 204 VoI.I. Page No (7-8) &) Year, 1840-47… Department, Political … File No, 204 VoI.I. Page No (11-12) &) Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 204 VoI.I. Page No (15-17) &)

Letter No. 284,, dated 6^th March 1843, from Governor-General of India to Sir Charles Napier approving of his plan of battle and stating that he had asked the Military Secretary to prepare an order relative to the course to be pursued by Prize Agents. Year, 1840-47… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (65) &)

Letter No. 285, dated 6^th March 1843, from Governor-General of India to Sir Charless Napier relating to removal of obstructions to a portion of the waters of the Indus flower into sea near Lakhput. Year, 1840-47… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (81-82) &)

Letter No. 286, dated 6^th March 1843, from Government-General to Sir Charles Napier relating to the retention of the territories on the Right Left Bank of the River Indus. Year, 1840-47… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (209-210) &)

Letter No. 281, dated 6^th March 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier relating to the preparation of the map showing in different colures the territories belonging to several Ameers. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (213-214) &)

Letter from Lord Ellenbrought to Sir Charless Napier congratulating him on his victory gained in a well fought battle.

Letter No. 280, dated 6^th March 1843, from Governor-General in Council to Sir Charles Napier requesting him for reasons stated therein to take upon himself the Government of the Province of Sind and to select such officers in whom he can confide. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (217) &)

Letter No. 292, dated 7^th March 1843, from Government of India to Sir Charles Napier furnishing him with instructions regarding disposal of booty captured by army in Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (77-78) &)

Letter No. 301, dated 10^th March 1843, from Government of India to Sir Charles Napier relating to suppression of slave trade in Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (243-44) &)

Letter No. 320, dated 14^th March 1843, forwarding a copy of the general orders, dated 13^th March 1843, presenting to the Sind Horse the standard they from the enemy in battle of Meanee and informing that standards of the three colors of Military Ribbon of India inscribed with words “Hyderabad, 1843” in Persian, English and Hindi languages would be prepared for Sind Horse. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (9-10) &)

Letter No. 325, dated 15^th March 1845, from Governor-General to His Excellency Sir Charles Napier giving him instructions to follow after the conquest. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (17-19) &)

Letter No. 343, dated 18^th March 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier forwarding copies of his order, dated 15^th March 1843, expressing satisfaction on the services rendered in the battle of Meanee by several officers, non-commissioned officers and privates. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (217) &)

Letter No. 350, dated 20^th March 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier appointing Major-General Sampson, Second in Command to the Governor in Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (153) &)

Letter No. 423, dated 12^th April 1843, from Governor-General of India to Sir Charles Napier regarding arrangement for carriage of army and introduction of one uniform system for maintaining one commissariat for corps in Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (85-87) &)

Letter No. 443, dated 17^th April 1843, from Lord Ellenbrough to His Excellency Sir Charles Napier forwarding him a general order declaring that no demand would be made declaring that no demand world be made by British Government of any arrears of revenue due to the Ameers but that all revenue from that date would be payable British officers. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (25) &)

Letter No. 456 of 18^th April 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier requesting him for preparation of a sketch of the last battle, &c. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (229) &)

Letter No. 645, dated 26^th April 1843, from Government of India to Sir Charles Napier giving instructions with regard to the accounts of receipts and desiring him to incorporate Sind accounts with those of Bengal from after 1^st May 1843. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (209-216) &)

Letter, dated 28^th April 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier regarding disposal of bullion found in Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (139) &)

Letter No. 544, dated 11^th May 1843, from Government of India to Sir Charles Napier requesting him for transmission to Bombay of captured guns at Cabool. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (267-269) &)

Letter No. 624, dated 27^th May 1843, from Government of Bombay to Sir Charles Napier in connection with appointments of Deputy Collectors in Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (283-285) &)

Letter No. 621, dated 27^th May 1843, from Governor-General in Council to Sir Charles Napier giving instructions as to how the debts of the ex-Ameers should be paid by British Government. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (367-368) &)

Letter No 655, dated 4^th June 1843, from Governor-General in Council to Sir Charles Napier relating to the re-opening of ancient connection between the Indus and Nara so as to make the latter flow to the District of Omerkote. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (359-360) &)

Letter No. 670, dated 10^th June 1843, from Governor-General of India to Sir Charles Napier informing that he asked the Commissary General to procure camels for the use of the army in Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (95-96) &)

Letter No. 234, dated 15^th July 1843, from Governor-General in Council to Sir Charles Napier authorizing him to raise a camel corps necessary for establishing and securing tranquility in Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (319-320) &)

Letter No. 239, dated 20^th July 1843, from Governor-General in Council to Sir Charles Napier forwarding extract paragraph of a letter of 3ed June 1843, from the Secret Committee asking for supply of copies of certain documents relating to the abdication of Mir Rustom Khan, &c. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (111) &)

Letter No. 260, dated 23ed July 1843, from Governor-General in Council to Sir Charles Napier conveying the Governor General’s views and sentiments in regard to the lands to which Mir Alimurad was entitled. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (77-83) &)

Letter No. 701, dated 25^th June 1843, from Governor-General in Council to Sir Charles Napier congratulating him or success of Lieutenant-Colonel Robert at Sehwan and on capture of Mir Sher Mohammed Khan’s brother. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (351) &)

Letter No. 267, dated 29^th July 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier selecting Captain Young as Judge Advocate for Sind.

Letter No. 296, dated 8^th August 1843, from Government of India to Sir Charles Napier forwarding him a copy of the report from the Chemical Examiner on the specimen of Saltpeter manufactured in Lower Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (135-136) &)

Letter No. 298, dated August 1843, from Governor-General of India to Governor of Sind forwarding his sentiments on his letters of 13^th and 18^th July relating to the transactions with the Ameers and Chiefs of Sind before and subsequent to the battle of Meanee. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (85-86) &)

Letter No. 305, dated 13^th August 1843, from Lord Ellen borough to Sir Charles Napier relating to the appointment of Captain Baker and other officers in charge of survey operations in Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.II. Page No (33-34) &)

Letter No. 316, dated 16^th August 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier forwarding him a copy of his letter No. 315 of even date to Governor-General’s Agent in Rajputana on subject of dispatch of a detachment or a portion of Jodhpur force to Omerkote. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (27) &)

Letter No. 334, dated 26^th August 1843, from Government of India to Sir Charles Napier, Governor of Sind, forwarding for information and guidance copy of a dispatch from Honorable the Secret Committee relating to Prize property at Hyderabad. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (75) &)

Letter No. 574, dated 24^th August 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier conveying his remarks on the difference of opinion between the Commander-in-Chief and Governor on Sind respecting the mode of investing the conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Mosely and others. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (193-197) &)

Letter No.328, dated 25^th August 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier regarding measures to be taken for prevention of smuggling of opium through Sind. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (171-172) &)

Letter No. 1224, dated 25^th  August 1843, from Government of India to Sir Charles Napier relative to suppression of all native mints in Sind as also to the prohibition of further coinage of Sind rupees. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I Page No (193-198) &)

Letter No. 355, dated 3^rd September 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier regarding appointment of Captain Tait as Resident at Khairpur. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (111-112) &)

Letter No. 356, dated 3^rd September 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier relating to adoption of Bombay Customs House Regulations at Karachi. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI. Page No (119) &)

Letter No. 359, dated 4^th September 1843, from Governor-General in Council to Sir Charles Napier informing him that one of the three guns captured after the battle of Meanee would be sent to England to be kept on the terrace at Windsor and the other two to be placed at the foot of the monument at Bombay and desiring him to send a fourth one which he would place in front of the Government House at Calcutta. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.I. Page No (379-380) &)

Letter No. 343, dated 9^th September 1843, from Government of India to Government of Bombay intimating that orders had been issued for the relief of the Bombay army by the Bengal army. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoI.Page No (51) &)

Letter No. 137, dated 16^th September 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier forwarding him copies of despatches from Political Commissioner, Gujrat, and others regarding surrender of Khosa Chiefs on the border of Cutch and Thar.

Letter No. 381, dated 18^th September 1843, from Governor-General to Sir Charles Napier forwarding him a list of the corps ordered to be sent relieve the Bombay troops, &c. Year, 1843-44… Department, Political … File No, 200 VoII. Page No (147) &)

 

NO-Confidence Motion against Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh, Premiere, Sindh (1939)

No–confidence Motion against K.B. ALLAH BAKHS SOOMRO was initiated by G.M. Sayed and he in his books, has given reasons and other details about the motion so as to justify his political action. Lot of material is available in Governmental Records to give another story about this political development that took place before and after the moving of this no–confidence motion. The then government of Sindh in his confidential reports send to Viceroy of India has given his comments about the motion. His report are reproduced here:
0n 4^th January, 1939, he writes “I have this afternoon had a message to say that in the Sind Legislative Assembly, the new Session of which began to-day, a member of the Muslim Opposition has handed in a notice for moving a motion of “NonConfidence”  against my Ministry as a whole. The grounds stated in the Motion are a disapprove of the general policy of the Ministry, though we may assume, I think, that the introduction of the revised rates for the Ministry, though we may assume, I think, that the introduction of the revised rates for the Barrage areas will be the main point of attack. The object of broadening the base of the attack is, I presume, to draw in a few outside votes.

            2. My Chief Minister was expecting this Motion, and up to a few days ago he was confident that he would survive provided that the Congress members remained neutral. Since then, however, there has been some display of dissatisfaction among the non-congress Hindus, and now he is not a non confident.

            3. Meanwhile negotiation are going on to bring my Chief Minister and the late Chief Minister into agreement, one of the term of which would be that the late Chief Minister Sir Ghulam Hussain, should be admitted to the Ministry while my present Chief Minister should retain his position. I do not know that this is likely to come to anything, and I feel that such an agreement, if reached, would not be likely to be of a lasting nature.

            4. My Chief Minister told me that he would ask the Speaker to fix a date a week from now for the discussion of the “No Confidence” Motion, but I now hear that Monday, January 9^th, has been fixed. I will give any further information of what happens during the next few days as soon as I have anything reliable to report. My chief Minister has reiterated in me that he has not the least intention of giving may on the question of the barrage rates.” ( L. Graham No. 2 of 1939, Government House Karachi).

 

 

On 9^th January, in his another Report he writes to Sd. Linlithgow, Viceroy of India, “This is in direct continuation of my letter No.2 dated January 4^th. In the last paragraph of that letter I told you that the date fixed for the ‘No Confidence” motion was January 9^th. That has now been altered and the debate is to be taken tomorrow, January 10^th.

2. Meanwhile the negotiation for a central combination, leaving out the Muslim Leaguers on the the right and the Congress on the left, have been continued and now appear to have reached a stage at which an agreement can be concluded. I have at the suggestion of my Chief Minister had a long talk with Sir Ghulam Hussain, my late Chief Minister had a long talk with Sir Ghulam Hussain, my late Chief Minister; from him I understand that he is so dissatisfied with the attitude of the Muslim League that he is ready to joim my Ministry, bringing with him these of his followers who are not  fanatically devoted to the Muslim League. The Consideration for this access of strength to my Ministry is to be an increase in the number of Ministries either to five or six.

3. I think that I have mentioned in previous letters by opinion that an increase in the number of Minister would be desireable in order to broaden the base of the Ministry as a whole and to give my Ministers personally a sense of security which would allow them leisure to formulate and execute a progressive policy instead of leaving them in their present position of tight-rope walkers solely concerned with the problem of remaining in office. I cannot, of course, he sure that the resumption of friendly relations between Allah Bakhsh and Ghulam Hussain will be permanent; but having now had two successive Ministries neither of which was in a position anything effective  because of its feeling of insecurity. I think I am justified in making some kind of experiment.

4. Both Allah Bakhsh and Ghulam Hussain assure me that I shall have no further trouble over the assessment. The motion of ‘No Confidence’ is not in the name of Sir Ghulam Hussain, but in that of one of the advanced Muslim Leaguers; and Sir Ghulam Hussain tells me that it is his intention to resign with four or five members from the Opposition Party in the Course of the day or before the motion comes up tomorrow. If that is done, I do not think it will prevent the moving of the motion, but it will ensure its defeat. The present intention of Ghulam Hussain and Allah Bakhsh is that the new Coalition and the increase in the number of the Ministers should not be a short adjournment of the Assembly before taking up consideration of the Budget. The enlarged Ministry will then face the Assembly on the Budget.

5. The minor question whether the enlarged Ministry should consist of five or six Ministers is likely to give some trouble because, if I have a Ministry of four Muslims and two Hindus, as Ghulam Hussain prefers, I maintain the present proportion between the communities; while if I have a Ministry of Five three muslims and two Hindus, the Hindus will have obtained an advance in status. In some ways I should like to get in one Minister from another community, but I cannot say definitely what will happen in this matter. Ghulam Hussain has said that he will happen in this matter. Ghulam Hussain has said that he will very reluctantly agree to a Ministry of five if I cannot see my way to one of six on the other hand, my Hindu Minister says that he is not sure whether he can carry the Hindus with him in support of a Ministry of six. In looking for a compromise, the difficulty is that none of the European would care to be considered for a Ministership as all of them are otherwise engaged; and I have only one other member, a Parsi, who is not either a Muslim or a Hindu.” ( L. Graham No. 10 of 1939, Government House,Karachi).

On 13^th January, in his another Report he writes to Sd. Linlithgow, Viceroy of India,” In continuation of my letter No.10 of January 9^th I have not much to aid which you will not already have seen in the newspaper regarding the ‘No Confidence’ motion. In a House of sixty members only thirty-nine took part in the division. The Congress Party earned considerable ridicule by remaining neutral, as they were in fact bound to do since the Chief Minister informed them that he was not prepared to postpone giving effect to the revised rates in the Barrage areas.

2. Although the attack on the Ministry may be said to have fizzled out, the debate was not without its value because it produced constructive speeches from the late Chief Minister, Sir Ghulam Hussain, and Mr. Jamshed Mehta, the once famous Mayer of Karachi. Both these speakers urged the necessity for regrouping of the parties in the Assembly in order to achieve a Ministry with a reasonable amount of stability. There is actually no chance attaining that stability without increasing the number of Ministers. Even so, when this is done and whether the Ministry is constituted at five or six and at present my chief Minister favors having the larger number , the Sind Parliament will always be loth, so long as it is mainly composed of reminders, to increase the burden of taxation on their close.” ( L. Graham No. 17 of 1939, Government House,Karachi).

In receipt of the above sited report, on 16^th January, Lord linlithgow, Viceroy of India replied L. Graham, the governor of Sindh as under:

 “Many thanks for your letters of the 4^th and 9^th January, Not 2 and 10, about your ministerial situation. I did not answer for there seemed to me to be nothing to be done at the moment save to await developments. I congratulate you most heartily on the development which have, as I gather from the Press, since taken place; for I gather that your Assembly has thrown out, by 32 votes to 7, Mr. Syed’s Motion of want of confidence in the Premiere.

2. I am not quite clear from the press report read with your letters as to what Ghulam Hussain’s position in all this matter is. He abstained, I gather, from the voting, and it is to the good, of course, that he did not go into opposition against your Chief Minister; and presumably he thought the safer course from his own point of view was to abstain from voting at all. At the same time, given the critical character of this division, one cannot but feel that abstention from support ( even if identical with abstention from opposition) is not a very good preliminary to joining the Ministry whose fate was in issue.

3. I look forward with great interest to the development as regards the increase in the strength of your Ministry, and I trust sincerely that Allah Bakhsh and Ghulam Hussain are right in thinking that we shall have no further trouble on the vital question of re-assessment, on which we both regards it as so important to stand firm”.(Karapur 16^th January,1939 Lord Linlithgow, Viceroy of India.)

The motion was move in the Sindh legislative Assembly and proceedings of the same are reproduced as under:

Proceedings of the Sindh legislative Assembly:
(Date: 10th January 1939)
Mr. G.M SAYED: Sir, I beg to move: –
            “That this Assembly expresses is want of confidence in the policy of The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH Muhammad Umer, Chief Minister, and Government of Sind.”
THE HONORABLE SPEAKER: The motion before the House is: –
            “That this Assembly expresses it’s wanted of confidence in the policy of The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH Muhammad Umer, Chief Minister, and Government of Sind.”

Now, I would like to make a few observations before I permit the honorable the mover to proceed with this speech on this motion. I am sure honorable members of this House will agree with me that motions of this kind give rise to an extraordinary position in a Parliamentary House where feelings and emotions are likely to play a greater part than the discussion. Therefore I would earnestly appeal to them that while making their speeches-keeping of course the object in view-they must keep the debate on a very high level, consistent with the decorum and dignity of a Parliamentary House which they are occupying, and the sentiments and feelings, whatever they may be, should not carry them away to extremes. I think everybody will agree with me that the success of such motions does not depend upon any rhetorical ability, but depends on quite other circumstances which might have even transpired before we have met within four walls of this House, so that it does not depend upon the volume or the quantity but upon the quality of the speeches that are made to convince the other side. Therefore, I would earnestly request honorable members kindly be very discreet in their expressions and avoid being personal or even defamatory.
            Now, so far as the time limit of speeches is concerned, I would like to know how many honorable members desire to speak on this motion, so that I might allot the time to each member and I would request them to kindly rise in their seats. First I would like to know how many from the side of the honorable the mover of the resolution likes to speak.
            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, before you ask the members to stand up and fix the time-limit, I want to know whether you are fixing a time-limit and whether you are fixing one day for this motion.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Yes
                Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, I submit…….
                THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: I find some visitors going out. If anybody wants to go out, he must clear out at once. I will give those 2 minutes to vacate if they want. I don’t want any disturbance.
(Translated the above in the Sindhi)
            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, I want to submit that on a motion of this nature which is practically an impeachment of the ministry, no time-limit has been fixed in any Parliamentary House. I will give several examples of the House of Commons.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Do please quote from the House of Commons.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, I have not come prepared with examples from the House of Commons debate, but I will quote from other Assemblies.
            Sir, a confidence motion was moved in Bengal Assembly on 10^th August 1938, and there the debate went on 3 days without any time-limit being imposed on the speeches.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: From 7^th to 10^th. I am quoting what is printed in the debates of 10^th August. There THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER has remarked:-

            “I would just advise that after three long days, if members are still inclined to protract the proceedings should come to an end to-day, then I would appeal to both sides of the House to allow the speech to be finished. This is the last speech, after this I will ask the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Sarat Chandra Bose, to speak and then the Honorable the Chief Minister and the Honorable Mr. Suhrawardy will reply to the debate. I hope the effect of this will not be lost.”
It is very clear that there is no precedent where speeches were limited. Even in an ordinary Court of justice, when Advocates have to appear before one single individual, they are allowed sufficient time to prove their case. Here we are on the floor of this House, advocating for the whole of the Province, and if any limitation is placed on our speeches, it will be great injustice to the Province itself. We will never be able to prove any point properly here. Therefore, I would submit that before you give any ruling, you should kindly consider that there is no precedent anywhere in the Legislatures.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Will the honorable member pass on that book to me for a few minutes?
            (After looking through the book) The debate has been carried on for 3 days- 8^th, 9^th and 10^th– in Calcutta.
            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: But no limitation was placed. If the members did not talk, that is a different thing.
            SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Sir, I want to point out another thing before the honorable members are allowed to speak. Sir, I would refer you to the ruling given by your predecessor on this point when there was a motion of adjournment on the question of bifurcation of the two posts in Dado District Local Boards, i.e., Mr. Tahilramani’s affair. The honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain, who was then the Chief Minister, took objection to the speech of honorable member Mr. G.M. Sayed himself, saying that he was making vague allegations and was defaming the officers. Then the ruling of your predecessor was under the heading: “Speaker’s ruling on defaming anybody on the floor of the Assembly.”
            “THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER : THE HONORABLE the Chief Minister must remember that absolute power is given to honorable members within this House to say what they like, even to defame anyone if they wish, No. action can be taken for defaming anyone on the floor of the House. But if an honorable member liable for defamation. It is entirely for him to say what he wants to say.”
But if an honorable member defames anybody outside, he is liable for prosecution. Now statements made in this House cannot make an honorable member liable for defamation. It is for him to say what he wants to say. That is the ruling at page 36 of the proceedings of 16^th August 1937.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: By whom?
            SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: By the honorable the late Diwan Bhojsingh.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Now the honorable the Leader of the House.
            The honorable Leader of the House is on his legs. Does the honorable member (referring to Dr. Popatlal who shot up) want any information?
            Dr. POPATLAL A. BHOOTPATKAR: Sir, on motion like this, there should not be fixed any time-limit. Sir I am quoting the ruling given by Sir Ibrahim Rahimtoola.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Does it require further explanation from the honorable member?

Dr. POPATLAL A. BHOOTPATKAR: If the Honorable the Leader of the House’s is not the last word on the subject, I will resume my seat.
            I was drawing your attention to the ruling given by Sir Ibrahim Rahimtoola. It is at page 159. “On a vote of censure closure cannot be accepted.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Unfortunately my honorable friend has not been able to realize what a closure is and what time-limit is.
            Dr. POPATLAL A. BHOOTPATKAR: You must hear me and I shall explain, Sir. My grievance is that you do not allow me to complete my sentence.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Will the honorable member please sit down? He is wrong in his argument ab initio for he is quoting a ruling which refers to closure. When anybody wants to stop a debate, then this ruling applies. This ruling is irrelevant here, if he wants to apply it to any speech. This is not the point at issue.
            SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: I agree with my honorable friend Mr. Gazdar. You will pardon me, Sir, you have no right to curtail our speeches provided they are relevant, and you cannot say. . . . . .
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER : That I cannot put a time-limit, you mean?
            SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH : You have no authority under the Act to do so if our speeches are relevant and we are within our rights as long as we make out a case. We are not going to be treated like school boys, that you may say “Speak for 5 minutes, or 10 minutes”. Under the Act , we have the right of speech. Provided we are not irrelevant , nobody can curtail our speeches. (Hear, hear.)
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER : The honorable member has exceeded the privileges of an ordinary member, and I am sure he was inclined to be disrespectful to the Chair. I never said that he was a school boy. I have always stood for the greatest respect of the honorable members and I am here to maintain the dignity of the House and the good traditions of this House. The honorable member must realize his own limitations. I shall quote him my powers. Nothing has been provided by these rules with regard to the procedure for these motions. I have not given my ruling yet for the honorable members to pass these remarks. I have got every power within me, and the Speaker is the sole authority to define any procedure that has to be adopted in any matter where no specific provision has been provided. I find nothing has been stated in the standing orders. I am not going to apply the procedure applicable to motions I am fully empowered to lay down a time-limit. Standing Order XXI, page 39 says: The Speaker shall have power to conduct the business of the Assembly in all matters not provided under the Act, rules or Standing orders. The honorable member has not pointed out any rule or Standing Order or . . . . . .

1.      (There was commotion in the House.) Order, Order, the Chair is on its legs.
            . . . . . . . .  any procedure in the House of Commons in accordance with which he can say that the Chair has no power to lay down a time-limit.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : Not in a no-confidence motion.
THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: But I have not given my ruling. You are going to judge before I have finished. I wish the Honorable House to convince me of the time-limit to be put. I have not given my ruling yet, and why should I be prejudged?
Now, the Honorable the Leader of the House.
The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, in fact when my honorable friend Mr.Gazdar quoted the Bengal ruling I did not really know what the rules were. But in the normal course of circumstances rule 5 at page 36 would apply. “Except with the permission of the Speaker no speech on a resolution shall exceed 15 minutes in duration.” Nothing has been laid down about the resolution before the House. Whether a resolution pertains to a No-Confidence motion or whether it is another resolution, the resolution must be treated as such, But, Sir, I do not wish to be obstructive in any way. The Chair has full power to exceed the limit of 15 minutes, whereas ordinarily the time-limit of 15 minutes will apply.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: It is not a motion. I will go further for the benefit of the honorable members and refer to them Standing Order V which lays down the general procedure applicable to motions. At the bottom of page 25 is quoted thus: “This Speaker may, if he thinks fit, prescribe a time-limit for speeches.” This is the general procedure, so that the Chair has complete power to lay down the time-limit-of course reasonable, and therefore I am just consulting the opinion of the honorable members as to what time will be required, so that I will be in a position to regulate the debate and give time and opportunity to every honorable member who wishes to speak. I realize the importance of the motion, and I am not going to be a hindrance, but shall allow good opportunity to every honorable member. Otherwise everybody will get up at the far end and will repeat the same arguments. I am in your hands absolutely.
            MIR BANDEHALI KHAN TALPUR: Sir, this motion is very important and the Chair will give as much latitude as possible to all honorable members.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Of course legal latitude. I do not agree with the Honorable Leader of the House. He wants me to adopt the procedure laid down for resolutions. The resolution is a sort of recommendation to Government. This is a sort of extraordinary motions, for which no specific procedure has been laid down by rules. I have search from the beginning to the end of the rules. I thought first the procedure laid down for motions might be applicable, but this is not definite and therefore, I have to use my discretion. The Honorable Member must look to the volume of the speeches that will be made and the number of members desirous of participating in this debate. Precisely with that object I request the honorable members from different groups to rise in their seats so that I can estimate in how much time, in how many days or hours, the debate is likely to be finished.
            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : During the debate certain things might crop up, and certain members who have made up their minds not to speak, might change their minds and might desire to speak You might bear that in mind when deciding how many members are likely to speak.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Will the honorable members rise in their seats; I mean those who desire to speak from the Muslim League group? (5 members stood up) All right 5 now from the congress group.
            Mr. GHANSHYAM JETHANAND: Nobody is desirous of speaking from these benches.
            Mr. A. BECHAR: There are others desirous of speaking.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Yes, Mr. Naraindas and Mr. Jamshed desire to speak. Yes, Sir Ghulam Hussain and the Deputy Speaker also.
            Now from the Hindu Independent party.
            Mr. DIALMAL DOULATRAM: We do not propose to say anything unless it becomes necessary to do so.
            The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRIANI : I will speak.
            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The other honorable member who wish to speak form the Government benches are the Honorable Revenue Minister, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Pirzada, Khan Bahadur Ghulam Nabi Shah, K. S. Burdi and Mr. M. U Soomro.
            Now, the honorable the mover of the motion.
            Mr. G. M. SAYED : (In Sindhi) Sir, in rising to move this motion of no-confidence against the Honorable move this motion of no-confidence against the Honorable the Chief Minister I would like, at very outset, to explain a few points by way of preliminary observations. I think I do owe an explanation to this Honorable House and to all my colleagues on these benches, including of course my leader, as to why I should have been entrusted with the duty to move this motion. Sir, those who know the history of how this Cabinet came into this existence will not, I believe, feel it difficult to understand the implication of it. As the House is aware, I was to a very large extent held responsible for the overthrow of the previous Ministry and for the coming into existence of the present one. I had then given certain undertakings and assurances on behalf of the Honorable the Premier and his followers as to the course of conduct that they would follow as Ministers of this realm. And now that they failed to satisfy my expectations as well as those of the country and the community, it becomes my unthinkable duty to raise my voice against the continuance of the existing arrangement to whose creation I was unfortunately a party. Let me make it very clear, Sir, that I owe no enmity to the Honorable the Premier, personally. He has all along been my friend in his individual capacity, and I have always appreciated some of the qualities with which he is endowed. But he will not naturally expect me to hoodwink the people for his sake, just at a time when he has set the whole country aflame by his obstinacy, his defiant attitude, and his irresponsible conduct. The duty no doubt is a painful one, but all the same I am satisfied that my feelings for a particular individual have not deterred me from echoing the feelings of the people whose representative I happen to be in his Honorable House.
            I may also be asked as to why of all the three Ministers I have chosen the Honorable the Premier for this motion of no-confidence. The Honorable the Chief Minister , be it said to his credit, is the moving spirit of the entire Cabinet and as such, the largest amount of responsibility about the actions of the Cabinet naturally falls upon his shoulders. The other two Ministers owe mere loyalty to him as their Chief, and I am prepared to concede that they owe greater loyalty to him as their Chief than even to their own conscience or to their own county. It should therefore not be a matter of any wonder if I have selected the Honorable the Chief Minister for his motion of mine.
            In order to see the actions of the Honorable the Chief Minister which have merited this motion, in their proper setting, it is essential to go into very history of his elevation to the Premiership. The fateful day of 17^th March 1938 must not have been effaced form the memories of the honorable members on either side. What were the grounds to justify the fall of the previous Ministry and the coming into being of present one? The six main charges against the previous Cabinet were-
           

(a)    That is was extravagant and had no idea of lightening the burden under which the tax-prayer in Sind was groaning.

(b)   That it had brought about no change in the outlook of the officials whose arbitrary proceedings and tyrannical and corrupt ways in the moffusil had made the lot of the people there really difficult.

(c)    That its affairs were moving at a very slow pace.

(d)   That it had failed to render any relief to the masses, whether by way of legislation or through executive measures.

(e)   That it had been autocratic in its outlook all through its career and did not bend sufficiently before the public opinion.

At the time the present Cabinet came into existence, lots of hopes were aroused not only in those who helped it to come into existence but in the hearts of even those that were outside the Legislature. The Honorable the Chief Minister in his statement of policy before this House told us on the 30^th of March 1938 that “the electorate may judge him by his actions after six months.” Be it said to his credit or discredit that at the end of those six months of trial he did not give us any opportunity to judge him here, for he prevented the very calling of any session of the Legislature. But, after all, we have met here to-day to judge him by his actions through it is at the end of nearly say, and the whole country is behind me when I say, that he has completely frustrated. My voice is the voice of the disillusioned millions outside the portals of this Honorable House, as well as of many members of this House whom various extraneous considerations have not prevented from looking at the things from a right angle of vision, when I say that he present Chief Minister has betrayed not only his friends, not only members of his party, but his whole community as well as the country in general. I will presently prove this to you. Let me at this stage admit that the previous Cabinet, howsoever unsatisfactory, was much better and more democratic in its outlook than the present one.
            Let us see the extravagance of the previous Cabinet and the parsimony of our friend the Honorable the present Premier.
            It is an open scandal that the recommendations of the Reorganization Committee appointed by the previous Cabinet have not been enforced as yet to the satisfaction of the country and of this Honorable House. The Honorable Chief Minister knew full well that the expenditure on administration per head in this province was the highest as compared with that in the other Provinces of India. The Re-organization Committee has recommended the pruning of various extravagant items and the total savings which would thus occur comes to about 30 lacs of rupees. But the honorable the Chief Minister who was always so solicitous of the relief of the masses before his becoming a Premier, as was revealed by his speeches here during that period, has shelved the whole report, if not altogether ignored those possibilities of lightening the burden of the tax-payer. The Honorable the Public Works Department Minster has to some extent no doubt shown small mercies to the people by restricting the areas of the garden which were raised in the Inspection Bungalows for the benefit of the touring Public Works Department officials. But the honorable the Chief Minister has, instead even seeking the sanction of this Honorable House. I may give few such instances which have come to my notice. He has created these new appointments-

1)      An I.C.S Deputy Secretary in the Revenue Department.

2)      A Mukhtiar as P. A to the Revenue Minister.

3)      A Deputy Secretary for the Finance Department.

4)      An I.C.S Secretary for special duty.

5)      A personal Assistant for the I.G.P.

It is believed that he is shortly going to add yet another feather to his cap by appointing an officer of Collector’s grade on special duty to hold an inquiry into the relationship between Jagirdars and Haris. But as the Honorable the Chief Minister wanted to give a little longer lease of life to the present Collector of Sukkur, – who is perhaps more amenable to his influences- being a provincial service officer, the officer of Collector’s grade who had to succeed him is being kept out of his way on this pretext.
            The cost that the country has been compelled to bear for maintaining these officials must necessarily be prohibitive and that goes directly against the commitments of the Chief Minister at the time he became Premier. It may be said that the expenditure on those officials must not be beyond some thousands, but I will remind the Honorable the Premier of his speech of 28^th April 1937, on the floor of this Honorable House wherein he has said, “The 8, 9 or 10 thousand rupees or whatever it may be, is indeed of very great consequence to us.” That is what he has said when Sir Ghulam Hussain was the Premier and now that he becomes one; those have lost all their previous value to him. Indeed, he himself may be richer to-day, but the country is poorer by his becoming Chief Minister.

            Not only has the Chief Minister been the cause of this extravagance, but he has allowed his colleagues, chiefly the Revenue Minister, to undertake long and unnecessary touring by motorcar which has cost the country at the rate of six annals per mile. Thousands of rupees have been charged by his colleagues in addition to their salaries, and yet the Honorable the Chief Minister has not been able to prevent them from so doing. What was the use of their touring, I ask? .People were unnecessarily impelled to submit lacs of petitions to them, on whose preparation alone all the applicants combined may have spent over a lakh of rupees, and all that money has been able to do anything for those unfortunate applicants, thanks to the peculiar attitude of the Honorable the Chief Minister. Again, God alone knows how many thousands of rupees it must have cost the hosts of the Ministers to entertain the latter during the course of their touring. I am told that in Jacobabad the zamindars vied with each other in entertaining them and the caters went from Karachi.
            The treatment which the Honorable the Chief Minister has accorded to the agriculturist tax-payer is the most outstanding scandalous feature of his regime. The story of assessment proposals is, as this Honorable House knows, very poignant one. In order to gauge the magnitude of the injustice done to the people I would draw the attention of this House to Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh’s own statement in the old Bombay Legislative Council on 27^th March 1935 wherein he has stated thus, pointed out, in the event of separation of Sind, the agriculturist of Sind will not be able to bear the burden of the present assessment. The Government of India should therefore be informed of this hardship, so that they may either increase the subsidy for Sind or take such other steps as they may deem necessary. I should particularly like to urge on the honorable members representing the Presidency that on that consideration alone they should support us.”

            Then again speaking on the 9^th August 1937 in this Honorable House on the reports of the settlement officers, he has observed thus: “By adding a little bit here and subtracting a little bit there, the conclusions which the settlement officers have arrived at cannot but be wrong and very dangerous.” Compare both these statements of his with the present ones that he himself has made to the agriculturists during his own regime.
            Now, if , Sir, the Honorable the Chief Minister believed in what he then said, was it proper on his part to have imposed the increased rates of assessment on any pretext or under any cloak? But, Sir, the Honorable the Chief Minister seems to have lost all his previous feelings for the overtaxed agriculturists of this province after he has come to wear the mantle of the Chief Minister of this Province. He has iniquitously enhanced the burden of the agriculturists instead of reducing it, as was expected of him. Not only that, but he has done it in defiance of the party to whom he owes his very rise to the present status. I will remind this Honorable House of the resolution of the Sind United Party, which was passed in the presence of and with the concurrence of the Honorable the Chief Minister on 13^th of July, 1938.
            “In view of the fact that the principle of sliding scale of land revenue taxation is new to this province, requiring examination of the details, the party, while accepting that there is need for revision of settlement, resolve that the present rates of taxation should continue for 12 min, during which period following details should be attended to by the Government:-

1        Survey of classification of soils to enable to discriminate taxation according to yield, suitability and other conditions of soil.

2        Examination of various data to fix details of the sliding scale.

3        Effecting of various proposals of retrenchment and exploring possibilities of other sources of revenue. 

The Party, while appreciating the anxiety of Government to arrive at an early decision, feel that in view of seriousness of the problem and especially when there is no prospect of any immediate additional revenue from this source due to present low market prices, Government should not find it difficult to accept and act up to the above decision of the party.”

            Now Sir, it is very significant to note that the Honorable the Chief Minister was present in that meeting and he had agreed to carry out the resolution, the very drafting was done in consultation and agreement with him. But, Sir, he kept us in hopes only right up to the 15^th of July, when he came to know through other sources that he had actually passed orders and that they had gone to the Government Press for printing. We then called upon him to explain, whereupon he resigned from the membership of the United Party. After two days again he called a meeting of a few members at his Bungalow and it was given the name of the United Party meeting. On the third day he again backed out from his resignation and made his colleague the Revenue Minister state on his behalf that he had never resigned. The world does not know as to what party the Honorable the Chief Minister belongs. All the other parties in the legislature have condemned the assessment orders. Twice there have been anti-ministry days observed by the whole of the Province demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister. The Congress party had passed a resolution on the 16^th of July which runs thus:

            “The Congress stands for principles of responsible Government. Where a new system of taxation affecting every Khatedar in Sind and one-fourth of its population was going to be introduced, it was impossible for the Congress in Sind to sit quiet and allow a responsible ministry to pass its orders without giving proper opportunity to the people’s representatives and the Assembly parties to understand the proposals and give their views. That would have been to betray the interest of the people and stultify itself.

            But it appeared that the Ministry was determined to pass orders and introduce the new system. Even the ministerial parties themselves were not called to meet and the tentative proposals of the Ministerial crisis. The elected representatives rushed to Karachi learning of the imminence of the passing of orders by Government on the new system.

            Their appeals that the Government should not pass orders but postpone them for the 12months also failed. It is the attitude of the Ministers, wholly in violation of the principle of the self Government, which has precipitated the situation. In the circumstances, the Congress party is constrained to resume its complete freedom of action in the matter of its attitude towards the ministry.”

Even the verdict of the Congress High Command has been that the attitude and action of the Ministry in this respect has been highly objectionable. I am referring to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Moulana Abul Kalam’s joint statement of September 1938.

            The attitude of the Hindu Independent party has also been almost the same and I am confident that no Hindu member, representing at least the forty per cent. Hindu agriculturists, will have the courage to come forward and say that the Chief Minister has not done injustice to the agriculturists.

            The point I would like to make out here is that the Honorable the Chief Minister has taxed the people iniquitously, and secondly that the method that he has adopted has been most anti-democratic. If the Honorable the Chief Minister with these antecedence of his is allowed to remain in office I can only say that God help the agriculturists, the parliamentary parties, the public opinion and the canons of constitutional propriety and public morality.

