Cripps' mission

Sir Stafford Cripps' Mission was an attempt in late March of 1942 by the British War Cabinet to secure Indian cooperation and support for their efforts in World War II. Led by Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, the majority Indian National Congress and its supporters were engaged in a program of non-violent resistance aimed at securing an independent Indian state. Cripps was empowered to negotiate the post-war creation of one or several Dominions which would owe common allegiance to the crown but be otherwise independent. The effort was perceived by the leaders of the Congress Party as an empty promise which could be delayed and rescinded after support had already been rendered. For their part, the British were unwilling to completely and immediately cease all political control over the subcontinent. This difference of opinion culminated on 8August when the leadership of the Congress Party issued the Quit India resolution, and were subsequently arrested and imprisoned.

References

• Draft resolution
• Indian History