ABSTRACT
While travelling by train with his sister Fatima from Bombay to New Delhi in the second week of March, Jinnah complained of pain in the middle of his back and spinal chord. He was examined by his doctor and was told that he was suffering from pleurisy and required bed-rest for at least a fortnight. Jinnah’s handling of the situation after his arrival at Lahore was masterly. He motored down straight from the railway station to the general ward of Mayo Hospital to inquire about the condition of the wounded Khaksars. He addressed a public meeting of Muslims and assured the aggrieved relatives and supporters of the Khaksars that he would see that justice was done. In his presidential address, Allah Baksh disputed Jinnah’s contention that he was speaking for the Muslims of India. The alliance with the British had been part of Jinnah’s plan for two years, but it was only in 1940 that it became possible.
