British-American Special Relationship-A Study Of The Case Of India Problem In 1942

British-American alliance during World War II was the formative age of their special relationship.This paper focus on India problem in 1942.The decline of Britain's military strength and colonial power between the two wars encouraged Indian people to struggle for national independence. India nationalism made great development in the early 1940s. But the British authority did not want to grant India sovereignty till the end of war.As Japan conquered Southeast Asia, India position became more vital. Both the British and American were worried about the deterioration of Britain-India relation. To relieve the tension between the British authority and the Indian nationalists, Britain sent for Cripps to negotiate with Indian national leaders. The U.S government also appointed Johnson to explore a possible settlement for India problem. Partly concerned with the stabilization of Indian situation, partly out of an anti-colonialism, American tried to persuade Britain to make concession for Indian national liberation.After Cripps negotiation, Gandhi required Britain Quit India, and initiated disobedience movement. In his struggle, he sought American support. Yet American interest in Indian national liberation was not as great as before, because Midway Battle alleviated Pacific situation, Indian position was less important than before, Britain-America union on the other hand was always pivotal for the war.National interest is the key to understand American foreign policy. Theidealistic anti-colonial ism had to give way to realistic concerns for British-American special relationship.