Sri Aurobindo

Autobiographical Notes

and Other Writings of Historical Interest

Part Three. On Indian and World Events 1940–1950

1. Public Statements, Messages, Letters and Telegrams

On Indian Independence 1942–1947

On the Wavell Plan [1]¹

Sri Aurobindo Asram
Pondicherry
June 15, 1945

We heard the Viceroy’s broadcast yesterday.² Sri Aurobindo says the proposals are decent enough and seem to be even better than Cripps’ in certain respects. An Indian will be in charge of foreign affairs and India will have her own representative in foreign countries. This and other circumstances are an approach practically towards Dominion Status. Of course, there are a few features which personally Sri Aurobindo would not advocate, e.g. the apparent foundation of the Ministry on a communal basis instead of a coalition of parties. Still these should not be a reason for the rejection of the proposals. A fair trial should be given and the scheme tested in its actual working out.

¹ On 14 June 1945, the Viceroy, Lord Wavell, offered Indian leaders a new plan intended “to ease the present political situation and to advance India towards her goal of full self-government”. Sri Aurobindo expressed his approval and dictated to his secretary a message that was subsequently released and printed in the Hindu and other Indian newspapers under the date 19 June.

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² This press release was dictated by Sri Aurobindo and issued over the signature of his secretary, Nolini Kanta Gupta. – Ed.

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