The Ghandi-Jinnah Talks (1944)

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

• Ghandi was released by Lord Wavell on medical grounds
• He proposed to Jinnah that they meet to discuss the future of India, after the British
• They met each other throughout September 1944
• Talks continued from 9th to 27th September
• 21 letters exchanged
• There were nearly 25 hours of meetings
• They met in Jinnah’s Bombay home

Question 2

Main Talking Points

Answer 2

1) Ghandi wanted immediate support from the league, in order to expel the British
2) Two Nation theory
3) Ghandi claimed to represent the entirety of India
4) Defense and Foreign affairs
5) 6 Provinces

Question 3

Reasons and Causes of Failure

Answer 3

1) Ghandi wanted help to expel the British, and though a partition would only be on the cards if they left. BUT Jinnah knew that partition had to be secured first
2) Ghandi did not support the two nation theory, which was now the league’s official policy
3) Ghandi thought he represented all, Jinnah reminded him that he was the spokesman of the Congress
4) Ghandi wanted the Cent. Govt. to be in control of defense and foreign policy, however Jinnah wanted these matters to be in the hands of the provinces

Question 4

Aftermath

Answer 4

• Many expected a compromise
• Talks broke down
• However Jinnah claimed some success as the Congress now accepted the importance of the league and how it spoke on behalf of all Muslims