The words of Baron Charles Harding caused a stir among the gathered individuals. As the leader of the largest political party in India, regardless of their ulterior motives or ambitions, they all desired the continued prosperity of India. The impending German invasion was a prospect none of them wished to witness.
"The authorities are preparing to arm additional forces to defend India. We hope that more Indians will join this cause. The Indian National Congress and the Green Party Alliance are India's largest political factions, and I implore you to leverage your influence to encourage the populace to enlist in the army, rather than resist or oppose us. If we are defeated by the Germans, it will be disastrous for everyone!" Baron Harding said earnestly.
"Your Excellency, we do not wish for war. If we engage the German forces, our people will suffer tremendous losses!" Gandhi replied, furrowing his brow.
"Mr. Gandhi, we too wish to avoid war, but the reality is that the Germans will not consent to peace. This war is not one we sought to initiate. The only way to preserve India is to resist the German advance," Baron Harding explained.
"But the Germans are too powerful! We cannot possibly defeat them," Jinnah shook his head. The Green Party Alliance, second only to the Indian National Congress, had an essential role in shaping the outcome. However, Jinnah, like others, clearly doubted their capacity to confront the world's most formidable power.
"Gentlemen, I understand that you are all well aware of Germany's might. I do not deny it; in fact, Germany is more powerful than the British Empire ever was. Otherwise, the British Empire would not have been defeated. Yet, if we allow Germany's strength to deter us, we would have no choice but to surrender," Baron Harding continued.
The Indian elites remained largely unmoved, for they saw little difference between being under British colonial rule or German occupation. Should the Germans be more benevolent, they believed it might even be a positive change.
Seeing their lack of reaction, Baron Harding understood their mindset. He knew that only forceful measures would elicit a response.
"Gentlemen, the British Empire has always been aware of your political aspirations and has given them consideration. Previously, we denied your demands because most of the Indian populace was still rather uninformed. But now, in India's critical hour, I can assure you that, should we withstand the German assault, the authorities will gradually grant India autonomy!" Baron Harding proclaimed.
At once, the expressions of Tilak and the others changed. The proposition stirred their hearts. After all, had they not long been striving for autonomy? Once achieved, full independence would surely follow.
"Your Excellency, is this truly the case?" Tilak inquired.
"Indeed, I guarantee it. If you have doubts, I will gladly sign a formal agreement with you," Baron Harding assured.
"Hmph! These foolish men, I knew this would tempt them. How ungrateful they are, forgetting that it was the British Empire that led them from ignorance into the civilized world. Now, they only seek to break free from British control—a betrayal beyond measure. Once we repel the Germans, I will deal with them accordingly!" Baron Harding thought to himself. Yet, he seemed to forget that it was British oppression that had kept the people of India impoverished, with the British Empire annually looting vast wealth from the subcontinent.
"Your Excellency, regarding this gradual autonomy, what is the specific timeframe?" Nehru asked, wary of the British reneging once the Germans had been defeated.
"Three years. Once we have repelled the Germans, within three years, the authorities will begin granting India autonomy," Baron Harding assured.
The promise of three years was not long, and the Indian elites were generally satisfied with it.
"Your Excellency, even if we assist the authorities to the fullest, defeating the Germans will still be exceedingly difficult," Gandhi said, as the others rejoiced at the proposal. Gandhi, however, was not so easily swayed. He understood the British colonial style all too well—if not for necessity, they would never concede. The fact that the British were now offering autonomy suggested only one thing: the Germans were proving far more formidable than expected. If things went awry, India would pay a heavy price in blood, and countless Indians would perish in the struggle.
"Yes, the Germans are indeed formidable. We must prepare for a devastating toll. However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. India must contribute to gain autonomy. The British Empire has numerous colonies; why should India be any different?" Baron Harding replied.
At this, Tilak, Gandhi, and the others fell silent, contemplating whether it was worth sacrificing the lives of countless Indians in the pursuit of independence.
"Gentlemen, while Germany is powerful, they cannot commit all their forces to India. We are dealing with no more than a few hundred thousand German soldiers. Though their combat prowess is impressive, they are not invincible. If we can arm five million troops, we will be able to resist the German advance. Defeating them is not beyond our reach," Baron Harding argued.
"Five million troops? So many?" Tilak and Gandhi exclaimed in disbelief.
"India has over 300 million people. Arming five million is hardly a stretch. If further mobilized, an army of ten million is not out of the question," Baron Harding said nonchalantly. India's vast population was a potent advantage, one that could make other nations wary.