The Cripps Mission (1942)

Question 1

What was it?

Answer 1

• The Muslim League was firm
• The Congress were opposed to the partition
• The British would not accept that their time in power over the country would end
• In March 1942 Sir Stafford Cripps (Member of Cabinet), was sent to India
• To try and win support, favor and backing for Britain’s war efforts

Question 2

What were its terms?

Answer 2

1) After the war, an Indian Union, would be setup with Dominion Status
(However individual provinces could ‘opt out’ of the Union, negotiating their own freedom in the process.)

2) After the war, a constituent Assembly would structure a new constitution
3) Elections for the Constituent Assembly would be held imminently after the war

Question 3

What was the reaction?

Answer 3

• League rejected immediately, as there was no mention of the establishment of Pakistan
• Jinnah was pleased to see the opt out, as the British acknowledged the minorities’ interests
• Congress rejected, as it demanded control of India’s affairs
• They were not ready to wait till after the war for independence
• Were skeptical about the promises of the British
• Ghandi called these proposals
  “a post-dated cheque on a failing bank.”