Skip to content

Wavell Plan

2020-04-27 15:21:57


  • ==Solve deadlock b/w ML and INC==. Jinnah wanted the Congress to accept the 2 nation theory. A constitutional solution was sought.
  • He prepared a formula for Congress-League cooperation. It was a tacit acceptance of League’s demand for Pakistan.
  • Gandhiji supported this formula.
  • ==Core principle was the plebiscite of all the people in Muslim majority regions==.
  • ML should endorse the demand for complete independence and in formation of provisional interim gov at the centre.
  • ==Demarcate districts with Muslim majority in North West and North East India== -> plebiscite to be conducted on all inhabitants basis of adult suffrage on whether they wanted to form a separate sovereign state. #important
  • Agreement would be made for defence, Communication and transport etc.
  • terms would be binding only in case of transfer of power.
  • If partition was accepted agreement to be made jointly for safeguarding defence, commerce and communications.
  • secret talk for future coalition govt.
  • Liaquat gave up the demand for separate Muslim state in turn for parity of Muslims to Hindus in council of ministers.
  • League was accepted as representatives of Muslims.
  • Gandhiji was released on May 6 1944 and political activity was revived.
  • Viceroy was certain of an impending struggle to pre-empt this he started formulating the Wavell offer or the Simla agreement.
  • Congress leaders were released to participate in the Simla conference in 1945 which marked the end of the struggle since 1942.
  • Conservative gov led by Churchill was also keen to reach a solution on the constitutional question in India.
    • was proposed in Shimla on June 1945 - is called the Simla Conference.
  • ==Except Gov Gen and Commander in Chief all mem of executive council to be Indian.==
    • This council was to function as an interim gov under 1935 Act.
  • Caste Hindus and Muslims to have equal representation.
  • Gov Gen was to exercise veto on advise of ministers.
  • Representative of different parties to submit joint list to the viceroy for nomination to exec council.
  • New constitution once war was finally won.
  • The League claimed some kind of a veto in the council. Congress objected as it would reduce it to the stauts of a purely caste Hindu party.
  • Wavell announced breakdown of talks this gave League a virtual veto, strengthened its position.