The faces of Tilak, Gandhi and others looked a little unsightly.
According to Baron Charles Harding, if the war does not go well, I am afraid there will be further expansion of the army. This also means that countless HMS Indomitable will die on the battlefield. This made them a little embarrassed. Freedom and independence are naturally what they yearn for. But if millions of HMS Indomitable have to pay for it with their lives, then they have to think about it carefully. After all, this is the life of so many compatriots!
When Baron Charles Harding saw everyone's performance, he suddenly exclaimed that it was not good. These guys won't be deterred by this, right? In that case, his plan would go bankrupt. Now, he placed all his hopes on these India natives. If they don't fall into the trap, wouldn't everything be in vain?
"Everyone, if we can withstand the Germany people's attack this time, then I can promise you that the authorities will realize Indian autonomy within three years, and India will be governed by HMS Indomitable. Within ten years, British Empire will allow India to be independent*." Baron Charles Harding once again doubled down.
"Independence? Will British Empire allow us to be independent?" Tilak exclaimed.
Everyone else also looked very shocked. If they still believed Baron Charles Harding when he said they would be allowed to govern themselves, after all, it was the result of their years of struggle. But if it is independent, it is undoubtedly a bit far away. They don't think Britain people would agree either.
"Yes, independence. Real independence! I have already reported it to Cabinet, and Cabinet has agreed. That is to say, if we can resist the Germany people's attack this time. India will gain independence and become a normal country in ten years. British Empire guarantees that it will fulfill its promise and will no longer interfere with India!" said Baron Charles Harding.
"Your Excellency, are you sure?" Gandhi's voice also trembled a little. After all, that has always been the dream they are pursuing! Now, it's about to happen.
"Yes, I'm sure!" Baron Charles Harding said with great certainty.
In order to deceive these India natives, Baron Charles Harding went all out this time. Of course, what he said will not be fulfilled in the end. Everything is just a blank check. But it was this kind of empty promise that made HMS Indomitable stunned.
"Everyone, there is no free lunch in the world. As a colony of the British Empire, if you want to gain independence, you have to pay a price. Now, British Empire has made conditions. It's up to you whether you agree or not!" Baron Charles Harding continued.
The leaders of several India's largest parties are undoubtedly moved. Although, fully assisting British Indian colonial authorities to resist the Germany people's attack will cause HMS Indomitable to suffer heavy casualties. However, if you can gain independence as a result, it seems to be a very cost-effective one.
"Everyone, if we are defeated by the Germany people. Once the Germany people occupy India, then the independence you expect may never be possible. Germany is even more powerful than British Empire. By then, their control over India will be very tight," Baron Charles Harding continued.
The faces of several people suddenly became very ugly. They all believed what Baron Charles Harding said. Germany is much more powerful than Britain. Once the Germany people occupy India, it will be impossible for them to gain independence again. The powerful Germany will directly suppress their resistance. And there is absolutely nothing they can do about it.
"For the future of India, I think we must not let the Germany people occupy India! Otherwise, India will be completely finished! We will never be able to gain independence." Tilak said.
He was originally a very radical person, and now that the opportunity to become independent was right in front of him, of course he would not let it go.
Then, Tilak's eyes fell on Gandhi. If Gandhi also agreed, then Indian National Congress's opinions would be unified.
Gandhi thought for a while, then nodded. "Okay, for the future of India, necessary sacrifices are inevitable! I agree to cooperate with the authorities!"
Baron Charles Harding had a smile on his face. After so much effort, he finally convinced the two Leader of Indian National Congress. It can be said that his plan has basically succeeded.
"Mr. Jinnah, what's Green Party Alliance's attitude?" Baron Charles Harding asked.
Although Green Party Alliance is much smaller than Indian National Congress, it is still an indispensable force at this time.
Jinnah thought about it, and since Indian National Congress agreed, does Green Party Alliance still have room to object? If you object, I'm afraid you will be regarded as a traitor to India. By that time, India will no longer have their living space.
"Green Party Alliance will also try its best to cooperate with the authorities!" Jinnah said.
"Okay, that's great. Although the Germany people are powerful, if we all join forces, we can definitely defeat them." Baron Charles Harding said excitedly.
Tilak, Gandhi and others also looked happy. In their opinion, India's independence may really succeed this time. They had no idea that all this was just a trap set up by Baron Charles Harding. They wanted India to be independent so much that they fell into the trap so easily.
In order to reassure Tilak, Gandhi and others, Baron Charles Harding even signed an agreement on the spot, confirming that after resisting the invasion of Germany people, British Indian colonial authorities would achieve Indian autonomy within three years and India independence within ten years.
The satisfied India elites then went all out to help the authorities.
First of all, a large part of the party members of Indian National Congress and Green Party Alliance who are of appropriate age went to the recruitment points to join Anglo-Indian Army. This caused the number of the Anglo-Indian Army to suddenly increase significantly.
Secondly, Tilak, Gandhi and others have given speeches in public many times, claiming that German Empire has become India's biggest enemy. If India is defeated by the German Empire in this war, India will lose its future. Only by defeating Germany can India have a chance to gain independence.
I have to admit that they have extensive influence in India society. Under their call, a large number of India young people enthusiastically signed up to join the army, so that Anglo-Indian Army's five million army quota was filled in just one week.