THE CRIPPS MISSION 1942
WHAT WAS IT?
-Winston Churchill appointed Sir Stafford Cripps, to lead a delegation in India in order to secure full Indian cooperation for the war effort.
-This meant that Britain would have to offer self-determination to India which was not like Churchill who opposed independence.
THE MISSION
-Sir Cripps arrived in New Delhi on 23rd March 1942
-There was much optimism as Cripps was a Labour Party minister, a friend of Nehru and Gandhi and liked in congress circles.
-However, the Cripps mission was doomed as he did not offer what congress wanted to hear, but what was a bargain for british gov.
CRIPPS OFFER
-After the War, there would be a new constitution for India.
-In the meantime all Indian parties were invited to join an interim government of national unity which would operate until end of war.
REACTIONS TO THE CRIPPS OFFER
-Gandhi was furious and suggested he should take the first flight home.
-Congress rejected first part of the bargain as they were not willing to allow people to opt out of a united India.
-They were willing to join an interim government, providing that an Indian was in charge of the defence ministry.
However, the Raj had to maintain control whilst the war was going on.
-Jinnah was ready to accept because the implication of a separate state would not be a problem however, he had to reject to keep Muslim league part of decision making process.
OUTCOME
CRIPPS FLEW HOME ON THE 12th APRIL EMPTY HANDED