This is an extract of a speech that Muhammad Ali Jinnah gave on 3 June 1947. It was broadcast on All India Radio following the announcement by Lord Mountbatten (the last Viceroy of India) that outlined the plan to transfer power from the British administration of India to the governments of two new nations – India and Pakistan. In his speech, Jinnah warns people of the difficult task ahead in the transfer of power and appeals to the public for peace and order during this transition. Although Jinnah recognises that the British plan for Partition is not perfect, he praises Lord Mountbatten in his role as the last Viceroy of India and states his acceptance of the 3 June Plan.

MUHAMMAD ALI JINNAH:

It is clear the plan does not meet in some important respects our point of view, and we cannot say or feel that we are satisfied or that we agree with some of the matters dealt with by the plan. It is for us to consider whether the plan as presented to us by His Majesty's Government should be accepted by us as a compromise or a settlement. On this point I do not wish to prejudge. The decision of the Council of the All India Muslim League which has been summoned to meet on Monday 9th June, and its final decisions, can only be taken by the Council according to our constitution, precedence and practice.

But so far as I have been able to gather, on the whole, the reaction in the Muslim League circle in Delhi has been hopeful. Of course the plan has got to be very carefully examined in its pros and cons before a final decision can be taken. I must say that I feel that the Viceroy has battled against various forces very bravely, and the impression that he has left on my mind is that he was actuated by the highest sense of fairness and impartiality, and it is up to us to make his task less difficult.