Journal of Historical Studies

Vol. IV, No. II (July-December, 2018) PP. 35-55

QUAID-I-AZAM MUHAMMAD ALI

JINNAH AND PALESTINE QUESTION

Shahzad Qaisar
Ph.D. Scholar
Department of History
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad

Abstract:
MA Jinnah played pivotal role in the awareness struggle on the
Palestine issue in the Subcontinent. The Ottoman Empire took
part in World War I from side of the Axis Power. This was
brought formidable changes in Middle East which was former
part of Ottoman Empire. Turkey was forced to surrender all of
its Middle Eastern territories in aftermath of war. Palestine was
taken from Turkey and subsequently handed over to the British
as mandate of war. The British cabinet had already passed
Balfour Declaration (1917) which promised Jewish settlement
to their ancestral lands. The post war years witnessed massive
Jewish settlement in Palestine with consent of the British
government. This accelerated level of migration generated
conflicts among the native Arab population and the settlers
over land acquisition and possession.
Keywords: Palestine, Struggle, Muslims, Jews, World War,
Ottoman Empire.

Jerusalem was Qibla-i-Awal for the Muslims and the

most revered place after the Kaaba. The Indian Muslims had
significant religious and emotional attachment with the
institution of caliph and other holy places of Middle East. After
conclusion of war, the Indian Muslims launched Khilafat
Movement to protect institution of Caliph and holy places
along with Palestine. But the post war treaties admitted
Palestine as the British mandate which allowed Jewish
migration and settlement. Waves of resentment against this

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decision came from both the Arabs and the Muslims all over
the world.
In post Khilafat Movement scenario, All India Muslim League
kept staunch support to Palestine and rights of the Arabs. The
leadership launched various types of protests in support of the
Arab cause and even it celebrated 'Palestine Days' to show
solidarity with their Arab brethren 1 . AIML openly rejected
rapid migration and settlement of the Jews by tactical expulsion
of the natives through force and subsequent violence against
Arabs2. It supported Palestinian Arab Movement and leadership
of Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Haji Mohammad Amin Al-
Husseini. The decade of 1930's witnessed significant
developments on Palestine under leadership of Muhammad Ali
Jinnah. League, under Jinnah, not only broadened its basis
among the masses but also took up Palestine issue through
various measures inside and outside India. Jinnah reassumed
leadership of All India Muslim League in 1935 to reinvigorate
the party and transform it from confined party to a mass party.
His strategy was to reorganize the party at domestic front and
public emotional attachment with overseas Muslims by taking
up various issues of importance. Palestine was among Jinnah's
priorities to invoke a campaign through offices of the League3.
Jinnah attended meeting of League Council in April 1934
which remarked that domestic and international level
propaganda was necessary for League. Moreover, the meeting
proposed a delegation to inform viceroy over Palestine
problem, unjust Balfour Declaration and deprivations of the
Arab inhabitants of Palestine 4 . Palestine witnessed another
change in circumstances as Amin-el-Husseni formed Arab
Higher Committee in April 1936 which embarked a general
strike against oppression and Jewish settlement. But the strike
turned into an armed revolt by end of year 5 . The reports of
revolt and subsequent measures to suppress the revolt also
jolted not only Indian Muslims but also aroused fears of
reaction among the government circles6. The League reaction at
local level was immense as Punjab Provincial Muslim League
Council met on June 9, 1936 and passed a strong worded

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Vol. IV, No. II (July-December, 2018) PP. 35-55

resolution in support of Palestinian Muslims to show solidarity

with the Arabs7.
In historic Lucknow Session (15-18 October 1937) of the
League, Raja Sab of Mehmoodabad, chairman reception
committee, took up Palestine issue in his welcome speech. He
censured the British policy towards Palestine and emphasized
that rapidly changing world view with speedy flow of
information had been taking place so fast that each happening
around the globe was getting public reaction8. He highlighted
plight of the Palestinians who were 'fighting against money and
machineguns'. The plight of Palestinians was not confined to
the Middle East only rather it had become concern of the
Muslims all over the globe regarding suppression of their
brethrens in Qibla-i-Awal, Palestine. Raja sab openly warned
the British government that such policies could brought forth
disastrous impact inside and outside India9.
Jinnah delivered a long speech which covered all issues of
national and international importance. He mentioned that
Palestine issue had moved all the Muslims in India and the
British policy of deception was destroying trust over the
proclamations and honor of the promise which were made to
the Arabs10. Jinnah criticized stereotype policy of the British to
grant independent Arab states after war while simultaneously
adopting Jewish settlement as mandatory power under
notorious Balfour Declaration. According to him the British
deliberately created such situation to deny legitimate rights of
the Arabs. He expanded his circle by proclaiming that "I am
speaking not only of the Musalmans of India but of the world,
when I say that Great Britain will be digging its grave if she
fails to honor her original proclamations, promises and
intentions pre-war and even post war - which were so
unequivocally expressed to the Arabs and the world at large"11.
Jinnah further added "The Muslims of India will stand solid
and will help the Arabs in every way they can in the brave and
just struggle that they are carrying on against all odds. May I
send them a message on behalf of the All-India Muslim League
- of cheer, courage and determination in their just cause and

