Question

Why is the Cripps Mission of 1942 regarded as a failed attempt by the British to secure Indian cooperation?

• A. It failed to promise to set up an elected body after World War II.
• B. The primary demand for immediate and complete independence was not fulfilled by the British.
• C. The proposals were seen as being far too radical by the INC, with it only asking for control over internal affairs.
• D. The INC refused to form a national government that was to be completely independent of British control.

Answer 1

The correct option is B The primary demand for immediate and complete independence was not fulfilled by the British.

The main proposal of the Cripps Mission dealt with the formation of an Indian Union, with dominion status. The Indian parties were only willing to cooperate and aide the British during World War II if they were to be guaranteed clarity in terms of a move towards complete freedom, which the British failed to commit to. The proposals were seen as too radical by the British and as too conservative by the INC who wanted complete independence. It is also believed that the Mission failed because of a clear lack of support for it by the Viceroy Linlithgow, British PM Winston Churchill, and the Secretary of State for India, Leo Amery, among other reasons.