"Your Excellency, Governor, if things continue as they are, the likelihood of us repelling the German invasion seems undeniably high. However, once we emerge victorious, will we truly grant independence to the Indian natives?" Lord William Nicholson inquired.
As the commander of the British forces in India and the British Indian Army, he was well-versed in the situation here and fully aware of the immense wealth the land possessed. To the British Empire, India had undoubtedly become its most indispensable colony. Indeed, should India remain under the control of the British Empire, it would significantly accelerate the Empire's resurgence.
Thus, Lord Nicholson had no intention of relinquishing India. Should India be lost, even if the British Empire were to rise again, it would only be a second-rate power, never to regain its former glory.
"Of course not! If we truly defeat Germany, it will be their downfall. When the time comes, I will see to it that they are all dealt with!" declared Baron Charles Harding.
This was a plan he had long envisioned, a ruse to deceive the Indian natives into believing they had a stake in repelling the German invasion. Once the Germans were defeated, the Indians would become irrelevant. The concept of "once the birds are gone, the bow is hidden" encapsulated this scheme.
"Yet, will this not provoke greater unrest in India? Our rule might be overthrown by the Indians themselves," Lord Nicholson replied, furrowing his brow. He feared that deceiving the Indian populace might lead to substantial trouble. After all, even after such a devastating war, the military strength of the Indians would undoubtedly be greatly enhanced.
"That is precisely why, my lord, we must consider how to expend the most radical and fiercest elements among them during the conflict. Let the Germans assist us in eliminating these extremists. Then, even if unrest erupts in India, it can be easily suppressed. In the end, India will remain our colony. After all, the vast majority of Indians have been tamed by us. They are willing subjects under our rule. As long as we prevent them from starving, they will not resist. The true opposition comes only from a small faction. Once they are dealt with, and the Germans are defeated, we will be secure!" Baron Harding spoke with a tone of absolute control over the situation.
"Your Excellency, Governor, should this plan succeed, we will be the greatest beneficiaries!" Lord Nicholson exclaimed.
Though the plan was indeed perilous, the chances of success were remarkably high. Most importantly, if successful, the rewards would be tremendous. Thus, no one could refuse such an opportunity.
"Lord, we shall succeed. I believe that God will bless our efforts! The British Empire will rise again under our guidance. We will all be hailed as the empire's greatest benefactors. Our names will be etched in history for all time!" Baron Harding said, his excitement palpable.
This time, Baron Harding had meticulously crafted a deceit—a trap that would ensnare India's elite. By exploiting their yearning for freedom and independence, he would manipulate them into fighting for the British Empire. Simultaneously, he would use the Germans to eliminate these leaders. Once the Germans were defeated, the remaining elite would be disposed of. In the end, it was they who would reap the benefits, and their dominion over India would be solidified. India's struggle to escape their colonial rule would become an impossibility.
Subsequently, Baron Harding issued orders to invite the leaders of the Indian National Congress and the Green Party Alliance to the Governor's residence to discuss the future of India.
Upon receiving the invitation, Tilak, Gandhi, Nehru, and Jinnah all eagerly accepted. Although they despised the British colonial rule, they acknowledged that the current British administration in India was beyond their capacity to challenge.
Moreover, the credibility of the colonial authorities was to be trusted, as there was no immediate fear of being targeted during this diplomatic engagement.
Little did they know, however, that Baron Harding had already set his trap and was simply waiting for them to unwittingly step into it. Once they did, they would have no chance of ever escaping.
The reason Baron Harding had invited only the Congress and the Green Party was that these were the two largest factions in India. There was no need to engage the smaller parties. Convincing these two would resolve everything.
On January 31, 1916, the leaders of the Congress and the Green Party entered the Governor's residence. To show his respect, Baron Harding even greeted them at the steps of the building. This gesture clearly signaled a high level of courtesy and attention.
The young Nehru, barely in his twenties, was particularly moved and excited. To him, Baron Harding's actions were a clear recognition of their importance, a sign that they had become pivotal figures in Indian politics.
"Welcome to the Governor's residence. I am truly pleased to have you here!" Baron Harding greeted them with a broad smile.
"Your Excellency, we apologize for the intrusion," they replied, and without lingering at the entrance, followed Harding into the building.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the conversation turned to business.
"Gentlemen, the British Empire is currently facing an unprecedented defeat. Our homeland has even been occupied by the Germans. Yet, we believe these difficulties are only temporary. The British Empire has not ceased its efforts. We are confident that we will eventually emerge victorious!" Baron Harding declared.
However, Tilak and the others remained noncommittal to Harding's statement. The Germans were so powerful now that they could hardly believe the British had any chance of turning the tide.
Of course, none of them directly contradicted Baron Harding; to do so would have been a breach of decorum.
"India too is in grave danger. The Germans are preparing to invade. Should they attack, India will be plunged into chaos, with rivers of blood flowing. I am sure none of you wish to see India in such a state," Baron Harding added.