z:\ ambedkar\vol 08\vol8 06.indd MK SJ+YS 28 9 2013/YS 13 11 2013 478
478 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
APPENDIX XXV
CRIPPS PROPOSALS
Published on March 29, 1941
DRAFT DECLARATION FOR DISCUSSION WITH INDIAN LEADERS
His Majesty’s Government having considered the anxieties expressed in this country and in India as to the fulfilment of promises made in regard to the future of India have decided to lay down in precise and clear terms the steps which they propose shall be taken for the earliest possible realisation of self-government in India. The object is the creation of a new Indian Union which shall constitute a Dominion associated with the United Kingdom and other Dominions by a common allegiance to the Crown but equal to them in every respect, in no way subordinate in any aspect of its domestic or external affairs.
His Majesty’s Government, therefore, make the following Declaration:
(a) Immediately upon cessation of hostilities steps shall be taken to set up in India in manner described hereafter an elected body charged with the task of framing a new Constitution for India.
(b) Provision shall be made, as set out below, for participation of Indian States in the Constitution-making body.
(c) His Majesty’s Government undertake to accept and implement forthwith the Constitution so framed subject only to :—
(i) The right of any Province of British India that is not prepared to accept the new Constitution to retain its present constitutional position, provision being made for its subsequent accession if it so decides.
With such non-acceding Provinces, should they so desire, His Majesty’s Government will be prepared to agree upon a new Constitution giving them the same full status as the Indian Union and