In March 1942, a mission, headed by Stafford Cripps, was sent to India with constitutional proposals to seek Indian support for the war. Stafford Cripps was a left-wing Labourite, the leader of the House of Commons and a member of the British War Cabinet, who had actively supported the Indian national movement.
Why Cripps Mission was sent?
- Because of the reverses suffered by Britain in South- East Asia, the Japanese threat to invade India seemed real now and Indian support became crucial.
- There was pressure on Britain from the Allies (USA, USSR, and China) to seek Indian co-operation.
- Indian nationalists had agreed to support the Allied cause if substantial power was transferred immediately and complete independence given after the war.
Main Proposals:
The main proposals of the Mission were as follows.
1. An Indian Union with a dominion status would be set up; it would be free to decide its relations with the Commonwealth and free to participate in the United Nations and other international bodies.
2. After the end of the war, a Constituent Assembly would be convened to frame a new constitution. Members of this Assembly would be partly elected by the Provincial Assemblies, through proportional representation and partly nominated by the princes.
3. The British government would accept the new constitution, subject to two conditions: (i) any province not willing to join the Union could have a separate constitution and form a separate Union, and (ii) the new constitution- making body and the British government would negotiate a treaty to effect the transfer of power and to safeguard racial and religious minorities.
4. In the meantime, the defence of India would remain in British hands and the Governor-General’s powers would remain intact.
Departures from the Past and Implications
The proposals differed from those offered in the past in many respects —
● The making of the constitution was to be solely in Indian hands now (and not ‘mainly’ in Indian hands — as contained in the August Offer).
● A concrete plan was provided for the Constituent Assembly.
● Option was available to any province to have a separate constitution — a blueprint for India’s partition.
● Free India could withdraw from the Commonwealth.
● Indians were allowed a large share in the administration in the interim period.
