The expressions of Tilak, Gandhi, and the others grew increasingly grim.
From the words of Baron Charles Harding, it seemed that should the war take an unfavorable turn, further military expansion would be inevitable. This meant that countless Indians would perish on the battlefield, which placed them in a difficult position. Freedom and independence were, of course, their deepest aspirations. But if achieving them meant sacrificing millions of Indian lives, they would have to reconsider. After all, these were the lives of their fellow countrymen.
Seeing their reactions, Baron Harding was struck with alarm. Could it be that they were reconsidering? If so, his plans would fall apart. He had placed all his hopes in these native Indians. If they refused to fall into his trap, all his efforts would be in vain.
"Gentlemen," he continued, "if we can withstand the German advance this time, I can promise you that within three years, India will be granted autonomy, and Indians will govern India. Within ten years, the British Empire will allow India to become independent."
"Independence? Will the British Empire truly allow us to be independent?" Tilak exclaimed.
The others, too, were visibly shocked. While they might have believed Baron Harding's promise of autonomy, a goal they had fought for over the years, true independence seemed far-fetched. They did not believe the British would ever grant it.
"Yes, independence. Real independence! I have already reported to the Cabinet, and they have agreed. In other words, if we can hold off the German advance, India will gain independence within ten years and become a fully sovereign nation. The British Empire guarantees this promise and will no longer interfere with India," Baron Harding assured them.
"Governor, are you certain?" Gandhi's voice trembled slightly. After all, this had been their dream for so long, and now it seemed within their grasp.
"Yes, I am certain!" Baron Harding said with unwavering confidence.
To ensure that the Indians fell for his trap, Baron Harding was pulling out all the stops. Of course, everything he had promised would never come to fruition; it was merely an empty promise. Yet this very empty promise had left the Indians astounded.
"Gentlemen, there is no such thing as a free lunch. As a colony of the British Empire, obtaining independence requires a price. The British Empire has now laid out the terms. Whether you accept them is up to you!" Baron Harding added.
The leaders of India's largest political factions were clearly swayed. Although assisting the British Indian government in resisting the German attack would result in immense loss of life among Indians, the prospect of independence seemed worth the sacrifice.
"Gentlemen, if we are defeated by the Germans and they occupy India, your dream of independence will likely be forever lost. Germany is far stronger than the British Empire. If they control India, their hold will be ironclad," Baron Harding warned.
The expressions of the men darkened. They all believed Harding's words—Germany was indeed far more powerful than Britain. If the Germans took control of India, their hopes for independence would be dashed, and any resistance would be brutally crushed by the German forces. They would be powerless to stop it.
"For the future of India, we absolutely cannot let the Germans occupy our land! If we do, India will be finished, and we will never gain independence!" Tilak declared.
A man of radical convictions, Tilak was not one to let the opportunity for independence slip away.
His gaze turned to Gandhi, and if Gandhi agreed, the Indian National Congress would be unified in its stance.
Gandhi paused and then nodded. "For the future of India, the necessary sacrifices are unavoidable. I agree to cooperate with the authorities."
Baron Harding smiled. After much effort, he had finally convinced the two leaders of the Congress Party. His plan was now well on its way to success.
"Mr. Jinnah, what is the stance of the Green Party Alliance?" Baron Harding inquired.
Though the Green Party was much smaller in strength compared to the Congress Party, it remained an important faction at this juncture.
Jinnah considered the situation. Given that the Congress Party had agreed, was there any room for opposition from the Green Party? Refusing now would likely brand them as traitors to India, and they would lose all political relevance.
"The Green Party Alliance will also cooperate with the authorities," Jinnah stated.
"Excellent! Truly excellent. The Germans may be powerful, but if we unite, we can certainly defeat them," Baron Harding said, his excitement evident.
Tilak, Gandhi, and the others wore expressions of elation. They believed that India's independence might finally be within reach. Little did they know, they had unwittingly walked right into Baron Harding's trap.
To assure them, Baron Harding even signed an agreement on the spot, confirming that, should they repel the German invasion, the British Indian government would grant India autonomy within three years and independence within ten years.
The satisfied Indian elites then threw themselves wholeheartedly into assisting the authorities.
First, many of the Congress Party and Green Party members of military age volunteered for enlistment, dramatically increasing the size of the British Indian Army.
Next, Tilak, Gandhi, and the others gave numerous public speeches, declaring that the German Empire had become India's greatest enemy. Should India be defeated by Germany in this war, they would lose their future. Only by defeating Germany could India hope to gain independence.
Their influence within Indian society was immense. In response to their calls, a great number of Indian youths eagerly enlisted, filling the ranks of the British Indian Army's five million strong force within a mere week.