CONSTITUTION HISTORY - CRIPPS MISSION (1942)

CRIPPS MISSION - 1942 

• The deadlock in India Policies was continuing due to the refusal to the congress to cooperate.
• The events of World War II  and specifically Japan's victories created created new international situations.
• In early 1942, the War situation compelled the British to open talks with the Indian leaders.
• On March 11, 1942 , Mr. Churchill announced to send Sir Strafford Cripps, the leaders of House of  Commons (England) to India.
• This is known as the Cripps Mission.
• The Cripps Mission came to India in March 1942 with a draft declaration of the British Government and began constitutional negotiations.

PROPOSALS

• Indian union with a dominion status
• Constituent Assembly to frame a new constitution.
• The British government would accept the new constitution with the condition that the province not willing to join the union could have a separate constitution.
• The post of Governor-general would remain intact and defense of India would remain in British hands.
• Hence, Mission was sent to seek full support of Indian but Stafford Cripps returned home leaving behind a frustrated and embittered Indian people.
• Cripps left and returned empty handed on April, 1942.
• It felt that the existing situation in the country had become intolerable and that the time had come for a final assault on Imperialism.