            As everyone knows, the assessment orders possess three features:-

1        Sliding scale,

2        Re-grouping

3        Assessment on the miscellaneous crop.

All the three features are evils of a very high order and they have been sufficiently criticized and condemned in the past. The sliding scale is an innovation and has been introduced without adequate preliminaries having been gone through It is not a sliding scale but a soaring scale, which can mount up if the prices of cotton rise, but it cannot climb down their existing level if the rates go down. The figures of yield are inaccurate and the land classification has been entirely lost sight of.

            The re-grouping is equally obnoxious and so are the new rates of assessment on miscellaneous crop. They had been recommended by the Settlement Officer and rejected by this Honorable House in August 1937. Even the Honorable the Chief Minister himself had condemned them in his speech on the 9^th August 1937, which I have quoted above. He said “by adding a little bit here and subtracting a little bit there the conclusions which the Settlement Officers have arrived at cannot but be wrong and very dangerous,” and yet it is one the basis of those very wrong and dangerous conclusions that he has chosen to tax the people in such wild manner.

            I want the honorable members to realize that to vote for the Chief Minister on this motion would mean voting in favor of the assessment orders. The country may not be able to take such members shall have to render an account for all that they do now in respect of this situation.

            The official outlook has not changed in the slightest degree and for that a separate reference shall have to be made.

            The third point against the Honorable Chief Minister is that he has not taken a progressive view of things and that the country continues to be in the same unhappy plight in which it was in the pre-autonomy days. It requires no further elucidation sharing to this point home to the honorable members, for every one of them knows what kind of atmosphere prevails in the country. Does the honorable Chief Minister remember contents of his own letters of resignation to Sir Ghulam Hussain in March 1938?

            The fourth thing is that they are moving at a very slow space. There can be no two opinion about it no session were held for till 9 months and thousand of questions, 100 of resolutions and over 100 Bills are pending on the agenda. Even the ordinary matter are replied to after months. Letter addressed on 21^st December 1937 has been replied to on 4^th January 1939. The Land alienation Bills and the Debt Conciliation Bills are not allowed to be thorough. After 9 months, the Honorable Chief Minister has circulated a few draft bills which are wholly useless. It is the case of the Mountain in labor which brings fourth only a little house. I will at this stage remind the Honorable Chief Minister the wording his pledge to the United Party. Let him know that was the program which he had promised to follow. That promised he has given on the floor of this House on 30^th March 1938 and is printed on page 68 of the Debates for 30^th March 1938. In the same page he has said that he should be judged at the end six months. These promises he had made after he became the Chief Minister. Now what is the United Parties program which the Honorable the Chief Minister had thus undertaken to execute?

Run thus:-
 

a)      To support through the Party’s representatives in the Federal Legislature any scheme of All-India utility and concern especially with regard to the attainment of Dominion Status, economizing at the centre, problems affecting the Indians overseas, modification of laws and bringing them in conformity with the public option in collaboration with an All India Organization as the Party from time to time may decide.

b)      To strive for the achievement of the fullest measure of Provincial Autonomy.

c)      To achieve communal harmony on an economic basis. ( The lines of economy for achieving communal harmony are, Sir, patently absent from the program of the Honorable the Leader of the House.)

d)      To enable all sections of the population to enjoy all facilities and advantages on a equitable basis with regard to matters such as services, education, commerce, franchise, etc.

e)      To promote the interest of agriculturists and laborers.

f)       To strive for village developments, promoting cottage industries and providing villagers with all amenities of modern life as far as may be possible to do from time to time.

g)      To save the small land-holders from the evil of usury and usurpation of land by non-agriculturists and big landlords.

h)      To ensure recognition of legitimate privileges and rights of all Haris and Landlords without causing any unjustified injury to any other class of people.

i)        To provide for relief of agricultural indebtedness.

j)        To study and promote commercial and industrial interests to the Province.

k)      To improve Public Health.

l)        To overhaul the educational systems in all its branches so as to bring about literacy among the workers and toilers and to inculcate love of manual labor and vocations amongst the educated people.

m)   To provide for gradual introduction of compulsory education.

n)      To improve methods of marketing, including the reforms of objectionable market usages and practices.

o)      To secure the purity of administration with special emphasis on eradication of the evils of Rasai, Lapo, Chher and bribery.

p)      To distribute fairly and equitably the burden of taxation.

q)      To eliminate all excess in the cost of administration with a view to give relief in taxation.

r)       To promote religious and cultural integrity of each community as the best basis of lasting national unity.

s)       In case of conflict between the communities, to settle disputes by conciliation and/ or arbitration.  

Now, Sir the promised period of six months is over, and on the contrary it is the tenth month going, and we are now entitled to hear as to what the Honorable the Chief Minister has done to implement that promise of his. In order to show more clearly to this Honorable House the progressive bent of mind of the Honorable the Chief Minister, I would like to read out to this Honorable House the contents of a recent letter of the Government, bearing No. O.- 542-H/37, dated 4^th January 1939. It is a reply to my letter of 8^th December 1938, in which I had made a grievance of three things: firstly, that the Law about the criminal tribes was most oppressive; secondly, that the Badmashi section was being abused; thirdly, that the District Superintendent of Police of Thar Parkar possessed lands in that very district and that therefore it was undesirable to keep him in that very district.

            Now I will read out to you the Government reply. It runs thus:-

            “It is possible that attending rolls calls causes inconvenience to registered criminal tribesmen but, considering their criminal bent of mind, Government have no alternative but to impose certain restrictions upon them. Government will see, however, that inconvenience caused to them is the minimum and that their time is not wasted in attending rolls calls.

            Government are not aware that rolls calls result in free labor and bribery, and if any specific instances of these are mentioned, they will not fail to bring the culprits to book. But they do not consider that they would be justified in setting up a special enquiry without being in possession of concrete proof of the existence of the circumstances stated by you.

2.      As regards your second point, I am to say that proceedings under section 110 of the criminal Procedure Code are judicial Proceedings, the outcome of which cannot be manipulated by the Police. However, if it can be proved that any subordinate of the Police Department receives money in the manner stated by you, he will be dealt with in an exemplary manner.

3.      As regards your third point, I am to say that Government regrets they cannot move in the matter as suggested by you unless some specific proof of the existence of the conditions mentioned by you is forthcoming.”

Now, Sir, compare the Government reply with the following message in the Honorable the Chief Minister’s own statement of policy which he made on the floor of this House on the 29^th of March 1938 and which appears on page 35 of Debate for 29^th of March. This is what he has said:-

            “Owing to the absence of village police system in Sind, considerable inconvenience is being caused to persons who are called upon by the police to give roll call at a police station. Government considers it desirable to institute immediately an enquiry into the procedure now followed throughout Sind, so as to prevent harassment or unnecessary hardship to those persons.”

 The comparison of the two passages will show what a great volume of water has flowed down the bridge between the two periods.

            With regard to the question of giving relief to the masses, I don’t think even the Honorable the Chief Minister can say that he has done anything in that direction.

            With regard to his autocratic ways, I think, the less said the better. With these remarks I resume my seat.

After recess.

(The Honorable the Deputy Speaker occupied the Chair)

KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO : Sir, I want to speak, may I proceed?

The Honorable The Deputy Speaker: I thought honorable member Mr. Gazdar wanted to speak first.

KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO : But I am on my legs Sir.

The Honorable The Deputy Speaker: Well, proceed.
KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO : Sir, I rise to support the motion moved by my honorable friend Mr. G . M. Sayed to-day. First of all, I wish to apologize if I am not able to pitch my voice high enough to make myself audible throughout the Hall, because I am suffering from temporary disabilities through an unkind nature I am suffering at the moment from sore throat, and therefore unfortunately my voice is not very clear. However, I shall make my best efforts to explain the position as clearly as possible.

            Sir, first of all, I wish to explain briefly the constitutional position of this motion. It is not a matter of any uncommon occurrence that in any Parliamentary House a Government is taken to task for doing anything which is unconstitutional and which is wrong and which is not considered as acceptable to the people and to the country. At the present Ministry has been in the office. I refer particularly to the period beginning from the middle of July right up to to-day, when there has been considerable criticism in the press against the Ministry; there have been public meetings of protest and there have been various other objections raised as to the manner in which the present Ministry has conducted the affairs of this Province. The First and the foremost thing which is to-day absorbing our attention is the question of land revenue policy of the present  Government. This question, Sir, should not be very lightly treated, as very of  I have been finding criticism that it is unfair on the part of agriculturists to protest if any reasonable taxation is proposed. It is only natural, when their pockets are touched, that they will raise objection and say that they are too poor to bear this burden. That is a very objection from the landed class towards any taxation. But, Sir, it is the primarily duty this Honorable House to see whether those objections as the fresh taxation are reasonable or they are un-reasonable.

            Now, Sir, before I enter into the question of the Land Revenue proposals, before I discuss the point whether they are right or wrong and before I explain how I have come to the conclusion that these proposals are unfair and untenable, I must first of all explain the constitutional position that has been adopted by the present Honorable Ministers. Most of the people have short memories and particularly it happens to be so in politics. They easily forget what the past history was and how these honorable gentlemen have come to occupy these benches and what promises they gave to the country and how far they have fulfilled those promises. I am very glad that a motion has been moved by my honorable friend Mr. Sayed, who, on his own admission, has said that he was the chief instrument in bringing the present ministry power. That statement is absolutely correct  and cannot be denied. The self-same gentleman has come forward to-day to move this motion of no confidence and I fully agree with him that he was the only proper person who should have brought this motion in this Honorable House. He has in a cool and logical manner, without  any word implying malice or ill-will, given his arguments in support of his motion and I give him credit for having explained his case so ably and well.

            Sir, these honorable gentlemen, after taking over the reins of their office, made statements in this Honorable House and outside in the public, that they will do this and do  that for the country, and that we must judge them not by their words but by their deeds. These are the words the Honorable the Chief Minister Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh uttered in his very first statement which he made in this House on the memorable occasion of the 30^th March last. “You should judge us by our deeds and not by our words.” I am very glad that I have been afforded an opportunity on this occasion to do so.

            Sir, the Honorable the Chief Minister Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh happened to be the Leader of the Opposition in August 1937 when the late Ministry of the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain brought forward the proposals of the Land Revenue Settlement to be discussed in this Honorable House and there was a full dress debate for two dats over that motion. The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH was one of those members who most vehemently condemned the proposals. I need not waste the time of this Honorable House by repeating quotations as some of them have already have been paraded forth. But I shall content myself with saying that after having made that speech and after again taking over the responsible position of the Chief Minister of the Province, he has sponsored those very proposals. I go further and say that he is the author of these proposals and I make this position very clear. You will pardon me, Sir, that I do not agree with you that this is a special responsibility of His Excellency the Governor, because I maintain that these proposals have emanated from the Ministry and this advice was tendered by the Ministry itself to His Excellency the Governor and therefore the responsibility primarily falls on the shoulders of the Ministry.

            You know, Sir, and I make an appeal to my honorable friends of the European Group sitting her in this House who belong to a free nation and come from a free country which has had Parliamentary Institutions for hundreds of years.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: For 7 centuries.

KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: Yes, from time immemorial.

            They know very well what the principles of democracy are and what the duties of a democratic Government are. They know perfectly well that when there is an important question agitating the country, it is the primary duty of the Prime Minister of England to see that that question is discussed on the floor of the Parliament. In this way the country’s verdict is obtained by the resignation of the Ministry and the ordering of a general election so that the country may in an unequivocal voice express its real opinion on a particular issue of an important nature. Now, let us see what this Honorable friend Mr. Gazdar, who has done by. In July last my honorable friend a Mr. Gazdar, who happened to be the Secretary of the United Party, and these Honorable Ministers- at least two of them belonged to the United Party- called a meeting of the Party on 12^th July. I remember the date because I then happened to be in Karachi. I am telling you this because I wish to make a grievance of the fact that they never cared to ask the Leader of the Opposition, who, at that time, was the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain, as to what they were going to do with an important question of this nature. They secretly and surreptitiously went on preparing certain proposals and sprang a surprise on their own party when they told them that these proposals were coming up and were going to be adopted. The proposals were discussed for 2 or 3 days, and what was the result? My honorable friend.
            Mr. G. M. SAYED has very clearly pointed out to ypou that after a full discussion in the United Party; a resolution, in very clear words was passed that we are not agreeable to these proposals and wanted that for 12 months they should be postponed and the question of classification of soil, etc, should be fully gone into. On the one side these proposals were being discussed in the house of the honorable member Mr. G. M . Sayed, and on the other they were being printed in the Government  Press as final orders of the Government of the Province . This is very honorable way in which these honorable gentlemen have treated their own party. You will see, Sir, that on the 12^th of July these proposals were being discussed by the Ministers with their parties an on the 15^th the people received final orders. They were printed and published as proposals which had been finally adopted by the Government of the Province.

            Now, Sir, what was the attitude adopted by the Congress towards these proposals? It is not unknown to the public of the Province and the honorable members of this House. In their statement they in very clear terms condemned the proposals and they condemned them in their resolution passed on 16^th July 1938. May I ask, Sir, in those circumstances what should have been the constitutional position of the Honorable Ministers after that? Their party gave them a clear mandate that these proposals must not be the given effect to for 12 months. The Congress on whose support  they partly came into office,- and that fact cannot be denied because they had no majority and it was on the sufferance of the Congress that they came into power,- also gave them a clear mandate that these proposals were to be postponed. The party of the Honorable Mr.Nihchaldas, known as the Hindu Independent Party, also, I understand unanimously decided that these proposals must not be given effect to. However, I am subject to correction so far as that statement goes. But, at any rate, that was the position as it stood at that time. Did they resign their seats in deference to the demand put forth by their parties? No. What would any Government have done in those circumstances in any free country? Under similar circumstances the Prime Minister of England would have resigned if the verdict of the Party had gone against him.

            SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: For the matter of that, would any constitutional Government in any province in India have done that?

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO : Sir, we have been given reforms on the broad lines of the constitutional Government of England. However inadequate these reforms may be, is another question, but in a miniature form the reforms and powers given to us are on the lines of the constitutional Government in England. These people were elected, and they were called upon to form the Ministry for the simple reason that they belonged to a particular party. The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH was called upon to form the Cabinet not because he was a Khan Bahadur of Shikarpur, but the because he was the Leader of the United Party of this Honorable House. But when he has crossed the river he has burnt the boats. He has kicked at the United Party as if he owed no responsibility to it. He has instead begun corrupting its members in order to spread chaos in the rank and file of that party.

            I might inform the Honorable House that he and his colleagues tendered their resignation from their party instead of tendering their resignation from the Cabinet. It should have been a matter of clear indifference to them whether any party in the House was Government in the Province. Their constitutional position was to tell the United Party, “ Our friend here is our resignation if you don’t support our proposals. We have consciously done what is right, but because our party forms a Ministry, we will oppose them. We will sit on the Opposition Benches and see that they are driven out of office, if they come and occupy office under these conditions.” They failed to do that, and, therefore, I say that they have kicked at the principles of democracy. They have set up a very bad example for this unfortunate young Province of Bombay with high hopes attached to it. I was one of those who took a prominent part in the question of the separation of Sind. It pains me to find that after separation we are getting at the helm of affairs gentlemen who do not know how to work them. Sir, I wish The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH were recognized the dictator of Europe to-day, he will find that he has arrogated to himself practically all the powers of a dictator, forgetting, of course, the responsibilities of a dictator. Even the dictator is responsible to the country. He must have read very often in the papers that whenever Signor Mussolini or Herr Hitler wants to bring in some proposals, they come before the country. They address lakhs and lakhs of people and tell them “This is our desire” and they always carry the masses with themselves. Here in our province our dictators do not carry even the masses with themselves. I am sorry to say the Honorable the Chief Minister has never come forward to seek the verdict of this House or of the country. But his two colleagues only have gone on his behalf making speeches at random. At most of the places they dared not speak anything of the land revenue proposals. At certain places they might have had the courage to speak something about the proposals, but my information is that at those places also they were hooted in spite of the fact that officials were told to collect masses. Meetings were organized by the Collectors of the Districts, Executive Engineers and other Government Officials. All these officers were responsible for collecting people to receive the Ministers. But even that one sided audience, which was collected by the officials, did not support them on the land revenue proposals.

            Now, Sir, I am very sorry that people talk so much about corruption- I mean of corruption among officials. I say that even this Ministry is corrupt. It has gone even further than that. It is both corrupt, because it has corrupted members, and anti-democratic in its outlook, because it has disregarded public opinion and ignored the honest views of the honorable members of this House. They have corrupted members by offering them all sorts of temptations to resign from their parties and support the Honorable Chief Minister’s proposals about assessment which have been thrust upon the country. It should not be the concern of the Honorable the Chief Ministers, to seduce members, persuade them by various offers individually, and tell them “We will do this thing for you, we will do that thing for you”, and then to barter for themselves.

            The Ministers have resigned from the United Party in July 1938. Eight months have passed since their resignation went fourth to the United Party. After that, the right course for them to adopt was to form another party. But I have never heard any party having been formed by the Honorable the Chief Minister. What I some time back heard was that one of the Ministers went round on his tour advertising that possibly he will start a National Party. But upto this day I have never known what the rules and principles of that National Party are and under what conditions people will join that National Party. Some people believed that the tom-tomming of the advantages of the creation of a National Party was designed to pull the leg of the Congress and secure its assistance. But that was not possible. For the Congressmen the proper place is Opposition. They might not do that temporarily, for certain circumstances to which I am coming later on, but the constitutional position for the congress to sit in the Opposition. By doing that they are not committing any crime, but they are doing their duty towards the constituencies that have returned them to this Honorable House. I am also equally responsible to my constituency when I give expression to the views and speak as an advocate of the constituency that has returned me to his House.

            Sir, it cannot be denied that I am one of the Senior members of this House and am a senior legislator. I have 12 years remained in the Bombay Legislative Council during the Dyarchy period. Even in those days we did not see things being done as they are being done to-day under the present Ministry. Sir, you were also, for some time, our colleague in the Bombay Legislative Council. You will also bear me out that we never saw things like these done in Bombay. Now what has happened here? I am coming to that later on when I will show you how a responsible Government is being conducted in this Province. It is matter of shame for us really to give expression to these views. It is really unfortunate. Under the circumstances we are working, I am afraid the things will go from bad to worse unless all the honorable members of this House realize that very great responsibility lies on their shoulders to see that Ministry goes aright and that Government is conducted on right lines to set an example for our successors who will follow us, so that they will never go astray. But what do we find here? Even those members who sit in Opposition, are backing up such a ministry. It is most regrettable that extraneous circumstances should be brought in to justify their supporting the ministry.

            I quoted just now that I didn’t find a parallel of this kind even in diarchy period under the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms from the year 1923 to 1935 when I was associated with the Bombay Presidency as a member of the Bombay Legislative Council. Sir, if you remember, whenever Government wanted to create any appointment, they came to the Honorable House. What used to be practice under those reforms? I am again doing so to refresh the memory of some of my honorable friends who were my colleagues there and some of whom are now sitting on the Government benches. Whenever Government wanted to have any post created they would come before the House with a supplementary grant, before actually the post was created. If they were not able to estimate the expenditure of that appointment, they used to come to the sanction of the House; the House was committed to that policy very clearly. If, for example, a post of Deputy Secretary to Government was created, which is a very responsible post, then naturally the House must be taken into confidence.

            (At this stage THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER came and occupied the Chair)

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: Honorable Sir, You were in the Bombay Council ever since 1928, and you will not forget that the practice under Montagu-Chelmsford  Reforms was that whenever the Government created any appointment or whenever they wanted to incur any expenditure, they came before the House with a demand for a supplementary grant estimating approximately the expenditure that will be incurred on that post. But when they were not in position to estimated correctly or approximately  the expenditure they used to come forward with a token grant of Rs 10 so that the Legislature is committed to that policy of Government. If they sanctioned, the post was created; and if they refused, the post was never created. I will remind the honorable members of one instance. I see my honorable friend Dr. Popatlal is not here. When a brief sessions of 15 days was granted to us eight months ago, during the discussion in a debate, my honorable friend put a question to the Honorable the Chief Minister whether it was not a fact that the post of deputy Secretary, Revenue Department, had been created. In fact the orders creating the post were passed long before, but the Honorable the Chief Minister never got up from his seat and he kept absolutely mum. It was the last day on which the House sat, and eight months have passed since then. Immediately afterwards the post of Deputy Secretary was created and the Deputy Secretary was given charge of the post and he remained there all these 8 months. We have never sanctioned that appointment, and without the sanction of the Assembly the post has been created and even now the supplementary grant has not been placed in our hands.

            Now, Sir, will you compare this Ministry favorably which the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms Ministry? Sir, it is a matter of disgrace for this Honorable House to tolerate this sort of treatment that it is given to it. Sir, a responsible post of Deputy Secretary, to which we members of the Reorganization and Retrenchment Committee have said “ NO “, has been created in a most arbitrary fashion without the sanction of the Assembly being secured. My honorable friend Professor Ghanshyam who was my colleague in that Committee , will bear me out that we were making every possible effort to see that every pie of this poor Province was saved, and yet this is how the post of Deputy Secretary, Revenue Department, has been created.

            Then, Sir, what has happened after that? Mr. Gholap I.C.S., a fairly senior officer who was at the time the Registrar of Co-operative Societies is pulled down form that post, and put up as additional Secretary, Finance Department, for 8 months, to learn the work of the Finance Department, in order to succeed Mr. Clee. I have never heard of such a thing happening even in a rich Province like Bombay wherein a senior I.C .S officer may have been appointed to learn work to become ultimately a Secretary.

            Then, Sir, there is a very recent instance, about which my honorable friends are not aware. They have created a new special post for one senior confirmed Collector who is drawing at present Rs. 1800 only as pay and then, in addition to that, is entitled to many allowances, staff and other paraphernalia. He will draw first class travelling allowance also. That gentleman has been called to be on special duty for revising Bills.

            Sir, I have never heard of such a thing, and I will be very glad if any honorable member corrects me, and I will even request Sir Ghulam Hussain to correct me- he was for 15 years a member of the Bombay Government. Sir, I have never heard of people being  called to write Bills. It is the function of the Legal Department What for have these people been created I mean the Deputy Secretary of the Legal Department for which post this Assembly gave his sanction in May last?  What work has been found for that gentleman? I hear Mr. Gholap has been complaining that he is being asked to draft all the Bills. They have Mr. Gholap, and also Mr. Taunton, an officer drawing Rs. 3000 to prepare these Bills. Now, Sir, what are the motives of the Ministry behind all this? Sir, we members of the Assembly are being treated as mere hewers of wood and drawers of water. I do not know whether Professor Ghanshayam is told privately by the Honorable the Chief Minister as to what he is doing, but publicly we have never been told anything at all. Boosted headlines appear in the press that this is being done, which is all incorrect information, and we legislators are asked by the press men to believe all that bunkum. The Position is that no one has ever been taken into confidence by the Honorable Chief Minister. I have never been, but what about his own friends? He does not trust his friends either.

            Then Sir, these Honorable gentlemen created the posts of Personal Assistants.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER : Please say the Honorable Ministers.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: Sir “ Gentlemen” is not a bad word. It is a respectable word.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER : You may the treasury benches, the Honorable Ministers, the Cabinet or something like that.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: Now, Sir, the honorable Minister have been created the posts of Personal Assistants and drafted to them persons of the grade of Mukhtiarkars and Deputy Collectors to assists the Muslim Ministers Why should they not open a school whereat the Ministers can learn the work of Muktiarkars and Deputy Collectors? Sir, Sir Ghulam Hussain was appointed in1921 as Minister to the Government of Bombay. He went 800 miles from here, and he was not given a Mukhtiarkar to do his work. He was given personal clerk only. Sir, the biggest officer in the Bombay Government, Sir Robert Bell or Sir Earnest Hotson, the Executive Councilors, had only personal clerks, ordinary clerks to work with them. It never happened that because their position was greater, therefore they should be given men of higher position to do the work personal clerks for them.

            Sir, I particularly object to this matter, that for the last 8 months so much expense has been incurred and no statement has been placed in our hands. We have been treated very shabbily.

            Then, Sir, I cannot understand this particular anxiety on the part of present Ministry to have as far as possible acting Collectors in the districts. All the senior Collectors are drafted to the Secretariat for all sorts of jobs which we can never imagine, and then in all the districts acting Collectors are posted for extra administrative purposes. Some one calls himself the Collectors of Sukkur, another the Collector of Thar Parkar, and so on. Sir, within these few months so many vacancies have occurred and they have all been absorbed by these temporary officials. I know the object behind this move. The Government want the support, and they think by appointing acting Collectors they will have them at their beck and call, and these collectors will shake in their shoes when the Minister sends a wait that the Collector must comply with what he wants, because he must see that his job is safe.

            May I ask my honorable friend Mr. Sidhwa- he was greatly indignant with Sir Ghulam Hussain, and when I was Secretary, I gave him my reply- has he brought any charge against the present Ministers, as he did before? He should consult his conscience and say whether Sir Ghulam was a better Chief Minister or the present gentleman. Sir, there can be no comparison. It may be said about me that I had closer association with then Government, but Sir, even making allowance for that, as man to man, I will tell my honorable friends in Opposition, that any day as an independent member of this Honorable House, if I were to pass a judgment I will say, Sir Ghulam Hussain was a hundred times better. This has not come from my lips. It has fallen from the lips of a gentleman who was the moving spirit of his party  and who has now made no secret of the fact that he was responsible for bringing these Honorable Ministers into the present position.

            Now, Sir, we were told that when these Honorable Ministers came into office they would go at airplane speed, that they would turn his this unfortunate earth into a veritable Heaven and that they would do all sort of things. Sir, in spite of the speeches they have delivered in public, they talk big and do nothing else. Nothing short of it. They have done nothing by way of legislation. They have framed no policy or measure for which they can take credit from the public. For the 8 months they have remained in office there has been no session. Sir, they are greater sinners in that respect than Sir Ghulam Husssain. As compared with the eight Provinces in India, this Province continues to be a still born child. This Province has done nothing People coming from other ‘Provinces are laughing at us. They say: “ You in Sind are in the same old wretched condition, no reforms for you and no legislation for the Province of Sind. You are still ruled in the same autocratic manner.” Sir, the present Ministry depends upon the Staff of permanent officials who have nothing to do with politics and have no feelings for the people outside.

            Then, Sir, I am reminded of one very important charge leveled against honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain by my honorable friend Mr. Sidhwa that questions were never answered for months and months. I have got a greater grievance on this point against the present Ministry. Many months ago I sent a question asking the Honorable he Chief Minister- and you will see how important a question it was-whether it was not a fact that the Collector of Larkana was wired by him through the Home Secretary to send a certain member to Karachi to appear before Sardar Vallahbhai Patel and say that he was the supporter and follower of the Honorable the Chief Minister. A reply to that question could have been given within 8 days. But no reply has been given up to  now although Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel left the limits of this Province some months back. Now can I not under the circumstances accuse the Ministry of having exploited officials for its own  political purposes? Why did they make that hallo ballo when Sir Ghulam Hussain was the Chief Minister that he was the gentleman who had been supported by the officials, and that they were canvassing support  for him? That was done either to demoralize Sir Ghulam Hussain or his supporters or the officials or God knows what. But now worse things are being done, and I can prove to this Honorable House to the very letter all the charges that I am leveling.

            Then, Sir, my honorable friend Mr. G. M. SAYED  has quoted six points, and they are very important points. They should not be taken lightly. Off course he spoke about them in a cool, calm and cold manner. But they are very important  points. One of them is about the reorganization and retrenchment in the Province. What he said was quite right, because we are groaning under a heavy debt. We are crippled. And Government comes forward and tells us that they have no funds to spend for primary education, public Health, medical reforms, this, that and God knows what. The Congress Party and the Muslim League Party have been crying themselves hoarse over the question of more money being spent on nation-building departments. But there is only one reply from the Khan Bahadur “ No. Unfortunately we have no funds.” We pay Rs. 125000 as debt interest every year.

            Mr. GHANSHYAM JETHANAND : No it is Rs 125,00,000.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: Yes, that is right We pay Rs. 125 lakhs as debt interest alone very year. I found the Honorable the Chief Minister one day in a very happy mood. He met in the street and said “ You people talk about retrenchment. It is all Bukum. I will go to the Government of India and get all his debt scheme modified , and the Government of India will come forward to our rescue in their mercy and say ‘We write off his debt or a portion of it’. “ Of course I heard the remark, but I was absolutely laughing in my sleeves. The House can be fooled for some time, but not for all the time. Even after eight months of working of the present Ministry we are in the same position as before. My information is- and I speak subject to correction- that these Honorable Minister have been told “ No”, by the Government of India. In spite of that, no step has been taken to curtail the expenditure which is most extravagantly incurred in the Province. No responsible Government has been doing, sanctioning new appointments without consulting this Honorable House, in spite of the fact that we have been groaning under a heavy debt. I know that that the Khan Bahadur will never forgive Sir Ghulam Hussain for having appointed this unfortunate Retrenchment Committee. He disliked that immensely. His attitude was “ You fellows have been talking of retrenchment. What sort of report is the Retrenchment Committee going to produce?” It does not matter Bahadur Allah Bakhsh. My honorable colleagues on the Committee will bear me out in that respect. When the Interim Report was submitted to Government. SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH was at the helm of affairs of this Province. I should have been most loyal to him. But in my loyalty  to my leader and to my superior, the Chief Minister, of whom I was the Parliamentary Secretary, I would never betray the trust reposed in me and make proposals which I would conscientiously find were wrong. No, certainly not. I have endorsed every word of that Interim report. Therefore I cannot be accused that I have subsequently signed the Report and made certain proposals which I did not find reasonable. The biggest cut which was proposed was in P.W.D for Rs, 25 lakhs I am speaking from memory. That was proposed when Sir Ghulam Hussain was the Chief Minister. Therefore I cannot be accused that I am in any way bringing any extraneous considerations on the present Ministry done in regard to the recommendation of the Retrenchment  Committee for a saving of about Rs 40 lakhs? They have not saved even one-forth of this. I remember Mr. G. M. SAYED said that they should have curtailed the expenditure by at least Rs 15 lakhs. What has been the postion? Government cannot say that we have not given them enough material. We gave it to them months ago. We have done the most responsible work as members of Reorganization Committee with least cost. The whole cost of that Committee has been Rs 15000 in spite of the fact we had a paid Secretary drawing about Rs 800 pay and also there was the office expense. We as members have claimed the lowest allowances and we have put in hard labor. But what is the position? Government have either thrown the report into the waste paper basket or with their present frame of mind they will very rightly be encourage to do that. What will be the position of posterity, the future alone will tell. If the Government is carried on in this way, things will go from bad to worse and posterity will curse us. They will say that the Minister were absolutely unfit to occupy their seats even for a single day.

            Then, Sir, the talk of the attitude of officials, improvements and reforms various other things appeared very seductive when they fell from the lips of my honorable friend Mr. G. M. SAYED, but the House has been completely disillusioned on all those points. The Government had no intention of doing anything so long as they merrily sit in those comfortable seats and find a decent number of about 35 members supporting them. Why should they bother at all, when they have a comfortable majority? So far as they are concerned, their attitude appears to be that the devil may take care of the future! (Laughter). Progress  is zero. As I have pointed out, for 8 months there has been no progress, and I can assure the Honorable House that there will never be any progress. If the members sit in the company of the Ministers will be very happy, they will never be any progress. If the members sit in the company of the Minister for the next three years, the Minister will be very happy, they will thank them for that, but they will never do anything for the good of the Province. I was very glad when my honorable friend Mr. G. M. SAYED admitted that Sir Ghulam Hussain was less autocratic. He was perfectly right in saying that. I also feel the same thing and I wish to express my feeling. Only I shall not say it so boldly, which will not produce much effect. What I can say is that the present Chief Minister can well be compared with a dictator. What more autocratic gentleman can there be in Sind? He knows the human psychology, and he knows the people of Sind. He is a born Sindhi, and he has taken full advantage of the position. When he finds he can get many traitors in this country, and when he knows and fully realizes what happened at the battle of Miani 90 years ago, how the rulers of Sind were betrayed,- why will he not allow the history to repeat itself? When there are various traitors  who do not care for their constituents. . . . . .

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER : The honorable member should avoid such remarks.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: I am using the word in a general sense, Sir, I am not making any personal attack on any individuals.

            Now Sir, one thing for which at any rate the Honorable the Chief Minister and his colleagues claimed credit when they took over office was the amendment of the Ministers’ Salaries Act. My honorable friends on the right were very jubilant They said “ Here are the gentleman who are following the Congress principles. They are selfless, they are getting their Salaries Act modified.  The salaries given to the previous Ministers were very heavy and these people are quite content  with Rs. 800 only. “Well, Sir, Perhaps they may have as well said that they were following Mahatma Gandhi. In order to analyze that position I have sent questions, but unfortunately they have Government so desired, in two days. I sent them months ago.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : So have I.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: Compare, Sir, the expense incurred by only one Minister of the present Ministry with the expense incurred by the previous Ministers. I had stated to the honorable member Mr. Ghanshyam, the Leader of the Congress group, at the time when that Amending Bill was brought before this House, and I am again telling him to-day, that these Honorable Ministers are spending in the neighborhood of Rs 1500, if not more. Of course, I am not in possession of the exact facts, because though I have attempted to get the figures through them, they have not yet been good enough to supply me with them. When those question that the travelling allowance alone amounts to no less than Rs 1000 per mensem. Let the public, who had listened very attentively at the time when I was opposing the Bill and moving my amendment, see whether they are right or I was right. I challenge them on the floor of this House and say that their Bill comes to no less than Rs. 1500.

The Honorable House knows that the Honorable the Chief Minister is occupying a palatial bungalow at the expense of Government. All the expense is incurred by Government ; every-thing is found by Government electricity. . . . . . . . . .

            The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: No, Sir.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO : Water rate, mali charges, garden expenses, laying out expenses, furniture, breakage etc. You know, Sir, what is not required for such a big bungalow. Is that real economy, I ask? In addition to that, each one of these Honorable Ministers is given Rs. 150 a month for the car and they are at perfect liberty to purchase any costly car which may be worth 4 thousands or 5 thousands of rupees. They are using the car mercilessly, because it is somebody else’s property, the tax payer’s property. They travel about in that luxious car merrily with their flag flying high at the expense of the poor tax payer. I was told by one honorable gentleman outside- I need not mention his name- that the Honorable the Revenue Minister did 250 miles in a day ! ! ! He had then gone to see cotton crop. Now, Sir, imagine an Honorable Minister doing 250 miles in a day, what would he first of all see of that crop? What time will he able to spend seeing that crop? Then calculate how much it would cost in the shape of travelling allowance. It would be nearly Rs. 100 per day. This is the way in which the poor tax payer’s money is being frittered away by the Honorable Ministers.

            Sir, I was very amused when I read in the Sind Government Gazette the tour program of the Honorable Minister. He went on a brief visit to see and inspect the cotton crop as if he is an expert on Agriculture and Revenue matters, (laughter) and as if he knows it perfectly well knows it more than the Deputy Collector or the Collectors do. I am sure, Sir, they can teach him. He went from Karachi to Matiari: one jump. The second jump was to Sakrand. When I went the other day there, I had an opportunity of meeting Makhdum Sahib and he told me that the Pir Sahib had merely passed from that side. Then from Sakrand he goes to Moro and from there to Sukkur. That is to say he travelled from North Pole to South Pole.

            The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: I never went to Sukkur.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO : Your tour program  was published in the Sind Government Gazette.

            Then from Sukkur he motored through the whole length and breadth of the Larkana district to Dadu and at Dadu he spent a night at his house.

            KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: Be sure about that.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO : Then he goes from Machhur to Dadu Sub-division and Kotri Sub-division to give consolation to my honorable friend sitting here(laughter).

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Order, order.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO : Sir, this is the tour of the great Honorable Minister which must have cost the tax payer nearly Rs. 5000. I wish those 5 thousands of rupees should have been given to the poor people of this Province, who would have got some relief. It is the poor tax payer, Sir , who bears the burden of this Rs. 5000 and the money goes on jingling in the Pocket of the Honorable Minister and people get no relief.

            I am sorry, Sir, yesterday the mover of the adjournment motion withdrew it in an unceremonious manner. I wish it had been discussed and we would have had an opportunity of expressing our views.

            SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH : Sir, on a point of explanation. I withdrew it because, as soon as I came, my honorable friends, Mr. Sayed and Mr. Gazdar told me to withdraw it, and it was therefore that I withdrew it.

            Mr. G. M. SAYED : Sir, I never told him to withdraw.

            SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: Mr. Gazdar told me so.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO : Sir, I do not want to quarrel with Sir Ghulam Hussain or anybody else. I am not concerned with anybody. I represent that Right Bank of the Indus and I am glad that it did not receive the visit of the Honorable Minister- at least it received one visit less. We are here responsible to the Province as a whole and such we shall be doing the greatest service to the people of the Province if we do our duty in a most responsible manner and all that we act and do is for the good of the people. What is the good of passing resolutions in Thul Conference, the Naushahro Conference and the various other conferences? I was told the other day, and also read in Newspapers, that recently my Congress friends had a big conference at Thul where the Honorable the Chief Minister had the honor to be present. There a resolution  was passed, possibly unanimously, that 50 per cent. Rebate should be given. I speak this from memory. These honorable gentleman from the Congress have sworn to-day not to open their mouths whereas they should have opened their mouths very wide. These honorable gentleman who are responsible to the country do not know how long they can fool the people. After passing the resolution asking Government to do this for the country, for the poor agriculturists, they remain chup (quiet) when a question comes up which may affect the present Ministry. At least we expect from the Congress Benches, which are occupied by responsible men who belong to a party that has fought hard for 20 years for the freedom of the country, that they should follow a better code of consistency.

