The Cabinet Mission arrived in March 1946, led by Lord Pethick-Lawrence, the Secretary of State for India, with two other cabinet ministers; Viceroy Wavell joined some talks. Its plan, announced in 1946, proposed a weak Union handling only defence, foreign affairs and communications, provinces grouped into three sections (A, B and C), an interim government and a Constituent Assembly elected by provincial legislatures.
Key facts
- Members: Secretary of State Lord Pethick-Lawrence and two other British cabinet ministers; Viceroy Wavell took part in some talks.
- The plan: a weak centre with defence, foreign affairs and communications; provinces in groups A, B and C; a Constituent Assembly and an interim government.
- The League withdrew on 29 July 1946 after Nehru said Congress was not bound to the grouping; Direct Action followed.
- The Constituent Assembly elected under the plan first met in December 1946.
Why exams ask about it
Who was (and was not) a member, the date of the plan, the three groups and the Constituent Assembly link are asked.