Lord Wavell and The Simla Conference (1945)

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

• War was clearly ending in 1945
• Wavell flew to London in March to discuss future India policy with Govt.
• Their departure was clear
• They required agreements on what would happen after they left

Question 2

What was the Simla Conference?

Answer 2

• Wavell proposed; an executive council be set up to govern India under current constitution till a new one could be agreed on
• The Council would contain equal number of Hindus and Muslims
• It would be entirely Indian apart from Viceroy and member controlling defense
• To discuss these proposals the Simla Conference was held in 1945

Question 3

Who were the attending delegates?

Answer 3

• Leaders of Congress, League, Scheduled Castes, Sikhs and others
• League; Jinnah, Liaqat, Nazimmudin
• Congress; Ghandi and Abul Kalam Azaad, making point that not all Muslims were represented by League

Question 4

Why did it fail?

Answer 4

• Initially made ground, as all agreed with an Ex. Council
• But, disagreements about who was to be on the it caused failure
• Wavell wanted equal number of Muslims and Hindus, but Jinnah rejected as Sikhs and other castes would vote with Hindus, putting Muslims at minority
• Jinnah also objected that congress could nominate Muslims as well as Hindus. Pointing out that league won every by-election, last 2 years and was undeniable Muslim voice
• Wavell saw no solution to issues
• Closed on 14th July