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 Shahzad Qaisar

struggle, and that I am sure they will win through" 12 . The

League passed initial two resolutions for India while the third
one was for the Palestinians. This resolution stated that "The
All-India Muslim League on the name of the Musalmans of
India, that recommendations of the Royal Palestine
Commission, and the subsequent statement of policy presented
by Secretary of State for the Colonies to Parliament, conflict
with their religious sentiments and in the interests of world
peace demands its rescission without further delay"13.
The other clauses of this resolution emphasized the League of
Nations to immediately terminate the mandate as its terms were
violating civil and religious rights of the Arabs 14 . The
influential rulers of the Muslim states were appealed to utilize
their influence to safeguard the holy places of Palestine from
enslavement15. Furthermore, League showed its full trust in the
Supreme Muslim Council and Arab Higher Committee to
resolve Palestine dispute. It warned the existing administration
to stop policy repression and working recommendations of
Royal Commission which could further deteriorate the
situation16. Moreover, the League also showed its confidence
over leaders and delegates of the Palestine Conference. Mr.
Abdur Rehman Siddiqi proposed resolution to condemn pro-
Jewish policy of the British and warned the government to
change policy otherwise it would be considered enemy of the
Muslims17.
Like other issues of national importance, League Council
passed a resolution to observe Palestine day on Friday 26
August 1938 to hold meetings around the subcontinent to
'condemn unjust, inhuman and repressive' policies of the British
government 18 . The day was remarked to "offer prayers for
complete success for the Arabs for their just cause and their
struggle for freedom of their homeland" 19 . A 7 member
committee was appointed to contemplate measures to
pressurize the British government for the Arab cause 20 . The
tasks before committee were to send a high-ranking delegation
abroad particularly to Palestine and England to direct pressure
measures and boycott of the British goods21.

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Jinnah sent Ch. Khaliquzzaman and Abdur Rehman Siddiqui to

attend and assist Palestine in the international conference on
Arab Question. He wanted to reserve a seat for India during the
proceeding but his request was turned down. That's why
Khaliquzzaman was directed to just assist the Grand Mufti
during the proceedings. The two member delegation also
visited London, Cairo, and Near East to assess the situation to
report back in India22.
In upcoming session of the League (Patna for 26th session from
26-29 December 1938) Jinnah took up Palestine issue as
essential part of his objectives. He said "I know how deeply
Muslims have been stirred over the issue of Palestine. I know
Muslims will not shrink from any sacrifice if required to help
the Arabs who are engaged in the fight for their national
freedom"23. Furthermore, Jinnah deplored the treatment of the
freedom fighters whose image was projected as 'gangsters'. But
he admired their resistance and courage to stand up for their
right for free land. He again condemned the British government
for suppression of Arabs and showed his support "all of our
sympathies are with those valiant martyrs who are fighting the
battle of freedom against usurpers"24.
Jinnah wanted to realize the Indian Muslims that League was
true representative of the Muslims and concept of Ummah. It
was sole representative of the Muslims in India with universal
approach to the Muslim problems. For instance, like 1937
annual session of League This session also took up Muslim
Heroes and passed resolutions for the deceased Muslim leaders.
The first resolution was about demise of 'Ataturk Ghazi
Mustafa Kamal Pasha'. The League acknowledged him a great
personality of Islamic world and appreciated his efforts to build
modern Turkey. The resolution admitted him as a guide to "the
true goal of political power and property, his memory will
inspire Muslims all over the world with courage, perseverance
and manliness" 25 . The resolutions expressing condolences
Moulana Shoukat Ali appreciated his services as founder
member of Kuddam-e-Kaaba organization and his role in
Khilafat Movement26. Another resolution titled Sir Muhammad
Iqbal as a 'sage philosopher of Islam' and great 'national poet'27.

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 Shahzad Qaisar

Jinnah put Palestine issue on top of agenda list of the meetings

and sessions. As president of the party he never missed any
chance to support Arabs at domestic and international front. In
Patna Session (1938) Palestine was given priority over other
local issued due worsening situation of Middle East. The
League opined that 'Balfour Declaration was unjust' and
censured the policy of suppression of the Arabs, confused idea
of Arabs federation, and possible use of holy lands for military
objectives by the British government 28 . Furthermore, the
League applauded the Arabs who were fighting to liberate their
motherland from foreign unjust rule and Jewish encroachment
as 'heroes and martyrs'29. It expressed its confidence and trust in
the Grand Mufti as true leaders of the Arabs and representative
of the Indian Muslims for this cause30.
This session clearly remarked that Palestine was not only
problem for the Arabs but also of the Muslims around the
world and same for the Indians. Moreover, a warning was
issued to the British government to either fulfill demands of the
Muslims otherwise the Indian Muslims would opt for practical
line of action decided by the Muslim International Conference.
If this issue remained alive it will create a bundle of consistent
political unrest31. Jinnah allowed a full day deliberations over
Palestine issue on third day of Patna Session. The delegates
strongly censured the British policy towards Palestine and
Jewish settlement in the holy lands. Moulana Mazharuddin, Sir
Reza Ali, Moulana Muhammad Irfan, Moulana Hussain Mian,
Prof. Abdul Sattar Khairi, Mr, Abu Saeed Enver, Mr. Abdul
Khaliq, Prof. Enayatullah, spoke at that occasion. League
leaders showed their resentment over Jewish settlement,
imperialist designs of the British and over all plight of the
Muslims in various regions32.
Jinnah issued call to observe another "All-India Palestine Day"
on February 8 1939 along with presenting an adjournment
motion in the Central Assembly. The League delegation met
secretary of state for India and presented him a representation
from the Indian Muslims over the existing situation 33 .
Khaliquzzaman, his return to India, also attended Palestine

