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Jan. 2. In a statement, criticized the independence Resolution passed by the Indian National Congress by which it changed its creed from Dominion Status to full independence. Said the implementation of the Resolution was not practicable and would province harmful. Blamed Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi "for this sudden outburst of political hysteria" as he described the new Indian National Congress program.
Jan. 15. In a letter, Sapru acknowledged his telegram; informed him that he had received encouraging response from Mian Mohammad Shafi, Raja of Mahmudabad, Ali Imam, and Sardar Sir Jogendra Singh. On his All-Parties Conference proposal, that his talks with Viceroy were "very satisfactory", that Malaviya had approved of the proposal and that he hoped to meet him again, adding, "if he and the Hindu Sabha are ready to come in we shall get things going. Then our task will be to create a favorable atmosphere for peaceful, solution of controversial questions. Said that Viceroy was "taking a very liberal view on constitutional questions" and hoped that would meet him
Jan. 16. Cunningham, Private Secretary to Viceroy, sent him the revised minutes of the meeting between Viceroy, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and others on 23 Dec.
In a letter, Mohammed Ali said that his advice to Muslims was not to close the door of negotiations on Government or on any party, but to examine every scheme with a view to satisfying themselves. They were really getting freedom and that the Muslims were getting an adequate and effective share. Informed him that he was prepared to take part in any Conference with a view to examining what was being proposed for the nation and for the community and that he was prepared to accept Dominion Status.
Jan. 25. A delegation of Muslim leaders including Maulana Shaukat Ali, Mohammed Ali, Maulana Shafi Daudi, Syed Murtaza, Nawab Mohammed Ismail and Ghazanfar Ali Khan met him in Delhi and exchanged views, with a view to forming a Muslim Party in Indian Legislative Assembly; disagreed with the proposal of the deputation of the Central Muslim party in the Indian Legislative Assembly, for the formation of a combined Muslim Party.
Feb. 1. In a letter from Allahabad, Sapru thanked him for promoting the common cause of India.
Feb. 4. Sapru discussed with him, at his Delhi residence, the holding of an Indian Round Table Conference of Hindu and Muslim leaders.
Asked Government benches on the contents of a telegram from Viceroy to Assembly President regarding police arrangements in the galleries of the Assembly Chamber.
Feb. 7. Wrote to Sapru about the Indian Round Table Conference, discussed earlier.
Feb. 8. Participated in the Indian Legislative Assembly discussion on Dr. B.S. Moonje's Resolution regarding inquiries into present system of education in India as brought to notice by Indian Sandhurst Committee, in order to enable educational institutions to provide a steady flow of really first class material for recruitment in Army. Sir Zulfiqar Ali Khan agreed with Jinnah that Government, had not thus far shown any intention to meet this demand as put forward by Sandhurst Committee Resolution. Adopted on lines suggested by Col. Crawford; but Jinnah disagreed as it merely promised improvement in training for defense personnel and excluded general improvement of educational system in India.
Also participated in discussion on Jayakar's Resolution regarding Medical Research.
Feb. 9. Presided over the All India Muslim League Council meeting at Delhi, meeting condoled the deaths of Mazharul Haq and Aftab Ahmad Khan. Another Resolution, while welcoming the Viceroy's declaration on Dominion Status and the Round Table Conference, expressed dissatisfaction with the recommendations of the Round Table Conference Committee, as reported in the press, and urged putting North West Frontier Province "on the same footing as other province of India."
Feb. 11. Asked Government benches regarding Indian Central Committee Report approved by Government for publication, and regarding Remuneration of members appointed to Committee during the previous three years.
Participating in discussion on Jayakar's Resolution regarding Medical Research suggested that, instead of holding a Conference, a Committee of the House be appointed to make recommendations in the matter; Resolution withdrawn.
Also participated in debate on Pandit Hirday Nath Kunzru's Resolution regarding Enfranchisement of Indians in Ceylon; motion adopted.
Feb. 13. Participated in Indian Legislative Assembly debate on Jayakar's Special Marriage (Amendment) Bill.
Feb. 17. Nominated on the Panel of Chairman of the Indian Legislative Assembly.
Feb. 24. Participated in Indian Legislative Assembly debate regarding Railway Budget; called for a larger recruitment of Muslim in Railways.
Feb. 26. Attended an All-Parties Conference, convened by Sapru in New Delhi to devise ways and means to resolve the communal problem. It was Representative except for the absence of Indian National Congress leaders; was attended by, among others, Besant, Raja Mahmudabad, Sir Ali Imam, Sultan Ahmed, Maulana Mohammed Ali, Sikandar Hayat Khan, Yakub Hassan, Zulfiqar Ali Khan, Nawab Mohammed Ismail, A.H. Ghuznavi, C .P. Ramaswarni Ayyar, Col. Gidney and Col. Crawford. The Conference decided to call a consultative meeting in March to consider safeguards for the minorities.