            Mr. ISSARDAS VARINDMAL: No, 50 years.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: I am calculating it from the time when Mahatma Gandhi had a tour of Sind somewhere about 1920. They have fought bravely for the country and what a poor specimen of its representatives we find in this Assembly ! In 8 provinces they are ruling and they are doing their utmost for the good of the people. They have passed measures for relief of agriculturists and the poor. They gave all sort of promises to the country and to the people. I say this in a most friendly spirit. I have no quarrel with them; I merely remind them of their duty. These gentlemen are the most responsible , the most disciplined party and I give them credit for it. This is the largest  disciplined party and certainly a much more disciplined party than even our own party; and being a disciplined party, they can exercise a healthy influence on the Government of the Province. I wish they were every time reminded of their duty. They should never forget their duty. They should keep their duty above every consideration and if they do their duty properly, I challenge Government, we would succeed. This is the way in which we are being let down. I say, Sir, I have proved who would change their creed just as I change my coat every morning like my honorable friend Miss Jethibai who changes her dress every morning.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Don’t be personal.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: Sir, considering the present position of this Honorable House, I can’t refrain from expressing my views so very clearly. Now, Sir, the Ministers have not done anything for the masses. May I also remind them what they have not done and what they should have done? As my friends I will tell them that I am always proud to be reminded of the fact that however much-maligned the Ministry of Sir Ghulam Hussain may be, it was any day much better than the present Ministry of Honorable Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh.

            Sir, I will now come to compulsory primary education which is the dire necessity of the Province. We have written a Chapter in the Reorganization Report about it and I will also refer where the most miserable condition of the Province of Sind is depicted. What percentage of literate people have we got in Sind? At least in my place only 3 per cent. Of the educated people are available. Sir Ghulam Hussain during his regime sanctioned Rs 55000 for compulsory education, but what has this Honorable House seen? With all the boasting that the Minister was going on at Air Mail’s speed or airplane’s speed, they have slept over even those 55000 rupees. The scheme for Sukkur District Local Board comes as late as in October 1938, whereas Sir Ghulam Hussain got the budget sanctioned in March 1938. After 7  months they have sanctioned a scheme for one little taluka of Dadu has now been sanctioned and it will be given effect to in February or March next. I told the Honorable the Chief Minister some time back- I hope he will remember my talk- “ You have got surplus funds, even if you are not able to save anything out of Rs 55000. Particularly you may get something from the Government of India by way of Petrol tax.” Therefore you can easily save one lakh of rupees for compulsory education this year and this amount will be quite sufficient at least for introducing compulsory education in 6 talukas and you can very conveniently give satisfaction to one taluka in each district with one stroke of the pen”. But what has he done? Even out of Rs. 55000 sanctioned by Sir Ghulam Hussain, I will not be surprised if most of the money is surrendered at the end of the year because these schemes have only just been sanctioned. They will come into effect in February or March, by which time these 55000 will have to be surrendered to Government. They have care to do anything for the masses. The masses have been neglected absolutely. It is the duty of every Government to make people literate. Why has the crime rate increased In our Province? The fundamental cause why the crime has increased is that there is illiteracy in the Province. People do not know the value of morality. They do not know what their duties are towards the Society. We must teach them what are the rules of morality. It is the primary duty of Government to do so. They must teach them and out forth every effort to make them literate. There is the example of Bombay Government with which we were intimately connected till lately. There are the examples of Madras Government and the U.P Government where there are Congress Ministries. I remember the other day I read in the papers that U.P. Government are trying everything possible even to have adult education. They have invited people to come forward and offer their services to do something towards adult education. Our Honorable Chief Minister never thinks for a moment even to have adult education. He might treat it with contempt  if any such proposal is made before him. But apart from that, he has not been able to do anything even for company primary education.

            Sir, the Larkana District Local Board sent a proposal about 6 months back for compulsory education, but the Honorable the Chief Minister will not place it even on his table because in that district there will be more than two talukas under compulsory education. Sir, I say to my friend: The Reorganization Committee has very clearly given you to understand, and very clearly recommended unanimously, that each year you should have compulsory education at least in 8 talukas-one taluka in each district where compulsory education can be introduced. This way during the course of 8 years you will have full fledged compulsory education throughout the Province. But here what is the condition? The Ministry has no intention of spending where expenditure is most desirable  and necessary.

            Sir, then I come to the other Department of Public Health Medical and Sanitation. My Honorable friend the Public Works Department Minister is in-charge of this Department. He does not care a bit if Rs. 85000 are spent away on the erection of a building. He does not care if the Government house is built at a cost of Rs. 8 lakhs, which will be a sheer waste of money which this Province can ill-afford. He will never come forward with a substantial amount to be spent on the nation-building departments. He is a very clever lawyer.  I give him so much credit for his ability. He can put his case very well. But I am sorry  to remark that he has always attempted to-what term should I use?- hoodwink particularly the honorable members of this House. I hope, Sir, it is not un parliamentary to use that word. I will remind him. He made a statement in this Honorable House, when he brought a supplementary demand to this House in May session, that he was going to have one dispensary in each district. As a member of the District Local Board, we had to analyze what that  offer with thanks. Now they have given Rs. 1000 for opening a dispensary-as if a very great favor has been conferred on the district. My honorable friend Dr. Popatlal will bear me out that one thousand rupees is hardly sufficient for the salary of one Medical Officer, he is not going to cost us anything less than one thousand rupees per year. Then what about medicines and the rent of the building and what about the cost of the instruments to be used? Who is going them to pay for them? After giving us one thousand rupees the Government will come down upon the District Local Boards saying “ Here you are. We have done a very great favor to you by giving you one thousand rupees and you are not working properly”. But, Sir, we have rejected their offer. We have already got 12 hospitals of our own in our district which are managed by us. We have got 24 maternity homes running to-day on our district.”

I  Challenge anybody in the House to show me any other District Local Board which is doing as much as for public health as our district. I challenge even the Honorable The Chief Minister or the Government to show us if they have done so much for Larkana has done. It is on the record. A question was answered here on the floor of this House and the Honorable the Minister for Public Health can refer to the questions and see and compare the work that he would appear in big headlines of “Sind Observer” next day: “Here is the minister for the masses who has done a very great thing for the Province.”

Now at least, everybody knows after analysis of the whole question what is that great favor conferred upon the country. It is how I have just analyzed.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: How long will the honorable member take?
            KHAN BAHADUR M.A. KHUHRO: Just a few minutes more, Sir. I might carry on upto 7 o’clock if you permit me.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: No, that is not fair.

            KHAN BAHADUR M.A. KHUHRO: Now, Sir, I am coming to Law and Order. But before I come to the actual question of Law and Order, I must, in passing, refer to the most miserable condition of the masses who are agriculturist in our Province. My honorable friend there always says and gives us to understand that his heart is burning over questions affecting the masses- I am referring to my honorable friend Mr. Muhammad Amin Khoso. I wish he would  open his mouth to-day and say something for the masses. Now these masses are drowned in debts. I will refer my honorable friend the Chief Minister to the report of the Banking Enquiry Committee appointed by the Government of Bombay. I will also refer him to the report on the Land Mortgage Banks issued by Mr. K. L. Punjabi, the Registrar, Co-operative Societies. If he reads it,he will be immensely surprised to find what is the amount of debts under which people of this Province are groaning. NO Legislative measures have been brought forward in this Honorable House for the redress of the grievances of the masses.  I give credit to the Government of Madras for what they have done for the masses in their Province. I give credit to the Congress Ministries because they have their utmost for the masses. But here in our Province we hear only empty speeches. I get disgusted when I read columns and columns full of propaganda for the Ministry. Spurious propaganda is being carried on thorough the papers. On one side we have got the congress friend who address big meetings telling people “ We will do this thing for you, we will do that thing for you. This thing will be done and that thing will be done.” But if we look to their actions, they have never attempted even to exercise their healthy influence on the Ministry in order to see if they have done those things. They have at any rate failed to do anything for the masses. So far as the Honorable Minister are concerned, I was very much amused when one of the Honorable Ministers, the Honorable Mr. Nihchaldas, the Minister for the Public Works Department, was telling me at Larkana “ Oh, Here is the Dekkan Agriculturists Relief Act, which is God’s mercy to the Province of Sind.” Now, Sir, I have heard the same story as a legislator, when I was in the Bombay Council. When this measure was brought up, Sir Earnest Hotson was the Home Member- you must also be remembering
Sir,-Sir, Hotson brought a measure to cancel the application of the Dekkan Agriculturist Relief Act to the Province of Sind. Sir, what abuses were not  hurled at the Act? Did he not state that the Act was absolutely useless for Sind? Every member of the Council then got up one after another and was saying that the Act was absolutely a dead letter in the Province. We expected much out of it, but it has done little. We quite agree with you, but this thing which in your mercy you gave us,- don’t take this little thing till you have done something better”; and the good old man was moved and he withdrew the amendment. Sir, first of all the Government should consider what they are going to do for the agriculturists to see that whatever little we have is not taken away. So the Honorable Mr. Nihchaldas has pursued that very good policy. Sir, he is a very capable gentleman and he can draft measures. It is nothing impossible for him to do so and to get an enactment through this Assembly. I say “ Do something better and come out with it.” He is one of the ablest men in this Assembly and possibly  the ablest man on the Government benches. Why does he not draft some Bill and say “ Here is my Act which I have produced for the agriculturists, and please be satisfied with it? It is much better than the other thing.” Sir, before he has done anything of the Kind he is arguing that the present Bill is a matter of good fortune to the Province. Sir, they are hoodwinking the masses. We know what the agriculturists want. I am a born agriculturist. I may tell him, and he must believe my word, that I am an agriculturist and he is not. I can tell him with authority what the position of the agriculturist is.

            Then, Sir, I come to the question of law and order. There is one cursed measure known as the Sind Frontier Regulations. I am surprised at my honorable friend who is smiling and who represents the Jacobabad district here. He is an educated man. He does not rise in revolt saying that you must withdraw this measure.

            Mr. M. A. KHOSO : It is going to die.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO:  It is not going to die, I can assure the honorable member. The Honorable chief Minister, you must be remembering, Sir, was our colleague since 1926  in the Bombay Council, and he was never tried of sending question after questions against this measure. He always used to send complaints and speak in hostels, in the opne house and outside, against this measure. Now, Sir, my friend moved a resolution that this Regulation should be withdrawn. What does he say now ? He says “ I cannot do that now, I am in  a responsible position now. I will consider- I am going to give you a Committee.” What sort of Committee is he pleased to appoint , Sir? A Committee under the chairmanship of one who was dead against the withdrawal of the Regulation. My honorable friend Mr. G. M. SAYED has sent his resignation immediately after that, saying that he was not prepared to serve there. Now, Sir, that measure, the Sind Frontier Regulations, which he hated most, and which he can with one stroke of the pen withdraw, is still on Statute and when we gave him an opportunity for removing it, he never availed himself of it. By sheer force of numbers he wanted to hoodwink the House and actually got the resolution turned down by the promise of appointing a Committee. I remember Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh, when he was in Opposition, accusing Sir Ghulam Hussain wanted to get rid of having appointed these committees. Sir Ghulam Hussain will bear me out. He said in clear terms “Whenever Sir Ghulam Hussain wanted to ge rid of a thing he would appoint a committee.” He has now proved himself worse in the respect. I am going to come to that. He accused his predecessor that whenever he wanted to get over a difficulty he appointed a committee. Now on this most important thing he himself has appointed a committee. We urged that the measure should be withdrawn immediately. On the top of it, my honorable friend or some other gentleman moved a resolution that the Criminal Tribes Act should be removed. Then, Sir, he by the overwhelming strength of numbers objected to the resolution and he consoled the honorable members by saying these words “ You must be satisfied with this assurance. I will call off this measure within one month. I shall call my officials and samjhau them. In the meantime I am telling them to be careful and to be considerate and not to use this measure harshly. I will then discuss with you and tell you how this measure should be further dealt with.” That one month is long past, and I do not think my honorable friend ever cared to invite the members or to take their views. Sir, that measure is a standing disgrace to the Province of Sind, and those people, called Haris, are the worse off for it. The man find himself in an unfortunate position. If he is not subservient, if he is not docile towards the local petty Police Officials, the Inspectors or the Sub-Inspectors, the next day you will find his name in the Gazette. The Honorable Chief Minister will sign whatever is put before him, and the notification will appear saying that the man involved was the member of a notorious Criminal Tribe. The poor wretch will then be compelled to pay his salaams to the police daily, wash their utensils, graze their cattle, and even shampoo them and their guests. That is the Government of the Honorable Chief Minister. Sir, those Government officers and Sub-Inspectors rule the Province. Can there be a greater corruption than this?

            Now, Sir, what measures has he adopted to do away with such an evil in the Province-for remedying such a state of affairs? Nothing whatever. In every Gazette you will find some people being gazette every now and then as Criminal Tribes men. I know it is a Government of India Act, but he has the power at any rate to stop these notifications. He has power to stop these publications in the Gazette and prevent any people from being classed as Criminal Tribes men if he has really the heart. Let me briefly explain the object underlying this measure. The object underlying this measure was that people should be improved. That being so, for improvement this is to establish Criminal Tribes, may learn to read and write and learn other industries and agriculture. What has he done in that direction? Nothing, Sir.

 Now, Sir, this is what he has done with regard to law and order, and this is the gift which he has given to the people. I do not know what he will say in his defense, but if there were an impartial tribunal, I know I have proved my case against him.
            Now, Sir, I am coming to the question of corruption, Now, my honorable friend, our Leader, Sir Ghulam Hussain, when he was the Chief Minister, had appointed a Committee- a conference for corruption, in order to suggest ways and means by which corruption could be put down. Let me tell him that during the regime of Sir Ghulam HUssain at any rate two committees have functioned and they were working under the Chairmanship of Mir Bandeh Ali Khan and the Honorable Dr. Hemandas, the Public Works Department Minister. The Public Works Department Committee has completed its work and also the Revenue Committee has completed its work and also the Revenue Committee. But after all these 10 months, the Honorable Chief Minister was suddenly reminded on the 5^th of January that there was such a thing as a miserable committee appointed some months ago, and that he has to face the question in the Assembly. Suddenly remembering that and thinking they might put question in the Assembly and take him to task for it on the 5^th of January, I was invited by him to discuss. . . . .  . . 

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : On the 5^th December.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: At that time we were with honorable member Mr. Sidhwa and he was the attitude of the Honorable the Chief Minister, and that must have given satisfaction to him that they have no intention to stop corruption in the country. On the contrary, whatever recommendations were made by the Committee, they were moderate, and be it said to the credit of my honorable friend Dr. Hemandas Wadhwani he was bold enough to endorse those recommendation. He was then a responsible officer of Government. He signed those recommendations. My other honorable friend Mir Bandeh Ali Khan also did likewise. Soon after that, unfortunately they went out of office. And to-day their successors think those are very bad and nasty reports, and that they are very rotten. And in the manner the Public Works Department Minister started, these reports will not be taken up till Doomsday. We made those recommendations to Government  for their consideration. We were not wasting the valuable time either of ourselves or of Government. Let them satisfy themselves on that point.

            Then I come to the tour of two of the Honorable Ministers. The Honorable the Revenue Minister has been the foremost in collecting petitions. His chief hobby after he entered office was to make all sorts of irresponsible public statements,- statements which he would never be able to fulfill-and to encourage the people to make petitions when he went on tour. When those poor devils found after some time that no action was taken on their petitions, they came to Karachi for the redress of their grievances, but the pattewallas turned them back and they went home. Of course the Government  of India earned some money on account of the rail journey of these people. But the Sind Government should have given them some money on account of the Rail journey of these people, But the Sind Government  should have given them some amount for their travelling expenses and their hotel expenses in Karachi. They went back home, sad and disappointed. This is how the people  are being fooled. Unfortunately in Sind the Public opinion does not rise equal to the occasions. If all the members in this Assembly realize that we are responsible member of the society and are responsible representatives of the people, those gentlemen (pointing to ministerial benches) would not be in their seats to-day. Is there any redeeming feature in their administration? I want to ask my honorable colleagues on the Congress benches, and I want to ask my honorable colleagues on the Congress benches, and I want to ask my honorable friend Mr. Jamshed who is the foremost in supporting the present Ministry,- God knows for what reasons,- whether they think that they have justified their position. It is a false cry to call Sir Ghulam Hussain’s Ministry a communal Ministry, and this Ministry an anti-communal Ministry.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER : The honorable member Mr. Jamshed has not yet indicated his intention.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: I have seen press reports, Sir.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Until he has said that, the honorable member need not criticize it.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: Now, Sir, I will only curiously read the main points. I have already discussed fully most of the points. I will only curiously read the main points on which Sir Ghulam Hussain incurred the wrath of my honorable friend Mr. Sidhwa and his party.
            First is the delay in calling the session for five months But this Government did not call one for nearly 8 months. Who is the greater culprit?

            The second point is based on the grievance on the score of delay in constructing an Assembly Hall. You will find, Sir, that another 12 months have passed. Nothing has been done For want of accommodation people sitting in the Gallery are cramped and many are kept out. I was very glad to read a statement in the Press the other day in which the writer has been at pains to show what the present Ministry has done. I believe the author is the Honorable Minister for Public Works Department, through I am not quite sure. All I can say is “ Better late than never”.

            The third point is delay in replying to questions. I find the present Ministers are worse criminals in that respect.

            The fouth point is extravagance in expenditure. I say the present Ministers are most extravagant. Knowing and realizing that we have nothing, that we are beggars In a very poverty stricken province where the masses are groaning under old conditions, with the zulum of the low paid officials, corruption, and at the same time without any sanitary conditions, with no provision for public health, or education, the Government go on creating fat appointments, creating more secretaries and are going ahead merrily. The Secretaries will bring everything cut and dried before the Ministers who will accept them, but do nothing for the good of the Province.

            Then, Sir, my honorable friend Mr. Sidhwa wanted to cut down 10 per cent in the contingencies. Have they curtailed even 2 percent. Even after 12 months? I am very glad when all departments. But nowhere has the expenditure been reduced and instead it  has increased.

            Finally about the separation of the judiciary from the executive. What is he position? The Ministers feel that they have done a great thing by appointing 5 sub-judges, for which the people should be thankful. They have appointed 5 sub-judges, of course favoritism apart. They might take shelter behind the Public Service Commission. I know what it is. Men who had real qualifications, men who had had enough of experience have not been selected. But those who are “ bachas” practicing for 12 months or happen to be very old men, have been appointed. This is a great courtesy and consideration shown to the people. The Minister seem to think that this is the be-all and end-all of the question and that we should be contented with that. I maintain, Sir, that this sort of separation of the executive from the Judiciary is all talk.

Then, Sir, whatever words I may use will not be adequate to give due importance to the recommendations of Reorganization Committee. They are very valuable recommendations, and it is a very useful Report. But so far we have not heard of any action being taken by Government. When it appeared in the papers that the Honorable Minister for Public Works Department had retrenched Rs. 6 to Rs. 7 lakhs in his department, I laughed. I know I am not giving out a secret and my honorable friend Mr. Ghanshyam will bear me out when I say that Mr. Gordon, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, made a statement in the Reorganization Committee, but the Public Works Department budget is usually over-budgeted. I challenge the Honorable Minister to say whether he has taken action on the various recommendations made by the Committee. The Public Works Department is a pet child of the Government  and as much money is being spent by it now as in the past, if not more. Anyone who is not a keen observer will think that the so-called retrenchment of Rs 6 to 7 lakhs is great achievement. But that is not so in reality; it was only extra heavy budgeting.

            Then, Sir, on the top of it, when the Reorganization Committee was sitting a specific question was put to us in regard to the Department of Agriculture whether we were in favor of 5 appointments of class 1. We replied “ No.” We said that at the most our specific recommendation would be that there should be only 2 men of class 1. And yet all the appointments are created in class 1, thus throwing our recommendation into the waste paper basket! Sir, I ask, what was the need in this small province of creating call 1 appointments? You can get the same people with the qualifications of class 2. They have got that Scotchman who spend 85 lakhs of rupees, nearly 65 percent of the revenue of this Province on the Public Works Department. Perhaps according to them the only nation building department is the Public Works Department and Sind is Public Works Department. The present Government is no better than it was before. If this is the state of affairs, I think, Sir, His Excellency the Governor in his mercy may tell us to go back home, dissolve this Assembly, andput Khan Bahadur Allah Baksh as his only Adviser. Then there will be less expense.

There will then be no such huge travelling expense and monthly salaries. At any rate there will be no difference except changing the masters. These masters are no better than those masters. Those masters were better because they spent less. At present the Secretaries and Heads of Departments are for all practical purposes the Government of this country.

The Joint Election Bills has not yet seen the light of the day. The discretionary grant of the Governor is the same as before. The grievance about officers are the same as before. The have not changed their mentality. If any honorable member wishes to satisfy himself, let him ask the Congress men who have been going to the villages from time no time and holding meetings. Although I have not had the honor of attending these meetings myself, at any rate I have read in newspapers and got the second-hand information which I think is absolutely correct. What is the condition of the masses? I challenge any of these 10 members of the Congress to get up and say that the condition of the masses has changed after the ministry has come into the office. Now under those conditions, may I ask this Honorable House in all seriousness whether this Ministry can stay for which the Muslim League appointed a committee to investigate, but unfortunately we have not had time. If I were to go into it, it will take me the whole of to-day and tomorrow as well and the Honorable the Chief Minister will get up every now and then from his seat and question it. I shall mention all the points and will challenge him to prosecute me I shall be ready to repeat the same statement in the Khalikdina Hall and ask him if he has the courage to prosecute me.

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: Do please.

 KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: I am not saying this out of personal zid or personal malice. He has been my friend since 1926 and we have been colleagues toghther. But I am here as a representative, as an advocate, of my constituency and In all seriousness I say that what I have said is the truth, nothing else bty truth.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The House will now rise till 2-00 p.m. to-morrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Date: 10th January 1939)
THE HONORABLE Mr. Nihchaldas C. Vazirani: Sir oppose this no-confidence motion. Before I enter into the merits of the case, I would also  like to make a few observations. Sir, you know that before I was elected  to this post of service, I was an advocate. As an advocate, I am accustomed to find the best friends of mine on the opposition, and so it does not cause me any surprise in any way. In fact, Sir, in many of the cause I have seen the advocates on the opposite side put up such a strong fight that the clients on spectators  come  to the conclusion that the advocates would be enemies forever. But they are surprised to find that immediately the advocates leave the court, they are as good friends, if not better than before. So I assure the honorable member Mr. G.M. Sayed and honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro that for all that they have said, I continue to be their friend and shall continue to be  their friend hereafter. In fact, I have known the honorable member Mr. G. M Sayed for the last 13 or 14 years, and in spite of his weakness I love him and treat him as a friend. As far as honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro is concerned, from the very first day I saw him in this Assembly, I have admired him for his cleverness and grasp of facts, and my admiration for him has increased after hearing his yesterday’s speech. I know that he had no case. He was advocating a very bad case, so much so that the honorable the mover of the motion created no impression whatsoever. But the honorable member Khan Bahadur out the case in such choice language and put it so ably that it seemed that it was considered to be a plausible speech. But, Sir, I am accustomed to this. I have many times found, after the Public Prosecutor had closed his address to the gentleman of the jury seemed to form the opinion that the accustomed was guilty. But as soon as the fallacies in the arguments of the Public Prosecutor were exposed, I always succeeded in getting for my client not only a verdict of not guilty but an honorable acquittal.

                        I, as was pointed out by the honorable member Khan Bahadur, depend on my deeds and nothing else. The strength of my case alone will vindicate our honor. In a sense I am very glad that this no-confidence motion has been brought, because it affords us an opportunity not only to acquaint the honorable members of this House, but the public not only of Sind but of the whole of India, with what we have done and to find out whether we merit to retain our office of service or we must quit.

            Now, before I go into the merits , I would like to make one other observation, and that is this. This no-confidence motion is certainly premature. The main complaint that is made is about the assessments proposals. They have still to come before this House. The only pint that has been selected is the sliding scale, which is an innovation and a new system in this province. Objections have been and it will be only then  that Government will come to their final decision. To condemn us before we actually  pass irrevocable orders in the case is certainly, according to me, not very constitutional. But, Sir, that is apart.

            Even as regards our other work, Sir, it must be remembered that we in this year are spending the money provided in the budget for previous year. That budget was not of our  making. For any nation-building work we must first of all come before this House for money, and certainly if the honorable members had patience for only about a month, they would have found that we have made adequate provision-at least we propose to make adequate provision for all nation-building departments.

            Sir, leaving that where it is, I now come to the merits of the case. Firstly to a personal reference to the Minister. It is said that the Minister said that they would be drawing Rs. 800 a month, but that they have been drawing much more than their predecessors. Sir, that is not correct. I assure the honorable speakers as well as this Honorable House that I have drawn not a pie more than Rs. 800 a month. There is the question of Travelling Allowance. Now Travelling allowance is drawn by these Ministers only. Travelling Allowance is drawn under the rules, and our predecessors in the office used to draw the same Travelling Allowance.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : Same?

            The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : Yes, same.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Kindly give figures.

            The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : Yes , I will give figures. Please have patience. I never speak without figures.

            Now, I find I am supported by the honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro. As a member of the Re-organization Committee, he very rightly suggested that the Ministers should do extensive touring. They certainly cannot do touring at their own cost out of the Rs. 500 paltry sum. It is not possible. Sir, I need not to take a long time of this House because this was a point not worth being raised in the House. All the same, because it has been  raised, I have to answer it. I, Sir, did tour for 50 days touring at the rate of Rs. 320 on petrol and Mobil oil. Rs. 176 was railway fare. That leaves Rs. 496 in all. Then Sir, I have to make arrangements for my private kit and for everything else, and the total amount that I have drawn is only 1700 during all these ten months.

            Mr. G. M. SAYED : For 50 days.

            The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : 50 days travelling at different times.

Now, Sir, I must bring to the notice of the honorable members who may not be knowing, that when I move out on tour. I work from 14 to 16 hours a day.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: What work? (Laughter).

            The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : I make my Personal Assistant and peons work for all that long period and give them meals myself. The Ministers have also to take with themselves extra servants, whose expense they have also to bear. I request the House to accept my statement when I say that on return from tour I find myself poorer than when I start on it.

This amount is hardly enough to make both ends meet.

            Sir, a reference was made that when Honorable Ministers move on tour, they accept dinners, and so forth. It certainly is unimaginable that when an elected Minister moves on tour,

He should break off all social connections. At Hyderabad, Nawab Shah and various other places, I invited various friends and gentry to lunch and dinner. Certainly social connections have to be kept up and the expense on such functions has to be incurred by the Minister. I make bold to say that never in my whole tour did I ever accept anything from any public officer or nay public servant. The only social functions that were held were elected Presidents of Municipalities and district local Boards or some of my friends, and one of them is the honorable member Mr. G. M. SAYED. I know it that as a hospitable gentleman, he ordered my servants not to even kindle fire, and he compelled them to do so. Now, that cannot be called Rasai or corruption. He is still my friend and here we dine together and there also we dined together.

            Coming to the comparatives figures, as I have already said, I drew only Rs. 1700 for my tour during 10 months, and I have toured throughout the whole Province; while my predecessor  in office drew Rs. 1232 in the 3 or 4 months that he was in office as travelling allowance.

            A reference was also made about the bungalows. Certainly, I do not occupy any Government bungalow. The Honorable the Chief Minister does occupy a Government bungalow. The Honorable House knows, I think that leader of the Opposition, when he was a Minister, also occupied a Government bungalow, for which he used to pay only Rs. 150 as rent, and that same amount Is being paid by the Honorable the Chief Minister. In fact, if the honorable members remember, in the last budget the previous Cabinet had made a provision of nearly half a lakh of rupees for building a new bungalow for the Minister. We did not spend that amount, so that it cannot be said that the present Ministry has incurred expenditure in excess of that incurred by the previous Ministry. Of course, in addition to Rs. 800, we have got a Government car. I have gone in for a Ford car which as you know, is the best and the cheapest and which, I claim, is still in the same good order in which I took it, because I take pretty good care to keep it in fine order.

            KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: Is a radio there?

            The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : Everything is mine at my expense except the Government car.

            A reference was made about the tour and it was asked what good the tour does. Even  the Re-organization Committee has recommended that Ministers should have an extensive tour. But the fact is so obvious that I need not narrate any facts. However, I will give one or two instances to show what good the tour does to the public. It was my tour in Kashmore that revealed to me that there was one lakh of acres of land which was undeveloped. I immediately ordered that an immediate survey should take place.

            My visit to Sukkur  District in company of the honorable member Mr. Pamnani revealed to me the fact that the people in that area were hard pressed and had, for want of cultivation in that tract, to migrate to other places such as Bahawalpur and Baluchistan. I took care to see  that works of Rs 160000 were started before I actually left the District. I did it by wire and got the money, and actually ordered the Executive and superintending Engineers to start works; those works have started and, when completed in the very next Kharif season, are foing to bring an additional area of 30000 acres under cultivation  in Kharif alone, leave alone the Rabi. The first time that I toured the Karachi District, I came to know of several difficulties of those people. Of course the honorable member Mr. Gazdar had supplied us with enough material not only for session but for all previous sessions as well, as he used to take pretty good care to see the grievances of all the poor residents of the Karachi District were brought to the notice of Government. Thus I Had enough material when I went there to investigate these complaints. I talked over the matters with the Executive Engineers, heard the people, knew their grievance, and invited their suggestions. As a result of all this, I immediately appointed a Project Officer who has actually prepared schemes which are now under consideration, and I do hope that the income in the Karachi District, so far as the Government is concerned, will be double that of the previous year.

            If, Sir, this-and in this the honorable member Mr. Valecha will bear me out- when I went and visited Sukkur, I found that that Municipality were not discharging their duty in connection with public health and sanitation in their own Municipal areas. 

There was a disgraceful spot in the heart of the Sukkur Town itself and I took very keen interest  in that matter and passed orders and got that nuisance to a very large extent reduced. That was the result of my personal inspection. Although it was not a duty which should have fallen to the lot of a Minister, still I did it.

            Similarly whenever I have been on tour, I have received deputations at every place and they gave me  complaints of various natures and I personally looked into them.

            When I went om tour and encamped at NawabShah for 3 or 4 days, I received several petitions. The Superintending Engineer and the Executive Engineers were there. I made it a rule that those petitions should be disposed of on the very next day.

            When I go on tour, I actually see the applications because I have got regulars registers maintained about application for peech badals. I knew there was an inordinate delay in the disposal of those applications for various reasons. In some cases there was a delay of as much as two years. I have issued orders that they should be disposed of within three months, and I have had actually lists prepared and if there is any inordinate delay, I personally take notice of it and see that the applications are disposed of.

            I entirely agree with the suggestion of the Re-organization Committee that Ministers should do more extensive touring, come in contact with the masses, know their grievances and wants, and take steps to remedy them.

            Mention was made about the delay in the disposal of applications. I assure the honorable members that almost all the applications which I have received have been disposed of by me in a day, some may have taken 2 or 3 days. Certainly there would be some applications which require an elaborate inquiry. I have therefore to forward such applications to my Department to deal with and ultimately the report will have to be submitted to me.

            Sir, it cannot possibly be said that this party sum of Rs 1700 that I Have spent on tour has not been well spent. The permanent  service people in the shape of permanent travelling allowance draw that is no pleasure to the Ministers to tour. It is really a hard job for them. In some places, visitors continue to see me even upto 12 midnight and would not allow me to sleep. On tour I have to leave my family and others.

            Now, the second item with which I am concerned is the construction of the Assembly Hall. Sir, I assure the honorable members that nobody is more anxious than Myself to see that Assembly Hall is constructed immediately. Mr. Anderson was appointed as an architect. Honorable member Mr.Sidhwa knows that I sent for him personally. I had a personal talk with the architect in the presence of honorable member Mr. Sidhwa himself when he promised to give me all work in about 2-3 months time. It was on the strength of that statement made before me in the presence of honorable member Mr. Sidhwa, that I made the statement even on the floor of this House. But, Sir, some delay does take place. I do not say that the architect is not to be blamed at all, but I must also admit accommodation was concerned. Sir, there are several things which have to be looked into, and I am glad to inform the House that I have received a reply from Mr. Anderson that he will send plans and quantities within a few days. He has also intimated that he is trying to have a partner Mr. Asarpota who was an architect here. He belongs to Sind. He has also intimated to us that he wants to open an office in Sind so that he may be in close touch with the work when the construction proceeds. I hope in few days everything will be complete and tenders will be invited. As far as my part in the affair is concerned, the honorable member Mr. Sidhwa is himself aware that I have spared no pains to myself. That is what I could do. Several things do happen which cause delay. It is natural.

            Now, leaving these things there, I think the best thing for me is to prove the positive rather than do to indulge in the negative and the positive I am giving chapter by chapter. I am showing the work done by this Ministry. Comparisons are always invidious, and I don’t want to enter into any comparison.

            I admit that we have not been able to do as much as we were anxious to do and the main reason has been that there is, if I may be excused to say so, unhealthy opposition. I welcome healthy opposition, because it stimulates and the pleasure would be lost from politics if there were no opposition. But unhealthy opposition does create impediments in the progress of work which one would certainly not cherish.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, I rise on a point of information. I want to know from the Honorable Minister to give us the points where he has been obstructed in doing good work.

The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : Sir, I choose to pass on

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER:       If the Honorable Minister did not want to yield, he should not have stopped.

                The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : Sir, I don’t care for the interruptions.

            Now I submit that all will agree with me that for doing more rapid and progressive work it is very necessary that there should be absolute and assured majority to the Cabinet; otherwise if the Cabinet goes on answering the Propaganda that is carried on against the Ministry, wasting its time in answering this propaganda, certainly some of its energies get wasted. But I still claim that, in spite of this handicap and in spite of the budget that was already before us- we could not alter it very much,-this Cabinet has done the work which no other Ministry under the circumstances in which we were placed, could have done.

            Now, Sir, I will mention 6 points. First of all I come to the national outlook, which is point No 1. I want to show what we have done, and that the honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro cannot put forth any claim saying that we have not done anything.

            The first point is abolition of nominations in the Municipalities and Local Boards. Now we have got abolition of nomination in the Sanitary Committees as well.

            SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH : Don’t take credit for that.

            The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : Sir, I am prepared to give him credit in so far that these documents were prepared in the days of the previous Government and that these were the intentions of the Previous Government. I don’t deny that. But the fact remains that even the honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro, on the floor of this House, resisted this wholesome measure. They were not prepared for giving effect to abolish the nominations immediately. ( Hear! Hear!) Sir, conceiving of an intention is one thing, but the execution thereof is quite another thing. I think it is not  the intention that is to be taken into account. I have a dozen of intentions, but as long I do not execute them, they are of no good to the country.

            KHAN BAHADUR A.K. GABOL: That is breach of contract. (Laugher).

            The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : Sir, we abolish Special Magistrates and Honorary Magistrates.

            As far as the release of political prisoners is concerned there was one Mr. Hansraj Wireless, a political prisoner. On this point I can safely make a statement without the risk of being contradicted that the previous Ministry had definitely refused to release him. We had the courage, in spite of his previous history, to release him; not only to release him but to refrain him but to retain in Sind. He is now in Sind doing useful work.

            Mr. R. K. SIDHWA :  What about Fateh Raj?

            The Honorable Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : Sir, I have no objection if we are reduced to this position, i.e., that we have only executed their intentions. I will be satisfied. I at once make a statement that this was the intention of the whole world including the ex-Ministry, but we have executed it. For the execution we are entitled to due credit.

            Now I come to Moulvi Ubedullah. Whatever credit may go to the previous Ministry, this happy incident took place in our days.

            Then, Sir, we have restored fortified pensions,- I mean pensions which had been fortified on political considerations and we have restored confiscated properties.

Sir, the most important thing we have done is that we have actually made a start and a very definite start in the direction of separating the executive from the judiciary. The humble start is there. We have appointed 5 special Magistrates. But I might inform the Honorable  House that our scheme is very definite to have as much of separation of executive from the judiciary as possible. In fact it is only the preparation of the scheme that has retarded our passing orders but we have made up our minds that at least Resident Magistrates’ appointments should be separated from the executive and transferred to the judiciary. 

            Then, Sir, we have given every possible means of encouragement to Swadeshi and have also issued orders regarding khaddar and also about depressed classes that they should not be restrained from fetching water. So  in this national outlook we have not lagged behind any other Ministry.

            Sir, coming to the constructive side, in the Province of Sind the whole populace, the masses, depend on agriculture. As I just now indicated in this House, we have very keenly taken to the expansion of cultivation, and I might inform the Honorable House that in this Rabi season there will be cultivation of nearly 150000 acres more than that of previous Rabi. Sir, for the future Kharif, we are actually having, as already mentioned, in the Rohri Division and Sukkur Division, better cultivation, 30,000 acres more, in the Jacobabad District at least 50,000 acres, in the Karachi Division also at least 50,000 acres. This increase of 1,50,000 acres of more cultivation of paddy means an addition to the the wealth of the Province, which cannot possibly be ignored.

            Then, Sir, coming to the next branch of nation-buliding departments, the Public Health Department, let us see what has been done by this Ministry. Shortly after I assume charge, in the short session that was held, I moved for a token grant for two travelling dispensaries and 8 Government aided dispensaries. The point was then made by the Honorable….

            Dr. HEMANDAS R. WADHWANI:  It was done by me.

            THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI:  Yes, that idea was conceived by the previous Ministry.

            Dr. HEMANDAS R. WADHWANI: I had ordered.

            SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: Provision had made. The Honorable Minister might be. . . . .

            THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: If the provision had been made, there would have been no occasion for a taken grant. I am prepared to give credit. I make no comparisons. I am only saying that you might conceive so many things, but we come as persons to execute your intentions. You may take that view , but I am only concerned with the fact that we have performed what you had intended.