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Vol. IV, No. II (July-December, 2018) PP. 35-55

Muslim Conference at Cairo to represent Jinnah's views and his

support for solution of the conflict34.
On 26th March 1939, the working committee of the League
met under Jinnah and passed a resolution that "Palestine issue
should stand over till the British proposals are known"35. The
British White Paper of 1939 was another alarm bell for the
Arabs rights as this paper envisioned single state solution of
Palestine conflict. It showed prospects of future Jewish state in
10 years and introduced ceiling over migration of Jews to
Palestine 36 . Jinnah chaired another meeting of working
committee on 2-3 July 1939 which examined findings of the
'white paper' published over Palestine. It concluded after
listening to the delegates that the findings were "most
unsatisfactory and disappointing and totally unacceptable" 37 .
The meeting reiterated the British government to fulfill the
pledges made to the Indian Muslims and the Arabs during WW
I and meet the Arab demands.
Furthermore, Jinnah wrote to the Supreme Arab Council of
Palestine through Baghdad consulate in Bombay and assured
them for his support for Palestine cause. He elaborated efforts
of the League at domestic to pressurize the government of India
in favor of the Arab demands38. He also wrote to Viceroy Lord
Linlithgow over Muslim concerns about Palestine and its
religious importance for the Muslims39. The Arab revolt was
over but its repercussions are horrible for the Arabs as many
had lost their lives or properties during the conflict. Jinnah
realized the plight of the Arabs and opened 'Palestine Fund' to
help the families of those who offered their lives in struggle for
freedom of Palestine 40 . A committee was appointed under
Chowdhary Khaliquzzaman as convener to devise mechanism
for fund collection and dispatching money to the deserving
people in Palestine through office the president of the League41.
Jinnah not only supported cause of Palestinians through offices
of the League but also attached it with his national level
demands. He demanded safeguards for the Muslims in India
through special powers of the governors. He complained that
the resolutions and demands of the Indian Muslims were totally

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ignored and "the policy of the British Government towards the

Arabs in Palestine has wounded deeply Muslim feelings and
sentiments and all representations on that behalf have had no
real effect so far"42.
The League invited many foreign delegates from various
Muslim countries to its historic Lahore Session (1940). In
response to Jinnah's dedicated and concerted efforts for the
Arab rights a majority of available Muslim delegates attended
the session 43 . The Lahore session 1940 was also a vivid
example of this Jinnah's policy towards the Arabs and their
rights. Jinnah in his presidential address to the gathering openly
criticized stereotype approach of the government to Palestine
issue. He said demanded concrete measures to resolve the issue
instead of assuring 'endeavors'. Jinnah demanded "we want that
the British government should in fact and actually meet the
demands of the Arabs in Palestine"44.
For Jinnah, Palestine issue was so important that it was placed
second on the agenda of session. The League passed a
resolution on Palestine just after passage of its historic
resolution for 'autonomous states'. The resolution showed
concerns over 'inordinate' delay in settlement of Palestine issue
and demanded that "no arrangements of a piecemeal character
will be made in Palestine which are contrary in spirit and
opposed to the pledges given to the Muslim world, and
particularly to the Muslims in India"45.
The 'White Paper' on Palestine and subsequent development
over this raised new fairs in minds of the Muslims. Jinnah
expressed his reservations and concerns over the paper to
Viceroy Lord Linlithgow. The Viceroy replied to Jinnah with
assurance that the rights of Palestinians must be preserved and
assured the government would implement Jewish Emigration
laws and protect transfer of land and right of the Arab
agriculturists. He pledged "you may rest assured that every
consideration has been and will continue to be given by His
Majesty's Government to legitimate Arabs claims"46.
Jinnah had fears that shadows of war would affect sovereignty
of the Muslim states in Middle East. He was authorized by the

