Cripps Mission
Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar to Sir S. Cripps
September 10, 1942

Legal Document No 80

(Extract)

The Indian States Delegation unanimously adopted the following resolution in respect of the proposals of His Majesty's Government which you discussed with them:

"The attitude of the Indian States in general on the mission of the Lord Privy Seal is summed up in the resolution on the subject which was adopted unanimously at the recent Session of the Chamber of Princes. The Indian States will be glad as always, in their contribution, in every reasonable manner compatible with the sovereignty and integrity of the States towards the framing of a new Constitution for India.

The States should be assured, however, that in the event of a number of States not finding it feasible to adhere, the non-adhering States or groups of States, so desiring would have the right to form a Union of their own with full sovereign status in accordance with a suitable and agreed procedure devised for the purpose."

RESOLUTION

• that the Chamber welcomes the Announcement made in the House of Common on the 11th March, 1942 by the Prime Minister and the forthcoming visit to India of the Lord Privy Seal and leader of the House of Commons, and expresses the hope that it may help to unite India to intensify further her war effort and to strengthen measures for the defence of the Motherland.
• that this Chamber has repeatedly made it clear that any scheme to be acceptable to the States must effectively protect their right arising from Treaties, Engagements and Sanads or otherwise and ensure the future existence, sovereignty and autonomy of the States thereunder guaranteed, the leave them complete freedom duly to discharge their obligations to the Crown and to their subjects it therefore notes with particular satisfaction in reference in the Announcement of the Prime Minister to the fulfillment of the Treaty obligations to the Indian States.
• that this Chamber authorises its representatives for the constitutional advance of India with due regard to the successful prosecution of war and the interests of the States, and subject to final confirmation by the Chamber and without prejudice to the right of the Individual States to be consulted in respect of any proposals affecting their Treaty or other inherent rights.