The (Neil) Cripps Mission

The (Neil) Cripps Mission

1. Aims

   • To win backing for the 1940 offer
     • By discussing the processes that were necessary to bring about dominion status
       • Only to be implemented after the war
   • To discuss arrangements for the duration of the war on the basis of the 1935 govt of India act
     • had some minimal scope for additional indian reps on exec council
   • Underlying reason
     • To please the Americans - keep them onside
     • Allow Churchill to portray Cripps (a political opponent) as a failure

2. Why it failed

   • Defeatist attitude from Indians
   • Hindus and Muslims couldn't work together
   • Cripps went beyond brief
     • Offers India their own defence office, without permission, forced to withdraw offer
   • Churchill set it up to fail
     • Sent Cripps to offer dominion status
       • Knew Indians would reject it
         • But to the Americans it looks like Brits are trying
   • Clash of personalities between Cripps and Linlithgow - made worse by Cripps coming with no warning
     • Done on purpose by Churchill?

3. Congress reaction

   • Wanted purna swaraj - not offered
   • Little for Congress to support
     • Only good offer - Defence Minister - was withdrawn
   • Muslims appeared to have gained the right to stay out of a future united India
     • Annoys Congress

4. Impact/Effect

   • Ensures greater support from US
     • they see Brits are trying - give their support
   • Causes Congress to launch Quit India
   • Seems to enhance ML's status, they're more willing to negotiate than Congress
   • Reduced international sympathy for Congress' demand on reform
     • shown as being awkward and non-negotiable