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League Council to "fix a day for the purpose of expressing and

demonstrating deep sympathy and concerns of Muslim India
with the Muslim countries" which would possibly be under
attack during the war 47 . Furthermore, Jinnah made standby
arrangement by organizing Red Crescent Branch of Muslim
League National Guards to remain ready for emergency
situation48. The task was to send medical missions to Middle
Eastern countries in case of possible attack.
Jinnah fixed 1st November 1940 as "Muslim Day of
Observance" which remarked special prayers after Friday
prayers for the Muslim countries around the globe. Jinnah
"impressed upon all the Muslims to give all the assistance that
they could give to the Muslim countries" 49 . He emphatically
pronounced that "it is our duty to help our Muslim brethren
wherever they are because Islam enjoins that it is our duty to go
to the rescue of our Muslim brethren"50.
Jinnah again censured the British government was working
under influence of 'Jewish Mechanism' and its indifference to
its pledges made to the Palestinians during previous great war.
The Council of League, under his chair, deplored that the
British claimed to stand for freedom, justice and right of self-
determination as their war objectives. But on other side they
were suppressing Arab right for freedom under Jewish
domination. The League again pledged to stood up rights of
their Arab brothers and freedom for Palestine. Furthermore, it
assured "its Arab brethren in Palestine that Muslim India will
stand by them in their fight for their rights against the
domination of international Jewry"51.
In middle of WW II, the Jewish organizations started
propaganda against Palestinians and their struggle for freedom.
Furthermore, the increasing Jewish immigration to Palestine
also perturbed the natives. Jinnah was assured by the viceroy
that under new regulations no immigrants would allowed
violating rights of the Arab agriculturists. Jinnah chaired a
meeting of League council which demanded protection of Arab
rights as per assurance from Lord Linlithgow, the then
viceroy52 . League Council warned the British government of

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dire repercussions in case of further injustice and "result in the

frustration of their national aspirations for independence will be
greatly resented by the Muslims of India"53.
War had resulted in capture and libration of many territories
from Italian occupation. These were mostly Muslim majority
areas which had been occupied by the Fascist regime in recent
decades. Libya, Tripoli, and Cereacea were among librated
lands during war. Jinnah was afraid that like previous war these
territories might be made mandates and would again converted
into foreign yoke. He resolved through League Council that
librated lands should not be given back to Italian government
after war. Moreover, it emphasized that 'United Powers should
urge France to liberate Morocco, Algeria, and Tunis' as per its
declarations 54 . The Council also criticized the current
occupations of France and the Britain. It resolved that "the
vicious system of mandates should be abolished for once and
for all and the countries of which the mandates were held by
Great Britain and France, viz Palestine, Syria and Lebanon will
be restored to the people of these countries to set up their own
sovereign governments in these territories"55.
MAJinnah visited Aligarh in March 1944 and spoke about
issues of national and international importance to the student
gathering. He reiterated his demand for protection of the Arab
right which the government had promised since start of the war.
The official proclamations and announcements had assured the
Muslims but with changing scenario things were also changing
for Arabs who had been fighting for their survival since
decades. Jinnah said "we are faced with another serious issue at
the moment namely the Jewish problem in Palestine. If
President Roosevelt, under the pressure of powerful jewry,
commits the blunder of forcing the British government to do
injustice to the Arabs in Palestine, it will set the whole Muslim
world ablaze from one end to another"56.
Jinnah's efforts and service for cause of Palestine did not go
unnoticed or without any response from the Arabs. Muhammad
Amin-el-Husseni, Mufti of Palestine, wrote to Jinnah on 12
October 1945. He thanked Jinnah for his valuable services for

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the Arabs and his devotion for cause of the Muslims. Mufti
further commended Jinnah's efforts "that you are making
continuously for the service of Islam and the Muslims not only
in India but all the Muslim countries; and I would affirm to you
that the whole of Islamic world values you and the Muslim
League's stand and admires your continuous blessed efforts in
the service of the Muslims" 57 . Jinnah was flamboyant over
Palestine at that stage due to foreseeable Jewish domination
and international consent for Jewish state in the region. His
interview was published in the New York Times which showed
his ultimate resentment over developments on Palestine
question. He responded that "he will go to any length to help"
the Palestinian brethren in their quest for their rights. He further
clarified that the they could do "whatever we can do, violence,
if necessary"58.
On 25 April 1946, Englo-American report on Palestine was
published in London which jolted the whole Muslim world.
This report increased previous quota for Jewish settlement in
Palestine 100,000 immigrant per year. The report had set aside
all previous promises to the Muslims and Arabs. Jinnah
considered this report as a whole "the grossest betrayal of the
Arabs" without considering any human values59.
Jinnah presided over meeting of the League working committee
which discussed report of the Arab-American Joint Committee
of Inquiry on Palestine60. The report lashed out on the Arabs
and sought to deprive them from their homelands by use of
force or any other means. Jinnah clearly rejected that as it was
"violation of the solemn and unequivocal pledges given by the
British Government to the Arabs themselves and also the
Muslim India"61. The League committee rejected the report and
recommendations of the commission and emphasised upon the
government to avoid its implementation. If that plan was
implemented it "will create a grave situation not only in Middle
East but also in India where the Muslims are pledged to help
the Arabs of Palestine against aggression" 62 . Jinnah also
announced 10 May as "Palestine Day" to remark solidarity with
the Arab brethren63.

