The correct option is The Congress insisted that the Viceroy must appoint an Indian as the Defence Member of his Executive Council..
Explanation
The Cripps Mission arrived in India in March 1942, headed by Sir Stafford Cripps, to secure Indian cooperation for the British war effort during World War II. The negotiations centered on two main aspects: the long-term constitutional status of India after the war and the immediate formation of an interim government.
While the Congress criticized the long-term offer (Dominion Status and the right of provinces to secede) as a "post-dated cheque," the actual breakdown of the negotiations occurred due to disagreements over the immediate transfer of power.
- The Defence Issue: The Congress insisted that effective power must be transferred immediately to Indians to mobilize public support for the war. Specifically, they demanded that the Defence Member of the Viceroy's Executive Council be an Indian. They argued that without control over defence, the Indian government could not effectively organize the country against the impending Japanese invasion.
- British Refusal: The British Government, led by Winston Churchill and represented in India by Viceroy Lord Linlithgow, was unwilling to relinquish control over the military. Cripps proposed a compromise where the Commander-in-Chief would retain control over "war operations," while an Indian member would handle administrative tasks (like canteens and stationery).
- Final Breakdown: The Congress rejected this diluted offer, viewing it as insufficient for a true "National Government." The refusal to hand over the Defence portfolio and to make the Viceroy a constitutional head led to the collapse of the talks.
Why other options are incorrect:
- The Congress demanded the immediate partition of India.: The Congress strongly opposed the partition of India; it was the Muslim League that eventually demanded it.
- Cripps refused to promise independence after the war.: Cripps did promise Dominion Status with the right to secede from the Commonwealth after the war. The breakdown was primarily over immediate powers, not just the post-war promise.
- The Muslim League refused to participate in the talks.: While the Muslim League also rejected the proposals (because they did not explicitly concede Pakistan), their stance was not the cause of the breakdown in talks between Cripps and the Congress.
Key Takeaway:
The talks between Sir Stafford Cripps and the Congress broke down primarily due to the deadlock over the Defence portfolio and the refusal of the British to form a Cabinet with full powers during the war.