The Cripps Mission was sent by the British Government to India in March 1942 to secure full Indian cooperation and support for their efforts in World War II. Sir Stafford Cripps, a senior Labour Party politician and member of the British War Cabinet, led the delegation.
Historical Context and Objectives
Following the rapid success of Japan in Southeast Asia and the fall of Rangoon in March 1942, the threat to India became imminent. The British Government, under pressure from the United States, China, and the British Labour Party, sought to resolve the political deadlock in India to ensure active participation in the war.
- Primary Objective: To obtain the support of the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League for the war effort.
- Proposed Mechanism: In exchange for support, Britain promised a new constitution and self-government after the war.
Key Proposals of the Cripps Mission
The proposals were presented in the form of a Draft Declaration, which aimed to address the constitutional future of India.
- Dominion Status: The establishment of an Indian Union with full Dominion status; it would be free to decide its relations with the Commonwealth and free to participate in international bodies.
- Constituent Assembly: After the war, a Constituent Assembly would be set up to frame a new constitution. Members would be partly elected by provincial assemblies and partly nominated by princely states.
- Right to Secession: Any province that was not prepared to accept the new constitution would have the right to retain its present constitutional position, with the option to form a separate union.
- Princely States: States were granted the right to negotiate their own terms with the British Government.
- Defense Responsibility: During the transition period, the British Government would retain control over the defense of India as part of the war effort.
Rejection by Indian National Leaders
The proposals were rejected by almost all Indian political parties, though for different and often contradictory reasons.
| Organization | Key Reasons for Rejection |
|---|---|
| Indian National Congress | Opposed the provision for the secession of provinces; criticized the lack of a plan for immediate transfer of power; demanded a genuine, responsible government at the center. |
| Muslim League | Rejected the proposal for a single Indian Union; criticized the machinery for the creation of a single constituent assembly; felt the demand for Pakistan was not explicitly conceded. |
| Hindu Mahasabha | Opposed the ‘right to secede’ clause, fearing it would lead to the partition of India. |
| Depressed Classes | Feared the new constitution would not provide adequate safeguards against the dominance of the upper-caste majority. |
Mahatma Gandhi’s Assessment
Mahatma Gandhi famously described the proposals as a “post-dated cheque on a failing bank.” This reflected the widespread disillusionment with the British promise of future concessions while failing to address the immediate demand for freedom.
Impact and Aftermath
The failure of the Cripps Mission marked a turning point in the Indian national movement.
- End of Negotiations: It solidified the belief among Congress leaders that the British were unwilling to grant any real power.
- Quit India Movement: The failure directly paved the way for the launch of the Quit India Movement in August 1942, the most significant mass movement of the era.
- Shift in Stance: The mission demonstrated the widening gulf between the Congress and the Muslim League, with the latter’s demand for Pakistan gaining more distinct political weight following the British recognition of the right to secede.
- Global Pressure: While the mission failed domestically, it successfully showcased British efforts to international allies, particularly the United States, by demonstrating a willingness to engage in constitutional reform.