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 Shahzad Qaisar

The British and the United States representatives analyzed

"Anglo-American Report on Palestine" with focus on
possibility of division of Palestine into four zones with reserved
Jewish zone. Furthermore, it emphasized acceptance of 100,000
more Jews in the area on urgent basis 64 . Jinnah himself was
entangled in the domestic politics where cabinet mission was
making final recommendations for settlement of India. He
censured the report and by demanding urgent stop to the Jewish
settlement in Palestine and demanded immediate expulsion of
already settled Jews to either Australia, Canada or anywhere
else65. The clauses of white paper promised to stop all Jewish
immigration to Palestine by 1st April, 1946. But the situation
exacerbated due to the British submission to American
supported Jewish and Zionist propaganda.
Jinnah's efforts for Arab rights and for cause of Palestine were
noticed in whole Middle East. He sent delegations to Muslim
states to get their support and to explain them Pakistan cause66.
Mufti Muhammad Amin-el-Husseni again wrote to Jinnah on
16 October 1946. He once again thanked Jinnah for his support
and services and said "Muslims of the world would remember
how the League under leadership of Jinnah favored and cared
for the affairs of the Muslim countries like Palestine, Syria,
Lebanon, Egypt, Western Trablus, Indonesia and all other
countries of North Africa"67.
Just months before partition of India, Jinnah was interviewed
by some foreign reporters to get his opinion about the foreign
policy direction of Pakistan. Jinnah kept Palestine as essential
part of his vision for future foreign policy of the nation. He was
interviewed by Duncan Hooper, Reuter's correspondent, who
asked his opinion about partition of Palestine. Jinnah out rightly
rejected any solution leading to partition and warned grave
repercussions for the region. He said the partition plan was
"bound to be the gravest disaster and unprecedented conflict
not only between the Arabs and the authority that would
undertake to enforce the partition plan but the entire Muslim
world would revolt, and Pakistan will have no other option
course left but to give its fullest support to the Arabs"68. He
repeated his concerns in his interview to BBC that the

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"Muslims of the Sub-Continent had been compelled to

condemn in strongest possible manner the unjust and cruel
decision of the United Nations concerning the partition of
Palestine" and also pledged support to the Arab brother in all
possible means69.
After creation of Pakistan, Jinnah pursued multi pronged
foreign policy with domestic and international considerations.
First was security issues of the newly created state which had
been in conflict with India over Junagarh, Haiderabad and
Kashmir. Second his perception about international situation
after World War II which had changed global maps forever and
opened new avenues for many states in shape of de-
colonization. And third was start of cold war in new
international system where Pakistan had to exist.
But another aspect in way of pursuing such foreign policy was
historical background of All-India Muslim League. League had
supported cause of the Muslims emotionally without making
diplomatic ties or influences with any foreign state. Its pre-
partition deliberations condemned plight of the Palestinians,
Arabs, and Muslims suffering in other parts of Africa and Asia
but it never tried to start serious diplomatic efforts to support
them. Perhaps, League was a minority party with scarcity of
resources and influences to establish tangible diplomatic
contacts with outer world.
Jinnah looked after foreign affairs from August 1947 to
December 1947 as the state had no foreign minister and prime
minister was responsible for foreign affairs. But Liaqat Ali
Khan had other engagements regarding partition and settlement
therefore foreign secretary Ikram Ullah took advices from
Jinnah for all papers and policy matters70. Jinnah's vision for
Pakistan's foreign policy was obvious from as he clearly
remarked that Pakistan "will be friendly to all the nations. We
stand for the peace of the world. We will make our contribution
whatever we can"71.
Jinnah remained supportive to the cause of Palestine as he was
in pre-partitions days. Just a few days after partition, Jinnah
announced to send a delegation to Cairo under Abdur Rehman

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Siddiqui to participate in Inter-Parliamentary World Congress

on Palestine to be held in last week of August 1947 72 .
Furthermore, Zafrullah Khan was sent to represent Pakistan in
the United Nations. He attended deliberations of UN Ad Hoc
Committee over Palestine and vividly declared Balfour
Declaration as illegitimate and clearly rejected partition of
Palestine that Pakistan would not accept that unjust plan 73 .
Zafrullah provided background of the conflict which was
violation of rights of the Arabs. He illustrated that if other small
nations had been given due rights then why not same rule
should be applied to the Palestinians. On matters of partition of
Palestine, he predicted constant conflict and atrocities in the
area74. He opined that such hostilities would be unstoppable for
the UN and others and emphasized the committee to find some
other suitable solution of the issue in accordance with the
aspirations of the concerned people75.
Zafrullah was selected as reporter for the subcommittee II
which was established by the UN Ad Hoc committee to draw
plan for independent Palestinian state under guidelines of Saudi
Arabia and Iraq. The committee watched comprehensive role of
Pakistan's delegates in the work and decided to selected
Zafrullah as chairman of the committee. The other committee,
subcommittee I, suggested economic union of Palestine to
settle the dispute and implement the plan76. Zafrullah Khan, on
behalf of Pakistan, ruled out whole plan and suggestion as it
was fundamentally unworkable, illegitimate and impractical77.
He was of the view that implementation of this plan would
further complicate the issue and escalate difficulties of the
masses 78 . Zafrullah, in his committee report suggested
independent and unitary state of Palestine with arguments that
under charter of the UN it cannot act against wishes of the
people who are against partition 79 . But his recommendations
were rejected by the Ad Hoc Committee.
Jinnah admired Zafrullah for his role and dedicated work and
declared that he worked in accordance of policy guidelines
from the government of Pakistan. Jinnah also censured the
partition scheme as division of Palestine was against will of the
people and it would bring disaster and persistent conflict in the