Feb. 27. Asked questions in Indian Legislative Assembly regarding defective supply of hot water at Western Hostel, New Delhi, where Assembly members stayed.
Feb. 28. At All India Muslim League office in Delhi, presided over the Joint Council meeting of the two All India Muslim League factions. Proposed that "the two All India Muslim League do now unite"; the proposal was cordially Seconded by Mian Mohammed Shafi, and was carried unanimously. Later Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Shafi embraced each other.
March 4. In reply to Viceroy, consented to meet the Commerce and Finance members and requested him to take a more direct personal interest in resolving issues arising out of the Government's proposals for the special protective measures in regarding to cotton piece goods. Before any final conclusion were arrived at by the government, and, if necessary to meet the leading non-official members.
March 5. In Indian Legislative Assembly, participated in the debate on General Budget. Asked Mian Mohammed Shah Nawaz whether Sandhurst Committee Report was going to be made public, but Shah Nawaz refused to reply.
In Indian Legislative Assembly, participated in general discussion on Budget. Sir Zulfiqar Ali Khan praised his services for Hindu -Muslim unity.
March 7. On the Demand for Executive Council, spoke against the irresponsible Executive in the country. Desired that they should be responsible Legislature and said, "Whether the Hindu settle with us, or whether they march with us or whether they do not, we mean to march forward, and we want responsible Government in this country with due provisions for the safeguards for Muslim and other minorities".
Voted for the reduction of the Demand under head, "Executive Council".
March 8. Continued Participation in Budget debate on demand relating to process of Army Department. Spoke on acceleration of procedure for Indianisation of Army and restoration of responsible Government in Northwest Frontier Province.
March 10. Participated in Indian Legislative Assembly debate on Malaviya's motion for adjournment due to arrest and conviction of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; spoke against Disobedience Movement led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Patel; refrained from voting on the motion.
March 11. Continued participation in Budget discussion on List of Demands under head, "North-West Province." called for introduction of reforms in Northwest Frontier Province on the lines of the major province of India.
March 12. As leader of the Independent Party in Indian Legislative Assembly, expressed his party's disapproval of Sir Hari Singh Gour's motion for reduction by five per cent of demand under head, "Taxes on Income" in General Budget. Made it clear that Independent Party does not want to favor or oppose anybody in the House; rather, "We have to deal with every question on its merits fearlessly, express our opinions, and record our votes, according to our own judgment".
March 13. Participated in the Indian Legislative Assembly debate on Cotton Textile Industry (Protection) Bill moved by Sir George Rainy, Member for Commerce and Railways.
March 14. Presided over the All India Muslim league Council meeting at which eight new Council members were elected. The election of the President for the next session was postponed and the Council appointed a Sub-Committee. Comprising Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mian Mohammed Shafi, Mohammed Yakub, Tufail Ahmad and Asaf Ali.
March 17. Participated in the Indian Legislative Assembly debate on Cotton Textile Industry (Protection) Bill; interpreted it as "advantageous" to handloom industry.
March 18. Participated in the Indian Legislative Assembly debate on Indian Finance Bill moved by Sir George Schuster, Finance Member.
March 19-21. Continued participation in the Indian Legislative Assembly debate on Indian Finance Bill.
March 20. Asked Government benches a question relating to decision of British General Medical Council not to recognize Medical Degrees of Indian universities. Desired that Government act as national Government.
March 24. Asked question relating to appointment of a non-Indian judge in Patna High Court. "Do the Government know that, even if there is no Indian available in this particular Province, there are other capable men in other province and will they try and secure an Indian from any other part of India if he is available to fill up this post?"
March 25-28. In the Indian Legislative Assembly debate on Cotton Textile Industry (Protection) Bill agreed a great deal with what Mr. Birla. He said, but wanted the House to keep in view the constitutional position, saying that the moment the cotton excise duty was abolished the exchange ratio would be wiped out of its advantage to the Mill industry. Desired that the Bill be passed without any change.
March 26. Viceroy thanked him for his letter of 22 March, and the reference regarding the Lee Commission.
March 29. B.L. Mitter, Law member, advised him to phone Cunningham for an appointment, as the Viceroy was anxious to see him.
March 31. Continued participation in the Indian Legislative Assembly debate on Cotton Textile Industry (Protection) Bill and voted against amendments in certain clauses of the Bill.
Viceroy thanked him for sending a copy of his "Fourteen Points".
Jan. 20-March 31. During the Budget session of the Indian Legislative Assembly, also raised supplementary questions regarding Viceroy's telegram about the supply of hot water at Western Hostel; and on the motion to refer the Special Marriage (Amendment) Bill to Select Committee.
