Tilak, Gandhi, and the others all looked rather grim.
From what Baron Charles Hardinge meant, if the war did not go smoothly, they would likely expand the army even further. That meant countless HMS Indomitable would die on the battlefield. This put them in a difficult position. Freedom and independence were naturally what they longed for. But if millions upon millions of HMS Indomitable had to pay for it with their lives, they had to think it over carefully. After all, these were the lives of so many compatriots!
The moment Baron Charles Hardinge saw everyone's reaction, he cried out inwardly that things were bad. Could these people be shrinking back because of this? If so, his plan would go bankrupt. He had now pinned all his hopes on these Indian natives. If they did not fall into the trap, would not all his efforts have been in vain?
"Gentlemen, if we can withstand the German attack this time, then I can promise you that the authorities will achieve Indian autonomy within three years, allowing HMS Indomitable to govern India. Within ten years, the British Empire will permit Indian independence." Baron Charles Hardinge raised the stakes once more.
"Independence? Would the British Empire allow us independence?" Tilak cried out.
The others looked equally shocked. If Baron Charles Hardinge had previously said that they would be allowed autonomy, they could still believe it; after all, that was the result of their struggle over many years. But independence was undoubtedly far too distant. They did not believe the British would agree to it either.
"Yes, independence. True independence! I have already reported this to the Cabinet, and the Cabinet has agreed. In other words, if we can withstand the German attack this time, India can gain independence in ten years and become