Second World War and August Offer For Indians

Second World War and Nationalist Response:
September 1, 1939: Germany attacks Poland and the Second World War had started.
September 3, 1939: Britain declares war against Germany and declares India’s support for the War without consulting Indian opinion. It disappointed the Indian Leaders and the Congress Ministers and they resigned from their offices on November 15, 1939.
At this time the Indians gave the offer to cooperate in the war efforts but subject to the following two conditions:
1. After the war, a constituent assembly should be convened to determine political structure of a free India.
2. Immediately, some form of a genuinely responsible government should be established at the Centre.
But this offer of the Indians was rejected by Linlithgow, the Viceroy of India. The Congress argued that these conditions were necessary to win public opinion for war.
“August Offer”
After holding discussions with the Indian leaders, Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy, issued a statement on behalf of the British Government on 08/08/1940, which is popularly known as “August Offer”.
Therein, the Viceroy promised-
Full responsible government on the Dominion Status model after the termination of the World War;
Setting up of a Constitution making body to frame a new Constitution for India;
As an interim measure, the Viceroy to appoint prominent Indians on his Executive Council;
Setting up of a Separate Consultative Council consisting of Indians to tender advice in connection with the conduct of War;
To secure to India, free and equal partnership in the British Commonwealth of Nations.
However, the Viceroy made it clear that no change would be incorporated in the existing constitutional structure, without the concurrence of the Muslims and other minorities.
The August Offer was rejected by the Congress as mischievous and anti-national and uninspiring.
The Muslim League welcomed the veto assurance given to the League and reiterated its position that partition was the only solution to the deadlock.
Evaluation of August Offer:
For the first time, the inherent right of the Indians to frame their constitution was recognised and the demand of the congress in respect of constituent assembly was considered. Dominion status was also explicitly offered.
In July 1941, the executive council of Viceroy was enlarged to give the Indians a majority of 8 out of 12 for the first time, but the whites remained in charge of defence, finance and home.
Also, a National Defence Council was set up with purely advisory functions.
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