March-Sept. Corresponded with Lord Irwin regarding date and venue for holding proposed Round Table Conference.
April 5. In a letter to Viceroy, urged him for an early announcement of the dates of the proposed Round Table Conference.
April 10. Received Viceroy's reply assuring him of an early announcement of the Round Table Conference dates.
April 20. Speaking in the Indian Legislative Assembly opposed two important bills.
April 24. Viceroy informed him that the secretary of state would announce the Round Table Conference dates in Second or third week of Oct.; inquired whether he could do anything to condemn strongly the creed of CDO.
April 26. In reply to Viceroy's letter of 24 April, said that the CDO Movement had become serious due to delay and silence on the part of Government Asked him about the extent to which the Government would support constitutional advancement.
May 20. Replying to Viceroy's letter of 24 April urged him to concentrate on the convening of the Round Table Conference. Requested an interview.
May 27. Simon Commission Report submitted to Secretary of State for India in London. Mohammed Ali Jinnah had opposed the Commission on the ground that it included no Indian member.
May 31. In a letter, Viceroy informed him that in view of the Conference date having been fixed on 20 Oct, the alternative for him (Viceroy) in regard to elections was to hold them either in the latter half of Sept., or of Jan. and that he had fixed the Assembly session on 7 July.
June 4. Informed Viceroy that in view of the Indian Legislative Assembly session on 7 July, he had postponed his Simla visit. Suggested holding of elections after the Round Table Conference in London.
June 16. In a letter to Viceroy, said that the Simon recommendations should not form the basis of London Conference and that it could reject or amend any of the Proposals contained in it.
June 17. Viceroy assured him that he would exert his full influence for amending the constitution so as to enable India to achieve full self-government.
June 24. Replying to Viceroy's letter informed him of his opinion on CDO Movement. Urged consultation on names of participants to Round Table Conference.
June 27. Khilafat Conference at Peshawar warned that his Fourteen Points must be incorporated in any future Indian constitution if it were to meet Muslim acceptance.
July 7. Had "a long talk" with Viceroy along with Jayakar about the assurances to be held out by Viceroy to induce cooperation from the Indian National Congress and dispel the misunderstanding about the fate of the decision to be taken at Round Table Conference.
July 8-9. Saw Nawab of Bhopal and discussed with him steps to be taken to make the Round Table Conference a success.
July 9. On behalf of Independent Party, congratulated Mohammed Yakub on his election as President of Indian Legislative Assembly, and assured him of his Party's support.
July 10. Spoke in Indian Legislative Assembly, on Budget Demand for a Supplementary Grant for Round Table Conference to be held in London. Also raised a point of order whether a discussion of Simon Commission's Report was in order.
July 28. In a private Letter, Viceroy apprised him of the reasons why opposition parties would have to be represented at the Round Table Conference. This letter was also sent to Rao Bahadur Sir Annepu Patro, Sapru, C.P. Ramaswami Ayyar, A. H. Ghuznavi, Mian Mohammed Shah Nawaz, Sir Phiroze Sethna and Jayakar.
Aug. 6. Replying to Viceroy disagreed with him on the inclusion of the opposition reps. in Round Table Conference Urged Viceroy to be present in London at the time of the Round Table Conference, as "it is absolutely essential to the success of the Conference."
Aug. 11. On the question of inclusion of British Opposition Parties in the Round Table Conference, Viceroy informed him that "The Congress Working Committee do not make this any easier by the provocative attitude they have adopted during the last week or two. They seem deliberately to ignore the efforts we have been trying to make towards peace, and are clearly out to wreck the chances of any success in that direction". Also informed him that his presence in London during Round Table Conference was doubtful.
Aug. 23. Received Viceroy's reply, informing him that it was not possible to announce the names of Round Table Conference participants, as the Conference was likely to be postponed.
Sept. 1. In reply, Viceroy informed him that names of Round Table Conference participants would presumably be announced by the end of that week gave him names of British politicians and advised him to meet them.
Sept. 7. Viceroy extended him a formal invitation on behalf of His Majesty's Government to attend the Round Table Conference in London.
Sept. 9. In a letter to Viceroy, informed him of his professional visit to Sindh. Said that he could leave for London on 4 0ct.
Sept. 13. The Viceroy wrote to Wedgwood Benn, Secretary of State for India, to have an interview with Mohammed Ali Jinnah. He wrote: "I have seen a good deal of J from time to time, and have met very few Indians with a more acute intellect or a more independent outlook, not of course that he always sees eye to eye with Government."
Sept. 20. Acknowledged Viceroy's invitation to Conference in London on behalf of His Majesty's Government, hoped it would lead to a settlement.