            Now honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro said that the District Local Boards have not taken advantage of that offer of Government. I may inform him that all other District Local Boards have taken advantage and there has been at least 3 more District Local Boards who want to take advantage of this spare grant, which was granted for Larkana District. Not only that, but I have actually addressed the District Local Boards to select 8 more dispensaries in addition to the 8 which are already there.

            Now, Sir, in the Health Department, I shall first deal with the Civil Hospital at Karachi.      In Civil Hospital at Karachi. I ordered the removal of all poor women patient to the European wards on the First Floor.

              Dr. HEMANDAS R. WADHWANI: That was my move.

            THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: I say there was nothing of the sort. I am very definite, but  I do not want to say all these things. In any case that is a different matter. Yes, it was his move, but the order was mine. Let him be content with that. His intention and my execution. In all these matters let him take credit for intentions. I am prepared to concede that.

            Sir, in the Civil Hospital, Karachi, I took steps to see that the necessary alterations were made in the buildings, not by official correspondence which would have taken some years, but by personally calling the Executive Engineers and seeing to it personally and supervising everything. I paid visits to the Civil Hospital frequently, and I found the lady patients were inconvenienced. I immediately ordered the appointment of one Lady Doctor; she took charge, and the result has been that instead of 30 women patients who were attending the Civil Hospital formerly, now the attendance has mounted up to 300 a day. I have increased the other in-door patient’s beds also. I have visited the Lady Dufferin Hospital, and I have found there also the outdoor patients were inconvenienced. I immediately took action and communicated with them. An additional compounder was appointed and some other arrangements were made. So this is as far the Civil Hospital is concerned.

            Sir, I went on tour. This is another item that I notice because I saw that in door patient were put up in Katcha Landhies, and dust was falling down on the poor patients. I immediately came here and ordered two new buildings to be rented for the accommodation of the indoor patients, and I am coming before the House next month for a grant for building a dispensary at Dadu- a new building.  

            An Honorable Member: Hospital?    

            THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: I am also coming before the House for the appointment of at least 5 Sub Assistant Surgeon to enable the Civil Surgeons in charge of these Hospitals to perform operations, for they have not got the facilities at present which they ought to have not got the facilities at for the appointment of three lady doctors in the Civil Hospitals, in every place where they have not a separate women dispensary. In my tour, Sir, I went and inspected the Mental Hospital at Gidu Bandar and found the condition indescribable.

He was a blot on the Administration. Sir, I am coming before the House again for handsome grant for building a good building for the accommodation of the unfortunate beings belonging to respectable families who get insane. Not only that, but I am providing a sufficient amount for the rendering all the grounds inside the compound of Gidu Bandar Mental Hospital into beautiful gardens.

            SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Your intention may be executed by others.

            THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: Then also I promise that honorable member shall not be told by me that I had those intentions; I will have the courtesy not to say that.

            Then, Sir, further, I issued orders exempting the poor patients from any patients from any payment in the case of out-door treatment. All those who got an income less than Rs. 2000 a year are exempted from payment. Not only does the order apply to Government hospitals and dispensaries, but, also to Government aided dispensaries. In the case of indoor patients also, those whose income is less than Rs. 40 per month, and their departments have to be treated free. In fact my information is that the number of patients that are now being treated in the Provision of Sind in the Government Hospital and Government dispensaries is double that treated in the previous year.

            Sir, the honorable members will also remember that immediately after I took charge of office, I took interest in developing the spas in Sind. There is one of those spas at Laki. I got the waters chemically analyzed, and the chemical analysis has given definite indication that the water contains minerals which will cure almost all complaints due to Uric Acid; immediately a dispensary was started at Laki and it is functioning there.

            Than, Sir, coming to the Health Officer’s appointments, this House itself has passed the measure for the appointments of Health Officers of District Local Boards compulsorily. I have further important measures, which I shall be describing later in 15 or 20 days. Therefore I am only mentioning the broad points.

            For quinine also we are giving more grant than was given in previous years. Not only that, but we have appealed and persuaded all District Local Boards to give more Money for the purchase of quinine, and the District Local Boards have actually intimated that they have ear-marked certain amounts for the purchase of quinine, and that special medical officers have been appointed.

            Then the next item of nation-building departments is communications. Last year only assume of Rs.3.5 Lakhs was spent on communications, i.e., on roads. This year more than Rs. 10 lakhs will have been spent before the end of March. And the schemes are ready for execution of works costing more than Rs. 15 lakhs next year.

            Then as regards railways, although some these schemes must have started several years ago, the final orders have now been passed as immediate urgency was pressed on the attention of the Railway Board for having the two lines, one at Khadro-NawabShah and the other at Larkana-Shahdakot.

            Then, Sir, in the branch of electricity. As soon as I assumed office, some correspondences came to me where I found that they were pending for several months and sometimes years. I immediately passed orders that all those correspondence must receive very prompt attention, and as many as 8 fresh licenses have been given out in my time. And I am proceeding along further. Also for the development of Tando Mastikhan power as well an Oderolal power, I have taken steps, but they have not yet reached the final stages.

            Then as regards industries, in a few months, after assuming office, we wrote to the Government of India for a geological survey of certain tracts in Sind, and we expect that next year the Government of India party will come to Sind for the purpose. We have also recently given a prospecting license to the Burmah Oil Co. By charging them a sum of nearly Rs 3, 34000 for prospecting for two years.

            Then, Sir, a point was made with regard to retrenchment A grievance was made that nothing has been done in direction of retrenchment, that the Government have either not passed orders or they have done nothing to pass any orders on the Report of the Re-organization Committee. I might inform the House that this Government has taken every serious has taken every serious notice of the Re-organization Committee Report and has been considering it Para. The Government have passed orders which have already resulted in a saving.- most of the saving will be appreciable in the next year- of nearly Rs. 3 lakhs.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Under what head?

            THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: I will tell you. Have patience. Out of those Rs. 3 lakhs nearly Rs. 59000 will be on account of retrenchment in the Police Department establishment. I have also abolished one dispensary in the Sukkur Barrage Town. Then, Sir, there have been cuts in the tent age allowance, Sind allowance, compensatory allowance, conveyance allowance, local allowance and ordinary travelling allowance. So far as special pays are concerned……         

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR:  Have you accepted those recommendations?

            THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: Yes not wholly, but we have gone as far as we could go. The retrenchment in the Revenue Officer’s office comes to Rs. 11000. All the suggestions that were made about special pay in the Medical Department were given effect to long ago. There was also a saving of Rs. 16700 on this head.

            Then, Sir, as regards the Public Works Department, these figures don’t include any saving. As far as the Public Works Department is concerned, I might inform the House that the Engineer for Roads, who is a superintending Engineer, has been lent to us by Bombay. We have written to them to take him back, so that we may have a saving on this item. The Bombay Government have recently written back to us that they are very seriously considering the matter, and that it is only a question of an opportunity occurring when he would be absorbed by them. As soon as an opportunity occurs, he will be sent back to Bombay. We have also come to the conclusion that one irrigational circle should be done away with. That is a special responsibility of His Excellency the Governor. The final orders are to be passed by His Excellency the Governor, but I have no doubts that he will accept the advice of his Ministers.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Are they prepared to give him any advice?

            THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: Advice has already been given.

            As far as Divisions are concerned, it has been decided finally to abolish one Division for the present. With regard to sub-divisions, immediately I took over, I abolished 2sub-division and 2 more are abolished and the scheme is being considered as to how far further retrenchment can be effected. There is only one difficulty, however. I have to admit that the cannals and channels are not still in their perfect order. We have still got the silt trouble. There are a number of complaints as regards particular water courses or particular minors. Therefore it will not do to have revolutionary schemes carried out in the Public Works Department. My  would certainly be easier –I mean the task of anybody in my place a year or two hence –but still I assure the House that we been carrying out the retrenchment to the maximum limit to which we could go.

            MR. M. H. GAZDAR : That means zero!

THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI As re –regards maintenance and repairs, I might inform the House that the Barrage started in the year 1933 -34. But in the 1934-35 there was an expenditure of Rs. 41._1/4  lakhs on the establishment in the public Works Department. It is cut down to Rs. 39 lakhs . As far as maintenance and repairs are concerned, the expenditure in 1934-35 was Rs. 53.68 lakhs. Now it is less than Rs. 40 lakhs. I was glad when I read the Reorganization Committee Report. They themselves say that they are satisfied with this sort of retrenchment . The figures were given at a late meeting by the Chief Engineer and the Committee says “We have reason to be satisfied.”

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : Why don’t you read further?

THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: I have read the whole of it But in future some more retrenchment is to be carried out, that is their view. I entirely agree with it. There would have been greater retrenchment, Sir. But this year there was the mishap of the Sind Canal. That canal had to be closed and certain regulators had to be constructed. That cost Rs. 2.5 lakhs, which goes from the maintenance. I may also inform the House that maintenance and repairs include construction of new bunds and repairs to bunds. The construction of certain bunds has been found to be very necessary.

            Then, Sir, in the Revenue Department it has been decided although orders on the whole Reorganization Committee Report have not yet been passed, to remove the appointment of Head Clerks from the Mukhtiarkar’s cadre, and some more steps for retrenchment are in progress. All that I am saying to the House is that this Cabinet has not been sitting quiet. They have been exploring all avenues for economy. I might also inform the House that a few days ago I stated that only in the case of gardens I have passed orders which will result in a saving of Rs 33000 a year. Some clerks have also been removed from the Canal Assistants. In various spheres, wherever it is possible to make any economy, it is being affected.

Then ,Sir, so far as rasai is concerned, I have gathered information. There can be no two honest opinions that in this cold season there is very substantial decrease in rasai.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : Has it disappeared?

THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: I have never said that it has disappeared. It will take some time to disappear altogether. Even from Larkana, a place which is very vocal, I read it in a paper like Hindu that the residents of Larkana are definitely saying that at the camps of the Chief Engineer and the Revenue Commissioner there was absolutely no rasai. . . . . .

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : The chief Engineer never took rasai But what about the Superintending and Executive Engineer?

THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: The Executive Engineers nowadays travel in cars and come back to their bungalows. I can assure the House that there has been a change of mentality. It will certainly take time to root out corruption which is existing from Adam’s day. This Government  passed very definite order that honesty should be taken to be the best factor for promotion, not only honesty on their part their capacity to put down corruption in their own charge.

            A lot of work has been done towards the rural reconstruction. District Sudan Committees have been formed. In every village, within those limits, about 50 Village Committees have also been formed.

Coming to the educational sphere, 5 night schools for adults have been started in each of the districts of Dadu, Larkana, Upper Sind, Nawabshah and Sukkur.

            Coming now to the Forest Department, there were serious complaints about Chher. I may inform the House that definite orders have been passed for the stoppage of Chher. Orders have also been passed for giving free gazing or grazing at very concessional rates to the maldars of the hilly tract when they come down to Sind for want of rain.

            KHAN BAHADUR A.K. GABOL: You refuse to give any concession in Karachi taluka.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: No interruption, The honorable Minister may proceed.

THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: In that Department also further order, according to the suggestions made by the Rasai Committee, are under consideration. Orders in most matters have  been passed, and the remaining orders will be passed soon.

Sir, I have not touched some of the points that have been referred to by the honorable members as they will be dealt with by the Honorable the Chief Minister. All that have to say is this. I would invite the attention of the honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro to the Speech that he made while he was defending the previous Cabinet form the no-confidence motion.

SIR GHULAM HIDAYATULLAH: There was no no–confidence motion, otherwise you would never have found your place there.

THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI:  He had not mentioned even one-forth of the items that have been mentioned by me in the sphere of education and nation-building departments. After all, it does take time to do all these things.

So far as legislation is concerned, several Bills have been brought forward and the remaining Bills have been brought forward and the remaining Bills are ready which will be investigated by the party and then brought before the House. The Bill for the Primary Education will be brought up immediately and so also for the registration of Vaids and Hakims. With the co-operation coming from the honorable members, much more progress can be made in the nation-building departments and in all departments of the Province, and I feel no doubt about that.

Now, Sir, analyzing all that the honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro told us, it boils down to this Ministry is responsible for these assessment proposals and has made two more appointments and has not respected the wishes of their party.

KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: I said many more things.

THE HONORABLE Mr. NICHALDAS C. VAZRANI: The remaining thing that he said was that we had done no work. He also made a reference to the Rasai Committee Report. The Honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro knows very well that several orders have actually passed and that I brought the report in the full Committee, but the discussion took place only over one item whether the Chief Engineer should take three peons or four peons on tour. Nearly half an hour was wasted on that item alone, and then it was the option of the Government are considering passing final orders and issuing a statement showing the recommendations of the Committee and the orders. The Government is considering passing final orders passed by the Government. That Press Note can certainly be discussed and any further resolution passed for the guidance of the Ministry.

In conclusion I say that there is absolutely no ground made out for the support of this no –confidence motion, and feel confident that this Honorable House will reject it with and overwhelming majority.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Honorable, Sir, whenever such an important motion or resolution is brought before the House there are three issues which every honorable member should bear in mind.

The first issue to be considered by every thinking person is: If this motion is carried, what will happen next, Certainly, it is a very reasonable question to be asked from everybody as to what will happen after this motion is carried.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Deluge!

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: The second issue is, -and it is always a recognized principle, -that before we condemn anybody, we should try to look into the mirror ourselves as to how far we are responsible for the actions for which is very necessary to look him.

The third issue is whether the action of throwing out the Ministry can be avoided and, if it can be avoided, how that can be done.

These are the three issue which every sane person must bear in mind when such a motion is brought before the House.

Sir, the honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro yesterday expressed a surprise as to why I am so keenly supporting the present Ministry, and he gave reasons, which were, of course, imaginary and probable, that in my opinion Sir Ghulam Hussain’s Ministry was communal and this Ministry was non-communal. Sir, I assure my friend Khan Bahadur KHuhro and his honorable House that neither the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain is in my picture nor is The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH in my picture : in my picture and vision I have got somebody very much higher and far above them, One who has designed and planned to send me to this House to do my duty towards this Province. I am not keeping any person or any Ministry in my picture, except the One Whom I adore.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: That is saintly vision.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: I am not, Sir, by temperament a Ministry breaker or a Ministry maker. During my 35 years of public service I have not once in my life become either a king maker or a king-dethroner. Therefore, Sir, when Ministers take seats on the other side, -whether he is the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain or The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH –my job is not to dethrone them but make them for the good of the Province. That is my job and I want to make this very clear. I am quite certain that my honorable friend Khan Bahadur Khuhro and the Honorable Minister knows very well that I support them not because I am their admirer or their friend, but because they are Ministers and by some decree of Providence they are made to sit there, it is my duty to see that they work healthily for the good of the Province. Sir, I am not trying to enter into complications of any kind or intrigues of any kind. My duty is very plain. As a simple –minded person, as a plain, simple and practical man, my duty is first to think what is coming next after this Ministry is thrown out of after this no –confidence motion is passed. That was exactly the reason in my mind when Sir Ghulam Hussain was attacked a few months bore, and that was exactly the reason why I voted against the One Rupee cut  motion because I did not like leaping into the Dark and I don’t like to leap in the dark to-day. I am a plain business man to-day. If somebody comes and shows me a false rupee, I don’t want to lose a half anna which is my hands for that rupee. If I am confident  that there is rupee before me and that rupee I can earn  honestly without intrigue and without any kind of complication, I am prepared to earn that rupee. Unless I see very clearly that rupee which I can earn honestly, I am not going to leave half an anna in my hand. This is a plain business policy. It is a very common and simple policy.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : You are not a speculator.  

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: NO, I am not a speculator.

If I know to-day that the whole Assembly is prepared without any idea of communalism, without any idea of parties, sections and sub-sections, e.g. Mir’s Party, Sayed Party, Baluch Party, Hindu Party, Congress Party, Muslim League Party and other parties.

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: What party do you belong to?

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Without any such idea if they all . . . . .

Mr. R. K. SIDHWA: Political parties are essential.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: IF without thinking of the parties, the whole Assembly united, for the good of the Province of Sind, are prepared to elect any other three Ministers, I think I am quite certain my honorable friend Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh and other Ministers will be prepared to vacate their seats, and I will be prepared to support them in that instance.

Now, Sir, let us see what happened in the past when the two Advisers were sent away, when this Assembly came into existence, when Sir Ghulam Hussain was offered Chief Minister ship and when my honorable friend Mir Bandeh Ali Khan and Mukhi Gobindram were the Ministers ; let us see what were their lives. 

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: They were merry.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: I don’t think they were merry. I know very well.

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: All the three were members of Karachi Club.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Sir, they went to the Karachi Club to get out of their sorrows. All throughout their period, there were constant pulls, constant pushes not fulfilled, and for all sorts of things for which they were not able to carry out. That was their position. My honorable friends will agree with me here. I have got no doubt in my mind about that.

Then, Sir, when they were thrown out for certain reasons, we expected the other Ministers to take up their places and do something better. Notwithstanding what the Honorable Public Works Department Minister said and I agree they have done something, I have absolutely no illusion in my mind and I know for certain that the sum total falls for short of the estimate which I had made up in my mind. In my mind there are greater things to be done for the common good of the Province of Sind, not here and there some reform. The general masses are yet burdened with many things. I would certainly wish to have so many things done for the relief of masses in Sind.

Sir, honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro yesterday was mourning because the other provinces have made certain progress. I will come to that a little later. But if Khan Bahadur Khuhro and his colleagues and friends really desire to have similar progress here as in the provinces where Congress Ministers are working to-day, may I tell him that we can do that within one week? If he has got that idea, if he has made that ideal, if he really wishes, if he really desires and if he really intends to see Sind making progress, it is in his own hands and it is in our hands.

KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: How?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I hope you will come out with suggestions.

 KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: At least I will follow him if I find it good.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Sir, as the Honorable Mr. Nichaldas said, let the Ministers, whoever they are, feel that their Ministry is stable, that they are unhampered and that demands on them are not such which they cannot fulfill. If they are assured of the co-operation, if they are assured that they will be fully helped and supported, I am quite certain of this progress being made.

Now, Sir, as I said in the beginning, my second issue is this: Let us look ourselves into the mirror and see for ourselves, before we condemn others, as to what we have done to help them and to co-operate with them. Let us try to understand that. I have been a daily visitor to the Secretariat, perhaps with the exception of Sundays.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR : Your are the biggest nuisance!

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Sir, I can assure the Honorable House that I have never gone to Minister for a personal demand or in connection with personal gain. I have gone to the Ministers for my constituents who have elected me to relieve them of the burden and get their grievance redressed.

Mr. R. K. SIDHWA: I have had sad experience.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Sir, every day I found that the time of the Ministers had been taken up for objects which are petty, which are small, and which sometimes can safely be referred to the Commissioner or Collectors or even to their Head Clerks. Day after day I have come out of the Secretariat with real regret and sorrow, seeing that  the Ministers are made to work on something which is of very much smaller or a lower type. They are not given time to think of bigger problems for the improvements of so many things. They are not given time to make schemes. They are not given time to Draft Bills.

Sir, I am not here offering an apology for the Ministers. I am not here advocating their cause. But, Sir, truth must be said and the facts must be faced.

Sir, coming down the main crime this Ministry is charged with is Assessment.

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: On a point of information: May I know if the honorable member is supporting or opposing the Ministry?

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE:  The honorable member Khan Bahadur Gabol is not so simple-minded as all that, Sir. Then, Sir, within four days after this Ministry came into existence, naturally, they thought very clearly that without proper finances no improvement in the Province could be made. After all no improvement can also be made when we have not got finances, -rupees, annas and pies. They knew well that the burden of our debt and the burden of interest were very great. Four ot 8 days after they took charge, they sent two representatives, important officers of our province, to Dehli to request the Government of India as to what could be done for relieving us of the burden of such heavy debt and heavy interest. Sir, that was the right step to take. I cannot say and I do not know what happened at Dehli. My honorable friend Khan Bahadur Khuhro yesterday suggested that the reply was in the negative, that the Government of India gave a very disappointing answer and the result was zero. Sir, if it is so not the fault of the Ministers, but it is the fault of this Assembly. Sir, in this House, I know there are, some influential persons who have influence with the Government of India. In this House there are persons who are deep thinkers. But they have taken no steps.

They have not taken any measures, any action . . . . . . . .

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: How can they? It is for the Government to take action.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: They have taken no action by which this Assembly as a whole might put  the case before the Government of India and tell them very clearly that we are groaning under the burden of heavy debts and heavy interests. The Ministers have done their best.

Mr. GHANSHYAM JETHANAND: We said “Repudiate.”

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: No Interruption, please.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: I shall finish soon, Sir within time.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: You were being interrupted.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Sir, it is this factor which practically suggested itself to the Honorable Minister that we should show to the Government of India that we were doing our best with all bona fides to get as much as we could reasonably do from the Province as income. Then we would be able to convince the Government of India later on to get relief from our debts.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: On a point of information, Sir. This Assembly was not aware that two officers were sent to Dehli on behalf of the Government of Sind for financial adjustments or anything of that nature. Was he taken into confidence?

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: It was stated on the floor of the House by the Honorable the Chief Minister.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The honorable member should listen to the information.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: It was but natural that the Honorable Ministers should think in that way, that we should do our best before we could appeal or argue with the Government of India. Now, Sir, therefore the scheme of increasing assessment was already there. In the days of the former Ministers the revision of assessment was thought of. Objections had been invited. The Assembly had given their views. It was postponed for about 12 months for further reconsideration. That time had arrived and naturally the new Ministers took up the thread, but they went further. They modified the suggestions of the Settlement Officers. They did not accept in both cases –in the revised assessment suggested by the Settlement Officers, and also in the regrouping. They modified their views and they brought new schemes of sliding scale. What was the Scheme, Sir, of the sliding scale? It was that until prices reached a particular level, the assessment would not be increased. The fact is there that even upto now the prices have not reached that level and therefore this assessment will not automatically come into existence.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: What about the rest of all the groupings?

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: I am just coming to that. So far they stand absolutely proved. The proof is there. They have proved that they were in the right and that the burden would not be so heavy on the agriculturists, because the prices have not reached that level. The second point is regrouping.

Now, in the regrouping  I have read volumes and files on the subject. For the last 10 years various suggestions of regrouping had been made. Mr. Green made some suggestions; Mr. Baker made some suggestions, Different Committees made different suggestions. All these

had as their object the raising of the villages from the 3^rd class to 1^st class, because they were getting a perennial supply of water. Instead of taking up that suggestion, the Honorable Minister modified the scheme, that the 3^rd class should be  raised to the 2^nd, the 2^nd to the 1^st. Groupings were modified in certain sections and not all throughout. Then what happened? The Honorable Ministers invited objections. The Assembly has to be consulted. We do not know what will be the result. As such, final orders have not been passed. We have not seen the objections ourselves. The Assembly has not considered the proposals. I quite agree with my honorable friend Mr. Nihchaldas that to bring a vote of no–confidence on that plank as the main point, is not only premature but unjustified.

                Now, Sir, I am coming to the other points, which the honorable member Khan Bahadur KHuhro has suggested. He said that such an important subject, if it was left in the hands of Mr. Neville Chamberlain in the Parliament, would have been brought in the Parliament. I think the Khan Bahadur is a Student of Parliamentary debates, I have also some knowledge of it. At no time in my life in any constitution in any place in the world have I seen land-tax, agriculture tax, being discussed.

                KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: Question.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: I make myself bold to say what I am saying. I can point to the Government of New Zealand where there is only one tax, and one tax only, viz., of Land Revenue.

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: I know it is in Australia?

An Honorable Member: Who told you that? (Laughter)

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The honorable member’s time is getting up.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: I shall finish my speech soon. Then, Sir, we have been given a list of other omissions. I have already stated that I am aware of various questions, viz., and relief to tenants, relief from the money lenders to those who are groaning under hardships of money lenders, relief to the agriculturists in various ways, the method of agriculture, education in agriculture, marketing facilities and so on. All these reforms have not been brought into existence. Sir, there are several Bills which are Bills would be taken up rapidly, and that our friends would follow the progress which is being made in other provinces. But, Sir, let us see the other omissions also. The Honorable Mr. Nihchaldas has explained what has been done with regards to the Re-organization Committee Report. There is no doubt that the Government are doing best to carry out retrenchment. Sir , the Educational Committee’s Report has been given in their hands only a few weeks ago. The Report has also been given to them a few weeks ago. The Report of the Prohibition Committee, which is one of the main reforms which I hope to see carried out  before I pass away form this Assembly has been given to them only a few days ago.

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL:  I shall see that it is carried out within 12 months. (Laugher)

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Thank you, Sir. The Report of the Frontier Regulation Committee has not yet seen the light of the day and I do not know when It will come up.

Then, Sir, about the criminal tribes and sections 107, 108 ad 109 of the Criminal Procedure Code, already the Bills are there on the desk of the Ministers.

I will now come to the third question. I have already said, Sir, that if I look into my own mirror before I condemn the Ministers, I come to the conclusion that I have myself not co-operated with them. I have not helped them as I should have I have allowed their time to be wasted. But the remedy is there. Instead of bringing this motion of no –confidence, I ask, is there no other remedy?  The remedy is very simple. I again repeat that if the whole House is united and if we are prepared to give up the pulling down and pushing up ambitions, we 35 or 40 or more members, if we can get ourselves united, sit down in a prayerful mood, act in a prayerful mood (Laughter). Please laugh as much as you can but you will come to this conclusion some day. If we can dedicate ourselves to the Province of Sind, take up all the Bills and Resolutions, take up all the schemes, study what has happened in other Provinces, bring all the files and books together, sit down quietly in a room. . . . . .

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: The Karachi Club will be all right for that, ( Laughter)

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Please do not interrupt me. If we sit down , if we are not dragged by Muslim or Hindu idea, if we can give up the idea of Muslim or Hindu or what Mr. Shamdas Gidwani says or what “Alwahid” says, if we can drop all those consideration and if we can say to the Ministers “ We have selected these Bills, we have selected these resolutions, bring them in the Assembly” and if we take a vow to speak nothing on the first and second and third reading of a bill, if we can then all pass with your ayes have it –Ayes have it –very soon. . . .

Dr. POPATLAL A. BHOOPATKAR: Why not pass it by circulation? (Laughter)

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Don’t Laugh. Allow me, Sir, to go on. I am suggesting a scheme Sir. If we have decided outside to unite and co-operate and to carry out the measures fully, there will be no need of any kind of further speech in this Assembly. Sir, 30 or 40 Bill can be carried within 10 days.

And then, Sir, If we are honestly co-operate to increase the finance of this Province, If we are united, we can force the Ministers; they will have no other way; they will be forced to accept our schemes.

AN HONORABLE MEMBER: Why not 60 members instead of 30 or 40?

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Thank you for suggesting the number. Excluding THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER, it is 59. If we are all united, it can be done. This is very simple and plain thing. It only requires a decision. It only requires a dedication. It only requires a decision. It only requires a prayerful mood and the reforms can be soon carried out. But Sir I again repeat : “ Break this Ministry if you like” and we are in a vicious circle. The Opposition wants  to break the Ministry, and the Ministry wants to be there. If one Ministry is broken, another Ministry  will come. Then again efforts will be made to break that Ministry. Thus the vicious circle will go on. These Ministers have to think constantly whether somebody has gone off from their party, or whether someone has come in.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Why should they, is another matter. But that is fact. On the other side there is the constant pull to see that their numbers increase so that the Ministry might break as early as possible. If one Ministry breaks, another will take its place. Then again attempts will be made to break that Ministry. There will thus be no progress. There will be a vote of no –confidence immediately another Ministry comes in. Again the same attacks will be made and the same shortcomings will be pointed out ; and Sind will remain as it is. The very simple and plain thing is, as I have suggested, let us leave aside condemnation. Let us stand united to work. Let us be united. Let us be dedicated. And I am certain in my mind that whether it is this Ministry or any other Ministry, it can be forced to accept our decisions and Sind will be prosperous. If this condemnation goes on and if this vicious circle goes on . . . . 

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Are you going to bless evil?

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: I am not blessing evil. There is no time : two solid years have gone by. There are only 3 years more. I belong not to the city of Karachi where there are several amenities of life, but I belong to the district. I know what people are suffering. I know what people are going through. It is not merely the rasai and corruption which are really heavy burdens on them, but there are many other things. Their lot should be bettered. Sir, it is a matter of sorrow, it is a matter of regret, that we have wasted two solid years in this wrangling and vicious circle. I would again, in the end, repeat, whether my friends laugh at me or scorn at me : let us put ourselves in a prayerful mood, in a mood of dedication, and serve God and serve the Province of Sind. (Hear. Hear)

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: As it is now nearly 4-30, the House will rise for tea till 5’oclock.

After Recess.

(The Honorable the Deputy Speaker occupied the Chair.)

            KHAN BAHADUR HAJI GHULAM NABI SHAH: (In Sindhi) Sir, I intend to express my humble opinion on this most important matter. The manner in which honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed expressed himself was an excellent one. I do admit that I appreciated his ideas very much, but at the same time I was wonder struck to see him expressing his treason with the ex-chief Minister. He also expressed in the open House that he has got one thousand and one complaints against the present Chief Minister. I was feeling ashamed of such a declaration of his before the elected member of this Honorable House.

            THE HONORABLE THE DEPUTY SPEAKER: (In Sindhi) The Honorable member should address the Chair instead of galleries as he is doing present.

            KHAN BAHADUR HAJI GHULAM NABI SHAH: (In Sindhi) The Honorable member has proposed this no –confidence motion without thinking the pros and cons of the matter. I wish to bring out the most important points, which I want to deal with. Honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed, while expressing his opinions has shown that the Honorable Ministers are experts at least in one thing, -in accepting the invitations to the Honorable Ministers originated from Sann, the native place of honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed?

            I was in the Bombay Legislative Council with the honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro; we remained there for full 14 years and I am definite there was mutual love and respect between ourselves. If honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed is true to his expression of opinion that he intends to throw new light in the country, I will be the first man to extend my help to him. But when he is I will be the first man to extend my help to him. But when he is firm on his dictum that the downfall of the Ministry should be brought about, I will advise him to remember what honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain said, that is very difficult to carry on Government smoothly in that way. I find that honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed is taking notes of what I say, and I think he will reply to all these in the end, but I am certain that he will never give a reply to the points. Honorable member had written letters to me against the ex-Chief Minister. I would have produced the same, but I don’t believe in preserving such letter.

            Now I come to the question of assessment. This is the most important question which needs through consideration. This Assembly is not prepared to bear the burden. The Honorable the Chief Minister and his colleagues must think of Public opinion : whether the public is happy about the proposal or not. I am very sorry that the Honorable the Chief Minister has not been successful in changing the mentality of the heads of officials, and no effect of his policy has yet been produced on them. I would advise the honorable member Mr. G. M Sayed to remember the need of this Province, which is that we should have a stable Ministry, that we should all work together. It does not look beneficial for the country to drive out a Ministry after every 8 months. Honorable member Shiakh Abdul Majid has also worked with me in the Bombay Legislatve Council.

When honorable member Mr. Gazdar met me at Mirpurkhas, he told me about the rifg in the Muslim League Party. It was only on his advise that I had become a member of the Muslim League. I felt grieved when I heard about this rift, I would never have become a member of the Muslim League Party, but I love democratic Government. I love discipline. We find discipline in the Congress Party, and that is why they are so liberal, and that is why they want to remain neutral. What can a neutral party do? They should work sincerely. They must vote for the party which is in their view right. I remained neutral at the time of the downfall of the Ministry of Sir Ghulam Hussain. You will question such behavior of mine. Well, Iw as definite that the Ministry of Sir Ghulam Hussain would continue. If I had found the Government responsible, I would have voted for Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh. My view is that we should not act hypocrites. We should open our hearts to each other that the shadows of the misunderstanding may be removed. The majority of members sit silent like congress brethren. I like the advice of honorable member MR. Jamshed very much. He says “ Always bring about compromises so that the fraternal ties may get strengthened.” It is only then that an awakening can be brought about in a country. I would advice honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed to copy Mahatma Gandhi. The Skeleton declares that he will end his life by observing a fast unto death if his sincere object is not achieved. I would suggest an excellent solution for the betterment of this country to honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed. He must observe a fast unto death and if he dies, peace will prevail throughout the country. (Laughter). I would appeal to honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed to watch the various parties in this declared their neutrality ; on the other hand our Hindu brethren have not yet made up their minds. I take this opportunity to appeal to the Honorable the minister to clear their position. They are responsible to the Public and they must explain what good they have done for the betterment of this country. I would request honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed to copy the example of our Quaid-e-Azam Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the the Central Legislative Assembly. It is for the betterment of Muslims of Sind. What does our political leader do there? He supports the Congress is right, while he helps is our duty to give sufficient time and opportunity to the Ministers ; if we find that they are failures, then the right steps to be taken will be to oppose them. I am not prepared to criticize the Minister at this stage as honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro and Mr. Sayed have done. I am not I favor of showering abuses as the honorable members of the Opposition do.

            KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: (In Sindhi) When have these abuses been used?

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The Honorable member will proceed.

KHAN BAHADUR HAJI GHULAM NABI SHAH: (In Sindhi) I will request honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro to remember the day when he had come to MirpurKhas along with honorable member Mr. M. H. Gazdar, Pir Ghulam Mujadad and Moulvi Hakani. They used abusive language against us, and after that , articles were printed in the “Sind Zamindar” which, I think represented the opinions of honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro. Those articles grieved me very much, and that is why I have given vent to such words. I will request the Honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed and other by declaring that he is prepared for the co-operation and that his party is founded on sound basis. He must also say that he makes no distinction between various parties. The personal attacks that the Revenue Minister is wrong, that the Public Works Department Minister is wrong, will create a rift.

There remains the question of Land Revenue assessment. Every one knows that this is not a demand of the Congress only, but It is demand of each and every one in Sind. I corroborate honorable members Mr. Jamshed and Sir Ghulam HUssain in their opinion re: grouping system or assessment policy. I will advise the Minster to be careful on this important question. They must go away with their conservative ideas. For How many days will the struggle continue? My opinion is that this Ministry should work in the Program which is prevailing in the 8 congress Province. I am prepared to help the Government if the beautiful ideas from the Province of Punjab or Bengal are taken up and Government intend to act thereon. I am definite that there will be no difficulty in this. Honorable members will be pleased with that, and the Honorable the Chief Minister will get a chance of working for the betterment of the country. The ex-chief Minister Sir Ghulam Hussain has shown a desire to co-operate. I am very happy to hear this from the oldest amongst the veterans of this House. We do good for the poor if there is co-operation. My desire from the very beginning has been that both sides should co-operate and work together . It would be better if the Honorable the Chief Minister does according to what he said in his speech yesterday, so needs of the Opposition are satisfied. I am against frequent information and destruction of Ministries.

In the end I would advise honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed oppose in a better way if at all he has love opposition. The world will laugh at us if we bring about frequent changes in the Ministries. I remember the days when honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed used to negotiate with the Congress party, the decision of which has not yet been arrived at.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, I rise to support this vote of no –confidence in Honorable Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh and consequently his Ministry. Sir, Sind is a very backward Province educationally and politically. I think I will be voicing the feelings of almost all intelligent Muslims of this Province when I say that we regret the day when we asked for separation of Sind before we had politically educated our electorate. Sir, we had very great hopes that we would be able to render service to the oppressed and depressed masses of this Province, but we have not done so and by asking for separation before educating our electorates we have invited for us a very unhappy position in this Province.

Sir, By the separation we are deprived of the enlightened lead that Bombay Presidency would have given us. Within these last two years Sind has lost enormously by not being an appendage of Bombay. In these two years, measures of very far reaching character which are going to revolutionize the life of the masses in the Bombay Presidency have been passed. The masses in Sind would have derived much advantage from Bombay Government’s measure for education, prohibition, redress from debts, by now, but it will be now only a dream in Sind for many years to come for enacting such beneficial measures.

Sir, what are the reasons for this unhappy situation in Sind? Sir, the representatives of people in this House seem to owe no allegiance to their voters. Sir, most of us who are here only worship the power in whatever hands it may be. They cannot and would not go against Minsiters, whatever be their principles or want of them. Sir, I would give one example of the character of some of our Sindi friend while sitting in the Bombay council. They were always considered very reactionary, because they always voted with the Government ; and here too we find an exhibition of the same mentality. You remember, Sir, you moved for presenting an address to the Governor in 1935, in the Bombay Council that the question of land assessment in the Barrage area in Sind, which was recommended then by a committee consisting of officials and non-officials. You only requested that a Committee should be appointed which should report within about one month, and that till then those orders should be withheld and that the Government members should remain neutral at the time voting on the address and leave the decision to the non-official elected members of the House. The Government had 29 official and nominated votes in their pockets then. The Government definitely stated that they would not participate in the debate, and the Honorable the Leader of the House, Sir Robert Bell. Got up and further assured the House that the Government would adopt an attitude of neutrality ; and not only that, but it would abide by the decision of the House. Sir, what happened? We, Sind members, expressed ourselves in favor of enquiry and postponement of one month. The members from Bombay opposed that demand on the ground that Sind did not want to bear any taxation after it got the benefit of Sukkur Barrage, that they wanted to fleece Bombay. Finally we went to the division. The Honorable our present Chief Minister asked me to see how the voting went on. That is Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh asked me to ascertain how we stood with regard to the result of the poll. I found 21 votes on each side and that one honorable member sitting to-day on the Government benches did not  vote. I asked honorable member to vote and told the Khan Bahadur that gentleman did not vote. He requested me to go to him and persuade the gentleman. Sir, the Honorbale Khan Bahadur Bakhsh also persuaded that gentleman, still he would not vote. Further I reminded the gentleman that these circumstances the Chair was bound to vote against us and agriculturists would suffer. The Chair would maintain the status quo and so kindly vote for us. Polling was still open but he would no vote. When asked for the reasons for that attitude, what was his reply? He said “ Government is neutral and therefore I must be neutral”. Sir, we were being rightly accused in Bombay of this reactionary attitude. We were being accused of our reactionaryism so much that there used to be talks on the floor of the House that if ever Government brought in a measure that every honorable member from Sind should be hanged outside the Council Hall, they the Sind members, would vote for that also if Government so desired ! Well, Sir, I feel and very strongly feel that the character representatives in this House has not changed. Sir, the Honorable the Chief Minister’s friend, when these proposals for assessment were mooted, opposed them. The Proposals were opposed by his Congress friends in July 1938. The whole Province shouted down, and most members of Legislative Assembly signed a vote of no-confidence in the Ministry and requested His Excellency the Governor to call a session so that they might express their opinion formally and throw out the Allah Bakhsh Ministry.

