845.01/128: Telegram
The Commissioner at New Delhi (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:14 p.m.]
97. Reference paragraph 2, section 1 of my 90, March 17, 6 p.m. According to press reports His Excellency the Viceroy has, at the request of Sir Stafford Cripps, issued invitation to various Indian political leaders to meet Sir Stafford in New Delhi on or about March 26. Among those who are reported to have received invitations thus far are representatives of the Congress, the Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha, the Sapru group, the Azad Muslim conference, and the depressed classes. Unconfirmed reports here suggest that Gandhi may arrive in New Delhi about March 24.
I am told that the invitation received by the Congress was addressed to Maulana Azad as its President and that of the Muslim League was addressed to Mr. Jinnah in a like capacity. The Congress and the League were each requested to nominate not less than 4 nor more than 6 representatives. Both Azad and Jinnah are reported to have accepted the invitations on the condition that they first be acquainted with the Cripps’ proposals after which it would then be ascertained whether the nomination of representatives would be worth while.