Cripps Mission

Cripps Mission: Background 

The threat of the Japanese invading India was increasing with passing the time as they were advancing outside the Indian eastern borders; however, the support of India was exceptionally crucial for Britain’s war efforts. In 1939, when the second world war broke out, India was declared as a party to the war as part of the British Empire by the Viceroy Lord Linlithgow. Since it was done without any consultations, it broke into massive protests, especially from one of India’s biggest parties of that time, the congress. The party leaders decided to resign from their respective posts, which was also celebrated as Deliverance Day’ by the Muslim league. 

Britain started to feel immense pressure in regards to its own imperial policies from the US and several other aligned forces. This was marked as the arrival of Cripps mission as the British government sent Cripps to India. 

Cripps Mission Members 

Stafford Cripps, along with Lord Privy Seal, headed the Cripps Mission. There were other members as well who played a significant role. It includes the leader of the House of Common, and so on. 

Short Note on Cripps Mission

Starting in 1942, the Cripps Mission was a failed attempt made by the British government. The mission was headed by a member of the War Cabinet, Stafford Cripps, who was sent to India from March 22 to April 11, 1942. As this mission was not successful, the issue of the constitution of India was postponed for some time. The arrival of Cripps mission was on March 22 in Delhi.

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What Led to the Proposal?

In the first place, Japan had just entered the war, and her initial success had alarmed the Allies. Philippines, Indonesia, Indo-China, and Malaya were utterly overrun. Singapore had fallen. Burma was on the point of an immediate collapse. India was also open to the danger of an attack by Japan. The constitutional deadlock hampered the war efforts. The British government wanted to end this deadlock.

Secondly, in February 1942, George Marshall and Madame Chiang Kai Shek visited India; they realised the importance of India in combating Japan in the Eastern zone. They also felt that only a willing India could do that effectively. On the eve of their departure in their farewell address, they appealed to the British government to meet India’s national demand.

Thirdly, even among the Allies of Britain, a feeling was growing that Britain should be conceded to India to enable her to participate in the War efforts effectively.

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Purpose of Cripps Mission

1. The purpose of Cripps mission was to secure Indian cooperation and seek support for the British War (2nd world war).
2. It was said that the establishment of the Indian Union and the status of domination would occur. 
3. It was suggested that India would no longer have to answer anyone regarding her relations with the Commonwealth. Also, India was allowed to participate in various international bodies and the United Nations. 
4. Once the war is over, the constituent assembly will establish an entirely new constitution. 
5. It was recorded that half of the members will be elected by the provincial assemblies; however, the other half will be nominated by the prince.

Significance of Cripps Mission 

• It was during the Cripps Mission when the British government acknowledged the right to be a dominion for India. 
• Indians have the power to frame their own constitution 
• During the interim period, Indians were promised a greater share in administrative decisions. 

The Conditions to Accept the New Constitution

1. If any of the provinces have not readily agreed to join the Union, they have the power to build a separate Union.
2. The British government and the new constitution-making body would sign a treaty to safeguard religious and racial minorities.
3. Meanwhile, the British will have the power over the Indian defence, and the control of the governor-general will remain the same.

Congress’ Objection

1. The Cripps mission proposals provided dominion status instead of complete independence against the Lahore Congress Resolution of 1929.
2. Representatives of the princely states would be nominated by the princes instead of elected representatives.
3. Provinces were given the right to secede from the Indian Union against the country’s unity.
4. There were no plans regarding the immediate transfer of powers and share in defence.  
5. Gandhi said that Cripps’ offer of Dominion Status after the war was a “post-dated cheque drawn on a failing bank.”

The Muslim League’s Objection

There were several reasons why the Muslim League rejected the Cripps Mission. These include- 

1. The Idea of a single Indian Union was highly criticised. 
2. Said no to the machinery to create a constituent assembly. 

Reason for Failure of the Cripps Mission

Reason for failure of the Cripps Mission: Mission led to unprecedented disturbances throughout India. The British government was unwilling to part with power. The fear of a potential Japanese invasion of India compelled Gandhi to give the final blow to British rule in India by launching the Quit India Movement.

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Conclusion

In March 1942, The Cripps Mission was sent to India by the British government for obtaining Indian cooperation for the British war efforts in the 2nd World War. Sir Richard Stafford Cripps headed the Cripps Mission. Although Cripps Mission brought several massive changes, it was called off as the proposals were seen as too radical and too conservative.