The Cabinet Mission 1946: British Negotiations, Main Points, Reactions of Congress and Muslim League | Studento
The Cabinet Mission: Announcement of Cabinet Mission
In February 1946, the Attlee government decided to send a high-powered mission of three British cabinet members—Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander—to India to negotiate a peaceful transfer of power.
Pethick Lawrence was the Secretary of State for India and chaired the mission.
Why British Withdrawal Seemed Imminent
The success of nationalist forces was evident by the end of the War, with nationalism penetrating previously untouched areas.
The bureaucracy and loyalist sections showed a shift towards nationalism, ending British domination in the Indian Civil Service (ICS).
The long war had caused weariness and economic worries, leaving behind a depleted and war-weary bureaucracy.
The British strategy of conciliation and repression had its limitations, exposing the government’s naked force or inability to wield authority.
The constitutionalism or Congress Raj boosted morale and deepened patriotic sentiments among the masses.
Demands of leniency for INA prisoners and the revolt of the RIN ratings raised fears about the reliability of the armed forces in case of a mass movement.
The government realized the need for a settlement to prevent a mass movement and ensure good future Indo-British relations.
Cabinet Mission Plan—Main Points
Rejection of the demand for a full-fledged Pakistan due to several reasons, including a large non-Muslim population and the dangers of dividing the armed forces.
Grouping of provincial assemblies into three sections: Section-A (Hindu-majority provinces), Section-B (Muslim-majority provinces), and Section-C (Bengal and Assam).
A three-tier executive and legislature at provincial, section, and union levels.
A common center to control defense, communication, and external affairs, with a federal structure envisioned for India.
Provinces were to have full autonomy and residual powers.
Princely states were no longer under the paramountcy of the British government.
After the first general elections, a province was free to leave a group, and after ten years, reconsider the group or union constitution.
An interim government was to be formed from the constituent assembly.
Acceptance and Rejection
The Muslim League accepted the plan on June 6, 1946, and the Congress on June 24, 1946.
However, on July 10, 1946, Nehru stated that the Constituent Assembly was sovereign and not bound by the plan’s provisions.
This led the Muslim League to withdraw its acceptance on July 29, 1946, and call for direct action to achieve Pakistan.
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