Early in 1937 G.D. Birla wrote to Winston Churchill: "Let me assure you that Mr Gandhi and others of his way of thinking honestly wish to work the Constitution for the good of the people."
The arch-imperialist replied on 30 April :
"The duty of the Indian electorate and Congress is to take up the great task which has been offered them, and show that they can make India a happier country; and at the same time do everything they can to win the confidence of Great Britain, and offer to her gratitude and loyalty...".(173)
On 22 July, Birla called on Churchill. Immediately on seeing him, Churchill said: "Well, a big experiment has begun." When Birla replied, "yes, it has begun but it will require all your sympathy and good wishes", Churchill "assured me of it but all the same said, `It depends entirely on you.... if you can make this experiment a success, you will reach your goal automatically.... Play fair and we will play fair'." While asking Birla to convey his greetings to Gandhi and wishing him all success, Churchill advised Birla not to "feel shy of fighting socialism". "Accumulation of wealth", said Churchill, "is a good thing...but of course capitalists have to be servants and not masters."(174) Gandhi would have only added that capitalists, besides being servants, should also be trustees for the welfare of the people.
It was, indeed, "a big experiment". Whatever the rhetoric, the acceptance of office meant that struggle, real or sham, by the Congress against the raj was a thing of the past. There began a period when the Congress leaders would be tested. If they `played fair' according to the rules of the imperialist game, the raj too would `play fair'. They would then be trusted with further doses of self-government -- `freedom would broaden down from precedent to precedent' -- as Zetland, Lothian, Churchill and others were promising.(175) The prospect was alluring to the comprador big bourgeoisie. Like a true comprador, Birla hoped that "both sides will make mutual adjustments and perhaps it will be realized that there was a lot of good on both sides which was not appreciated so far". He expected the Britishers to take "a far-sighted view" and "help us to realize our goal".(176)
Gandhi had full faith in Birla. In his letter of 25 August 1937 he asked Birla to "do what is in the interest of India irrespective of the opinion of Congressmen". He added: "Rest assured that the Congress will have to accept what is for the country's good"(177) -- as conceived by the Birlas.