Impact Of Wavell

Impact Of Wavell

1. Why was he made Viceroy? -Several different views

   • Was commander in chief of India- Military background
     • First suggested that he was chosen to continue hard line of leadership based on military principles
   • Confidence in Wavell had fallen
     • His 'promotion' to viceroy allowed more inspiring Auchinleck to become commander in chief
       • Suggests that political skill not sought after in viceroy
   • Considered a man for solutions
     • A good problem solver
   • Churchill wanted someone with no political background
     • Wanted a military man who wouldn't engage in politics, instead just follow orders
       • Wavell was far from what Churchill expected

2. The Bengal Famine

   • The Problem
     • 1942/3 harvests were low, some of the worst of the century
     • Low harvests aggravated by shortage of other foods and reduced imports due to war
     • There was poor distribution of food within the province
     • As a result of widespread malnutrition
       • Many people were dying more quickly of pneumonia, cholera and malaria
     • Estimate that famine caused 1-3 million deaths
     • Once famine started to effect major cities of Dacca and Calcutta, national concern arose
   • Wavell's Action
     • Immediately ordered military assistance for the distribution of food
       • This involved diverting soldiers from war effort
     • Introduced rationing and control of panic buying and profiteering
     • Demanded appointment of governor of Bengal
       • A post that had been left open for no reason
     • Fought for food and got twice what was promised
       • However he did only get half what he asked for
         • Showed political skill - asked for too much knowing that he wouldn't get it
     • By mid 1944 situation was coming under control
       • It is much to Wavell's credit that he took a humanitarian view that lives should be saved
         • Would've been easy to ignore famine to concentrate on war

3. Wavell's political solution and success

   • Wavell's search for a solution
     • Had a conference with provincial governors to discuss end of war time political future
       • War debt continued to mount
         • As did calls for the British to repay India for the benefit of the Indian people
           • Governors strongly advised Wavell to push for a positive political initiative from the British before the end of the war
   • British Attitudes
     • Churchill + British govt had negative attitude towards making a solution
       • Wavell had his request for an Indian Finance Minister rejected
         • All of Wavell's letters to Gandhi had to be sent to London first for discussion
           • Churchill simply wanted to do nothing - too busy with war
             • Churchill adamant he would not be the PM who let India go
   • Initiative stalled
     • November 1944, Wavell requests consideration of political initiative
       • For 5 months, cabinet stalled responding
         • Eventually left it to India Committee to reject request
     • 1945 - Churchill busy with managing victory parades and campaigning for next election
       • Wavell still in London pushing for negotiation
         • Churchill wanted Wavell out the way so he could concentrate on plans
           • So he agrees to national conference of Indian leaders
             • Known as Simla Conference
               • Wavell thought this was too little too late
   • Simla Conference 1945
     • 25 June consists of delegates from ML, Congress + others
     • Conference quickly leads to refusals and rejections
     • Jinnah refused to accept legitimacy of Muslims not belonging to ML
     • Wavell suggests Interim council as solution
       • Rejected by Jinnah - sensed strength with ever rejection
     • Conference broke up - Indian political landscape shattered
     • July 1945 - Churchill Out - Labour + Attlee in
       • Looking good for nationalists