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region80. He said that Pakistan had no other option except to

support Arabs to avoid outrage as consequence of illegitimate
partition. Such schemes for settlement of disputes could not be
proved rightful either historically or morally in political
history81.
Jinnah came to know the decision to divide Palestine against all
efforts and aspirations of the Arabs. He endeavored to convince
the American president Harry S. Truman via a cable message.
Jinnah made appeal to think about rights of the Palestinians and
tried to convey pitfalls of partition82. But the time had gone for
such diplomatic efforts as the US got 33 votes in favor of the
partition plan. Pakistan was one of those states which cast their
vote against this scheme83. This was a shock for Jinnah and his
trust over the United Nations which had been lacking impartial
verdict. He termed the decision for partition as 'unjust and
cruel' as it had overruled all aspects of humanity. Jinnah
pledged to 'help cause of the Arabs in Palestine in every
possible way84. In the coming days, Pakistan opposed Israel's
creation in every possible way. On matter of Israel's inclusion
into the United Nations, Pakistan put its vote against Israel due
to its immoral and illegitimate origin. Even the Constituent
Assembly of Pakistan passed unanimous resolution
emphatically not to recognize the state of Israel.
Jinnah chaired Muslim League Council meeting at Karachi on
14-15 December 1947 and resolved again over Palestine issue.
It deplored the arising situation over Palestine and expressed
deep concerns over the report of the Special Committee on
Palestine. It was lamentable that United Nations General
Assembly not only considered partition of Palestine against will
of the people of land but also voted on it85. It also mentioned
the attitude of the stronger nations towards smaller nations
whose representatives spoke openly against partition but they
were pressurized to vote in favor of it at the time of voting86.
Jinnah again assured Arabs for their support in future where
they would be struggling against odds to liberate their
homeland.

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Jinnah's support for Palestine was not political stunt to

get maximum support of the Indian Muslims for his political
manifesto. Rather it was heart felt and sincere gesture for
librating the Palestinian Muslims and their natural right over
their lands. Though League was a minority party with limited
resources to influence international politics yet Jinnah did his
utmost to support Palestine in potential ways. As president of
the League, he kept this issue as part of agenda of almost every
annual session of the League. He censured the Government of
India and Great Britain for their apathy towards issues of their
mandate. While as governor general of newly born state, Jinnah
endeavored to support Palestine in the United Nations to
prevent vote for creation of Israel. Neither Pakistan had such
strong diplomatic lobby at that movement nor it had influence
over great powers to do so. But Jinnah's efforts for Palestine
will always be remembered.

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References

1
AIML took up the issue since the Khilafat movement and kept it on
agenda for coming decades as potential proponent for cause of the
Arabs. The Resolutions of AIML from 1920's to 1935 show presence
and support of Palestine issue in one way or the other. For text of
resolutions see; Syed Shariffudin Pirzada, ed., Foundations of
Pakistan: ALL-India Muslim League Documents, Vol. III (Islamabad:
NIHCR, 2007), 229 and for Palestine Day, Ibid., 244
2
Umbreen Javed and Malik Touqir Ahmad Awan, "Pakistan and
Question of Recognizing Israel: Historical Issues and Future
Prospects," South Asian Studies Journal 29, no.2 ( January 2014): 61-
62
3
Ibid.
4
Freedom Movement Archives, National Archives of Pakistan,
Islamabad, Vol. 219, 51-52
5
George Antonius, The Arab Awakening: Story of the Arab National
Movement (New York: J.B. Lippincott, 1939), 355-360
6
The officials in India were circulated various instructions and
precautionary measures to maintain law and order. There were some
letters and records which mentioned Palestine situation and possible
outburst in India. See NWFP CID Records File no. 12/10/12, Vol. II,
69-71 another report by S.P. Kohat about developments regarding
Palestine. Ibid., 97
7
Meeting of Muslim League Council, 9 June 1936, Archives of
Freedom Movement, National Archives of Pakistan, Islamabad, Vol.
222, 47-48
8
The Indian Annual Register, 1937, Vol. II, 402-403, also Welcome
Address by Chairman of the Reception Committee of All-India
Muslim League annual session Lucknow, 1937 in Pirzada, ed.,
Foundations of Pakistan, Vol. II, 238
9
Address by Raja Sab of Mehmoodabad at Lucknow session 1937,
Ibid., 239
10
Jinnah's Presidential address at Lucknow Session 1937, see Jameel-ud-
Din Aali, ed., Some Recent Speeches and Writings of Mr. Jinnah
(Lahore: SH. M. Ashraf, 1952), 29-34 Ibid., 239-242
11
Jinnah's Presidential address at Lucknow session 1937, Ibid., 34
12
Ibid.
13
Resolution III passed by All-India Muslim League in 25th annual
session at Lucknow 1937 , Resolutions of All-India Muslim League
from October 1937 to December 1938. Published by Nawabzada
Liaqat Ali Khan, 1944, also The Pioneer, Lucknow, October 18, 1937,
and Pirdaza, ed., Foundations of Pakistan, Vol. II, 250
14
Clause II of the resolution III presented in Lucknow session of AIML,
Ibid.

