The Cabinet Mission

1. Background and Purpose
- In February 1946, the Attlee government announced that a high‑powered mission—Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander—would visit India.
- Objective: To negotiate a peaceful transfer of power and frame a constitutional settlement acceptable to major Indian political parties.

2. Why British Withdrawal Seemed Imminent
- Nationalist forces had gained massive ground by the end of World War II.
- Bureaucracy and loyalist sections showed sympathy for nationalism due to Indianisation of ICS.
- Cripps Offer left little room for further delay; full freedom was now the only solution.
- Repression in 1942 had revealed the naked force behind British rule.
- Congress ministries earlier boosted nationalist morale and administrative confidence.
- INA trials and RIN revolt showed weakening trust in armed forces.
- Repression-only rule had become impossible due to popular resentment.
- British wanted a negotiated settlement for favourable Indo‑British relations.

3. Political Context Prior to the Mission
- Congress insisted on one central authority exercising powers.
- Any minority safeguards, autonomy or secession were to be considered only after British withdrawal.
- British government preferred a united India to avoid long‑term military and economic complications.

4. Work of the Cabinet Mission
- Arrived on 24 March 1946.
- Held discussions with Congress, Muslim League, Sikhs, Scheduled Caste representatives, Hindu Mahasabha, princely states.
- Issues discussed:
  - Interim Government formation.
  - Procedure for framing a constitution.
  - Ensuring unity while addressing communal demands.

5. Cabinet Mission Plan – Main Provisions

A. Rejection of Pakistan Demand
Reasons:
- Pakistan would have too many non‑Muslims: 38% in NW, 48% in NE.
- Partition of Punjab and Bengal would be unavoidable and messy.
- Regional economic links would break (e.g., Punjab canal systems, Bengal jute).
- Communication between West and East Pakistan geographically impossible.
- Armed forces division could trigger instability.

B. Grouping of Provinces
Three sections:
- Section A: Madras, Bombay, Central Provinces, United Provinces, Bihar, Orissa.
- Section B: Punjab, Sindh, NWFP.
- Section C: Bengal, Assam.

C. Three‑Tier Constitutional Structure
1. Provinces – full autonomy and residuary powers.
2. Groups – provinces could form groups with executive and legislature.
3. Union – control over Defence, External Affairs, Communications, and Currency.

D. Constituent Assembly
- To be elected by provincial assemblies via proportional representation.
- Members from each group (A, B, C) to frame provincial and group constitutions separately.
- Then they would sit together for Union Constitution.

E. Optional Grouping

- Provinces could opt out of groups after first general elections.
- After 10 years, provinces could review group/Union arrangements.

F. Princely States
- Paramountcy to lapse.
- Princes to nominate representatives to the constituent assembly.

G. Interim Government
- To be formed immediately from major parties based on the Mission Plan.

6. Different Interpretations of Grouping Clause
- Congress: grouping optional; provinces free to join or not join; unity of India preserved.
- Muslim League: grouping compulsory; Sections B and C to evolve into Pakistan in future.
- Mission later clarified grouping was compulsory, strengthening League’s claim.

7. Objections
A. Congress objections:
- Provinces must be free not to join groups from the beginning.
- Compulsory grouping violates provincial autonomy.
- Princely states not electing their representatives was undemocratic.

B. League objections:
- Wanted compulsory grouping.
- Wanted Sections B and C to prepare for secession.
- Feared Congress dominance at the centre.

8. Wavell’s Breakdown Plan (May 1946)
- A middle path between all-out repression and total withdrawal.
- Proposed withdrawal of British to Muslim-majority zones.
- Congress to take full charge of rest of India.
- Showed British doubts about controlling another Congress-led revolt.

9. Acceptance and Collapse
- June 6, 1946: Muslim League accepted long‑term plan.
- June 24, 1946: Congress accepted the plan.
- July 1946: Elections held for Constituent Assembly.
- July 29, 1946: After Nehru’s press conference asserting Congress freedom to interpret grouping, the League withdrew acceptance and called for “Direct Action Day” (Aug 16, 1946).

10. Significance of Cabinet Mission Plan
- Last serious attempt to preserve Indian unity.
- Provided a federal, united framework.
- Contained seeds of later partition through grouping controversy.
- Revealed irreconcilable positions of Congress and Muslim League.
 

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Subject: Modern History

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