(At this stage the Honorable the Speaker came and occupied the Chair).

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, I was just pointing out that most of the honorable members of this House, each one of whom is representing a population of about a lakh in Sind, have no concern for the welfare of the masses; they have come here for their personal benefit. And I was pointing out that when the assessment orders were introduced by the Honorable the Chief Minister, they (some members on Government benches to-day), signed a letter expressing no-confidence in the Cabinet and requesting His Excellency the Governor to call an early session so that they might express their opinion. Sir, I find them to-day sitting on the Government benches and supporting the Ministers for that very action. Then, Sir, they joined the Muslim League party; they called public meetings all over the Province; they shouted down the Ministry ; and one of the honorable members from Sukkur, who was General Secretary of the District Muslim League, immediately after the Allah Bakhsh Cabinet came in power, called a public meeting condemning the present Cabinet in the worst terms imaginable. . . . . . .

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Do you want the original to read?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: You might read the original for the information of the House. After that , we tried to consolidate the Opposition. We found the Congress friends in the House were quite dissatisfied. We, Muslim, also thought that we should have some party discipline, some party label, so that we could show to the country what we stood for. Most of the Muslim Members of Legislative Assembly, signed the Muslim League pledge. One of the honorable members sitting behind the Ministers also signed the pledge and further he wrote a letter in his own hand to Mr. Jinnah which, if read here, will be an eye opener to this Honorable the Chief Minister. I find that other gentleman sitting on Government benches to-day supporting the Ministry having changed their opinions without the Cabinet having done anything to improve upon their position when these pledges were given and when that no-confidence motion was signed by them. That shows that these honorable members who told their voters that they were Khadim Quom (servants of people), have not come here for service of the people but they have come to grind their own axes. They have no principles and they should never be trusted. They can be trusted for one thing only, and that is that they will always support Government, whatever the policy, whatever the actions of any Government. That is their position, and therefore, I want to point out that in democratic country like England, there would be only two alternatives under these circumstances. Suppose, Sir, the Cabinet thinks is very essential for the safety, progress and happiness of the country by a general election and ask it to endorse their opinion and send representatives who would support their proposal. The other alternative is that when the House has become so docile and slavish to the Cabinet that it votes for any reactionary measure which might be brought before the House but the country is against that measure, then also the the Prime Minister of England goes to the country and asks people to show confidence in his Cabinet ; he dissolves the House and asks for the verdict of the country. If Government enjoys confidence of the people, same members are returned ; otherwise most of them are rejected. Here in Sind, sir, what happens? At least in the case of the two Honorable Muslim Ministers, the country unanimously condemns their land assessment policy. What do they do? They don’t go the electorate as they would be expected to do, because all the parties supporting them or opposing them had, disapproved of their proposals. They don’t go to the country and tell them “ Here we are. Our credit is at stake. We think our proposals are most reasonable. But your representatives think otherwise. They are in your interest. Please give us representatives who will support us.”

No. they don’t do that here in Sind. But just like a husband who does not fond a wife and is in search of bride, they go about begging support from this group, that group, the Mir Group, the Congress group so on. Ultimately when they fail, they use the only weapon which is left for governing this unhappy Province, namely, official whipping. Sir, the Honorable the Chief Minister knew who the officials whipping was successfully used in the Bombay Council, and he has used it here excellently. But I must say to the credit of some Collectors that they refused to take any notice of these man oeuvres and refused to be used as the Ministers’ instruments for party purposes . In no country are permanent services used for political purposes ; otherwise it will become nepotism and create administrative chaos. If officers are allowed to canvass for Government, if officers are allowed to collect people for Ministers to address them for party purposes, if this sort of thing is allowed, then woe betide this Province ! Can you, Sir, ever imagine any parallel to this? I am prepared, but I do not want to take the names of the honorable member who have mentioned it to me or the names of Collectors or other officers of districts who have been used . . . . . .

The Honorable Khan BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, on a point of information. When the honorable member makes a serious accusation of that character against Government, I think it will be in the interests of justice and fair play that he should either give the names of those officers or the names of those members who have informed him like that, and I assure the House that I shall make full investigation in the matter.

Mr. G. M SAYED : Does the Honorable the Chief Minister want the names? I will give them.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I do not think it will be fair to mention the names, although I have got them. I think it will be unfair to disclose the names of those officers because they won’t be here to defend themselves. I challenge the Honorable the Chief Minister to appoint a Committee of Privileges of this House or a Committee of Enquiry, and I will produce evidence or put Quran on the heads of those members and say what they have to say, and I shall take their verdict. But to revert to the subject, this is the only armory which the Honorable Minister now have left them. And after what has happened, I am absolutely convinced that there is nothing left for this Province to expect from this House. We have done some propaganda amongst the electorate to educate them, only after the fail of the last Ministry. Our Congress friend have been going to villages and have been educating the electorate for a longer period. That was also from the time after or during the elections. But I am absolutely assured by my personal touch with the electorate all over Sind that if this House is dissolved to-day, you will get better representatives; you won’t get  representatives who come here for their personal ambitions to be fulfilled, who don’t come here requesting that election petitions against them should be dismissed, who don’t come here for appointment of Public Prosecutors, who don’t come here for the postings of certain officers in people, or for having certain officers dismissed because they are not subservient to them, who don’t come here for the appointment of certain Engineers who will give more water to them. Some, Sir, want titles –Khan Bahadurships and Sardar Bahadurships. They tell us, how can we vote with you because by next June we can’t get titles through you ! Is that  the purpose for which they came here? And, Sir, I assure you that if His Excellency the Governor is convinced that is a very reactionary House and if he is pleased to order a general election, the whole country will thank him, and I am sure you will get a better House. Under those circumstances the gentleman in the Cabinet could not find even 7 men to support their proposals for Land Revenue Assessment 8 months ago. Therefore they used official influence, oppression, corruption, etc., Now, who is going to stop corruption in this Province when such methods are followed by Government and such work is taken from officers who are corrupt and do not want to do anything properly? I say, Sir, if these are the methods adopted by the present Government, you will find no improvement in this Province for the next three years. For these reasons I strongly condemn their policy.

            Sir, I had expected from the Honorable the mInister for public Works Department that he would, in his speech, give us some reply which would satisfy us. On assumption of office , the Minister asked only six months. In the debate on my one-rupee cut motion on 30^th March last, which I moved on account of want of policy of the present Cabinet, I said “They are incompetent duds; they have no policy, no principle, and will do nothing for the Province”. The Honorable the Chief Minister then got up and assured this House that he would follow the program of Congress in a modified form, that he would follow the Program of Congress in a modified form, that he will do things in the interest of the Country, that he will follow the program of the Sind United Party literally : Give me six months.” On these assurances, Sir , I withdrew my cut.

            Sir, that was in March last. Ten months have passed since then, and what have they done? Except saying that we have been working 12 or 14 hours a day, we sit up to 12’oclock midnight, we have signed so many routine papers, opened 5 night schools, brought 5000 acres more under irrigation, what else have they done? I ask, Sir, we have been pestered with propaganda leaflets from the Honorable Minister for the Public Works Department. We know that 85 lakhs of rupees are spent on Public Works Department and if the Honorable Minister sanctions one little culvert out of the fund or spends Rs. 50,000 for any work, where is the necessity of issuing a Press Note? We know already about Rs 50. Lakhs are being spent for such maintenance and improvement of the Irrigation works, annually. They said that 150,000 acres of land will be cultivated. What is the promise of the Lloyd Barrage Irrigation Authorities? We have spent 25 corers of rupees on the Barrage and they have promised not 150,000 acres extra, but 53 lakhs of acres of cultivation. But we are not having now even 32 lakhs of acres under cultivation in the Barrage zone.

            THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: I think the Honorable Minister referred to non-Barrage area.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: In old times there were efficient officers and efficient Ministers. Previous Ministers would dispose of matters single-handed, while these gentlemen require Deputy Collectors, Mukhtiarkars, Assistant Engineer, as personal clerks to explain to them the contents of each file! They take 10 hours to understand one file which the previous efficient Minister could dispose of in one hour. That shows clearly that they are inefficient and do not deserve the post.

            Then they said that we on opposition benches have compelled them to spend all their time in establishing their Ministry: “You do not give us rest.” They say, Sir, no democratic Government would assume the responsibility of Government unless it feels it is stable. If they are occupying those chairs and drawing those salaries for establishing themselves, they are in honor bound to leave those seats: these offices are meant for different purposes altogether.

            Sir, the honorable member, Mr. Jamshed, made an appeal saying that we should co-operate and give them a chance. Chance of what I ask? For shooting us down? Have they come forward and stated what is their party and what is their program of work? I challenge them to show whether any member on this side –irrespective of the fact whether we sit in Opposition or on Government benches –has opposed any good measure of theirs.

            Then I come to retrenchment. On the question of retrenchment their performance is a big zero. It is retrenchment to save two or three thousands here or there? The honorable member Mr. Jamshed was our Chairman. We have submitted a very considered report. Anybody who has read that report will readily see the amount of labor we have put on it. They, the Ministers, think the recommendations are not worth their while to consider. They are doing what they are asked by Secretaries to do. Just before the last ministerial crisis it was proposed by th United Party to ask the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain, who was then the Chief Minister to promise a saving of 15 lakhs of rupees in the Public Works Department. This was in addition to annual surrendered savings; real savings by abolition of posts. . . . .

            Mr. G. M SAYED: Within this year.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: And decrease the estimates to that extent. The Re-organization Committee has asked for the reduction of 7 divisions and three circles. They may say that the Public Works Department is the special responsibility of His Excellency the Governor. Sir, it is not fair to place the responsibility on His Excellency the Governor. The Governor is there to see that the Department works efficiently.

            Everything can be done without consulting His Excellency. It is only the Barrage which is his special responsibility, but there are so many other things as well, for instance, the interests of minorities. I think section 52 of the Act describes what the special responsibility of His Excellency. It is clear from what they say that they want to throw the whole burden of not doing anything on His Excellency. And I do not think that is fair to him. They have no courage to admit that so far as the Public Works Department is concerned, Mr. Gordon is ruling Sind and not they. The real reason for no retrenchment and the Cabinet has surrendered to him.

            I come now to the Corruption Committee’s Report. The honorable member Dr. Hemandas, when he was Minister, gave an assurance that whatever we decided in the Committee, he would accept and he did accept our report. Then came the Honorable Mr. Nihchaldas who succeeded him. He told us, Sir, “ That promise was given by previous Minsiter. I do not understand it. Will you kindly explain the report to me?” Sir, we are not paid teachers to explain it to him. We have made our report and we have also shown the reasons for making that report. It is for him to accept or not. IF he cannot understand it, we are not here to teach him. He wanted us to reconsider the whole report because Mr. Gordon took objection to every recommendation that we had made. The Honorable Minster told us that he had written long long notes showing the reason why he should accept Mr. Gordon report. Sir, I will give you one instance, by way of illustration, about this Corruption Committee Report. The whole conference was called by the Government to discuss all reports of various committees where the Honorable the Chief Minister wanted us to discuss de now the recommendations of each Committee. We explained it would serve no useful purpose, but however, we are prepared to sit for further 6 months even –though every one of us is a very busy man and can’t afford  to waste time in that manner –if Government only gave an assurance that whatever was decided by us would be accepted by Government. The Honorable the Leader of the House said “No, I cannot give that assurance.” Sir, three committees sat for months. You know Sir, every honorable member is a very busy man, after all no one is an unemployed gentleman. We worked several months and submitted our reports. If Governments were not prepared to accept our reports, then you should have told us so at the beginning. Well, Sir, we started taking votes on the question of supply of eggs and milk. They packed the Committees with officers who also wanted to vote. Now, Sir, non-official member were making certain recommendation to improve the character and conduct of officers of departments, and if those very officers were given the right to vote, what could be expected? Where our recommendation will be every one can imagine. Officers should be in Committees to give technical opinions or information. Government could write and ask for it instead of calling 5 officers to attend the conference. We, therefore, washed our hands from that show. We said we have handed our reports. The credit or blame is entirely Government’s if they accept or reject them.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Next, not a single measure of reforms has been introduced by this Cabinet in this House during the last 10 months. It is all window-dressing that they have done so far. The Acts are there. They have only changed a word here and a word there. The window is already there, only change a hinge, or put a glass here or put a bolt there which had rusted or gone bad. They have brought forward only such sort of amending Bills, most of which were prepared by the previous Cabinet. Only those Bills are brought forward before us. They have not brought before us even a single measure of reform.

            Sir, I was very pleased to read the news this morning, which I would like to impart to this House for its benefit. In spite of the Bombay Assembly having passed 30 Bills of very far reaching character during the last 2 years, I read this morning that the Bombay Cabinet was bringing forward before a special session another Bill to scale down debts of agriculturists to their paying capacity. Now just imagine, the agriculturists of the Province of Sind have to pay 24 crores of debts. In Bombay they want to bring forward a Bill to scale down the debts of agriculturists to 4 cores or so that agriculturists will have to pay what they could pay. An agriculturists will have to pay what they could pay. An agriculturist will not have to sell away his chattel or land, but he will be required to pay what he could pay. That is what Bombay intends to do.

            Then Sir, they the Bombay Government, are bringing forward another Bill to control marketing, so that the agriculturist may get best price for his produce. They have also introduced compulsory education and prohibition. They have sanctioned crores of rupees for backward areas for education. Now what have the Ministers done here? They asked for 6 months, but we have given them 10 months, and to-day they might gain a victory by promises of personal gains and official whipping, whatever it be, but the country’s verdict is against them definitely. I challenge, let them all go back to the country and see if any of these gentleman supporting this reactionary Government is returned.

            Of course the Honorable the Revenue Minister has given out candidly what the Cabinet represents. He says “ I am neither a Hindu nor a Muslim. I am a representative of God.” (Laughter). Of course Mussalmans don’t own him. He can never be a Hindu. Therefore he represent nobody.

            Dr. POPATLAL A. BHOOTPATKAR : He could be converted.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: When he does things against the interests of his own community, how can he be owned by Mussalmans? Whom then does he represent? He cannot be a Hindu because by his actions he has annoyed Hindus also. Therefore he says “ Now I am a representative of God” and he claims to hold his position as a Minister in the Cabinet representing  no community and no party. Sir, we never heard of such a position. We had heard of divine rights of kings being claimed in the 9^th or 10^th century, but here in the 20^th century we are hearing from the Honorable Revenue Minister that he has divine rights of Pris. What is then the correct positon he does hold otherwise? He holds the post of Minister by divine rights of Pris!

            Sir when the Honorable Revenue Minster went out on tours he wrote several letters to his friends and supporters saying “ I am coming. Kindly make arrangements for me. I will be your guest.” Then big tamashas were held and big dinners were given.

            The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: By a means produce them even now.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I will produce them even now.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: Sir, with all this bankruptcy of action they say “We are following Congress example.”

 

Then, Sir, the Honorable Public Work Department Minister says, “We have to keep social status.” I am really surprised. My dear Sir, Mr. Bulabhai Desai and Mr. Kanayalal Munshi are spending Rs. 5 thousand per month on themselves and they don’t ravel 200 miles a day to earn Travelling Allowance. Honorable member Mr.G. M. Sayed some time back wanted the Ministry to go at aero plane’s speed. Ofcourse in one respect at least this Ministry has got airplane’s speed because they travel 200 miles a day to earn Travelling Allowance.

 

 

Sir, this Cabinet has not only not improved the conduct of the officials to become less corrupt and less oppressive, but they have actually encouraged them so much in their behavior against the people of this Province that they have dared to insult the Ministers themselves. The Instance of Police sports can never be lost sight of by this province. It was an insult offered to the whole Province, Sir. You must remember Sir Shah Nawaz while he was only an ordinary member of Bombay Council, was insulted by Police Officer at Jacobabad sports, and result was that the Bombay Government had to come down and apologize.Here the minister are insulted. The Police officers knew that they had invited Ministers. Their proper place  must have been reserved. But no; they wanted to ignore our Ministers. They consider them nobodies. They do so because they consider that they are guests of a couple of months in Ministerial Chairs and would submit  to any treatment by officers. Finally what happens? Simply a letter from the Inspector-General of Police giving all sorts of excuses satisfies our Ministers. The right course would have been that the people who were responsible for the management of sports should have been dismissed outright. It was an insult offered to the whole Province.

Col. H. J. MAHON: Questions

 Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, it is no questioning. Then just imagine what is the condition of honorable members, what is the way our members are treated. Let us take one of the honorable members occupying Congress benches and who is a great friend of Honorable Khan Bahadur Khan Bakhsh. It is said that he is supported by him. Officials orders by the Deputy Commissioner, Upper Sind Frontier district, are issued that no officer of Government of Sind should see him when he calls on them on business ! The result is that even the tapedar refuses to see him. Is this not an insult to this House?

Then, Sir, what does one of the Collectors of another district do? Several members of the district go the Collector. They send him a chit. Many members of Legislative Assembly and many other leading gentlemen of the district go to see him about a particular business and send their names in advance. The time is given for the interview. They go there, and then what happens? The Collector keeps one chair for himself and makes all these other gentlemen stand there for 1.5 hours or till the talks terminate.

Sir, the circular that this Assembly passed to the effect that every officer should get up, shake hands and offer a chair to every visitor, was consigned to the waste paper basket by the officialdom in Sind. Even ordinary courtesy is not extended by these blue bloods. I say every man living in this Province of Sind must be courteously treated. Here were the representative of the people of the District, here were the representative of the people of the District, here were the representative of the people of the District, here we are leading gentlemen of district who went to see the Collector, who gave him sufficient notice and when they were called in, they did not get sitting accommodation. They sent a telegraphic S.O.S to the Honorable the Chief Minster “Please come down” He went down there. Sir what does he do? He does not even look at those members who go and receive him, but straightaway goes to the Collector, talks for three hours with him and then eventually comes out and tells the gentlemen who were insulted. “ Now you can go and explain matters to the Collector and everything will be alright.” Should each one go in individually and apologize to the Collector for the this Conduct on the part of the Collector himself, I ask him. I have raised questions on this issue. As it is a very urgent and important matter the Honorable Chief Minister should have replied to these questions on the very first day of the session, but no reply has come forth yet.

Sir, I do not want to repeat what the honorable members of this House who have preceded me have said, but I will only point out that the Honorable Chief Minister has defied public opinion and wasted good 8 months of this Province in not calling a session. In Bombay the session was sitting for 4 months for the Budget session and again it met from the 17^th August. From that day up-to 17^th November they had 70 sittings in the morning and sometime at night also because the Government were anxious to pass beneficent legislation as early as possible. The congress has placed before the country certain Program at the time of the general elections and two years have passed. They want to implement their program and so they sat from day to day for 70 days between August and November. And they are meeting again. They had 4 months for the Budget session had passed so many healthy Bills which have brought Bombay in high esteem of the outside world. In addition, good opportunity has been given to non-officials in the Bombay Assembly to move their resolutions, but in fact the Government have left so little to be done by non-officials, that there is not much required to be done there by nom-officials. On the days of non-officials business, attendance is poor because members have not do much in view of the Government having done so many things. This is the example of the other provinces. For 8 months here we have been idling, the Assembly was not called and salary was paid to members. The Ministers drew salaries but were nervous to face the Assembly. They thought they must have their stability secured first before facing the Assembly.

Sir, this Province needs money for goof work and there are only two ways of getting money, one is by retrenchment and another by additional taxation. Government has not thought or additional taxation at all. Sir, other provinces have imposed new taxation and have found out so many other means which will not directly touch the agriculturists by finding money from other sources. The Bombay Government has found 60 lakhs of rupees to spend on Prohibition. Here we have given a report saying “You can save Rs. 40 lakhs.” Members of the Committee were all responsible people. They can occupy the chair of the Chief Minister worthily. They understand their responsibility. They made those recommendations. Government of course does not want to look at them.

Then, Sir when we asked for Rs. 70,00 more for primary education of Rs. 26,ooo for Lyari Girls education or when we wanted funds for compulsory education in 8 Districts, the Chief Minister cannot find the money. But he can create appointment of a Deputy Collector for the Honorable the Chief Minster, a Mukhtiarkar for the Revenue Member and Assistant. . . . .

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: That is repetition.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I am just referring to it. That is all. Then, Sir, most of the communal friction  is always based on little petty jobs and they should have long ago decided about the communal representation in services. They should have made rules so that no more trouble on that issue might arise. They have failed to do that too.

Then, Sir, the Honorable the Chief Minister was pleased to advise Executive Engineer to withdraw a case filed to defamation by that officer against the Editor of a communal paper, “Ekta” of Larkana. Perhaps you know that when the Honorable the Revenue Minster goes on tour in Larkana, that Editor entertains him. But, Sir, for a lesser offence the Editor of “Al Wahid” was convicted and punished and fined.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: And the Editor was handcuffed on the Hyderabad Railway Station.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, they did not anything for the Province, but they have the whole Press Agency at their command to give all sorts of false reports about their doing which the Government have never done. Only a few days ago I read an Associated  Press message. You can just imagine a responsible news agency sending out a message that the Government have issued orders prohibiting Lauri Haj, because it offends the sentiment of Muslims. Such misunderstanding to be created.

The Honorable PIr ILLAHI BAKHSH: Government has passed orders.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Thank you, But why was Mr. Mirchandani, the collector of Hyderabad here to consult how to stop the show or how to conduct it peacefully?

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: Why don’t you show them? (Laughter)

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, one gentleman at Karachi takes it into his head to write in the most offensive way articles against the Holy Prophet of Islam. Sir, those articles pained every Muslim. When I heard such and such gentleman had written such articles, I said “I can’t believe it.” It was impossible for him, I said. I go and take hold the originals, Which were in Gujrati. I  read them, Sir. My blood boiled reading these writings and so does the blood of every Muslim here. We requested the Government to take action. Muslim they call themselves, those sitting on those treasury chairs. What do they do? They issue orders under section 144 against people agitating, who say to the Ministers. ”Please do your duty , they have insulted the Prophet of Islam, and therefore your action is needed.” But what have you done against the offenders against the man who has committed such heinous offence? They do not have the courtesy to proscribe the book. They still call themselves representatives of Muslim in this Province. It was left to (مرد‏خدا  ( i.e God’s man in the Province of Bengal to proscribe that book. The Sind Government under the government of India Act, are bound to repeat those notifications. The notification is repeated in this Province by this Government. Even after this no officer has even visited the Press enquiry how many copies are still left with the printer and publisher for forfeiture. Did he, the Chief Minister, ever enquire if one copy was forfeited to Government? No action was taken. This is how he is using the powers of law and order and his powers to protect the honor of our Prophet. Sir, I have not words to condemn his activities in this matter. If I read what is written and what this gentleman has done, the whole House will go ablaze. Sir, what is this? They call themselves Muslims, and in spite of repeated meeting all over the Province, nay , all over India, and resolutions having been sent to them, and responsible people having written to them, the Honorable the Chief Minister does not take any action. He goes on repeating those notification notifications, putting a gag on the mouths of those people, month after month, who want Government to do its duty. I have to–day one dozen notifications. They are in my file. Now in first notification gagging the tongue of agitators, the District Magistrate writes “in view of the objectionable articles written” by so and so. When the officers of Government hold those articles objectionable, does not ordinary decency, does not ordinary duty require that the Honorable the Chief Minister should take action against the writer, printer and publisher?

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: How long will the honorable member take?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I won’t take very long, Sir. But I have got some very pertinent things to say.

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: We must give him one hour. He is going to Haj. He may not come back. (Laughter)

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I am showing how the Honorable Ministers sitting on those chairs are interfering with the administration of justice. The Honorable Minister for Public Works Department said that he recently sent for an Executive Engineer. He made him to do a particular thing as if he is technical expert for getting it done in a particular way.

Then, Sir, I would give an instance of how the Honorable Minister for Revenue is working. One day he takes up the telephone receiver and says to an Inspector who was investigating a certain breach of trust case “Please bring your papers of this case to me.” The Inspector naturally replies: “I can’t do that, Sir; I must have orders of my District superintendent or Superintendent.” The Honorable Revenue Minister insists “No. You must bring the papers to me now.” The Inspector replies “I can’t.”

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: Question.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Then, Sir what happens? The Honorable Revenue Minister is upset. He goes to the Honorable Chief Minister. He goes to the Honorable Chief Minister. He says to him that the Inspector must be dismissed or that he must be sent out immediately to some other post.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: It is all nonsense.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: The Honorable the Chief Minister knows it. Then what happens? The Honorable the Chief Minister sends for the Inspector-General of Police and says “Please transfer this Inspector from Karachi.” The Inspector-General says “There are Government order passed twice that this gentleman must not be sent out of Karachi, his life is in danger. For duties performed on behalf of Government, they have decided twice that he cannot go out.” When he was first posted to Karachi, he asked for a transfer as his health was bad and the Karachi climate did not suit him. He was made to stay on. Ultimately Government  decided that he could not go out as his life was in danger. When the Inspector-General is told to transfer the Inspector must go from here.” The District Superintendent of Police and says “These are the orders of the Chief Minister and the Inspector must go from here.” The District Superintendent of Police gets rather wroth. He says “How can Government do that?”, because the District Superintendent of Police accidentally happened to be the same officer who had been helped by this Inspector in performing certain duties, and he knew that on account of the discharge of those duties the Inspector’s life was in danger. But the Inspector-General of Police says :”We have got the order of the Chief Minster. What can we do?” What is the Inspector to do under those circumstances? He says:”You dismiss me if you like. I cannot go out of Karachi.” This is, Sir, how the administration of this Province is being run.

KHAN ABAHADUR A.K. GABOL:  Was he dismissed?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: He went on leave. It is for the Honorable Chief Minister to deny or refute the statements that I am now making.

Under sections 401 and 402, Criminal Procedure Code, Government has been given power to reprieve to certain convicted persons. This Power has been very freely utilized by the present Minister. If you take the total number of persons who were given reprieve during many years, you will find, Sir, that the number during the regime of the present Ministry is greater. I shall give an illustration. A gentleman commits theft or breach of trust in Hyderabad. He is convicted for six months and is sentenced to a fine of Rs. 500. An appeal is made for reprieve and reprieve is given.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: What is his name?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I will you the name if you want. Sir, his name is Mirchandani, he is the brother of Mr. Hashmatrai Mirchandani, who is the Manager of the Karachi Urban Co-operative Bank.

Then, Sir, there are certain people who commit murders in Khipro. They are very rich people. They spend Rs. 20,000 over night over the Police, and the Police don’t take action against them. Unfortunately honorable member KHAN BAHADUR GHULAM NABI SHAH is not here, otherwise I am sure he would bear me out in this matter. When after great effort the Police and persuaded to take action, a prosecution is filed against the men and they are convicted for life. Imagine the surprise of my life, Sir, when I go to Mirpurkhas last month and learn that those people, after serving 2 or 3 years of their imprisonment, have been given reprieve.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: May I know their names?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: They are banias of Khipro. I will send you their names to-morrow. I have not got them with me at present. Then, Sir, the Honorable member Dr.Wadhwani, when he wwas Minister for Public works Department, decided that an Indian Architect should be selected for constructing Government buildings. The Honorable Mr. Nihchaldas, immediately he took over charge cancelled those orders and appointed one non-Indian for the reasons which he has explained to-day, because a friend of his is going to be that non-Indian’s partner.

Then, Sir, an honorable member on the Hindu Independent Party benches made a complaint to the Honorable Minister for Public Works Department, then Dr Hemadas Wadhwani, that one Assistant Engineer was not complying with his request to give him more water he deserved. That Assistant Engineer refused to deprive other smaller people of their due share of water. That complaint was sent to the Remembrance of Legal Affairs, who supported the Assistant Engineer that he acted correctly. As soon as the present Public Work Department Minister takes over charge, There-opens the case and he punishes the Assistant Engineer for not complying with the request. The zamindar now gets more water, and I think he derives an additional income Rs. 15000 a year on that account. If men in the position of Assistant Engineers are demoralized like that, how do you expect other officer to act impartially?

The Honorable Mr.NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI: What is his name?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I will give you. It is Mr. M Gidwani.

The Honorable Mr.NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI: There was a charge of defalcation against him.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: There is no truth in that. If you appoint a Committee of enquiry, I will prove it.

Then, Sir, one honorable gentleman of this House gets an anonymous application to the Honorable the Revenue Minister against a Mukhtiarkar of a Taluka. The Revenue Commissioner is asked to give a charge sheets to the Mukhtiarkar. The Mukhtiarkar says “Let me retire. I don’t want to serve ant longer. Having rendered meritorious services for a number of years, I cannot continue in the Government service under these conditions.” He has served 33 years. He is 53 years of age now. He is not yet allowed to retire.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: May I know the name?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: He is Mukhtiarkar of Sakro. Mr. Lakhimal. The charge against him is that it had been found out that certain tapedars had shown certain cultivated areas as uncultivated. He gives his explanation that he is required to inspect and scrutinize a certain percentage of the survey numbers only. He says:” I have scrutinized, they are all correct. If they are found to be false, I can charged that I have connived at the forgery. But I have not seen the other survey numbers.” When he has not seen the other survey numbers, how can he be accused?

Sir, the Honorable the Public Works Department Minister gets a complaint, -and I have read this incident in the newspaper –from a clerk in the Secretariat, one Mr. Joseph, who was convicted in some Court and the Honorable Public Works Department Minister was then his Advocate and had defended him . . . .

The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : I never knew him.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: This clerk tells him that a certain Sub-Inspector of Police s asking for bribes.

The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : Not a taking but extorting bribes.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Very well, extorting bribes. He informs him that the Sub-Inspector is extorting a bribe from a certain gentleman who was some times the client of the Honorable Minister.

The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : No, “Make investigation.” Is there anything wrong in it?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Yes, the thing should be done in proper manner from the point of view of administration.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Was it cognizable offence?

The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI : It was extortion by the Police.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Then I will come to what out honorable friend the Honorable Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh has been doing. Sir, The honorable the Chief Minister is known all over Sind to be a friend and savior and protector of officers.

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: What savior?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: He had got one Police Inspector as his friend. That Police Inspector, when he was Sub-Inspector in Shikarpur, used to take our honorable friend as a Police Mashir. Then he became Inspector. He was accused by a certain gentleman of having made Rs. 90,000 or lakh or rupees by bribes. Government compelled that Inspector to file a prosecution against that gentleman He filed a prosecution. But what happens? He did not pursue it. Twice he remained absent in court and the Court dismissed the prosecution. Then, Sir, this gentleman –the Police and again put in charge of the same Shikarpur Division. There was already a Deputy Superintendent  there who had hardly been in charge of that Division for a weeks. But this friend of our Honorable the Chief Minister is sent there where he was accused by a person of extorting bribes. You can imagine, Sir, what protection and safety the people will be feeling in that Division when an officer who has been accused of extorting bribes is transferred there.

Mr. G. M. Sayed: What is his name?

(voices: Allah Bakhsh)

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Then, Sir, when the Honorable the Revenue goes on tour, he writes to Mukhtiarkar to collect complainst against officers.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: That is not correct.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: The he gets lakhs of applications.

Congress Benches: Lakhs

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: At least it was so given in the Sind Observer, the Ministerial organ, as matter of admiration. This paper praised the Ministry in season an out of season, and it was there said that one lakh of applications were received.

Sir, calculate the cost entailed to the poor people. At least the writing charges for each application will be annas 4 and there is the stamp of 8 annas.

The honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: There is no stamp applied on the applications.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Half of them at least are stamped.

The honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: Not a single one is stamped.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: These applicants often do not come alone. Moreover, they come from long distances ; they come and sit here and the Honorable the Minister receives the petites. Now, if each petition costs Rs. 10, it means 10 lakhs of rupees wasted. (Laughter). Ten lakhs of rupees of these poor people who can ill-afford even to spare one rupee, are wasted on these Ministers.

Then, Sir, see what their won Police Officers have to say about the Ministers and what certificate they get for them. This is the certificate given to them in the Administration Report of the Police certificate given to them in the Administration. Report of the Police Department in Sind The remark appears para. 49 of the Report:-

“The police are servants of the Crown and are employed in the service of the Public. When prominent members of the Legislative Assembly tell the people that the Police are their servants, they are likely to mislead and do a dis-service to the public. The police are the guardians of the people and are responsible for the preservation of law and order. This responsibility should not be impaired by loose talk.” (Laughter)

This was the certificate given by their own officer, their sub-ordinates, because the Honorable the Revenue Minister was shown in a cartoon in a paper with a danda in his hand telling the people, “I shall beat the officers with the stick.”

Sir, there were serious complaints against the Mukhtiarkars of Kambar  made to the Honorable the Revenue Minister. Has the Honorable Minister investigated them? What did he do? He promoted him and transferred him to Karachi City.

Then, there were serious complaints against the Inspector and Sub-Inspector of Sakrand given to the Revenue Minster. How does the Honorable the Revenue Minister deal with him? He transfers him to the Nara Valley, the best and most fruitful valley of Indus and paradise of officials!

The honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: I did not transfer him.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Then you must have managed it.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: May I know the name of that Sub-Inspector?

The honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: It must be Mir Fateh Khan. Who else can there be?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: There were serious complaints against him and nothing has happened.

Then the police had gone to Moro and at the point of bayonet extorted bribe. Complaints were made to Government and people were told “You go to Court. Prove your case and the Court will punish them.”

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: What were the names of officers involved?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Those officers continue to be there.

Sir, this all due to the incompetency of our Cabinet to protect the people of this Province. Having got this one lakh of applications, they cannot say that they do not know what the grievances of the people are, that there is no zulum or oppression. But, Sir, what is the result of these applications? It has done more harm than good. These applications are forwarded to those very officers against whom complaints are made. They are challaning those people every day, beating them and making them write that what was written in the applicants was not correct.

Then, Sir, the Honorable the Chief Minister is very friendly with the officers, even petty officers. I was pained to hear the other day that he goes with his files to the Secretaries in their rooms or their houses. That is enough disgrace and indignity for the Province. I also learn that he visits the Mukhtairkar and the City Magistrate of Shikarpur when he is there.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: No Sir,

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Well, Sir, I am very glad to hear that, but this is the common talk:

Then Sir, the Honorable the Chief Minister, taking advantage of his position, has got undue advantage over other zamindars. I want to give a few instances of that.

There was a Civil Suit against the Honorable Chief Minister –Suit No. 573 of 1936, In Shikarpur Sub-Court. One Mr. Radhomal was plaintiff. Mr. Varumal was the Judge. The suit was decided against the poor plaintiff, and Mr. Varumal, instead of retiring, had been given a fresh life to serve for a further period –quite an unheard of thing –in Sind. I had learnt this from talks in the Karachi Club with members of legal professions.

The HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: No mention about the talk in the Karachi Club.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: When was the suit decided and what was the amount involved?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Whatever it may be, but it is the fact. I am told that the amount involved was Rs. 23000.

Then, Sir, the Honorable the Chief Minister one day in Sukkur was going in a motor car and the driver killed a poor employee of Sukkur Municipality. The Honorable the Chief Minister appeared as a witness in that case. The Magistrate –a very obliging gentleman –let off that driver and as a reward this gentleman is now posted as a Deputy Collector in his own native place, Larkana.

Now I am coming to further serious allegations. The Honorable the Chief Minister had been able to secure about 1350 jirebs in the Mohag of other zamindars, somewhere near Hamayan, at concessionary rates.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: When?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: You must be knowing better.

The HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Honorable member must give dates.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Before the became the Minister, but he got that also for being a whip of Government. He got that in partnership with the Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto.  Till he became Chief Minister, he could not get water from the Karias of other zamindars, as Mr. Framji, the then Executive Engineer, could not see his way to put that additional land also on the already meagre sluices held by the neighboring zamindars. But after the Honorable Chief Minister became Premiere, the local Executive Engineer pressed the zamidars to agree to the water being given to Honorable Khan Bahadur for his those lands out of their karias and, on their refusing to do so, the Public Work Department Officials got breaches caused into those karias by force and supplied the Khan Bahadur with water, with the result that, whereas even his waste lands got water, the crop of the original zamindars seemed to have withered due to insufficiency of water. I have got before me the statement of Wadero Dur Mohamed Sadahayo of Humayun and other zamindars equally affected.

The HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Is the honorable member reading from written speech?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Yes, Sir, I am reading because there are so many names of dehs and number of zamindars ; otherwise I might mis-read the names.

Then the next allegation is that in the non-Barrage area the practice is that land in the mohags of particular zamindars is not given on permanent tenure to the outsiders, but after the Honorable the Chief Minister assumed the reins of office the officials below have been too liberal in granting lands in the mohags of other people to the Honorable Chief Minister’s brother and friends, not only against the wishes of the zamindars entitled to have those lands but at very concessionary rates. Those survey number are situated in deh Hamayun of Shikarpur taluka and their area spreads over hundreds of acres. The Honorable members who are themselves zamindars will realize what a great iniquity underlies the granting of lands to strangers in the mohags of other persons. Many time it causes friction and constant quarrel between the zamindars if the mohags are given to strangers. The Honorable the Chief Minister,  after assuming the reins of his office, has been getting these mohag lands sometimes in his own name and sometimes in his own name and sometimes in his brother’s name, Sir, there are many zamindars affected by the grant of mohags to Khan Bahadur. I have got 12 names. They are: Bahadur Sadhayo, Karim Bakhsh Sadahyo, Nabibux Sadhayo, Allah Rakhio Sadahyo, Kasim Khan Sadahyo, Murad Khan Sadhayo, and so on, all of whom are very small khtedars and as such the hardship and the injustice that have thus been caused to them could not catch the eyes of the officials. They have been crying against the violation of the sanctity of mohag rights and privileges. The mohag land are never given to strangers, but the Chief Minister must make hay while the sun shines.