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 Shahzad Qaisar

15
Clause III of the resolution III presented in Lucknow session of AIML,
Ibid.
16
Clause IV of the resolution III passed in Lucknow session of AIML
1937, Ibid.
17
Resolution IV passed in Lucknow session of AIML 1937, Ibid.
18
Resolution V of the meeting of Council of All India Muslim League,
Pirzada, ed., Foundations of Pakistan, Vol. III, 244
19
Ibid.
20
Ibid.,244-245 (names were Moulana Shoukat Ali, Moulana Zafar Ali
Khan, Abdur Rehman Siddiqui, Moulana Qatab-ud-din Abdul Wali,
Moulana Hasrat Mohani, Moulana Mazharuddin, and Aziz Ahmad
Khan was as convener of the committee)
21
Ibid.
22
Chouhdry Khaliquzzaman, Pathway to Pakistan (London: Longmans,
1961), 201-210
23
Presidential Address of Jinnah to 26th Annual Session of All India
Muslim League at Patna 26-29 December 1938, Aali, Some Recent
Speeches and Writings of Mr. Jinnah, 72-73
24
Ibid.
25
Resolution I passed at annual session of All India Muslim League 26-
29 December 1938, IAR, 1938, Vol. II, 346 and Resolutions of All
India Muslim League published Nawabzada Liaqat Ali Khan
26
Resolution II passed by All India Muslim League in Patna Session,
1938, Ibid.
27
Resolution III passed by All India Muslim League in Patna Session,
1938, Ibid.
28
Resolution V passed by All India Muslim League in 26th annual
session 1938, Resolutions of All India Muslim League published by
Nawabzada Liaqat Ali Khan and IAR, Vol. II, 348
29
Discussion on Resolution V passed by All India Muslim League in
Patna Session, 1938, Ibid.
30
Ibid.
31
Ibid.
32
Ibid., 287
33
The details are available in, Ibid., F. 49, 81-88 and 117 also
Khaliquzzaman, Pathway to Pakistan, 204-206
34
Ibid., 210
35
Resolutions of All India Muslim League working committee on March
25, 1939, Pirzada, ed., Foundations of Pakistan, Vol. III, 259
36
Middle East Papers available at
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/brwh1939.asp (21-01-2018)
37
Resolution VI, Resolutions of All India Muslim League Council
meeting July 2-3, 1939, Pirzada, ed., Foundations of Pakistan, Vol.
III, 265-266
38
QAP, F. 479, 14
39
Ibid., F. 498, 29

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Vol. IV, No. II (July-December, 2018) PP. 35-55

40
Resolution VII of the working committee meeting of All India Muslim
League 2-3 July 1939, Pirzada, Foundations of Pakistan, Vol. III, 266
41
Other members were Sir Abdulullah Haroon, Abdur Rehman Siddiqui,
Haji Abdussatar Esa Saith, and Sir Currimbhoy Ebrahim see; Ibid.,
266
42
Resolution VIII and IX of the Working Committee of All India
Muslim League 17-18 September 1939, Ibid., 277
43
AIML Council held a meeting on 27-28 August 1939 to discuss
coming annual session proceedings. Moulana Burhanul Haq and Sir
Karimbhai Ibrahimbhai proposed a resolution in this regard to touch
other Muslim countries. Also see Abdullah Haroon to Jinnah, 17 July
1939; Resolution X of AIML Council meeting, QAP, F. 479, 14 and
AFM, Vol. 262, 78
44
Jinnah's presidential address at annual session of AIML March 1940,
Aali, Some Recent Speeches, 148 also see IAR, 1940, Vol. I, 307-308
45
Resolution II passed in annual session of AIML 22-24 March 1940,
Resolutions of All India Muslim League published by Nawabzada
Liaqat Ali Khan also see IAR, 1940, Vol. I, 311
46
Linlithgow to Jinnah, 27 June, 1940, Atique Zafar Sheikh and
Muhammad Riaz Malik, ed., Quaid-i-Azam and The Muslim World:
Selected Documents, 1937-1948, (Karachi: Royal Book Company,
1990), 56
47
Meeting of AIML Council held on 29 September 1940 under Jinnah
Resolution VII, Pirzada, ed., Foundations of Pakistan, Vol. III, 299
48
Resolution VIII passed on 29 September 1940 in meeting Council of
AIML authorized Jinnah to fix a day for the purpose of expressing and
demonstrating deep sympathy and concerns of Muslim India with the
Muslim countries, Ibid.
49
The proceedings of the day and activities of various branches of AIML
are available in, Quaid-i-Azam Papers, F. 274, 156; F. 1023, 5-6 and
F. 902, 22 also see AFM, Vol. 291, 48
50
Atique and Malik, ed., Quaid-i-Azam and the Muslim World, 128
51
The meeting held 8th November 1942 under Jinnah, Resolution VII of
All India Muslim League Council meeting, Pirzada, ed., Foundations
of Pakistan, Vol. III, 330
52
Linlitghow to Jinnah, 19 April 1940, Syed Sharifuddin Peerzada, ed.,
Leaders' Correspondence with Jinnah (Bombay: SH. Nazir Ahmad,
n.d), 13; the letter referred the new laws and resolutions to protect
rights of the Arabs and to put sanctions on the Jewish migration to
Palestine.
53
Resolution VI of meeting of All India Muslim League Council 14-15
November 1943, Pirzada, ed., Foundations of Pakistan, Vol. III, 335
54
Resolution VIII of meeting of All India Muslim League Council 14-
15 November 1943, Ibid., 336

