July 1936

Meetings in Bombay had become tense between the members of the council. They had been debating who should be named as viceroy for months, and each action seemed to be unacceptable to someone. Three men had emerged as leading candidates: Maharaja Ganga Singh, Baron Hastings Ismay, and Charles Tegart. Each represented a different constituency and outlook for the Raj. Singh had the exiled princes and their fortunes, eager to reclaim lands to the north but looking to make liberal reforms in the meanwhile that would help to sway the subcontinent back to the empire. The notion of an Indian viceroy would certainly be popular with the people as well. Baron Ismay had the Army behind him, and he had advocated for the current state of emergency to remain until the nation could be mobilized for the war that would inevitably come. Tegart was the dark horse, a staunch colonial police officer who advocated for hard-nosed tactics and saw the agents of Azad Hind behind every corner. Each man had made his case and faced the Provisional Government's scrutiny. The Imperial Conference had prompted them to finally make their choice.

Telegram sent from Bombay to Ottawa City

To: HRH Edward VIII and PM Robert Cecil

The Provisional Government of the British Raj has named Maharaja Ganga Singh as Viceroy in India pending you ascent.