Lord Irwin's declaration, issued on October 31, 1929, was a significant development in British colonial policy towards India. It was a joint effort between the Labour government, known for its relatively sympathetic stance towards Indian aspirations, and a Conservative viceroy. The declaration aimed to reassure Indians about the British government's intentions and to restore faith in its policies.
The key points of Lord Irwin's declaration were:
- Interpretation of the 1919 Statute: The declaration addressed doubts in both Britain and India regarding the interpretation of the Government of India Act 1919. It clarified that the British government viewed the statute as implicitly leading towards the attainment of Dominion status for India.
- Dominion Status as the Goal: Lord Irwin affirmed that Dominion status was the natural outcome of India's constitutional progress as envisioned by the British government. This acknowledgment marked a significant departure from earlier British policies that had been more ambiguous about India's future status.
- Lack of Specific Timeframe: Despite the promise of Dominion status, the declaration did not provide a specific timeframe for its attainment. It suggested that Dominion status would not be realized in the near future, leaving the timeline ambiguous.
- Promise of Round Table Conference: Additionally, Lord Irwin pledged to convene a Round Table Conference after the Simon Commission submitted its report. This conference was intended to facilitate discussions between British authorities and Indian leaders on constitutional reforms.
While the declaration represented a recognition of Indian aspirations for self-government, its lack of a clear timeframe for achieving Dominion status and its overall cautious tone disappointed many Indian nationalists. Nonetheless, it set the stage for further negotiations and discussions between British officials and Indian leaders, shaping the trajectory of India's struggle for independence in the years to come.
