Telegram from Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] (India) to WSC regarding the defence of North Eastern India: states that the next few weeks will be critical for morale; warns that the result may be disastrous if Calcutta is bombed without any effective defence; comments on the desperate need for up-to-date fighters and suggests alternative means of obtaining these from Britain or the Middle East or Ceylon [later Sri Lanka].

Telegram from the Lord Privy Seal [Sir Stafford Cripps] (India) to WSC regarding the critical issue of responsibility for the defence of India: comments that whilst Britain cannot give up any of the responsibility for defence there is a need to raise the keenness of Indians to defend their country, and encloses the text of a paragraph for approval before publication.

Telegram from WSC to the Lord Privy Seal [Sir Stafford Cripps] (India) authorising proposed amendment to the clause [on responsibility for the defence of India, see CHAR 20/72/122] and suggesting minor changes to the wording; states that he is glad that Cripps has made it clear that his mission does not extend to Ceylon [later Sri Lanka]. Annotated that [? Gerard Clauson], India Office, is circulating to those it may concern, including the [? Minister of Information, Brendan Bracken].

Telegram from the Lord Privy Seal [Sir Stafford Cripps] (India) to WSC reciting the full text of the amended paragraph regarding responsibility for the defence of India [see CHAR 20/72/122-4].

Telegram from the Lord Privy Seal [Sir Stafford Cripps] (India) regarding the serious position in India with regard to ARP and fire fighting provision: comments on the existing position; details requirements for fire fighting personnel, trailer pumps and hose, and instructors for ARP schools. Annotated: "Phoned Mr Harrison, India Off" [Francis Harrison, Assistant Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for India].

Telegram from Lord Halifax [British Ambassador to the United States, earlier Edward Wood and Lord Irwin] to WSC stating that the President of the United States [Franklin Roosevelt] is not inviting India to be represented on the Pacific War Council but is seeing officials of Indian Government separately. Repeated to the Viceroy [and Governor-General] of India [2nd Lord Linlithgow, earlier Lord Hopetoun].

Telegram from Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] (India) to WSC reciting the text of a letter sent by Cripps to Congress leaders suggesting a meeting between themselves, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Commander-in- Chief [General Sir Archibald Wavell] to discuss the question of responsibility for the defence of India.

Telegram from WSC to Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] (India) informing him that he cannot give him any authority to compromise on the defence of India without submitting the issue to Cabinet and Ministers; states that he will bring Cripps's telegram before the Cabinet tomorrow.

Telegram from Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] (India) to WSC stating that Congress have accepted his offer of discussions with the Commander-in-Chief [General Sir Archibald Wavell] and that he will stay on in India until Sunday week.

Telegram from Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] (India) to WSC summarizing the resolution of the Congress Working Committee rejecting Government proposals for the future of India and quoting verbatim the paragraph regarding defence.

Telegram from Field Marshal Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] to WSC regarding India: states that India is now the key to the whole defence of the Empire and advises against putting that key in unskilled Indian hands.

Telegram from WSC to the Viceroy [and Governor- General] of India [2nd Lord Linlithgow, earlier Lord Hopetoun] advising him to telegraph exactly what he thinks and that WSC will then decide distribution.

Telegram from Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] (India) to WSC regarding the latest situation in India: summarizes Indian reaction to the British Government's scheme and the implications of acceptance or rejection by Congress; proposes three possible courses of action with regard to the question of responsibility for defence.

Telegram from WSC to Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] (India): informs him that the India Committee and War Cabinet will consider his proposals on Monday evening [6 April] and asks what functions it would be proposed to hand over [? to Indian control]; comments on news from Ceylon [later Sri Lanka]; recites text of message from Isobel, Lady Cripps.

Telegram from the Viceroy [and Governor-General] of India [2nd Lord Linlithgow, earlier Lord Hopetoun] to the Secretary of State for India [Leo Amery] and WSC commenting on a telegram by Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] regarding defence [see CHAR 20/73/49-50].

Telegram from Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] (India) to WSC requesting vital supplies of plant, personnel and machinery for specific projects.

Telegram from General Sir Archibald Wavell, Commander- in-Chief, India, to WSC commenting on the question of responsibility for the defence of India: believes it is not possible to separate his dual functions as civil and defence member without causing complete dislocation.

Telegram from Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] to WSC regarding help given by Lieutenant-Colonel Louis Johnson, Personal Representative of the President of the United States in India, and asking WSC to thank him. Received 8 April 1942 British Time.

Telegram from WSC to the Lord Privy Seal [Sir Stafford Cripps] repeated to the Viceroy [and Governor-General] of India [2nd Lord Linlithgow, earlier Lord Hopetoun] and the Commander-in-Chief [General Sir Archibald Wavell] stating that the Cabinet will study his latest formula immediately but insisting that "you must not commit us in any way".