The British government was terrified with the thought of Japanese attack on India. Thus, to gain India’s support, The British government sent a mission to India under the leadership of Sir Stafford Cripps on March 23, 1942. After holding talks with various Indian leaders, Cripps presented a proposal.
It included the following points—
1. India would be accorded dominion status after the war. India would be given the right to separate itself from the British Common Wealth.
2. A Constituent Assembly would formed immediately after the culmination of the war, in order to prepare a new constitution of India.
3. If any province of British India or any native Indian state did not like the new constitution, they could retain their earlier status and stay separated from the Indian federation.
4. Until the duration of the war and the formation of the new constitution, the responsibility of India’s security would lie with the British government.