Sir, now I will come to another instances in which he has taken lands in the mohags of other zamindars from Government without any restriction, and subsequently he has partially sold out those lands to other zamindars and made a profit out of it. He got 2000 jirebs of lands on Begari Canal recently, and has sold half of it to one Seth Mulchand of Mian-jo-Goth for Rs. 30000.

Sir, the position which the Honorable the Chief Minister has come to enjoy is not being exploited by himself alone for his purpose, but is being exploited by his very close friends.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The Honorable member should not read from the written speech. He can speak from memory and refer to notes wherever necessary.

 Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, in deh Wasand Kalhoro, tapo Nur Mahomed Shujra, taluka Shikarpur, there are 500 jirebs of land in the mohag of local kahtedars. One of his friends wanted that land for himself. He went to the Deputy Collector. Those small khatedars also applied to the Deputy Collector. Those small khatedars also applied to the Deputy Collector for the grant of Mohags to them. But a condition was imposed that the whole of the malkano money shall have to be paid on the spot. This condition was laid down merely to make it impossible fot the Khatedars the legitimate Mohag holders to pay the whole amount at once. The practice ordinarily is that even in the case of valuable Barrage lands at least 10 installments are given, but in the case of these lands even that small concession had been peremptorily denied to the small khatedars in orders to pave the way for a stranger. In spite of that strict condition, the small khatedars went to the Deputy Collector with the money on the appointed date, but the Deputy Collector with the money on the appointed date, but they were not called in, and when they went home back, somebody informed them that a friend of the Honorable the Chief Minister had acquired those lands. Is that not injustice to the poor Khatedars? If these lands had not been given to a friend of the Honorable Chief Minister, Government would also have got have got a good price for those lands.

Now, Sir, I come to another instance. The khatedars of deh Kumbh Ravati, deh Wasand Kalhoro and deh Arija, tapo Nur Mahomed Shujra, taluka Shikarpur, have been subjected to serious difficulty. They take water out of Khalhora Branch of Begari Canal.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, will he kindly give me the names of the dehs?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Dehs Kumbh Ravati, deh Wasand Kalhoro and deh Arija, tapo Nur Mahomed Shujra, taluka Shikarpur. Sir, Khan Bahadur’s lands were getting less water. Water-courses of other people were moduled and their supply decreased, whereas Khan Bahadur’s water course had no modules, and he was given abundant supply. Then there is another question. There are certain dehs, like deh Bhati Nur Muhammad, in Shikarpur where Khan Bahadur has a special karia, which cuts through the lands of other people. Zamindars, when requested, refused to give permission for such a water-course to be constructed. The officers pressed them under the Irrigation Act, and the zamindars, through whose land it passed, had to bow down. If any land is required for public purpose, proceedings under the Land Acquisition Act have to be taken. Here those officers were creating a bad precedent; and further, zamindars were told “ You will get water out of this Khan Bahadurs’s new karia when the karia had been moduled.” Those people were being not troubled and their cultivation has suffered terribly due to this karia having cut across other people’s karia.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: May I know the name of deh?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Tapo Nur Muhammad.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: A copy maybe supplied to the Honorable Leader of the House. I would request the honorable member to supply a copy to the Leader of the House.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Now, Sir, in deh Bhati Nur Muhammad he has taken Mohag lands to the extent of 4000 or 5000 jirebs, and then what does he do? I may tell you why I have brought this point.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: I am thankful.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: This Land the Khan Bahadur cultivated and he cultivated some other Government land adjacent, also unauthorized. Now as the cultivation had been unauthorized, the Government rules provided that he should pay ten times the assessments as fine. But no fine was imposed and remission given for unauthorized land and Khan Bahadur allowed to enjoy the produce!

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: In what deh and in what year? In fairness he should mention the name of deh.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I will give you everything. I have got the original papers. I have already mentioned the deh for this unauthorized cultivation.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Will the Honorable member finish his speech? There is very short time. He should finish his speech soon.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, all these incidents of depriving others of their rights have caused nervousness in the zamnindars and cultivators of adjacent lands; they are deprived of their water supplies; and their cultivation withers, while that of the Khan Bahadur which had been getting no water is now getting bounteous supply of water, and whether crops fail or not, he gets remission.

Then, Sir, he is incharge of law and order. He has appointed five Sub-Judges, and whom does he appoint? A partner of the Honorable Revenue Minister who had hardly nine months’ experienced in spite of better qualified people.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: No, 3 years. It was done by Public Service Commission.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: You have right of reply. I am giving you an opportunity to remove that impression.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Fair denial is enough. No arguments.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Then, Sir, there is one tapedar who enjoys Government salary, but never works in his tapa.

A Honorable Member: What is his name?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR:  He is attending on an honorable member for the 24 hours of day and night and, so the rumor goes, the honorable member is supposed to be in his pocket, the pocket of that tapedar, and our Minister go and beg that tapedar to secure the vote of that honorable member.

KHAN BAHADUR A. K. GABOL: Why?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: For the stability of the Ministry. Then, Sir, this tapedar’s cousin gets Sub-Judge’s appointment.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: But it is done by the Public Service Commission.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR:  We know all that, as to how it is manipulated. And that is why I have moved a resolution that the Public Service Commission is no good to the interest of Sind.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: They should not be subjected to criticism in this House.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, I have told and you must have known about the famous case of Aerodrome at Sukkur where there were lot of defalcations, and one Executive Engineer had to go out of office and one Assistant Engineer too. I am now told the and he has now applied for revision of Government orders and reinstatement in service. I hope this is wrong, but this is my information.

The Honorable KHAN BAHADUR ALLAH BAKHSH: HE is wrong.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I can impart information to the Chief Minster to find out the facts himself.

Sir, these are the actions done by our Ministers. As regards what is not done, of course we know they have done nothing, except mere routine. This is the smallest Province of India, but still it spends 3.5 Crores of rupees. Honorable members of this House have now been clearly shown and they must have come to the conclusion that not an iota of the national schemes devised by the Congress have yet been adopted here. That they have done nothing is plain; and it is also plain that they have no principles, no policy, and no parties, and they do not enjoy the confidence of the Province. If it is alleged that they do enjoy the confidence of this House, I have shown you how they have come to enjoy the confidence of this House and also because the honorable members on my right have chosen to remain neutral. Otherwise we would have shown even whether they do enjoy the confidence of this House.

With these remarks I support the vote of no-confidence against the Ministry, and I think we have shown how they do not deserve to occupy those chairs.

SAYED MUHAMMAD ALI SHAH: (In Sindhi) Sir, I had no intention o speak to-day because I do not consider this subject so important as to speak on it; but honorable member Mr. Gazdar has stated certain points which require explanation. I feel it my duty to place the facts as they are, before the honorable members of this House and I leave it to them to judge.

What was the strength of the Sind United Party in the beginning? There were about 10 to 20 members, one or two of them left the party for reasons best known to them, and it is on this account that the honorable members of the opposition say that the Sind United Party is not in existence. It is just like saying that the Indian National Congress ceases to exist if one member leaves the body. The fact is that honorable member Mr. GAZDAR was originally a member of the Sind United Party, and he was made Parliamentary Secretary in the late Ministry of Sir Ghulam Hussain.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: With the order of the Party.

SAYED MUHAMMAD ALI SHAH: (In Sindhi) But as ill-suck would have it, the Secretary ship lasted for nine days only. When this Ministry came into existence, honorable member Mr. Gazdar left the Sind United Party and now he states that the Sind United Party has broken down if only one member leaves the party because of personal grudge. Allow me to say further, Sir, that when the leader of our United Party became the Chief Minister, only three members left the party because their personal desires could not be fulfilled and still 8 members continued to remain in the Sind United Party. Now it is stated because of those three members, the Sind United Party had left its leader. That is quite wrong. The leader of the Party is still there; 8 members continue to remain in the party. Ordinary members have left the party and they assert that the party has broken down.

KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: (In Sindhi) Did not the leader of your party resign the leadership?

SAYED MUHAMMAD ALI SHAH: (In Sindhi) It has also been stated that members have proved faithless to the Muslim League. When the President of the All-India Muslim League, Kaid-eAizam Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had come over here, he had sent for all the Muslim members of the Sind Assembly. He explained to us that the main reason for the starting a Muslim League and we stick to them even upto to-day. When Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah left this place, the Sind Muslim League Party refused to follow the principles of the All-India Muslim League Party.

In order to satisfy their personal ambitious an intrigue was conceived behind the curtain. Muslim members were directed to sit on the benches meant for the Muslim member refused to sit on those benches, steps would be taken against him. On the 4^th January 1939, conversation of certain responsible members that the only reason of forming a Muslim league block in the Assembly was to bring a vote of no-confidence against the present Ministry and to compel the party to vote in the division, so that the downfall of the present Ministry would surely come. It was not one of the principles of  the Muslim League and that is why we refused to sit on this, I may say an artificial block, and this is why we are termed traitors. Now, Sir, I dare say that Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah was not against this Ministry. Leaving aside the principles of the All-India Muslim League, I give you the principles of the Sind Muslim League: their first and foremost principle was to break this Ministry and form their Ministry. Therefore those members who do not support the Muslim league in the achievement of their objects cannot be blamed.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Order, order. The Gallery should not disturb the House. They must sit down for a few minutes more.

SAYED MUHAMMAD ALI SHAH: (In Sindhi) Now, let us come to the question of assessment which has caused so much trouble. The assessment that has been proposed by Government is unjust or may be unjust. We say that Government should give effect to these proposals after public opinion has been invited. IF the Ministry does not make necessary changes in the light of Public opinion, we should not support the Ministry. At present there has been no such discussion in the House. The proposals will be placed before the House before any final orders are passed. A no–confidence motion at this stage is therefore premature. If at the time of discussion of the land assessment question it is proved to the Government that it is unjust to increase the assessment and if Government does not agree, then and then only will it be our duty no to help the present Government. Collection of assessment has not yet begun. Our Public Work Department Minister has expressed that the question of assessment will be decided in this session. Government gives us an opportunity to decide this question in the current session.

            Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, on a point of information. He seems to be in the confidence of Government. I want to know whether the collection of land revenue which has been imposed on the Province is being suspended. In the ordinary course it will be collected in February.

KHAN BAHADUR M. A. KHUHRO: (In Sindhi) Does the honorable member know that the revenue year ends on the 31^st July? Government had passed the orders before 31^st July 1938 in the last year.

SAYED MUHAMMAD ALI SHAH: (In Sindhi) It is a fact. I had only to answer what honorable member Mr. Gazdar had said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12^th Jan. 1939

NO –CONFIDENCE MOTION : DISCUSSION RESUMED.

 

K.B. A. K. GABOL: Sir, I had no desire to speak on this vote of no confidence which is moved against the present Minsitry by my old friend, the honorable member. Mr. G. M. Sayed I just want to touch a few points regarding myself and the honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed, first when he came to the District Local Board as a member and when I was also a member, in 1927. He tried to become Vice-President and then President of the District Local Board. I would not have mentioned these points had he not himself admitted before this Honorable House the day before the yesterday that he was responsible to throw out the Sir Ghulam Hussain Ministry. Now let me tell you, Sir, How he used the word “Ghdarai”, which is in English “ Arch Intriguer”.

An Honorable Member: It means a traitor.

K.B. A. K. GABOL: You don’t kow how to speak ! (Laughter)

 Now, Sir, the question is this. Really he is capable of these things. Every member, every man has not these things. Every member, every man has not these brains to put up one Ministry, then set up another Minsitry, and be prepared for a third. Really it is a matter of shame that we today are finding disunity among the  Muslims of this Province. Our Muslim voters have sent us to do some good work for the public. But from these three days’ debate. I do not find any one from the Congress Benches or from the Hindu Independent Party supporting this motion, or opposing this motion. It is evident that something is wrong in our own house. Sir, I was present that night when the Honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain had given a dinner in honor of the honorable member our ex member Mr. Raschen. When our honorable friend was present, he was dining with Sir Ghulam Hussain on the same table. The next morning we came here and just after 2 o’clock, Sir Ghulam Hussain told me that G.M Sayed had come to him and told him that he was with Sir Ghulam Hussain. Well, there it is for this Honorable House to judge, what it is to leave others at a moment’s notice. Three days before that I had a talk with the present Honorable the Leader of the House. Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh, I am not going to hold any brief for him. Sir, was not aware that he was going to be Minister. On the contrary I told him “ Khan Bahadur, you are going to be Minister.” He said, “ I am not. I abhor the idea.” Sir, wires were then sent to him, but it is for him to clear the position later on.

                Now,Sir, I appreciate the speech which was made yesterday by the honorable member from Dadu, and he has been criticized by some press outside.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: No press is to be mentioned.

K.B. A. K. GABOL:  I have nothing ti do with them. I cannot understand how we should move in bringing about unity in our own house. When he had the Muslim League Conference, I remember the words of “Kaid-e-Azam” Jinnah,-he said, “ I have come here to break one Ministry and have another Ministry. I have come to make unity among the Muslims. Let all Muslims join together and put their forces against any other community if they are not getting proper treatment.” If today I support the present Ministry, those belonging to the Muslim League will say “ You are a Ghahdari, or “Kafir”, you are supporting a Hindu Sabha Ministry”. Don’t you realize in these three days debate not a single honorable Hindu member has raised his voice, and has told that this Ministry is right or that Ministry is right.  Therefore let us decide our fate among ourselves. I will be too happy and will be the first man to vote, and will be prepared to do any sacrifice if my friends are prepared to make a majority and make a Muslim League Ministry. Even our Kaid-e-Azam had a talk with the Honorable Minister Mr. Nihchaldas and said “ I never debarred our Hindu friends from coming and joining us.” If today I am not going to fulfill the wishes of the General Secretary of the Muslim League, my honorable friend SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID or the President of the Muslim League who happens to be a great friend of mine –in election we had our own affairs to settle –tomorrow you will find big articles are printed and meetings held that Khan Bahadur Gabol is not a Muslim. But I assure you I have got greater sympathy for the Muslim League than any other honorable member present in this Hall. (Laughter). I am much more a Muslim League than my friends Mr. G.M. Sayed. Only the day before yesterday he was with the Congress. Today he is a Muslim Leaguer. God knows how long he is going to remain with the Muslim League! Sir, the honorable member is a great friend of mine, as I told you in the beginning. Not only that, but he belongs to the honorable society, the world-wide society of free masons and he was with me before. But he left me also from these. I do not want to mention that!

Now I come to clear my position. I will support the present Ministry if they have done any good deeds. I will not support them if they have not done ay good deeds. They should not think for a moment. . . . .

Mr. M. A KHOSO: What do you mean by good deeds!

K.B. A. K. GABOL: I will explain. If anybody does good deeds, everybody will call him a good man. So far I have  gone round about to clear my position as a Mussalman.

Dr. POPATLAL A. BHOOTPATKAR: Why go round about? Why not come straight! (Laughter)

K.B. A. K. GABOL:  I have greater sympathy for the Muslim community than my other friends. But allow me to tell you that I will not sell my community for anyone to be made a Minister or even the Governor of Sind. I will be the last person to sell my Muslim community if anybody will offer me the Governorship of Sind. (Roars of laughter). Question are coming up about religion being in danger. If somebody is ot getting a job as a Minister, then some say “Religion is in danger”.

Dr. POPATLALKAR A. BHOOTPATKAR: Have you any religion?

K.B. A. K. GABOL:  I have got a better religion than you have, my friend. I will come on you also very nicely. (Laughter). If Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh becomes the Chief Minister, we say: “Well, he has not done anything for the Mussalmans”. We give him any number of abuses. But if my other friends from the League Party becomes Ministers, then other say “This is Muhammad Raj”. But we have not been taught all this by our religion. Our religion is a liberal religion. Let us know do some work for the Public. Every honorable member here will agree with me that we have come here, Sir, to do something good for the public. If my brother, if my cousin, if my relation could not get a job, it is not fair to say: “Well so and so is bad, or so and so is good”. I have never requested the Government to do anything for me for my relations.

Dr.POPATLAL A. BHOOTPAKAR:  You have not requested any one including the Commissioner?

K.B. A. K. GABOL: He was my friend. (Laughter). Now, Sir, the question is this. I have got figures and proofs with me. But I am sorry I cannot disclose them at this stage, because after all the members of this Honorable House are my colleagues. I do not want to expose them.

Now I turn the page against the present Ministry. Who is responsible for bringing in the gentleman now sitting on the Ministerial chairs to be our Ministers? Even if the honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed has brought a curse on us, we must not say “You are responsible, not we”. Without hearing both parties, we must not give our judgment, condemn a man and hang him because he has not fulfilled our wishes. The same speech in better terms has been made, not once but many times by the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain that present Ministry have three dictators. When for one man there are three dictators , three masters, what can he do? A says “Do this.” B says “ Do that.” C says “Do as I tell you.” Whom can one please although they went out of their way and tried to please the three dictators? But they cannot do more. Therefore some of the dictators have left them, and I do not know what will be the fate of other. Last year I sent a resolution, but drawing in the lottery did. . . . . . . .

Dr.POPATLAL A. BHOOTPAKAR:  Which lottery, Sir?

K.B. A. K. GABOL: Drawing this lottery in the ballot box as to whose member’s resolution come first. The honorable member Dr. Popatlal must realize that this no-confidence motion is a very serious matter. He should not make any remarks since he is neither going to speak nor is he going to vote on it, but sitting ‘mum’. Therefore he should not take part in the proceedings. IF he has any courage, let im speak for or against the motion and vote as he likes. If not he had better go away and attend to his dispensary! (Renewed Laughter).

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: What about the points which the Honorable the Deputy Speaker wanted to bring out?

K.B. A. K. GABOL: I want him to be Silent, Sir. Now the question is this. This Honorable House by a resolution, has agreed to open a High School in the Lyari Quarter where the people living there are of labor class. We had a committee. We sent our report to the Government  to open High School. Up to now I do not see that they have got any idea of opening a high school in the Lyari Quarter. But I have seen them appointing deputy collectors, collectors and secretaries, paying Rs. 2000 or Rs 3000 per month. Up to now er have not been told that they are going to open a High School in the Lyari Quarter where 65000 laboring class of people of all castes and creeds are living. That is my grievance against the present Minstry. I think it is quite sufficient for me to give strong warring to the present Government. I tell the present Government that if you do not allot an amount for the High School in Lyari Quarter in your next budget in February, I shall be the first man to say that these Ministers are not worth sitting here and occupying those Government Benches. Everybody here is out to help the rich man. But what about the poor? You must help the needy person and not the one who is already rich. You must give every kind of facility to the poor people of this Province.

Now, Sir, the Honorable the P.W.D. Minister or some other Minister said that they had added one more feather in their cap because they had done away with all the Honorary and Special Magistrates and also nominated member of the District Local Boards. Allow me, Sir, to tell them that in the whole of India, even in the Congress Provinces, they have not with one stroke done away altogether with these institution but they are doing it gradually. My point is this. I am not saying why you have removed them, but all that I wish to say and make a complaint of is why you have removed them before the expiry of their term of office. This is nothing short of breach of promise. Government should have told them “Look here, gentleman, after one year, in the next election, you will not be required.” That would have been the proper course. Now, many of them whom the Government drove out in this manner have been returned elected to Municipalities and Local Boards and some of them even unanimously .But who was responsible for that? It was our honorable friend there( pointing to the Congress Benches). They held pistol before the Minsitry saying “If you do not do this , we shall not support you.” Where are those friends today? Are they going to support the Ministry? No. (Laughter). Whatever they wanted out of you, they have got; and now they are finding other friends. (Laughter). This is irresponsible body like the Congress. . . . . . . . .. .

Miss JETHIBAL T. SIPAHIMALANI: irresponsible?

K.B. A. K. GABOL: Now what do these people do when the vote of no –confidence is moved against the Government? I am surprised why they are sitting there silent. They do not want to advise us here what we should in this matter, although individually every friend of mine has told me what should be done.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR:  Sir, I rise to a point of order. The Honorable the Deputy Speaker is repeating his arguments.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The Honorable the Deputy Speaker should avoid repeating.

K.B. A. K. GABOL: I was speaking about the Congress group. Sir, they are not going to speak today. I like the congress. It is a local body. . . . . . . . .

THE HONORABLE MEMBERS: Local body? (Laugher)

K.B. A. K. GABOL: Sir, they cannot understand where the wrong is. The wrong is in their own house. We cannot help it. Our Sindhi friends go on changing like the River Indus. You will never find the River Indus sticking to one course. Every day it will change from one course to another. Now, we are all drinking that Indus water and so we must also change. (Laughter)

Sir, I shall not take any more time of the House, but will make only a few remarks. A suggestion was made yesterday by the Honorable member from Dadu, who is an old friend of mine, that we must make some compromise. Well, I assure him, “ I shall be the first man to join with you, but unfortunately, you have won only one friend who will now be sitting on the Independent Benches, but if you want me I shall come over there. Let us be three at least.”

Mr. ISSARDAS VARINDMAL: But what about the honorable member Mr. Naraindas?

K.B. A. K. GABOL: Oh! He is anywhere and everywhere?

Sir, I hold no brief for Government, but I only say this. Kindly think over twice before you do anything. Consider calmly and carefully. If you throw out this Ministry by a vote of no –confidence, which other Ministry are you going to bring? Again my honorable friend Mr. Sayed will bring another Ministry which he will dismiss after three months. (Laughter). Sir, we should not so lightly deal with the lives and property of the people of this poor province. Let us do some real solid business. After all, Sir, we came here for doing some business. Excuse me, Sir, for repeating these words. The fight is between two Muslim Groups. One Group says “Please come and sit here”. Another says also “Please come and sit here”. Now, that is very bad that we Muslim should fight amongst ourselves in this manner. Let us put a stop to this once and for all. If this vote of no-confidence had been moved by my honorable friend Sir Ghulam Hussain or by the honorable member Shaikh Sahib or by K.B. Khuhro or anybody else, I would have supported it. But those honorable members were wiser. They said “we are not going to bring it and that is why my honorable friend Mr. Sayed too well and have got it before me. I say very sorry for him.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID:  On a point of information, Sir, I want to know if the honorable the Deputy Speaker belongs to any party or not, or he is a no party man, and whether the statement made by him in his speech that he would go over to the Independent group was made seriously. I would like to know to which party he belongs.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: I cannot insist on his declaring his faith and creed. If, however, the Honorable the Deputy Speaker is prepared to declare it, I have no objection.

K.B. A. K. GABOL:  Sir, I have the honor to be the Deputy Speaker of this Assembly, and I want to tell the honorable member there that I belong to no party. (Laughter). As the Deputy Speaker of this House, I wish to see which party is right and which party is wrong, and I shall always support the right party.  I have not received any communication from Kaid-e-Azam Mr. Jinnah to go and vote against this Ministry. Any order from Karachi or Sind I am not going to obey.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: Sir, the honorable member who has just sat down is inconsistent himself. In one breath he says he is no party man and in another he says he belongs to the Muslim League.

An Honorable Member: He does not own local Muslim League.

SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: Sir, I would like to make a few observations. This is a very important question, and I would request the honorable members of this House to consider this question dispassionately and seriously. This is a very important question. The constitutional implications of this motion are of far-reaching consequence. What will be the result? IF the motion of no –confidence is carried, the Ministry must resign. There is no other alternative.

Sir, before deal with the consequences of this question, I will say a few words. I will tell  my honorable friend the mover of the motion and those who have spoken against this Ministry. “As you sow, So you reap”. (Hear, Hear). After the fall of my Ministry, I do not find in Sind a new heaven, nor a even a new Assembly Hall of my honorable friend Mr. Sidhwa.

  Before I discuss this question, I will refer my Honorable friend the Chief Minister, who is now occupying a prominent place place here, to the humble advice which I gave him in this Honorable House on 30^th March 1938. I then said : “Sir, I pity the plight of the Honorable the Chief Minister, who is under three dictators, one from the Congress; another the honorable member Mr. Sayed, and the third, the honorable member Mr. Partabrai”. He did not then take my advice. He wanted to get in there anyhow, and he must now be very repentant.
The Honorable K.B. ALLAH BAKHSH: That is so.

SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH:  Sir, what is the situation today? One of his dictators today has moved a motion of no-confidence against him. Well, if my honorable friend wants me to it down, I will not speak any more.

The Honorable K.B. ALLAH BAKHSH: No, Speak.

SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH:  Sir, one of his pillars is gone. The other pillar (pointing to the Congress Benches), find of neuter gender. (Laughter). Had the Congress not been neutral, the fall of the Ministry was certain today. Therefore Government must realize that they cannot depend on these props. I do not know how the third dictator is behaving. If he is really with the Honorable the Chief Minster, I will call him the only faithful amongst the faithless.

                Now, Sir, I will give his Honorable House another piece of advice which I had given them on the 18^th March 1938. They then treated me with contempt, but my advice is as true today as it was when they brought about the fall of my Ministry on the 18^th March 1938. I said : “ IF we suffer, it will be because deception might be practiced upon us, which is most ignoble. My friends the honorable members on the opposite side,” –(I was addressing the Honorable the present Chief Minister) “ought to realize that motions of this kind moved on flimsy grounds and in a light-hearted manner will recoil on them when they take our places here,” and they are recoiling on them today. Then continuing I said : “ They will become precedents and everybody will move such motions against them. I may tell my honorable friend that he is aspiring to come to these benches, but he must remember that cut motions for censure should not be played with so light-heartedly”. These remarks of mine are true today as regards the moving of the censure motion.

                Again, Sir, I am placing my humble views today, before this Honorable House. Believe me, Sir, I am dying for the Interest of my Province of Sind, for which, at my own risk as a member of the Government of Bombay, I have fought battles against Government. Had I known this would be the fate, I would never have uttered a word.

                Now, Sir, my Ministry was said to be bad. This Ministry is bad-so they say. I do not support these Minister, but I want from the honorable the mover of this support these Ministers, but I want from of this house a concrete and practicable scheme for working these reforms. We should not merely beat the air. If these Minister go who will come in their places? Is there any party which has a majority here? I may tell my honorable friends that my heart really burns for my Province. I want to ask: Is there a single party which can carry on this Government? What is the number of members in each party? Here are 10 members 16 or 18 and 10 or 12 there.

                May I put a straight question to my honorable friends on the Congress Benches? They are as much responsible and as anxious as everyone of us in this House that we should do something for the poor masses of Sind. Will they have a coalition with the Muslim League? If they do so, that will come to 26, and fluid elements will come round, and they will be successful. Now I put them a straight question. If they want time, let them think it over. Every time there will be chaos. If this Ministry goes, some other  Ministry will come, and they will also meet with same fate. Therefore, I am putting them a straight question. If they are the well-wishers of the poor masses, let them form a coalition. But if they do not want to form a coalition with the Muslim League, let them go and form a coalition with the Honorable the Chief Minister. Then, too , they will have a majority, and then we will be able to do some constructive work. Or I ask the honorable Hindu independent members of the House: Will they form a Coalition Ministry with the Muslim League or with the Congress? If they say “Yes,” and if they all combine and show me 30 or even 26 members, I am ready to vote against the Ministry, because I will then be certain that some Ministry has a majority and will be able to carry on the administration properly. Unless they have an absolute majority, they cannot do any work.

                So, Sir, my request to this Honorable House is that we must seriously think of this question. We must put our heads together. I have not heard a reply to my specific question, “Will my honorable friends form a coalition with another party?” Silence means “No.” It is for the rest of the House to form a Ministry, otherwise there will be an absolute deadlock every now and then. Sir, unfortunately my community’s position is very bad. There is still time for the Mahomedans to combine and form a Ministry with others. I tried to combine them but failed. When the Honorable the Chief Minister and the Honorable the mover of the motion came to me, I received them with open arms, and what was my fate? Everyone knows it.

                K. B. A. K. GABOL: They were offering prayers in your house.

SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: Believe me, I am not feeling so much for the Ministry as for my community. They have established such a bad precedent by letting me down, and others will be afraid of joining them.

They pretended to say, Sir, that I was not carrying out their wishes. There is no one more responsible than myself. When I had the power you will also bear me out, to whatever they used to say, I said “Yes.” But they did not even give me breathing time. Hardly one month was given. Well, Sir, people were then whispering in my ears, but how could I believe that those who ate my salt would, the next morning vote against me? So, what I say to my friends, is this. Let them keep me out and I won’t mind. I can assure you as a gentleman, you may form your own Ministry amongst yourselves and form a coalition.

Now my suggestion is this. If any honorable members show me an alternative Ministry, I will vote them. What is the good of beating the air? We all run here and there. What is the good of going and saying, “Mr. Vazirani, we will together form a Ministry”? He will bring two or three. Another man will run to Rao Saheb Gokaldas or Dewan Dialmal, and then the Hindus will be divided, and the Muslims will also be divided and our Congress friends will remain mum.

Another alternative is, if the majority of the House want a dissolution of this Assembly, I will be prepared to join them.

Let us go back to the country, but I am doubtful if honorable members would agree. When I ask them to rise in their seats, none will stand up. At least, out of 25 from those benches, none will stand up.

                I am talking of that side. No Governor is going to dissolve an Assembly unless the majority of the House wants dissolution.

                Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: The majority of the Province do want.

SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: Rise in your seats then. Let me see. I am with you. What is good of talking?

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I said the majority of the people of the Province.

SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: These are the only constitutional alternatives. I do not hear a single voice from there saying, “we want dissolution, we want to go back to the country.” Now, Sir, it is all very well to talk of breaking and making Ministries. But it is not mere destruction that we want, there should also be construction. What is the good of merely destroying everything? Even now, Sir, if he is not able to give me a Ministry today, but is able to find a majority in this House, I will vote with him.

Mr. JAMSHED NUSSERWANJEE: Honorable, Sir, may I make one request? I request my honorable friend Mr. Sayed even at this stage to withdraw his motion.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: It cannot be accepted.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The honorable member is not prepared.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: Sir, I have not to make any big speech, but if I may, I would like to speak in Sindhi so that there may be no repetition.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Provided there is a request from the honorable members that you should speak in Sindhi.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: (In Sindhi) Sir, I had no intention to speak on this motion of no-confidence, but because something has been expressed against me, I feel it my duty to say a few words, At the outset I wish to remark that I am very sorry for the honorable members of the Opposition who have supported this no –confidence motion. They vehemently claim to be lovers of Muslim Unity. They shout for unity, but I am pained to say that whenever there is a chance of Muslim Unity they try to create friction amongst various Muslim Parties. They name one party as true Muslims. As for others, they say that they are not Muslims; they even go the length of calling them Kaffirs.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: I want to know whether any member of this Honorable House has used those words that those who are not with Muslim League are Kaffirs. I take strong exception to these words.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The honorable member will avoid those words.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: I do say that my friends there did utter those words, outside in the Muslim League.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: (Agitated) That is absolutely wrong.

 THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Mere denial is enough.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: (In agitated tone) He is speaking lies.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The Honorable member cannot use the word “lies” and lose his temper and unnecessarily create heat. NO heat is to be introduced. He has to appeal to the Chair and not to use those words such as “lies” and other unparliamentarily words.

What is the Chair for?

The Honorable member should not repeat.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: (In Sindhi) Our friends get angry if they are told the truth. Truth is always bitter. I have only to say this much that whenever the question of unity amongst various Muslim parties comes. Effort are made to cause a rift between them. Read the Muslim newspapers. One party tries to defame the other party. I do not know whether Islam has taught them this. I do not think it an exaggeration to say that because we are not of the same principle and because we do not join Muslim League, we are dubbed ‘Kaffirs’. They dictate their own terms. And they say “Accept this principle or you are not a Muslims”. So many years have passed and we find Parliaments in various countries. Can any of my honorable friends quote even a single instance of all the men concentrating their thoughts on one particular matter? Never has it so happened. Examine our own Islam. There are various sections: there are Shiahs, there are Sunnis, etc. Everyone has got his own principles. It is incumbent on us that we should work together in the cause of our country and for the betterment of our nation. Does it look decent that a storm should be raised against us if we do not agree with their principles? Resolutions are passed that we are not Muslims, that the Muslims have no confidence in the present Ministry. I will say that whatever is expressed by honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussein is correct in every way.  

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: (In Sindhi) With whom you have proved yourself traitors!

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: (In Sindhi) I was wonderstruck at the manner in which honorable member Mr. Gazdar depicted his allegations. You all have heard the way in which he roused the feelings of the Muslims who were present in this Hall, against the present Mayor of Karachi who it is stated has written certain objectionable words. Even God forgives if an individual commits a sin.

The letter, that Mr. Hatim is forgiven, is signed even by the President of the Sind Muslim League, Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon. The honorable member Mr. G.M. Sayed has accepted that writ. The Mayor has clearly written that he should be forgiven. Ullemas have decided  and it is after their decision that the book has been proscribed. Even when the matter has reached this stage, our friend gets up and says that the man has committed such a sin that even God ‘can-not’ forgive him. The order which had been issued to check the revolt firing at Chakiwara but he confined himself to his home on that day. What kind of principle is it? It is our duty to bring peace in the country. If such responsible persons propagate the germs of violence in this country, I cannot understand what their aim or object is in doing so. They Luari Haj has been banned. The order has already been issued and still our friend says that it is a lie. Newspaper write lies and their friends are liars. If we had remained silent like this friends of ours, many of the poor Muslims would have gone to jail and then we would have been called ‘Double Kaffirs’.

Mr. M. U. SOOMRO: (In Sindhi) On a point of information, Sir, the Honorable Minsiter has thrown light on the Alavi episode. Is it a fact that the Journal ‘Agge Kadam’ has been proscribed?

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: (In Sindhi) Yes it has been proscribed.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR:  (In Sindhi) I ask who has proscribed the Journal. It is proscribed by this Government or it is proscribed because of other reason? What action has been taken?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: (In Sindhi) We did not initiate the orders. We only repeated the same.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: When Honorable Minister stands to speak, it is natural  that honorable members of this House will interrupt and raise points of order or points of information. But there should be a limit to this. Otherwise every now and then there will be interruptions, and we can make no progress. I would, therefore, request honorable members only to raise important points.

The Honorable PIR ILLAHI BAKHSH: Then the greatest fault that the honorable members of the Opposition have found with us- which honorable member K. B. Khuhro has at length dilated on and honorable member Mr. Gazdar has sufficiently commented upon –is that we have toured through every nook and corner of this country.

We have not committed any sin if we have gone on tour. There are many members present here who had brought deputations to me at Nawabshah when I had gone on tour for the second time, that the Honorable the Chief Minister should go personally and see the condition of crops affected by frost. The Honorable the Chief Minister should go personally and see the condition of crops affected by frost. The Honorable the Chief Minister was sick at that time and ordered me to see the condition personally.

Honorable members Rai Bahadur Hotchand, Seth Sitaldas and Seth Partabrai will bear me out. Can any instance be quoted when Members of Government do not tour? We do not want to be victims to the criticism that we intend to enjoy the sweet  breezes of Karachi and that if persons from rural areas come here and bring their complaints we will look into the matter. But the point that requires our attention is that if we had not gone on tour, our friends would have said that ‘The Ministers are fond of sweet and cool breezes of Karachi.’ When I had gone on tour for the first time, honorable member Sayed Ghulam Murtaza Shah was with me and I was taking advice from him in each and every matter. I used to dispose of many applications on the spot. Honorable member K. B. Khuhro says that we drop letter to the Mukhtiarkar that men in his Taluka should be gathered to give petitions, but I would remind him that when I had gone on tour for the first time, honorable member K. B. Khahro had decided with the help of Muslim League that I may not get reception in Larkana District. Every possible attempt was made to ask men not to attend the meeting, but the same men, who were instructed not to attend, came and attended the meetings. What does it show? That our friends speak lies. ‘The curse of God awaits those who speaks lies’. He sees us all. Though the public is directed to boycott us, they come to meet us and we meet them. When the zamindars had met together as regards the assessment question, he was their President. He had declared in the meeting that he was the Secretary, and was on the side of the Government. He being part of Government himself at that time, could not express himself differently.

                In the beginning when I had gone on tour, honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed was with me from Kotri and generally I was seeking advice from him. However if it is mentioned that no such advice was given by him. I can only say I am sorry. If we do as they advise, then also they say that whatever is done is wrong. I will repeat the words of honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain that if honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed finds that he has failed in one direction, he will run to another. He advises for two days continuously and on the third day he declares that he was not the originator of the advice. Whatever is expressed by the Honorable the Chief Minister or honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain is correct. They say that whatever is expressed by Mr. G. M. Sayed should be heard but not acted upon. It was said yesterday that we had taken undue advantage of our minister ships. Others say that we have taken undue advantage through officials. I am sure that no officials can say that we have taken undue advantage of him. I am prepared to produce the letters of honorable member K.B. Khuhro which he had written to officials asking them to show him consideration. If we have done anything, It is for the betterment of the country. We have disposed of many papers which are not for our personal gain, and we have done this only for the good of the country. Though we have done many things for the good of the poor, yet we are being accused that we have taken undue advantage. I would challenge the honorable members of Opposition to prove these allegations.

                Then there is an accusation of corruption. These charges were that such and such man had taken to such and such area of land; water is given to such and such individual in excess. They will be answered by the Honorable the Leader of the House. I beg leave to state here that these are bogus statements. One can lower the position of even honorable men by bogus statements if they are taken for granted as facts. It is stated that less quantity of water is given to an individual while sufficient quantity of water is given to another man. Was that first man possessing any area of land? If taking water is crime, it will better for the Honorable the Chief Minister to sell his lands. I will quote the words with pride that Minister have done work for the members who have used dishonest ways and means. We have not purchased members. We work for public good. It is said that letters were dispatched from the Treasury Benches. We challenge all to prove even a single letter written to an official. It looks criminal to criticize without any cause or maliciously to attack an honorable man.

