The Indians longed for freedom, yearning to be independent. However, the British colonial authorities staunchly restricted their liberty, obstructing their path to independence. If the Indians were to gain independence and freedom, how could the British colonial rulers continue to enslave them? How would they extract wealth from India then?
This inherent contradiction was undeniable. As long as the British authorities were not blinded by folly, they would never grant the Indians freedom, for it would jeopardize their interests in India.
However, as the external situation shifted, so too did the nature of this conflict. Now, faced with a formidable enemy, the British colonial authorities and the Indian elites were desperately seeking ways to resist.
Charles Harding, the Governor of India, exhibited a clear political wisdom far surpassing others. After much contemplation, he finally conceived a plan to thwart the German invasion of India—or at the very least, a strategy to continue fighting the Germans in India.
Baron Charles Harding had initially sought to flee India and live a peaceful life in Canada. However, with the British Cabinet persistently refusing his resignation, he had no choice but to remain as Governor of India. To escape to Canada would have been an act of dereliction of duty, leading to the loss of his noble title and possibly even trial by court. If he stayed in India and the Germans launched an invasion, and if the British and Indian forces failed to repel them, the consequences would be dire. He might even be captured by the Germans, with his very life at risk. Thus, for the sake of his own survival, Baron Harding had no option but to fight with all his might.
If he could indeed repel the German invasion in India, perhaps even transform it into a quagmire of war to defeat the Germans, his reputation would soar. Upon returning to Britain, he would command immense respect. Not only could his noble title be elevated, but he might even be appointed to a higher office—perhaps the Minister of Foreign Affairs, or if fortune favored him, the Prime Minister.
With such thoughts in mind, Baron Harding felt a fierce determination burning in his heart, filled with renewed vigor.
"My lord, how many military forces do we currently have in India?" Baron Harding inquired.
"Your Excellency, our forces are primarily divided into the British forces stationed in India and the Indian Army. The British forces comprise four armies, with a total of 200,000 men. The Indian Army consists of six armies, with 1.2 million men. In total, we have 1.4 million troops!" replied Lord William Nicholson.
A force of 1.4 million men was undoubtedly substantial. Yet, considering that the combat effectiveness of the British forces was already inferior to that of the German army, and the British forces stationed in India were particularly underprepared, their combat capabilities would likely be extremely limited. If war broke out, the British forces in India might not only be ineffective but could potentially hinder their efforts.
To withstand the German advance, it was imperative to bolster their military strength in India. Without enough troops, how could they possibly challenge the Germans? Without adequate forces, the Germans would swiftly seize India.
"1.4 million troops are still insufficient. We need more. Only with greater numbers can we defeat the Germans!" declared Baron Harding.
"Your Excellency, we are already in the process of recruiting new soldiers. However, the Indians are lazy and indifferent to military service. The Indian National Congress and other factions have been actively disrupting our recruitment efforts, persuading potential recruits to abandon their enlistment. This has made it increasingly difficult to raise sufficient manpower. The government has been sending us large quantities of weapons and equipment from the United States and Canada. Additionally, our armories in India are constantly producing weaponry. But without enough soldiers, even the most abundant supply of weapons will be of no use!" Lord Nicholson answered, his expression troubled.
Under British colonial rule, India had experienced some industrial development, surpassing many Eastern nations of the same period. Armories capable of producing rifles, machine guns, and small-caliber artillery existed, although heavy artillery was beyond their production capacity. The British, wary of India's potential to produce heavy weapons, had even secretly moved production lines for rifles and machine guns to India due to the deteriorating situation in Britain, intending to use India as a base for the empire's resurgence.
"Why? Why are they preventing the Indians from joining the army?" Baron Harding asked, his brow furrowed.
India, with a population of over three hundred million, had the potential to raise a vast army. If restrictions were lifted and recruitment intensified, it would be entirely possible to muster ten million soldiers. Although the British colonial authorities lacked enough weapons to arm such a vast force, even several million soldiers would significantly strengthen their position. Though the combat effectiveness of Indian troops was questionable, sheer numbers could still make a difference.
"Your Excellency, those factions are deeply pessimistic about the coming war. They believe we cannot withstand the German assault. If Indians join the army, they fear the casualties will be catastrophic. So, they think that by preventing Indians from enlisting, they can reduce their losses," Lord Nicholson explained.
A gleam of malice flashed in Baron Harding's eyes. He had never been sympathetic toward these factions. Were it not for the concern that harsh measures might provoke widespread opposition among the Indians, he would have already acted. But now, their audacity to undermine the colonial authorities directly angered him.
"Your Excellency, with the Germans about to invade, it would not be wise to take action against them now," Lord Nicholson urged. Should public outrage erupt, they would face the dual threat of internal rebellion and external invasion, making their defense of India virtually impossible.
Baron Harding nodded. "I understand! Don't they crave freedom? Very well, I shall grant them their freedom. Gather those who have long desired it. I hereby give my consent!"
Yet, the cold smile that curled on his lips revealed his sinister intent.