Sept. 29. Presented a vigorous defense in the appeal of the Pir of Pagaro against his conviction and sentence aggregating to ten years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2,000, before HC Bench in Karachi. Said "that the case against Pir under the Arms Act was absurd because the Pir's family for generations had been allowed to keep arms". The Judicial Commission's court was filled to capacity.
Oct. 1. In an address to students, Sindh College explained the rationale for his decision to attend the first Round Table Conference, which was being boycotted by the Indian National Congress.
Oct. 13. Left for London along with other delegates to attend Round Table Conference.
Nov. 1-2 (?) At the first Round Table Conference, held at St. James' Palace, London, and attended by 58 delegates from India, was appointed one of the two speakers from the British Indian delegation at the inaugural session, the other being V.S.S. Sastri.
Nov. 10. Elected to the Agenda Committee of the Round Table Conference
Nov. 12. Represented the Muslim viewpoint at Round Table Conference.
Welcomed Ramsay Mac Donald agreeing to preside over the Round Table Conference deliberations. Paid tributes to his statesmanship and experience, and commended his reference to the declarations of British sovereigns from time to time that Britain's work in India was to prepare her for self-government.
Urged conciliation and rapprochement between the various communities.
Nov. 20. In his speech in the plenary session of Round Table Conference, spoke on Dominion Status of India, and assured his cooperation "animated by a determination to succeed"; spoke on Deeds of omission and Commission Committee by GOI and Great Britain.
Appointed to Federation / Federal Structure Committee. (FSC)—the most important of all the Committees —as also to its Sub-Committee. (FSSC).
Nov. 28. Supported the demand for Dominion Status for India at the Round Table Conference, which devoted five days to a debate on the question of India's future constitution.
Dec. 1. Participated in the deliberations of FSSC pleaded for the establishment of a genuine Federation / Federal in India.
Dec. 2. At FSSC, spoke on "the Components Elements of Federation / Federal" with particular reference to Indian states.
Dec. 3-4. At FSSC, spoke on "Railways" as a Federation / Federal subject.
Dec. 22-31. At FSSC, expressed his views on the composition of the Federation / Federal Legislature.
Dec. 24. In a letter, the Aga Khan, from Paris, appealed to him to serve on the Minority Committee. Said that "in view of your past attitude about Joint electorates" J's refusal to serve on the Minority Committee was "comprehensible.... But things have changed from A to Z since then. It is not we who rejected the joint electorate but the impossibility of the Hindu attitude about Punjab and, above all Bengal. The fact that Punjabis and Bengalis were arguing about giving us a bare majority of 51 and preferred a separate electorate to making the necessary sacrifices (if sacrifices they be called) to give a 51 majority instead of a 55 majority. All the Hindu, except the Liberals, prefer our having less and keeping separate electorates, and the Liberals are powerless." Appealed to him "in the name of the Muslim to [give?] Consent to serve on our Minority Committee.", saying, "Your debating powers are more necessary than the soporific and calming effect of my presence on the extremist parties. Said if no other Muslim on the Committee was willing to retire in his (Mohammed Ali Jinnah's) favor, he would himself do it, and that no one except Shafaat Ahmad Khan knew about his (AK's) present request. Requested him to communicate his decision to Shafaat.
Dec. 29-30. All India Muslim League session at Allahabad. In his presidential address, Dr. Iqbal said, "I would like to see the Punjab, the NorthWest Frontier Province, Sindh and Baluchistan amalgamated into a single state. Self-government within the British Empire, or without the British Empire, the formation of a consolidated North-West Indian Muslim State appears to me to be the final destiny of the Muslim at least of North-West India.
Claimed that the proposal was put forward before the Nehru Committee but was rejected on the ground that "it would give a very unwieldy State". Suggested the "exclusion of Ambala Division, and perhaps of some District where non-Muslim predominate" to "make it less extensive and more Muslim in population so that the exclusion suggested will enable this consolidated State to give a more effective protection to non-Muslim minorities within its area. The idea need not alarm the Hindu or the British." Asserted that the "formation of a consolidated Muslim State [is] in the best interests of India and Islam. For India, it means Security and Peace resulting from an internal balance of power; for Islam, an opportunity to rid itself of the stamp. Arabian Imperialism was forced to give it, to mobilize its laws, its education, its culture, and to bring them into closer contact with its own original spirit and with the spirit of modern times."
Dec. 30. At Allahabad All India Muslim League session, Iqbal praised services of Mohammed Ali Jinnah and other Muslim delegates at the Round Table Conference, and put forward the idea of a Muslim State in the sub-continent, within or without the British Commonwealth.
Dec. GOI sent its dispatch to the Home Government on proposals for constitutional reforms.
Dec. 31. His term of office as All India Muslim League President expired.