                Again it was stated yesterday that an Inspector had been transferred and I had been the cause of his transfer. The Honorable the Leader of the House  will throw light on this matter. One Inspector Khan Sahib Ghulam Akbar has remained here in Karachi for more than 5 years. Many persons have sent petitions against him. Many complaints have been received that he has been the cause of murders of certain respectable men.

                Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, on a point of order. Can an Honorable Minster who is an in charge of the department make statements that a certain officer is guilty of committing murders and receiving bribes? And further I want to know whether Government had received complaints and any enquiries were made on them, whether any charge sheet, was given to the Inspector, and whether, even without a charge sheet, the Inspector was called upon to give explanations. In fact I go so far as to ask the Government whether they had ever conveyed to the Inspector even verbally that there were certain allegations against him. I want a reply from the Honorable the Chief Minister who is in charge of the department, because he will be in a position to give correct replies. I ask Government whether it is proper for a Minister to make allegations against a responsible officer who is still continuing in service.

                The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Several petitions were received, making allegations against the Inspector for some time, and Government considered those petitions. Although they were anonymous, the General of Police investigated into the allegations which were found to be a false and therefore Government took no action against the Inspector.
                The Honorable PIL ILLAHI BAKHSH: (In Sindhi) I am very sorry because I have disclosed matters which it would have been better if they had been concealed; but it was an allegation made against me and therefore I have done it.

                Again, it has been said that the public has spent about 10 lakhs of rupees. Firstly, I must say that Government has not received one lakh applications, and , secondly, that even if it were so, on this one lakh applications ten lakhsh of rupees cannot have been spent. It is purely a question of calculation for a mathematician. How can those persons who have made applications come over to Karachi? That is also a  kind of propaganda against us. I know that those applications were disposed of there and then. Many beneficial things have been done for the public. Even several abducted wives have been restored to their original husbands. If we had not gone on tour, the same friend might have said that the Ministers love the sweet breezes of Karachi and while away time like that. Whatever is expressed is not a fact but mere propaganda.

                The Honorable THE SPEAKER: (In Sindhi) Yes, Sir, I am concluding now. I think the Honorable the Chief Minister will give a reply to all the points quoted against him. I have mentioned those points only which it was difficult otherwise to disclose. Sir, we do our work with justice and righteousness. And I may be pardoned if I say that aim of the Opposition appears to be to break one Ministry and form another. I may tell them that they will not succeed in this aim.

                K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: On a point of personal explanation, Sir, the Honorable Minister is making a misleading statement. He should prove what he is saying today by documentary evidence. In fact I was not president of the Zamindars Association nor have I uttered these words.

                His another statement is false.

                The Honorable THE SPEAKER: You mean “Incorrect?”

                K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: Yes, incorrect. It is incorrect to say that the Muslim League meeting was to have started at 5’oclock , but that people did not come because of the Revenue Minsiter’s arrival. In fact our time for the meeting was 7 p.m. and we did start the meeting immediately after sunset prayer and we had at least five to six thousand people attending it. My honorable friend Shaikh Sahib will bear me out.

                The Honorable THE SPEAKER:  The convention of the Parliamentary House is that when an allegation is made which affects the reputation or personal position of an honorable member and that honorable member denies it, the honorable member speaking should resist and not reply. That is the etiquette.

                Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, I rise on a point of order. I want to know whether it is proper for an Honorable Member of the Cabinet to make allegations against an Official of Government against whom they have never ordered an enquiry and from whom they have never asked for an explanation. Is it fair and right that on the floor of this Honorable House –without calling for his explanation, without making any allegation against him and without giving him any charge sheet incorporating all these allegations that he has got murders committed and decoities committed –the Honorable Minister should make these allegations?

                The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, there is no doubt that there are complaints against the Inspector in question. Unfortunately it so happened that Government also have received certain complaints that the Inspector was not good moral character. He had a week character and that his company –I know my honorable friend is his friend… …

                Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: So are you.

                The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: I hope he will not mind because he has challenged the allegations made by my Honorable Colleague. These allegations were enquired into and it was found that there was no truth  in those allegations. My honorable friend has stated yesterday that perhaps he was a spy or was not useful to the Ministry, and therefore he was transferred. My colleague has said that certain allegations were made against the man. If those allegations would have been proved, he would have been proved, he would certainly have been challenged.

                Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: So are you.

                The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: I hope he will not mind because he has challenged the allegations made by my Honorable Colleague. These allegations were enquired into and it was found that there was no truth in those allegations. My honorable friend has stated yesterday that perhaps he was spy or was not useful to he Ministry, and therefore he was transferred. My colleague has said that certain allegations were made against the man. If those allegations would have been proved, he would certainly have been challenged.

                Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Was he given a chance to explain?

                The Honorable THE SPEAKER: You cannot ask any question. This is a point of order. If the honorable member had risen on a point of information he would have asked that, but he knew that the Honorable Minister would not yield and therefore he rose on a point of order.

                I think this is a point which ought to be considered whether the name of particular officers should be disclosed for the purpose of debate or not. I am very specific about that. But as far as my memory goes , my experience in the Bombay Council is and possibly there were certain rulings which emanated from the Chair, that he names of officers should not be introduced in the debate unless it was absolutely necessary or when it was insisted upon that the names of the officers should be disclosed. I myself involved in one such instance when I had made allegations against and Executive Engineer. They insisted that I should disclose his name. I disclosed his name with the result that Executive Engineer suffered. But the President gave a ruling that names should be disclosed because that officer is not before the House to defend himself. It is more for the Government . Unless a member raises an objection and insists on the disclosure of the name of an officer, his name should not be disclosed. Certain  procedure must be observed, and I request the Honorable Minister also not to give names. Of course he did it in reply and when he was challenged by the Honorable member. It is his right to do so. But it is advisable that he should not indulge in disclosing the names of officers because it is the Government who should object to the disclosure of names. I only just give advice. No ruling is given. It is a etiquette which ought to be observed by the honorable members in future.

                Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: Sir, I rise on a point of information.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER:  The point has been disposed off.

Mr. M. H. GAZDAR: I want to know whether he telephoned him.

THE Honorable THE SPEAKER: No, I won’t allow that.

Mr. J. FRASER: Sir, I rise to oppose the motion, and in order to remove any misunderstanding which might be likely to arise on account of what I have to say, I think it very necessary that the attitude of European Group should be made perfectly clear. It has on more than one occasion been expressed by the Honorable has no more than one occasion been expressed by the honorable member. Col. Mahon, and, broadly speaking it is this, that “so long as any Government endeavors to legislate for the Good of the Province as a whole, without racial or communal bias, so long will  they be entitled to claim our support”. I would, however, like to amplify this for time and again it has been  stated in various quarters that the vote of the European Group can be taken for granted, and that they went  must support the Government. I beg to say that that is entirely erroneous, and I would like emphasize  that the support of the European Group must not be taken for granted under all circumstances. We do not admit that to evince an interest in the Province and the welfare of its people is the monopoly of any party or group, as some would have us believe.

Sir, each European member possesses the same responsibilities and the same duties as every other member of this Honorable House, and if we are to exercise those responsibilities and fulfill our duties then we cannot remain indifferent to what is taking place around us, nor can we remain passive, nor neutral.

I listened with the greater interest to the indictment of the Government by the honorable members Khan Bahadur Khuhro and Mr. G.M. Sayed, and I must confess that I am amazed to gather there from that any one man could have succeeded in omitting to do so many things in such a short time as the Honorable the Chief Minister. I find it  more congenial to mention some things which he has done. We are agreed  that last session  he caused to be passed into law a number of bills. True, the Opposition claim the parentage of bills, that they were conceived by them. Of that I am not sure, but even if their parentage be disputed, we do know that it was the present Government who, as foster parents, took charge of the orphans set them on their feet, and saw them safely through the Assembly.

Early in July last year, the Honorable the Chief Minister took a very important decision with regard to reassessment proposals and reclassification of lands. Lacking actual experience, I am quite sure the honorable members of this House will not expect me to dilate on this question, nor do I wish to, but I would like to make one observation. To me, the principle of linking reassessment with the change of price level of Cotton, and reclassifying certain lands which have benefited by the Barrage, so that they should contribute to the expense of that scheme, appears both reasonable and fair. By showing his determination not to waver on this point; the Honorable the Chief Minister has raised high in my estimation. For over six months he has been harassed, intimidated and threatened, even deserted by some of those whom he relied upon as his supporters, but he was firm in his determination that it was in the interests of the Province. We have heard his action characterized as obstinate. To me his action was resolute, by the decision to shoulder his responsibilities and refuse to suffer further humiliation by continued subservience to a minority group, who enjoy the exercise of power but refuse to accept the responsibilities of Office. Had the Honorable the Chief Minister given way on this issue, he could have been rightly accused of forfeiting confidence, by submitting to the dictation and domination of a minority group as the price of his remaining in office, but he stood firm and this alone justifies complete confidence in him. I do not seek to bind my honorable colleagues to these opinions, but I repeat his action has placed him high in my estimation.

I now have a few words to say about the Opposition party as it is today. I think the honorable member khan Bahadur Khuhro stated that in a free country like Britain the Prime Minister always consulted his Party and was bound by their decision. I stand to be corrected, but that is what I gathered from the honorable member’s speech. I would like to quote an authority on the “Government of England” by Lawrence Lowell. May I quote, Sir?     

“The Front bench thus the work of a party council or committee and in neither of the great

Parties is there anything resembling a general caucus for the discussion and determination of

Party policy. Sometimes a great meeting of adherents of the Party in Parliaments is called at one

Of the political clubs or elsewhere when the leaders address their followers. But it is held to

Exhort, not to consult ; and in fact, surprise is sometimes expressed by private members that the

Chiefs take them so little into their confidence. When appointed, the leader leads, and the party

Follows”.

That is the position of party politics in Britain.

The honorable member also complained that the Honorable the Chief Minister was too fond of his Scottish officer, they were his favorites, etc. Then he made the extraordinary statement that it was because they spend 67% of Sind’s Revenues. It may be true, but this is the first time I ever heard of Scotsmen being accused of spending money. Another indictment of the Government was that they had promised, or are alleged to have promised, to work at “Aero plane Speed” and because they have not done so , they forfeited confidence. May I suggest, ( and I am sure all honorable members will agree with me) that customs in this Province die very slowly, and instead of moving at “Aero plan Speed” we have always been accustomed to the more dignified, if leisurely, pace of the camel?

Now, Sir, I would like to make an observation on the remarks of the honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed, and I am only doing this because I have resided in Sind for the past 20 years, and next to the land of my birth, it is the place I like best, hence my interest. The honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed, the mover  of the no-confidence motion, confess that he was instrumental in assisting the previous Government to their defeat, and in installing the present one, and in less than ten months he tries to get rid of it also. In anticipation of his success, he got rid of the Honorable the Leader of the Opposition, he realized his mistake efforts he still asks us to support his no-confidence motion. How can that be?

Sir, I am not concerned with which Ministry is in office. Whoever they may be I presume to tender some advice, that is to study our own problems, the problems affecting our Province I Don’t be content to follow at the tails of this or that Province and rest content. Look to what we have to do for ourselves, for if I may quote English proverb, ( it may an Indian Proverb too) “When is one man’s meat, is another man’s poison.” Concentrate on our own special interests, for instance, the problems connected with the financial aspects of the Barrage, which are of such magnitude  as to exercise the minds of any Government for years to come. And if we cherish the hope to receive any remission of our debt, we must not only  rely on the merits of our case, but the convince the central Government that we can provide and maintain a stable Government.

Finally may I suggest what might be useful major problems for the Ministry to consider during the next three years, that is if they get the co-operations which they would be entitled to? Firstly, I would suggest the appointment of a Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation. The whole life-blood of the Province depends upon Agriculture, and the Minister should not be saddled with other portfolios, but should be free to devote his sole attention to this all important subject. Something is being done at present I know, but that is not enough. Secondly, the Development of Fisheries. It is no use having a man on about Rs. 150/- a month to dabble in this important work. Get an expert from outside, say Madras, and pay him his Rs. 700/- to RS. 900/- and get real benefit from his advice, nor merely on the question of storing  or exporting  tons of fish to other parts, but also to  make the best use of the valuable by-products, fertilizers, etc, so that the lands needs never be impoverished.

                Thirdly, an  Agricultural College not solely for the conferring of degrees on the sons of Zamindars, but to teach them how to be practical farmers, in order to get the best out of their lands. Then, Sir, some security in the land for the peasant, the hari. It is not much they want, their needs are small. But something should be  done to improve their lot, not at the expense of the Zamnidars, but by settlement.

                The Honorable THE SPEAKER: Is the honorable member going to take long? It is tea time now.

                Mr. J. FRASER: No, Sir, only two minutes more. Could the Government do what many democratic countries are doing and assist in the marketing of the produce and assure a minimum price to the Zamindars and the hari?

                Mr. ISSARDAS VARINDMAL: The ratio must be reduced.

                Mr. J. FRASER: My last point is to make a new scrutiny of the Barrage debt, having regard to the facts and not the imaginary figures on which it was based, with a view to its possible reduction in accordance with the principles of the Niemeyer Report. Government must be given a fair chance to work at those problems. I, therefore, oppose the motion of no-confidence.

                The Honorable THE SPEAKER:  The House will now rise for tea till 5 minutes past 5.

(After Recess)

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Sir, I only wish to submit that previously I have spoken in English and I have also tried to speak in Urdu with the view that the European members may be in a position to understand the sum and substance of what I had to say. Although on occasions I have spoken in Sindhi also, it was once explained that if speeches were made by me in Urdu, then the European members could understand me. I have no objection to speaking in Urdu.

                Miss JETHIBAI T. SIPAHIMALANI: We won’t be able to follow him then.

                The Honorable THE SPEAKER: Honorable members may know that if a member is proficient in English, it is compulsory for him to speak in English, because the proceedings, according to the Government is also proficient in some other language and if it is the desire of the House that he should speak in that other language, then I will allow him to speak in that other language.

                Lt. Col. W. B. HOSSACK: We have no objection if he speaks in Urdu.

                The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The honorable member might proceed in Urdu.

                SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: (In Urdu) May I request you, Sir, that there should be no laughter in the gallery?

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: There is too much noise in the gallery. If I mark anyone making noise, I am sorry I will be compelled to eject him. They are there in the gallery by courtesy. They must observe the decorum required of them. As the honorable member has raised the point, I will make a note of it.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: (Continued In Urdu)

K. S. SARDAR JAFFERKHAN BURDI:  ( In Sindhi) I had no intention to speak up to now; but the aggressive way in which the honorable member of the Opposition have attacked the Ministry compels me to say a few words in reply. One Honorable member went so far as to use the words ‘Beat him’ for honorable Pir Illahi Bakhsh. Honorable member SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID used these words.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: (In Sindhi) I never said so.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER(In Sindhi) : The honorable member has not used these words. 

K. S. SARDAR JAFFERKHAN BURDI:  ( In Sindhi) The result of this no-confidence motion will not be good. Truly has it been said that ‘Haste is waste’. If our friend actually feels for his country, it was folly on his part to have taken such a hasty step against the Ministry of honorable Sir Ghulam Hussain. There was meaning in it. Honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed would have thought that with the fall of Sir Ghulam Hussain Ministry, there was possibility of his getting into the aero plane and that is why the aero plane speed was required.

After bringing about the downfall of that Ministry, Shah Sahib waited for two or three days. He is going back to his old hasty step.

I heard the speech delivered by honorable member K. B. Khuhro. He expressed great sorrow. I would have congratulate him if he had been sincere in his expression. Now I can-not congratulate him because he must be remembering that when he used to sit on the Treasury Benches, the Tobacco Bill was introduced by Government. He, at  that time, delivered a long speech, advocating a suicidal step that the poor would not benefit by two rupees. The speech delivered by him in connection with Zamindars is also known to the Honorable members.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: ( In Sindhi) Whatever is said by the honorable member about me is incorrect. If he says anything about me now, he will have to produce evidence.

THE Honorable THE SPEAKER: (In Sindhi) Drop that matter. The procedure is that the matter, which is contradicted, should not be repeated.

 K. S. SARDAR JAFFERKHAN BURDI:  ( In Sindhi)It seems that the honorable member was not considering the betterment of the public, when he was in power. It is evident what he really feels now.

The honorable member has attacked the Congress party that they are remaining neutral on the no –confidence motion. I would point out that they have got every reason to remain neutral because majority. A short time back, Dr. Choithram was dreaming of the post of the Chief Minister.

Dr. CHOITRAM P. GIDWANI: I totally deny it.

 K. S. SARDAR JAFFERKHAN BURDI:  ( In Sindhi) Our friends have expressed that our Hindu brethren remain silent. This complaint of theirs is useless. They have seen the downfall of one Ministry and now they support their own party. I am very sorry for honorable member Mr. Gazdar who is not present here and who has gone to the sacred place.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: (In Sindhi) The Honorable member should not say anything about the member who is not present.

K. S. SARDAR JAFFERKHAN BURDI:  ( In Sindhi) Even that which the honorable members want to clear?

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: (In Sindhi) Yes. That is the rule.

K. S. SARDAR JAFFERKHAN BURDI:  ( In Sindhi) Again Honorable Pir Sahib has been criticized that he has done nothing for Sind. I dare say that members are responsible for creating the feeling that this Ministry should be broken and a Muslim League Ministry should be brought into being. We have clearly said that if honorable members of the Opposition intend to bring in a Muslim League Ministry, they may by all means do so. But when no one from us has got sympathy with the League, therefore. . . .

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: (In Sindhi) Only a short time remains for the honorable member to finish.

K. S. SARDAR JAFFERKHAN BURDI: (In Sindhi) Yes, Sir, therefore, the question is that though honorable member Shaikh Sahib has spoken sincerely, I am sorry for that his speech showed only agitation and violence, so that it has had no effect on the mind of any one. He has attacked each and every member. But Shaikh Sahib himself has never felt about it. What will be the result if Shaikh Sahib votes for the no –confidence motion? If he feels for the Public, I would advise him to think well before voting. The way in which honorable member, Sir Ghulam Hussain, delivered his speech, appealed to me the most. As if Chamberlain or Colonel Franco was speaking ! His was an excellent speech. I will request the honorable member SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID not to attack the Honorable the Chief Minister in the way in which he did today.

 The Honorable THE SPEAKER: Now, the honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed to make a reply.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Will the Honorable the Chief Minister speaks afterwards? I have not heard him, so how can I make a reply?

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: I cannot compel the Honorable the Chief Minister to speak. His right to comes after the mover.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Sir, this is quite unfair.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: I can’t help it. This is in accordance with the rules.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: If the Honorable the Chief Minister does not reply, then I say he has got no case.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: Sir, here it is quite an anomalous position because the motion is against the person of Honorable Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh. He has not spoken up to this time during the last 3 days. Therefore, the honorable mover of the motion has no opportunity to give a reply in proper manner. All other people have spoken except the Honorable the Chief Minister.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: He does not reply. I cannot force him.

THE Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, whatever charges have been leveled against the Ministry, the Ministry in-charge will reply to those charges and then if the honorable member is satisfied, it is left to him to withdraw the motion; otherwise he can ask for a division and then it is for the House and not for him to decide our fate. I have to give my reply not to the honorable the mover of the motion but to the House as a whole. (After a pause) The Honorable member may proceed.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Sir it is dictatorial tone of the Honorable the Chief Minister. It is not fair  that he should ask me to proceed. What is he that he should say that I should proceed? It is you, Sir, who have a right to say that I should proceed.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, I am Sorry if I said anything to hurt the honorable member.

  The Honorable THE SPEAKER: That was not right on the part of the Honorable the Leader of the House. The Honorable member might proceed now to give a reply.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: (In Sindhi) Sir, the no –confidence motion prepared by me has thoroughly been discussed by both the parties. I am very sorry that I am not aware of the opinion of the man against whom I have brought this motion; but as the procedure of the House, as ordered by you, is that the Leader of the House cannot be compelled to speak in response till all the members have finished their speeches, I feel myself bound to wind up the debate.

In this House, Cabinet Members are responsible for Government Benches. Honorable Minister Mr. Nihchaldas gave a reply to some extent. He discussed many points wherein he tried to show that he had done this and he had done that. He has advocated the cause of Government to a great extent. I have noted all his points, but if I reply to each and every one of them, it will be a lengthy story. I do not find even a single act of importance done by them. I do admit that there are certain actions of the Government which deserves credit, but when Sind was under Bombay Government then also we used to witness even more beneficial measures for the country. I do not think that the work claimed to have been done by Honorable Mr. Nihchaldas deserves any credit. It is like the head-munshi who after showing 5-8 works, speaks of his excellence before his superiors and begs for promotion. That is an old way. But in the present times when we see that other countries bring reforms so rapidly, we do not find even a single step taken by our Government towards reforms. An ordinary matter, that 5 adult schools have been opened, has been expressed with so much pride which, according to me, is not worthy of the honor of Government to do so.

Now I come to the most important question that of land assessment. Our honorable Minister says that objections will be invited on the land assessment question and it is only after that the decision will be arrived at.

This important question of assessment has got two sides: that the assessment be increased and that the scales should not be fixed as proposed. If the Ministers think it reasonable they may increase the assessment; but what I object to, is the way in which they are increased, the way in which the house and the parties are hoodwinked. Except the European members, who like these proposals because the zamindars are taxed thereby, the members sitting on the Government Benches have not been told that these proposals will be changed. But I ask: Have these proposals been decided according to the level at which Honorable Pir Illahi Bakhsh has addressed ; these are the matters of party-system which I do not take interest in, because we must speak on  a high level. I agree with the honorable member Mr. Jamshed. He always gives sound opinions and there is sincerity in them. We, both of us, intend to achieve the same object; we have got the same goal in view. His belief is like that of a pessimist or may I say his belief is saintly one? i.e., he believes in the theory that one should not leap in the dark. This not a new theory. All the orthodox and pessimist have taken until and unless one knows the details of one’s future course. I believe in the theory of revolution.

I have got blind faith in change. I do not care for the result, but I feel it my duty to bring revolution in what is bad for our country. I have never thought about the future; I will never think about it because I believe in the theory advocated by Dr. Sir Muhammad Iqbal.

Jump in the river; play with its waves; pleasure lies in playing with the waves. There may be many members whose opinion might differ. Even judges differ in Court though they hear the same case with unprejudiced minds. Let any members’ opinion vary, but in my humble opinion no one has got the right of saying that whatever is done by me is with an evil intention. In my view, I am doing right and nothing but right. Others say that my intention is to break Ministries after every 12 months but I say that  I don’t care for the making or breaking of Ministries. I don’t mind breaking Ministries after every month if it is for the betterment of this country.

K. B. A. K. GABOL: Sir, I rise to a point of order. The honorable member must reply to the debate. He is making a fresh speech.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The charge leveled by several honorable member is that he is a breaker of Ministries, that he wants to play with Ministries, set up one Ministry against another. He is explaining his theory with regard to that. I hope the honorable member will be brief in his reply.

Mr. G. M.SAYED: I have to reply to all honorable members. This is a big theory. Everywhere and the press of late, and members have criticized me that I am chiefly responsible for breaking Ministries.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The honorable member should not care for press opinion. He should be brief in his reply.

Mr. G. M.SAYED: (In Sindhi) Sir, I am of the opinion that all the reforms that we have got at present are incomplete. They require a master-touch. Our country is in a state of ignorance. Public opinion has not yet been created amongst the masses; in the absence of public opinion, we find a majority of ambitious members. No hope can be sustained in the present elected lot. They know that public opinion has not yet seen its birth in this country. But, Sir, we see that the more the members grow ambitious, the more serious are the charges leveled against them. They change their parties every day. Under these circumstances any stable Ministry will be a curse for the country; because the Ministry which has got no solid backing of a definite  party, the Ministry which does not care to think of the Public good, the Ministry which does not care to think of the Public good, the Ministry which crushes the public opinion in order that a slavish mentality should be created in us, will bring nothing but destruction of the country; I will be the first person to oppose such a Ministry. I like a stable Ministry like that of Congress Provinces which has got certain fixed  principles, which crushes the public opinion in order that a  slavish mentality should be created in us, will bring nothing but destruction  of the country; I will be the first person to oppose such a Ministry. I like a stable Ministry like that of Congress Provinces which has got certain fixed principles, which acts on a definite program, which possesses the sense of discipline. Such Ministry is most welcome. But, if any Ministry makes itself stable by greasing the palm of certain members, no good can be expected from it, and I will be the last person give it rest. Let all the persons lay charges against me that my ideas will bring destruction to the country or that my intention is to worsen the condition of this country, I am prepared to welcome such a charge. Sir, honorable member Mr. Jamshed has expressed that we must think for the future; we must keep ourselves vigilant for the times to come. I do admit that; but if we find fault with the present state of affairs, we must bring a rapid change, we must create a revolution. There are two methods by which peace in a country can be brought. One group says that arms should be done away with; they should be reduced; the nations will then fear each other; they will fear destruction and compulsorily peace will prevail in the country. Struggle always awakens a country. If struggle resigns in this country, then public opinion will be created and the persons residing in villages will come to know the present condition of the country; they will be compelled to understand the course that politics take and, after that, when new elections come, public opinion will sufficiently be created and many hopes can be entertained of the new elected group that comes out successful after a keen struggle. The members that get themselves elected after public opinion has been created will realize their responsibility and this realization, I am definite, will prove a boon for this country. The same member who blames me now, will openly say then, that I will most welcome any party in power because I am sure that there will be discipline in it. I think myself to be a servant of the country; The same member who blame me now, will openly say then, that the elected parties have definite principles. It will be then alone that I will most welcome any party in power because I am sure that there will be discipline in it. I think myself to be a servant of the country; I feel for it; because of that feeling, I feel myself answerable to the call of the poor. A pain stricken heart feels for pain-stricken hearts. I am much grieved when I brood over the sorrows and difficulties that beset our country. That feeling compels me to place a standard of service for the Ministry. I am of the opinion that an ideal pro gramme be formed and placed before the country. Help maybe extended to them who act according to it, while opposition should be made to that man who does not care for the same. Sir, I will request you to allow me to speak for more time. I have risen at 6 p.m. and I will complete my speech at 6-30 p.m.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: (In Sindhi) Honorable member may speak for that time.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: (In Sindhi) Honorable member Khan Sahib Sardar JafferKhan Burdi is a friend of mine and I have got respect for him. I do not want to say anything in reply to whatever he has expressed because I do realize that I am a human being and there may be drawbacks in me, but I am prepared to drive my shortcomings away if my friends point out the same to me. I think it fit to answer one point of his and it is this. He says that in the present times a storm reigns over Sind which must be put an end to. My humble submission is that our whole life is full of storms. A silent life is of no use Truly it has been said by a Persian poet :-
I have complete faith in it. That country will never open its eyes whose people are dormant and silent. Progress can come only when the particles of revolution are created in the hearts of all residents of a country. I have read in the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi that a minority can also rule a country of its members are vigilant and worthy. Every one  is a master of his own opinions, but if the people use the benevolent influence, it will be useful for the betterment of the country. I assure you  there is no evil intention in the doings of those people. Sir, it has been expressed by the Ministerial Benches that I have not come forward with any definite allegations against the Ministry; it should not the presumed from this that I posses no material or that whatever has been expressed by the honorable members to support me is wrong. They have spoken the truth. I am prepared to disclose the names of those officers to whom honorable member Mr. Gazdar has referred in his speech, but the question is person, how can he make an enquiry? Therefore it is better that an independent committee be appointed to make investigations, and I will subsequently disclose the names. The Collector of Thar Parkar, the Collector of Sukkur, Sub Judges and the Manager, Encumbered Estates, have been used as instruments for help to Government. Officers were directed by wires to send some members to Karachi at the time of Sardar Patel’s visit in Sind. We have got that material with ourselves, but I do not think it proper to bring in these petty things against those friends with whom I have lived up to the present and who have remained my best friends. But this is a matter of principle. Public mentality is worsened; the germs of slavery have been created. If I propose this vote of no-confidence, it is on that principle only.

(In English) There is too much noise, Sir.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: There is too much noise on this (left) side of the House. Ordinary courtesy requires that the honorable member should be heard. He is the mover of the motion.

 Mr. G. M. SAYED: (In Sindhi) In the end I would urge that nothing will come from more conversations. The betterment of the country will not come through conversations but it will come through deeds and actions. The Ministry should have a definite program to carry out. If the honorable Ministries act on a definite principle, if they act as the House intends, in connection with assessment, if they give weight to public opinion, I tell my friends that I will be the first person to co-operate with them. If they desire that the country should be ruled with the help of violence and force, I will never agree with their ideas. I do not care for the failure or success of my no-confidence motion; but I will advise the Honorable the Chief Minister to work on certain principles; it is better for him; it will bring success for him.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, I express my deep gratitude to the honorable the mover of this Resolution. Whether the Resolution is carried or defeated, it has provided an opportunity to both sides to clear their position.

Sir, I was rather at a loss to understand the honorable the mover of this Resolution while he was making his reply. In the beginning he told the House that his object was to break the Ministry, if possible, every month, and even, if possible, to get the Assembly dissolved because he believes that it is fundamentally good for this province to make frequent changes with a view to ultimately getting stability. Then in the end he says that if the Chief Minister accepts the Congress proposal, namely, to postpone the assessment  question, he would be prepared to support that program and policy. Well, Sir, there are these two inconsistencies. I can assure the honorable members that I have nothing against me. Socially we shall both remain friends. But I think our political views are so very different from each other that it will be impossible for us to come together upon the same platform. Had I known the true policy of the honorable the mover in the beginning and that he wanted a change of Ministry every three months, I would have been the last person to have come with his support on the Treasury Benches.

SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: Hear, hear.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: And, Sir, the words which the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain said to me at that time are coming out to be true.

SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: Hear, hear.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: And I admire the honorable the mover of this Resolution that he has made no secret about it.

Now, Sir, I would first like to regret to the last two speakers: the honorable member SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID and the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain. The honorable member SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID got up and read out a statement. He said “Here are your Ministers who, when they come to see MR. Jinnah, agreed to vacate office, but ultimately did not fulfill their promise. They have no right to sit on the Treasury Benches.” Perfectly right, Sir, if that was the true position. In fairness to the Minister, he should have narrated the whole story so that I should have saved my time in replying to my honorable friend Shaikh Sahib.

Sir, when I went to see Mr. Jinnah he told me that it would be desirable that the Muslims should come together and that there should be a League Ministry. My reply to Mr. Jinnah was that apart from any communal considerations, it would be impossible to have a League Ministry in Sind, because quite apart from the principle whether there should or should not be a Communal Ministry, I thought that, from the point of view of practical politics, that would not be possible. There are 33 Muslim members in this House excluding yourself, Sir, who are the speaker, and my honorable Muslim friend occupying the Congress Benches.

K. B. A. K. GABOL: One in myself (Laughter).

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Considering that there are 33 members, if at any time 4 or 5 members deserted the Ministry and joined the Congress or the Hindus, the whole balance would be upset. If the Congress had any reason to fear that there was going to be a purely Muslim League Ministry, they would have without much ado struck a bargain with the Hindu Independent Group rather than have allowed the League Ministry to exist. The Hindus being in a minority, it would have been their fundamental duty to see that the League Ministry was thrown out in the interests of the minority community. I made that position very clear to Mr. Jinnah. He told me in reply that he had no intention or desire to exclude the Hindus; on the contrary he was anxious to have the good wishes of the minority groups as well; but in any case, if 32 Mahomedans joined, there was going to be no difficulty about it. He further said that, if the Mahomedans remained solid, the Hindus ultimately were bound to join them. So what the honorable member has stated is perfectly true, and I am not going to deny it. But, Sir, the condition precedent to that agreement was that 32 Muslims should join the party and at time we were able to count only 26 Muslims. They were not able even to make out at that time whether these 6 absentees belonged to the League party to the Ministerial party. So the solution that was hit upon, as being the best way out of the ‘impasse’, was that telegrams were to be sent to the absentee member over the signatures of Sir Ghulam Hussain and myself –the fundamental principle being, as I have just said, that all the 32 members should unite, and attempts were thus made to bring about this result. It cannot be denied, Sir, that I had made the position very clear to Mr. Jinnah that in the event of all the 32 members uniting, I would not accept office. I made this decision and made it known to all concerned, because I thought that it would be impossible for any man to carry on the administration with such precarious support. Mr. Jinnah persuaded me to reconsider my decision and said that my attitude was not right, but I was unable to do so and adhered to my views. I never said that I would accept office. Having made that position clear, the question arose as to who should succeed me in the event of my not accepting office. They had decided that the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain should not become the Chief Minister.
                Mr. G. M. SAYED: That was long after that.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: The honorable member says “long after that”. May I bring to the mind of the honorable member a conversation which we had under a tree in the compound of the House where Mr. Jinnah was present? He will remember that he (the honorable member) distinctly told me that it would not be desirable that I should join the League, and I was under no circumstances to bring in Sir Ghulam Hussain!

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The honorable member denies it.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: May I know whether the honorable member really denies it?

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Sir, I said only these words to the Honorable the Chief Minister when he signed and came out. I told him that I had no personal grudge against him and as he had done a work of sacrifice, therefore, that on account of this act of his; in future I was not going against him. I am sure the Pir Sahib will bear me out. Sir that was the real position at that time. So the question of the Ministers having backed out of that agreement does not arise. A further sidelight will reveal some of the other goings –on at the time. While we were all gathered at the bungalow of Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon one evening, and while the negotiation was still going on in Separate room, Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon comes to me and says: “I congratulate you. Everything is decided”.  I was quite taken aback and that you will continue to be the Chief Minister”. I was so surprised at his words and at his apparent attempt to commit me to a condition to which I had never agreed that I said: “Haji Sahib, look here this is a thing which should be decided by the Party. I have never said that if you agree to my being the Chief Minister, I would be prepared to continue in office”.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Sir, he did say so.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: No contradiction. The Honorable Minister may proceed.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, if the honorable member insists, I shall produce the document.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: No.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: There are 20 members behind me who will support me.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: No interruption please. I call upon the Honorable Leader of the House to proceed.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Then, Sir that belies the fact that Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon came to me in the same evening. If I had agreed to be the Chief Minister and they also had agreed, then why did I not join them?

 Mr. G. M. SAYED: Because you wanted to remain for 3 years.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: That is not correct I make it further clear that Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon came…………….

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: Is it such a very important point on which the Honorable the Leader of the House wants to dilate so much?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Yes, Sir. If they say that the Ministers backed out of certain agreements, then I have certainly to prove that they are wrong.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Why from certain agreements?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: I am explaining all the agreements.

Then, Sir, Khan Bahadur Gormani came to me and I enquired of him about this and said: “Gormani, what is this?” He in reply said “Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon brought to us a message that you wanted  to be the Chief Minister and that Mr. Jinnah had ultimately agreed”. I immediately told him that I had never said so. He reiterated that Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon had brought such a message.

Mr. G. M. SAYED:  You said that in the whole meeting.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Then Khan Bahadur Gormani went back and told Haji Abdullah Haroon that I denied that I had made any such statement that I wanted to be the Chief Minister. Sir, Khan Bahadur Gormani himself narrated to me later that they had called Sir Haji Abdullah Haroon and confronted him with these conflicting versions, whereupon Haji Sahib admitted that I had not told him any such thing, but he had formed that impression because of certain things he had heard from his office people.

Mr. G. M. SAYED:  How many promises have you broken?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: I am coming to all those promises which I am supposed to have broken. . . . . .

Now, I must reply to my honorable friend SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID. He told us that there was no desire whatsoever to create a League Ministry; and he said that he was, on the contrary, fully prepared to advise me either to form a coalition with the Congress or to bring some other groups together so as to have stability. I might straightaway inform the House that that was not the position which the Muslim League took in the beginning and you, Sir, know very well that the position at that time was entirely different. Their idea was to form a League Ministry and that is what I did not like; and I think I may say that I have rendered a signal service to this Province by not joining the League. It is a very good thing that the Muslim League has failed in this Province and I wish it would further fail.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Question. You will be compelled to join the League.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: I would prefer to die rather than join the League. (Hear, hear)

 SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Unity.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, what is that unity? Can you call that unity? That term would be an absolute misnomer –members were being asked to join the League under coercion!

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: No interruption.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, it is really most painful that an organization like the Muslim League should coerce the members and compel them to join the League. Then how can it be said that such an organization could be in the best interests of either the Province or the community? They wanted me to join the Muslim League under coercion. First of all, the aims, objects and principle of the League are not hidden from any honorable member of this House. The League came into prominence in Sind after Sir Ghulam Hussain’s Ministry went out. The object of the League was to throw out the present Ministry. I would not have minded going out but for the present Ministry. I would not have minded going out but for the fact that they made heavy preparations for the arrival of Mr. Jinnah. Arrangements were made to picket the houses of the Ministers, but eventually they were advised not to do that. They spoke on the platform in the most irresponsible manner. Not content with that, they even went to the length of hatching a plot to get the Ministers killed. If the honorable members so wish, I am perfectly prepared to divulge the secret of it.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: What is that?

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: No interruption.

  The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, I am going to tell the House how and in what manner they practiced coercion. I am going to give the whole account. I was prepared to go to any length rather than succumb to the vicious influence of the League. What happened? One of the prominent members of the League. . . . .