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55
Resolution VIII of meeting of All India Muslim League Council 14-15
November 1943, Ibid., 336
56
Waheed Ahmad, ed., Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Jinnah: The Nation's
Voice, Vol. III (Karachi: Quaid-i-Azam Academy, 1999), 396-397
57
Muhammad Amin-el-Husseni to Jinnah, 12 October 1945, Sheikh and
Malik, ed., Quaid-i-Azam and The Muslim World, 122
58
Ahmad, ed. The Nation's Voice, Vol. IV, 439-440
59
Jinnah's statement on report of the Anglo-American Committee on
Palestine, Quaid-i-Azam Papers, File no. 810, 2-A
60
Resolution II of meeting of AIML working committee 27 April 1946,
Pirzada, ed., Foundations of Pakistan, Vol. III, 346
61
Ibid.
62
Resolutions of meeting working committee of AIML 27 April 1946,
Ibid.
63
Ibid.
64
Analysis of report was published in Dawn, Delhi, 31 July 1946 which
stirred waves of resentment from all quarters of India.
65
Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada, Quaid's Correspondence (Rawalpindi:
Guild Publishing House, 1977), 155
66
Ghulam Ali Talpur and Malik Faeroz Khan Noon visited Middle East
on Jinnah's orders. When the British requested to Iraq to appoint Trade
Commissioner in Iraq they were refused on the grounds that All-India
Muslim League was not given proper share in the government. The
Prime Minister of Iraq appreciated Jinnah for his efforts for Palestine
and the Muslim cause. Some details are available in QAP, F. 884, 381-
382
67
Muhammad Amin-el- Husseni to Jinnah, 16 October 1946, Sheikh
and Malik, ed., Quiad-i-Azam and the Muslim World, 156
68
Jinnah interview to Reuters correspondent Duncan Hooper, 25 October
1947, Muhammad Rafique Afzal, ed., Selected Speeches and
Statements of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Lahore: Research
Society of Pakistan, 1980), 439
69
Sheikh and Malik, ed., Quiad-i-Azam and the Muslim World, 166
70
Saeed-ud-din Dar, "Foreign Policy of Pakistan 1947-1948" in Ahmad
Hassan Dani, ed. World Scholars on Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali
Jinnah, Islamabad, 1979, 364
71
Syed Rifaat Hussain, Quaid-i-Azam and Pakistan's Foreign Policy,
Pakistani Scholars on Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
(Islamabad: NIPS, Quaid-i-Azam University, 1999), 406
72
Star of India, Calcutta, 25 August 1947
73
UN Documents on Palestine, 7 October 1947, UNA, A/AC-14/SR-7/2
and UN Documents on Palestine, 7 October 1947, UNA, A/AC-
14/SR-12/6
74
Ibid., 24 October 1947, UNA, A/AC-14/SR-30/7
75
Ibid., 7 October 1947, UNA, A/AC-14/SR-7/8
76
Dar, Foreign Policy of Pakistan, 346

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77
UN Documents on Palestine, 24 November 1947, UNA, A/AC-
14/SR-31/4
78
Ibid.,
79
Dar, Foreign Policy of Pakistan, 346
80
Jinnah's Interview with Duncan Hooper, 25 October 1947 in Jinnah:
Speeches and Statements 1947-1948, 58-60
81
Ibid., 60-65
82
Jinnah to Harry S.Truman, 8 December 1947, in Riaz Ahmad, (ed.),
Quaid-i-Azam- A Chronology(Karachi, 1981), 135
83
Farooq Ahmad Dar, Jinnah's Pakistan: Formation and Challenges of
a State (Karachi: Oxford University Press, 2014), 314
84
Jinnah's Interview with Robert Simson, 19 December 1947, NAP, F.
188. GG/15-6
85
Resolution II of All India Muslim League Council Meeting 14
December 1947, Pirzada, ed., Foundations of Pakistan, Vol. III, 546
86
Ibid.

55