Summary

● Congress Stand on World War II:

It would cooperate in the war effort if:

(i) freedom was given after the War.

(ii) some form of genuinely responsible government was immediately set up.

September 1, 1939: World War-II broke out and Britain declared India’s support for war.

September 10-14, 1939: At CWC meeting at Wardha:

— Gandhi was for unconditional support to Britain’s war efforts.

— Subhash Bose and Leftists were for taking advantage of Britain’s difficulties and starting a mass movement to dislodge colonialism.

— Nehru recognised the imperialist nature of the war, but was against taking advantage of Britain’s difficulties, even as he was against Indian participation in the war.

— The CWC resolved—No Indian participation unless freedom is granted; Government should declare its war aims soon.

● Linlithgow’s Statement (October 17, 1939)

Britain’s war aim is to resist aggression.

All interest groups are to be consulted to modify 1935 Act for future.

Immediately a “consultative committee” is to be formed for advising functions.

● Congress Response

No Indian support to the war

Congress ministries in provinces to resign

But no immediate mass struggle to be launched

● March 1940

‘Pakistan Resolution’ passed at Lahore session of Muslim League

● August Offer (August 1940)

Dominion status to be the long-term objective

After the war, constituent assembly to be formed comprising mainly Indians

Minorities’ consent to be essential for any future settlement. Congress rejects the Offer

● October 1940

Congress launches individual satyagraha; 25,000 satyagrahis court arrest

● March 1942

Japan reaches Rangoon after having overrun almost the whole of South-East Asia.

● Cripps Mission (March 1942)

It offeres—

* an Indian Union with dominion status, with right to withdraw from Commonwealth.

* after war, a constituent assembly elected by provincial assemblies to frame the constitution.

* freedom to any province unwilling to join the Union to have a separate agreement with Britain.

Meanwhile, defence of India to remain in British hands. The Congress objects to—

* dominion status

* right of provinces to secede

* no immediate transfer of power

* retention of governor-general’s supremacy. The Muslim League objects to—

* Pakistan not being explicitly offered

* the machinery for creation of Constituent Assembly.

Chapter 23

Quit India Movement, Demand for Pakistan, and the INA

Quit India Movement

After Cripps’ departure, Gandhi framed a resolution calling for British withdrawal and a non-violent non-cooperation movement against any Japanese invasion. The CWC meeting at Wardha (July 14, 1942) accepted the idea of a struggle.