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: That is not going to help you.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: One of the prominent members of the League and who has the distinction of being an honorable member of this House went to one of my dear friends and said to him. “We are going to establish here a communal Ministry under any circumstance”.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Question.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, I am merely giving out the message as it was given to my friend by no less a person than a responsible member of this Assembly.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: Who is he?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH:  I am going to you his name. Sir, he went and said to my friend and I might repeat the almost identical words that he used: “As you are thick friend of Allah Bakhsh, I have come to tell you that if he (meaning myself) does not join the League, he is bound to be killed”. The reply that he received from my friend was “You know Allah Bakhsh” –and these are the very words that he used –“You know Allah Bakhsh. Once he makes up his mind, he will not change. He is obstinate and no useful purpose will be served by my giving him any advice.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, if he wishes that I should give him names, I shall do so. I referred to the honorable member Mr. Gazdar who went and spoke to my friend Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto. I can go further.

K. B. M. A KHUHRO: A point of order. In first place neither is Mr. Gazdar present here, nor was Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto present at Karachi during the League meeting. Therefore, the point is whether these allegations can be made.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The second part is a matter of fact and the first part makes reference to the legal issue whether any reference can be made to an honorable member who is absent. If the honorable member insists on a ruling I shall give one. It will only complicate matters. The honorable member should support or confirm his statement on his own responsibility.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: I am prepared to mention any other member if he so desires. Sir, may I enquire of them of the League has any well-defined principles? I, for one, could not see that the League could boast of any cut-and-dried principles and accordingly I was not prepared to attach importance to the League. The merits of an association or institution have to be adjusted from the persons who conduct it. If the intentions of our local Leaguers were honest, I am sure my friend Sir Ghulam Hussain would not have resigned from the League. He knew what was at the bottom of the show. The game was to capture offices and nothing else. When Sardar Patel and Moulana Abul Kalam Azad were here at Karachi, we and several honorable members of this House went and saw them. I am not going to accuse the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain. An interesting question was asked by Sardar Patel, or perhaps by Moulana Abul Kalam Azad –I don’t exactly remember by whom –whether, in the event of a coalition Ministry being formed, would you be prepared to accept the policy and program of the Congress and sign the Congress pledge and so on and so forth?

Mr. G. M. SAYED: A point of explanations, Sir. The Honorable the Chief Minister says: Moulana Abul Kalam Azad asked, if the Congress accepted Ministry, will we be able to sign the Congress pledge and remain under Congress discipline? He never said that. Now, again and again he made it known to us that the Congress was not going to accept office. Then he said “Are you going to accept the Hussain said if the Congress remained out, then he would consult all our members, and not if a coalition was formed, and that then the problem would be discussed with the party. If they did come in for coalition it was different.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The honorable member’s name was not disclosed by the Honorable Leader of the House.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: I can go further than that. If he has not made any personal reference. . . . . . . .

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH:  No interruptions please. The fact is that actually more than 20 members of this Honorable House were present there. If one’s memory is so short, I cannot help that. The honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain said “No” and I think the honorable member Khan Bahadur Gabol also said “No”. Only Mr. Gazdar and Khan Bahadur Khuhro said “Yes”.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: No, Sir, this is a misstatement. I will cite his own members as witnesses. I was bound with my party, and that I would not give my independent opinion.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The honorable member will avoid names.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: In that case Sardar Patel was very clear. I had no doubt in my mind at that time, nor is there any doubt left in my mind now. . . . . . . .

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Question. Did he accept. . . . . .

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH:  No interruptions, please. I had no doubts left in my mind that the members of the League had formed the League with the distinct object of capturing offices. If, however, it was a question of achieving solidarity of the Muslims of securing stability of the Government, nobody would have had anything to say against such laudable objects; and it is open to these honorable members even now to come and occupy these benches. There is nothing to prevent them from having, if they so wish, stability or solidarity of Muslims. But no, Sir, such were not their intentions. Offices they want, Sir, and there’s no gainsaying that. And, further, Sir, I think there is no stability in the sense in which my honorable friend SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID or Sir Ghulam Hussain has advised me.

Sir, it is easy to reply to the Honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain and in one word only. That advice which he gave to me at that time, he should give to himself now.

K. B. A. K. GABOL: It has been advised by me. (Laughter)

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH:  It is no use playing the same game, of which he was the victim and of which I perhaps might be some day. I do not deny that. Therefore, Sir, If the no –confidence motion is not to be treated lightly, may I ask him today that that advice which he gave me, he should apply to himself?

A Honorable Member: He did not support the motion.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH:  He did say he opposes the motion.

The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI: Voting will show that.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: Will the honorable member take long?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH:  I shall try to finish as early as possible. We won’t take more than 15 to 20 minutes.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The Honorable Leader of the House might finish by quarter past 7.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH:  Then, Sir, I come to the second part. I am accused of being an autocrat, a Hitler, acting independently and against the wishes of the parties supporting me. Well, Sir, I assure you and this Honorable House that I have no intention and never had any intention whatever of defying either the parties supporting me or this Honorable House. But I must explain the position briefly. The resentment, If I may say so, centered over the assessment proposals but, with regard to these proposals, I may say that I myself did not know exactly where I stood. Unfortunately in this part of the country at this time two scenes of a drama were being played. That was played during the regime of Sir Ghulam Hussain and that drama was being re-enacted during my tenure of office.

K. B. A. K. GABOL: You played openly.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: And the hero of that drama was my honorable friend Mr. G. M. Sayed. To tell you the honest truth, I knew nothing of what was happening behind the scenes –same as Sir Ghulam Hussain knew nothing of what happened behind the scenes. As the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain pointed out, the honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed was dining with him that night and he did not suspect anything. He came in the morning and he was taken by surprise. Sir, such was my fate also. I honestly tell you I knew nothing of what was happening behind the scenes and perhaps certain of my actions did annoy the honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed, but it is impossible to cope with his pace or to agree with his ideas. I may tell you one interesting instance. The honorable member Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Shah one day –I think it was at Sakrand or some other place, I do not remember where –received a complaint from some people that the police zulum was intolerable. He sends me an open telegram from there saying “It is a disagrace to support the present Ministry. I am ashamed.”

Mr. G. M. SAYED: A word of personal explanation. I had sent out 10 letters against the zulums of the police in Nawabshah, and the honorable the Chief Minster did not have the courtesy even to so acknowledge receipt of those letters. When I went to Nawabshah, so many people came and threw their turbans on my feet, and as an emotional man I was moved and sent the telegram and the telegram ran thus: “Nothing has been done about the police and I feel ashamed as supporter of Government which has not been able to do anything.”

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: I can send for the copy of the telegram. They got annoyed. I knew nothing of what was happening. In the meantime they and a few of his friends decided between themselves to throw out the Ministry.

Mr. G. M. Sayed: That is wrong.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: One minute, please, The honorable member Makhdum Sahib will bear me out. I was silent. I repeat I knew nothing of what was happening behind the scenes.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: He is innocence personified.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: No interruption, please.

Before the orders on the assessment proposals were passed, I went to Sann. My honorable friend Mr. G. M. Sayed may or may not deny it. I can’t say that, because everything that I have said is now being denied. I went and told him, “Look here, Ghulam Murtaza Shah, these assessment proposals have to be tackled, and if the figures justify it, it is desirable that we should increase the assessment.” He was at first averse to my suggestions. Then I said “You know this is a deficit province. We have got to show our bona fides to subvention. Either we must satisfy the Government of India that there is no room for an increase of the assessment, looking to the present facts and figures, or, if it is found possible for the figures to justify the increase, we must to do so.” He then agreed.

                Mr. G. M. SAYED: I deny that. I never said “Yes.” The second day honorable member Mr. Issardas Varindmal came to me and was going to increase the assessment. I said that I was definitely against it. Then I wrote honorable Mr. Nihchaldas a letter that we had worked together, and if the Chief Minister was bringing new taxes, it would be fatal to our party; I was definitely against that proposal and that Honorable Mr. Nihchaldas should tell him so.

                Mr. ISSARDAS VARINDMAL: (In Sindhi) The Honorable the Chief Minister met me on that day and told me that Shah Sahib told him that he had accepted.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: The Honorable P.W. D. Minister is here. You can ask him.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: I cannot ask him unless he rises himself.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Whatever the position was, I believe and honestly believe that the desire of my honorable friend Mr. Sayed was to throw out the Ministry, and perhaps he thought this was the best opportunity and the time to exploit the situation. So far as the position of my Congress friends is concerned, Sir, I do not think that I can lay any blame at their door. In the first instance, the Congress members asked me that before Government passed final orders, they should consult the members of this House, if not in the Assembly, at least outside the Assembly. I said “Yes.” I explained the position at that time to the Congress group, telling them that the assessment orders were the orders of the executive Government, and that if the orders were passed and if the House was dissatisfied, they could pass a vote of no-confidence in the Cabinet. But they gave me friendly advice that as it was the burning question of the day, it would be desirable to take the parties into confidence and that they, on their part, would not necessarily try to create any obstacles. I relied, Sir, on their promise as well as on the promise of my honorable friend Mr. Sayed, who now denies it. Accordingly, having come here, I fixed the date –I think it was the 12^th or 14^th. In the first instance I wanted it to be the 10^th. Gradually I went on postponing thinking that my honorable friend Mr. Sayed would come round. His adherents, however, went on passing one resolution after another against the proposals. When the first resolution was passed –of which much is made by honorable friend Mr. Sayed –saying that the party has resolved that the assessment should be postponed, it is not a fact that I accepted that resolution. I made the position very clear at that time that it would not be possible for me to carry out that resolution, and that if they wished that the assessment proposals should be postponed, they would have to find another Minister. Then my honorable friend Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Shah told me that his party would be prepared to reconsider the matter. In the meantime, Sir, he communicated that decision to the Congress group. The Congress group was called me the same evening and asked me what the position was. They mentioned to me that they were not going to oppose me, but advised me that I should do what my party asked me to do and that when my party’s resolution was that the question should be postponed, it was in the fitness of things that I should accept that resolution. This was the first day’s resolution. In that evening we met the Congress group where the honorable member Mr. Sayed was present, and when they asked me . . . . . .. . . .

Mr. G. M. SAYED: I want to know where.

 The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: At Dr. Choithram’s place where Acharya Kirpalani was present.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: We never met there, but at Mr. Jamshed’s place

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: That was later on.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: No, Sir, That is not correct.
                (Several member got up and interrupted)

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: I find several honorable members getting up and talking. The reporter cannot take down 4 members at a time.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: I want to say, Sir. . . . .

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The Honorable member should rise only on a point of personal explanation.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: I am not going to yield any more to these interruptions, Sir. Let me proceed.

Sir, I must say that there is no cohesion among the party and certainly there are no party principles. There is no doubt about that The whole difficulty was that something else was happening behind the scenes, the same as occurred during the regime of the honorable member Sir Ghulam Hussain and was being re-enacted during the tenure of my office. It is impossible for any Prime Minister not to succumb to such intrigue. I shall go further than that.

                (At this stage the honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed stood up)

                The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The Honorable the chief Minister did not refer to the honorable member.

                The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Very well, Sir, I will not refer to them.

                As regards the assessment proposals, the honorable the mover of the Resolution says that if the members do not vote for the Resolution it means that they approve of the assessment proposals, whereas, if I have understood him a right, his grouse was. . . .  . . .

SIR GHULAM HUSSAIN HIDAYATULLAH: He did not say that.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: He did say that.

The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI: Then somebody else from the Opposition did say that.

   The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: If that was the question, then he should have brought only one thing: the assessment proposals. But, truly speaking, that is not the position. The grievance is that the Ministers have passed assessment orders without the previous approval of their party. That is the real grouse. . . . . .  .

Now, let us examine that position from the constitutional point of view. Is the revision of assessment proposals a tax or rent?

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Rent.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: If it is held that it is a tax.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Sir, I rise to a point of information.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: I do not want to yield to it now.

The question is whether it is a tax or a rent. If it is a tax, then no democratic Government, whether in India or outside India, would be prepared to disclose their taxation proposals before their parties. The parties cannot constitutionally ask Government to place their proposals for taxation before them. That is the constitutional position.

The Second question is: Is it a rent? If it is a rent, then it is to be periodically revised and there is nothing wrong about taking parties into confidence with regard to it. If they disagree, then the best course for the Ministers is to say that it is very difficult for them entirely to surrender their conscience to meet the wishes of the party members.
                An Honorable Member from Congress Benches: And resign.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: That is the one the only position.

THE HONORABLE Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI: Now, Sir, the position comes to this. I am being asked –or I am being censured –that before we pass our final orders, we must take the approval of the parties to what is, as I have explained, an executive order. That position, constitutionally no Minister can accept.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: On a point of information, Sir.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: Sir, I am not going to yield.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Sir, the Minister has written to us letters asking for opinion.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSH: You should have impeached us at that time.

Now, Sir, we are asked that before passing final orders it must be established as a convention that the parties should be consulted beforehand. I should have been very glad if the honorable the mover of the Resolution had come forward and said “ I accept this constitutional position –that it is an executive order, but, if the House comes to the conclusion that order is not proper, then the Ministry should be censure on that point. The Honorable the mover of the Resolution contends that we must take prior approval to the passing of the order. He is not prepared to discuss the merits of that order, or, if he finds that order is wrong, to bring in a censure motion against the Government on that count. I would appreciate it if the honorable member said that particular rates of assessment should not be imposed. I could accept that position. But what I am being censured for is because I have not consulted the parties previously before passing those orders, which are, however, subject to modification, and it is therefore, they feel that I deserve to be censured.

The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI: They are merely tentative orders.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: The honorable member SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID and Sir Ghulam Hussain are accepting a principle, which is constitutionally not correct that, upon a matter which is an executive order of Government, I must take the attitude which my party wishes me to take; and therefore they feel that I have acted like an autocrat, like Hitler. I am not at this juncture going to stand on any prestige. If I have to remain in office, I have got to carry out the wishes of my party or to go out.

 The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI: Quite right.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: That is the constitutional practice.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: One Minute, please, I am coming to that.

After taking the party into confidence, if I feel that the advice tendered by my party is such that it will not be possible for me to accept it, then I feel that I have got no alternative but to go away. I am prepared, on my honorable friends may find convenient, to provide an opportunity for discussing the assessment proposals on their merits. The idea that I was defying my party was far from my intentions. If I knew that a game was going to be played, -a straight deal –I would have certainly done as my party would have desired me to do. I make no secret about it. But here the question is one man’s word against another’s. The honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed says “No”, I say “Yes.” Therefore the best thing is to drop that the line of argument. But  I can assure this Honorable House that it is very far from my intention either no to revise these proposals or not to carry out the wishes of my parties”, I include the Congress group also in those parties. I have no desire to exclude the Congress group because I know the Congress are in the right. The Wardha resolution to which a reference was made is not wrong. When Moulana Abul Kalam Azad and Sardar Patel both came here, they were given an impression that the present Ministry had no following of Mahomedans and that the Congress group was there to divide Mahomedans and run the administration of this Province with the combination of Hindu group and a small section of Mahomedans. The merits of the assessment proposals were crowded out. These high politicians like Moulana Abul Kalam Azad and Sardar Vallabhai Patel of the Working Committee did not enter into the merits of the assessment proposals but only considered their position in all-India politics. When I was discussing with Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, I told him”Moulana, what are you doing? You are wrong. You should try to support us. The assessment proposals are good”. He said: “They may be good. I have no time to examine them. The thing is that I am not looking at the question from that point of view. I am looking at it entirely from a different point of view, which is how the position of Sind politics would stand as compared to all –India politics”. I felt that, at that time, there was no doubt left in mind of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad that I had no backing of Mahomedans. That was the position then.

The second point was that, rightly or wrongly, they got the impression that I had defied my party in that, a certain resolution passed by the party was not carried out by me and that was against the principles of democracy. Therefore they imposed two conditions. One of the conditions was that either I should carry out the wishes of the parties, that is to say, I should give effect to a resolution passed by them that land revenue proposals should be postponed for one year; or prefer an attitude of neutrality by them. They said : We remain neutral and let the fight be between you and the League so that the Congress may not be accused of dividing the Mussalmans”. That was precisely the exact position which the Congress took from the point of view of all –India politics. But certainly from my point of view it was wrong, because I came into office with their support and it was not proper for them suddenly to tell me to accept either one alternative or the other. But even for that, I will not blame them, because they did not know that there were two scenes being played on one stage. They took everything at its face value. Therefore, I am not blaming the Congress. Both their conditions were justifiable, and today the time have come to prove whether I am right or wrong as the fate of the Ministry is going to be decided now. It will be seen now whether the Congress has divided the Mahomedas or not. It is not going to vindicate my position only, but it is going to vindicate the position of the Congress as well because I shall show them that the Congress are not dividing the Mahomedans. That one charge against the Congress is wiped out, and I think for that the Congress should be thankful to me.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: Will the Honorable the Leader of the House conclude soon?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: Yes, Sir.

Then I come to the impressive speech of my honorable friend Khan Bahadur Khuhro.

Mr. G. M. SAYED: Sir, he has taken more than half an hour allotted by you.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: I never fixed a time-limit in the case of any honorable member. All the same I have requested him to conclude his speech soon.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: I am sorry, Sir, that my honorable friend Mr. Gazdar is not here. But I request his comrade honorable member SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID, who has on occasions like this established a convention, to kindly follow that convention now. Honorable member Mr. Gazdar got up and in certain respects he was supported by SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID as well as by my honorable friend Mr. Sayed when he said :”Dissolve the Assembly. Let us go back to the electorate.” And for what? To test the confidence they enjoy. On a previous occasion when there were riots in Karachi I think my honorable friend SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID and honorable member Mr. Gazdar both resigned to get approval to a certain policy advocated by them. May I request to repeat the again?

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: If the Honorable the Chief Minister resigns, I am going to resign from my constituency and put myself up against him in his own constituency. This is my challenge.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: One minute, Sir. I have no objection to accept that challenge. Not that I am afraid.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: Practice that yourself.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI:  I am going to do that and I am prepared to resign. The honorable member should listen to me. First of all, he is the representative of a particular constituency. Now let us test that first –whether he has got the confidence of that constituency or not. If he comes out in flying colors from his own constituency, I shall be prepared to resign my seat and then he can come and contest my seat.

Now I come to certain charges which have been brought by honorable member Khan Bahadur Khan Khuhro, and I think some charges were leveled by certain other member also. What are those charges?

The first charge they levied against us was that we had used the help of the executive to consolidate our position.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: There is too much noise in the gallery.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: I have made that position very clear that there is no desire or intention on the part of Government to do so. The honorable member has given certain instances and I say I shall make enquires. In the first instance, I do not want to waste the time of the House, but I shall write and ask him, if not openly, at least confidentially, to give me the name of the members, and then I shall communicate with him as to what the position is and whether those charges are true or untrue. If the honorable member, notwithstanding this assurance, is not satisfied, I am perfectly willing to make enquiries which will satisfy this Honorable House. I can go no further than that.

Then, Sir, there were certain charges made by my honorable friend Khan Bahadur Khuhro and other members saying that we have created the posts of Deputy Secretary, Revenue Department, and a special officer to go into the Jagir question. Well, Sir, I leave that question for the House to judge for themselves. I will content myself with saying only this much. Prior to the separation of Sind, the Revenue Commissioner had 6,000 cases and now it has risen to 33,000.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: On a point of order, Sir. The Honorable Member is justifying the appointments. The charge against him is that he has not obtained the sanction of the Assembly. When he brings a supplementary grant, he can fully at that time raise all these points.

An Honorable MEMBER: HE is doing next month.

THE HONORBALE THE SPEAKER: The honorable member should know that the honorable the Leader of the House and all of us are old legislators. We have seen that it is usual for the Government to always make appointments in advance and then bring token grants.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: I know my financial responsibilities. It is not for the honorable member to get up and teach me.

The question is, would the House advise me, if the number of cases go in excess of 6000 and if the Commissioner is not able to dispose of those cases to postpone the issue? Will they allow the work to be accumulated? Certainly not, Sir. The point is that I am perfectly prepared to overhaul the whole machinery in such a way that there should be no accumulation of those cases, but if the cases are there, seeing that the number remains at the present level, there is no alternative but to continue the post. Then, Sir, he referred to the appointment of Deputy Secretary, Finance Department. I can straightaway explain to honorable members that the post of the Finance Secretary to Government is such that Government cannot immediately depute one or other I. C. S. officer to take up the post. We require, and so does every Government require, an expert to handle Finance. He should be an expert having technical knowledge and special training in that particular subject. We made an enquiry from the Government of Bombay and there was none available. We even approached the Government of India whether It would be possible to suggest somebody as successor to Mr. Clee. I will read the letter which we received from the Government  of India and leave the House to judge the position for themselves.

“Your letter of 30^th June 1938, about a successor to yourself. We are prepared to do everything we can in this direction to help Sind or Bombay. I must point out, however, that Bombay has been exceedingly costive about offering suitable men for the Finance and Commerce pool, where we should have paid for their training.

2.            I completely agree with what I deduce to be your view, viz, that to put and officer without any previous or even without any fairly considerable previous experience in Finance as Finance Secretary in Sind, would be almost criminal.

3.            In existing circumstances the best I can suggest is that the man chosen to succeed you should do 3 or 4 months’ training in the office of the Accountant General, Bombay, and 3 or 2 month as sort of attaché in your own office. We would be prepared to have such a man as attaché in this office for part of the time. I don’t however recommend this course, for an attaché is at the best expected to knows about much on his own, while in the cold weather officers of this department are too busy to give attention to attaché’s. In any event the cost of the pay and allowances of the officer would be matter for Sind and Bombay to fight out amongst themselves. We should not pay.”

 Then, Sir, another charge which has been leveled is about the appointment of Khan Bahadur Nur Nabi. Honorable member know that there are a member of bills before the House is from the honorable member Prof. Ghanshyamdas. There  has of late been agitation by those Mourusi haris against the Jagirs especially in the Hyderabad District, and, Sir, that movement is gaining strength in the Province. I think it is highly desirable that a solution should be found to meet the situation and Government should come to a conclusion. Unless they get proper data before them, and, if necessary, to legislate, to avoid any future trouble and conflict between the haris and khatedars, how can they move? I do think that any honorable member of this House would accuse Government of creating that post. Sir, members might think that it would have been better if we had appointed a Deputy Collector to the post, but looking to the nature of the question that the fight is between two big parties, big jagirdars on the one hand and the haris on the other, we did not think it was advisable to appoint an officer of the lesser status of Collector, and therefore we appointed an officer who will be able to go into this complicated question thoroughly.

I will now take 10 minutes more only, Sir.

THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER:  Does the House wish to sit for a few minutes longer? Has the honorable member from the European group any objection if we sit up to 8 o’clock?

Lt. Col. W. B. HOSSACK: If it is all over by 8 o’clock, we do not mind.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: Then, Sir, certain charges were made by the honorable member Mr. Gazdar. He said that there was a motor car accident where the chauffeur of the car in which I was travelling was involved, and the chauffeur after giving for that, the magistrate was transferred to Larkana. (Laughter). I think it is most wicked to think of the matter in those terms. In the first instance, Sir, it was not my car. Neither was the accused my chauffeur. It was nothing of the sort.

Mr. ISSARDAS VARINDMAL: Nor were you there in the car?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: I was in the car. But that does not mean that if I was in the car, the driver should not be prosecuted.

An Honorable MEMBER: Was he prosecuted?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: Yes, he was prosecuted. If the court acquitted him, I cannot answer for that. I might straightaway explain here why the court acquitted him. The cycle which came under accident had not only no brakes, but even the handle of the cycle was not working. The cyclist tried to move this way and that way, and the car went straight on. And the accident happened. Whatever that may be transferred from one station to another? The transfer was hardly a reward.

An Honorable Member: He was made a Deputy Collector.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: But he was already a City Magistrate, in the grade of Deputy Collector. Whether he works as a City Magistrate or Deputy Collector, he enjoys the same official position and status as a Deputy Collector.

SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID: On a point of information, Sir. I want to know whether the prosecution was filled by the police or by the heirs of the deceased who died as a result of the accident.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI:  I do not know. If however, the honorable member so wishes, I can write and get the information.

The next charge that is leveled against me is that I get favors not only for myself but for my friends.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: May I point out, Sir, That the honorable member Mr. Gazdar is absent now? He cited some 20 to 30 charges. It is impossible for the honorable the Chief Minister to reply them  at length even up to 9 p.m. or beyond that time. How long are we going to sit, Sir? If he wants to reply to all the charges –which are all in print –he can write to Mr. Gazdar after he returns from Haj and explain the position. None from the Opposition can challenge the reply of the Honorable the Chief Minister as we are not in possession of full facts to do so.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI:  I am sorry, Sir, You remember, Sir, yesterday when the honorable member Khan Bahadur KHuhro was resuming his seat he said “Here are the charges, and I am prepared to repeat them at the Khalikdina Hall and he passed on those charges to honorable member Mr. Gazdar.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: How do you say that?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: I am sorry, Sir, But I thought that is what was done by the honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro.

I have noted down the charges seriatim, and I should like to refer to them. The next charge is that I get concessions not only for myself but also for my friends. Reference was made to my friend, Mr. Pahlajsingh. It was said that he had purchased 500 jirebs of land at a concessional rate. Government have wired and got the information from the Collector of Sukkur which says that in the project it was provided that 9000 acres of Government waste land were available for sale. Kutcheries after Kutcheries were held but no one was coming forward to purchase those lands, the sale upto date being 566 acres only.

Mr. ISSARDAS VARINDMAL: Out of 9000 acres?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: Yes. The total sale during the last 4 years is only 566 acres out of 9000 acres. The principle is that Government lands are available at full market value, and anybody can come forward and purchase them. No concessions are involved. Only preference is given to the neighboring zamindar. I do not know what the position is, but the change has not been leveled against the purchaser that the price which he has paid is below the market value. If that is the charge, I know nothing about it. I do not know the nature of the land, or what its price is or whether anybody else wanted to purchase it. But I can make detailed inquiries as to whether the full market value was paid by the purchaser or not, and the inquiries will prove whether the full market value was paid or not.

Then, Sir, they said that I had purchased certain lands and sold certain others. The lands were purchased by me long before I came into office and I can assure my honorable by me long before I came into office, and I can assure my honorable friends that no concession was made in the price demanded of me for the lands. Even now of any of the honorable members desire to go and see the site and verify themselves about the truth of my statement, they are welcomed to do so. It is no use going on mere hearsay, because in this part of the country people do not hesitate to throw mud at anybody. What I would request my honorable friend Khan Bahadur Khuhro or any other member who knows something of the agricultural lands is to go and see the lands for themselves and then come back and either tell me or any member of this House whether there was any concession made in the lands which were purchased by me long ago. I have never received any concession, nor is there any desire on my part to receive lands at concessional rates; and of course there is no restriction on the M.L.A.’s to purchase them.

Dr. POPATLAL A. BHOOTPATKAR: At concession?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: No concession is involved and I categorically deny that any concession were made.

Then Sir, it has been advanced that I have released certain prisoners, which forms yet another part of the charges leveled against me. I do not know what the honorable member meant. But obliviously the interference is that somebody influenced the Minister. They referred, is particular, to one Santdas Khanchand Mirchandani, and much was made of his release. I will explain the position very briefly as to why this man was released. In the first instance the I.G.P. recommended his release. He stated that his health was bad, that further detention in jail might prove serious and that therefore the prisoner should be released.

Mr. ISSARDAS VARINDMAL: Who was the I. G. P.?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: I do not know. Who the I. G. P. was, is not a matter of importance. Government in the first instance did not agree with that recommendation. We returned the application of the prisoner’ wife to the medical officer, Hyderabad Central Prison, and asked the Inspector –General of prisons to go personally to Hyderabad and find out what the position was, and whether the man should be released or not. His report is there, and, Sir, he did recommend that the man should be released. But that recommendation was not accepted by Government. We asked the I. G. P. to state clearly whether there was any danger to the prisoner’s life if he was detained in the jail. Here is the note of the Home Secretary. I shall read it. “From the I. G. P.’s letter it is clear that there is no immediate danger to the life of this person. It is true that his health is very poor, and that he would feel much better at home than in jail. However, as he has been convicted of offences under Sections 409, 420 read with 120-B, I. P. C. and sentenced to 12 months’ rigorous imprisonment, and a fine of Rs. 500 or in default six months’ rigorous imprisonment on the 29^th April last only, I do not think it will be advisable to release him at this stage. His premature release would create a bad precedent , especially as he has been convicted of offences of cheating and criminal breach of trust.” When we first received the recommendation for release from I. G. P. , I said “No, -unless there was immediate danger  to the prisoner’s life.” And I have just read out the note made by the Home Secretary after the report from the I. G. P. But I said “No, we are not going to release him.” The papers were accordingly returned, and I asked the Inspector-General of Prisons to report further in the matter if he thought there was danger to his life. The report came in due course, but even then Government did not agree with that report. Government stipulated that he should pay the fine before he was released. But ultimately it was found that he was not in a position to pay the fine, and that there was immediate danger to his life, and so he was released. It is thus clear from the papers that if there had been any influence or any wire-pulling, as is insinuated, Government would have, on receipt of the first letter of recommendation from the Inspector General of Prisons, passed orders releasing him. But before passing the orders, Government made through inquiries in the case and were completely satisfied that the case was such aht there was immediate danger to his life, and then only was he released.

Then a reference was made to certain other prisoners who were released prematurely. One was Hemomal son of Gelomal to which the honorable member Shaikh Shaeb also referred. Sir, the principle hitherto followed has been that Government tries to give such prisoners as have served more than their sentence, their liberty, provided their behavior in the jail has been good. Before Government takes any such step, they call for the report from the Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Jail in the District and the District Magistrate. Mr. Bhat at that time was the Chairman and he was also the District Magistrate. He recommended the premature release of this prisoner, saying that the young man was feeble and that it would be desirable that the ordinary rules should apply and he should be released. There was nothing extraordinary done in that case, and I can assure the House that there was absolutely no influence of any kind brought to bear on the Ministry. The cases have been decided on their own merits.

Then, Sir, a reference was made to the “EKTA” case, in which it was said that the Editor of the paper was on friendly terms with the Honorable the Revenue Minister and that because of that influence, the case against him was withdrawn. Before I knew anything about the Editor or whether he was of the opinion that it was wrong in principle that Editors of newspapers should be prosecuted under Section 182, Indian Penal Code. This is what I wrote at that time, not knowing who the Editor was:

“I wish this case had not been filed. I have every sympathy for the officers concerned, but considering the vague and the general nature of the allegations made, a prosecution under Section 182, I. P. C., might be, and in this case has been, regarded as an undue interference with the liberty of the press. If the offcers concerned felt aggrieved, they would have been permitted to file a defamation case of their own and no objection could have been taken to that procedure. The case has lingered on for more than 2 years and I think it is time that the proceedings were brought to an end, if necessary by withdrawing the case.

 

Without referring to this case, I may say on general principles that Section 182, I.P.C., should not in future be resorted to. Although I am conscious that Government servants should be adequately protected from false and malicious complaints, yet I think that complaints in respect of offences under this section should be made very sparingly. I would, therefore, suggest that in future no such complaints should be filed except after previous reference to Government in the Home Department.

This note is dated 4^th of June.

The case was withdrawn on different grounds. As I said, though we have not come to any definite conclusion as to what course we should follow in future, -whether before filing prosecution under Section 182, I.P. C., the prior approval of Government should be obtained or not, -still on principle I find that it would be suppressing the liberty of the Press by resorting to prosecution under Section 182, I.P.C.

                The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI: As a matter of fact, I Have turned down sanction for several prosecution and there were cases in which a Hindu paper was involved.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: Then, Sir, a grievance was made by the honorable member K. B. KHUHRO and other members that they had put certain questions but had received no reply. They said that the Ministers had wired through the Collector to certain M. L. A’s to be present. Now, Sir, the reply to that question was sent long ago to the Assembly Office. It will come before the House in due time, but I do not know in what book it is printed. I cannot know whether any particular question is more urgent than any other. The question and reply is as follows:

Questions:
                Will the Government be pleased to state :-

(a)    Whether it is a fact that the Home Department Secretary of Sind Government sent a telegram to the Collector of Larkana on the 25^th August asking him to send M. L. As., viz. K. B. Haji Amir Ali Lahori and Wadero Mahomed Khan Chandio, to Karachi as their presence was required by Government at Karachi ?

(b)    If the answer is in the affirmative, for what purpose were they called?

(c)     Whether they were called by Chief Minister with a view to accompanying him to Moulana Abul Kalam Azad on the 27^th at Sharda Mandir to show to him that the present Ministry has a larger following among the Muslims>

Answers:

(a)    Under mu instruction the Secretary, Home Department sent telegram to the Collector of Larkana on the 26^th August asking him inform Mir Muhammad Khan Chandio and Khan Bahadur Amir Ali that I desired them to arrive at Karachi by the next available train.

(b)    The persons concerned were requested to come to Karachi to discuss with me the political situation arising out of the orders passed for the revision of the assessment of agricultural lands in the Barrage area.

(c)     They were taken by me to have a discussion with Moulana Abul Kalam Azad in order to acquaint the Moulana with the feelings of a section of the Muslim zamindars.

Sir, if that telegram is interpreted to mean that I asked the Collector that he should influence them, I say “Definitely No”. If such was my intention, I should not have sent an open telegram. Is it any offence or anything wrong, if I asked somebody to inform, say, honorable member K. B. Khuhro or the honorable member Mr. Ghanshyam to come?

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: Can’t you wire them direct?

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: If you think it is wrong, I am perfectly prepared to admit it and say that I won’t do it. But I have done it innocently.

I had no bad intention. I never dreamt that such a telegram could ever be misinterpreted. I thought that they, specially Mir Muhammad Khan Chandio, being far away, a message sent in this way would reach them conveniently. I never meant that the Collector should call them, or tell them to go and influence them.

                THE HONORABLE THE SPEAKER: The honorable the Leader of the House should come to an end now.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: Sir, I am sorry there is no time, otherwise I would prefer to reply to every charge. Since the House presses me to conclude, I have no objection to resume my seat.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: Is the honorable mover withdrawing his motion?

Mr. G. M. SAYED: No, Sir.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The question before the House is the no –confidence motion moved by honorable member Mr. G. M. Sayed against the Honorable Khan Bahadur Allah Bakhsh, the Chief Minister.

Question put and motion declared lost.

Division can be claimed by any member-Speaker’s Ruling.

The Honorable Mr. NIHCHALDAS C. VAZIRANI: Division, Sir.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: The honorable the mover does not call for a division.

The Honorable K. B. ALLAH BAKHSHI: Sir, with due deference to the Chair, I submit that if any honorable member wishes to ask for a division, in order that the member should be recorded, the Chair cannot refuse that.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: Sir, the division is to be claimed by the side of “Ayes” and not by the side of “Noes”.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: In the rules it is laid down that any member can claim a division.

Now the tellers will be honorable member Mr. Fraser and honorable member Khan Bahadur Khuhro for the “Ayes”.

K. B. M. A. KHUHRO: Sir, will you kindly put somebody else in my place as I have to earlier?

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: All right, then honorable member Mr. Bechar for the “Ayes”, and honorable member Mr. Sidhwa.

Mr. R. K. SIDHWA: Sir, why do you put me?

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: I am putting you because you are independent.

And honorable member Mr. Muhammad Amin Khoso for the “Noes”.

 

DIVISION.

For Ayes. 1. SHAIKH ABDUL MAJID. 2. Ghulam Muhammad AbdullahKhan Isran, K. B. 3.Ghulam Murtaza ShahMuhammad Shah Sayed,Mr. 4. Jenubai Ghulamali Allana, Mrs. 5.Khair Shah Imam Ali Shah Sayed, Mr. 6. Muhammad Ayub Shah Muhammad Khan Khuhro, K.B 7.Nur Muhammad Shah Murad Ali Shah Sayed,Mr.                                                                                                                           Total     7

For Noes 1. Abdus Sattar Abdul Rahman, Mr. 2. Akhji Ratansing Sodho, Mr. 3. Allah Bakhsh Khudadadkhan Gabol, K.B. 4. Allah Bakhsh Muhammad Umer, Honorable K.B. 5. Arbab Togachi Mir Muhammad, Mr. 6.Dialmal Doulatram, Mr. 7. Doulatram Mohandas, Mr. 8. Ghanumal Tarachand, Mr. 9. Ghulam Haider Makhdum Zahir-ud-din, Makhdum. 10. Ghulam Haider Makhdum Sahibdino Shah, Pir. 11. Gobindram Pritamdas, Mukhi. 12. Gokaldas Mewaldas, R.S. 13 Hemandas Rupchand Wadhwani, Dr. 14. Hotchand Hiranand, R. B. 15. Hossack, Lt. Col., W.B. 16. Illahi Bakhsh, Honorable Pir. 17. Jaffer Khan Gul Muhammad Khan Burdi, K.S. 18. Jamshed Nusserwanjee Mehta, Mr. 19. Jan Muhammad Khan Muhmmad Sharif Junejo Jam, S.B. 20. Kaiser Khan Ghulam Muhammad Khan, K.B. 21. Mahon, H. J., Col. 22. Muhammad Ali Shah Allahando Shah Sayed, Mr. 23. Muhammad Khan Nawab Ghaibi Khan Chandio. 24. Muhammad Usman Muhammad Khan Sumro. Mr. 25. Naraindas Anandji Bechar, Mr. 26. Nihchaldas C. Vazirani, Honorable Mr. 27. Mr. J Fraser. 28. Partabrai Khaisukhdas, Mr. 29. Rasul Bakhsh Shah Mahbub Shah, K. S.,Pir. 30. Shamsuddin Khan Abdul Kabir Khan, Mr. 31. Sitaldas Perumal, Mr. 32. Sohrab Khan Sahibdino Khan Sarki, K.S.                                                          Total      32.

No-confidence Motion : Result of Division.

The Honorable THE SPEAKER: Order, order.

The result of the division is as under:-

There are 7 for the Ayes, and 32 for the Noes. The motion is lost. (cheers).

The House will rise till 3 o’clock tomorrow.