Attlee’s Statement of February 20, 1947

On February 20, 1947, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee made a significant announcement in response to the growing tension in India. Here are the main points of Attlee’s statement:

• A deadline of June 30, 1948, was fixed for the transfer of power, even if the Indian politicians had not agreed by that time on the constitution.

• The British would relinquish power either to some form of central government or in some areas to the existing provincial governments if the constituent assembly was not fully representative, i.e., if the Muslim majority provinces did not join.

• British powers and obligations vis-a-vis the princely states would lapse with the transfer of power, but these would not be transferred to any successor government in British India.

• Mountbatten would replace Wavell as the viceroy.

Attlee’s statement contained clear hints of partition and even Balkanization of the country into numerous states and was essentially a reversion of the Cripps Offer.

Reasons for Fixed Date for Withdrawal:

• The government hoped that a fixed date would shock the parties into an agreement on the main question.

• The government was keen to avert the developing constitutional crisis.

• The government hoped to convince the Indians of British sincerity.

• The truth in Wavell’s assessment could no longer be denied—that an irreversible decline of the government’s authority had taken place.

Congress Stand:

The provision of transfer of power to more than one center was acceptable to Congress because it meant that the existing assembly could go ahead and frame a constitution for the areas represented by it, and it offered a way out of the existing deadlock.

However, the hopes of a settlement were soon shattered as the statement proved to be a prelude to the final showdown. The Muslim League launched a civil disobedience movement to overthrow the coalition government in Punjab, as it felt emboldened by the statement.

The Mountbatten Plan:

I. Introduction

• Freedom-with-partition formula widely accepted before Mountbatten's arrival.

• Innovation of immediate transfer of power suggested by V.P. Menon

II. Main Points of the Plan

• Punjab and Bengal Legislative Assemblies to vote for partition.

• Creation of two dominions and two constituent assemblies in case of partition.

• Sindh to take its own decision.

• Referendums in NWFP and Sylhet district of Bengal to decide fate of these areas.

• Congress' other points to be met, except independence for princely states.

• Freedom to come on August 15, 1947.

• Boundary commission to be set up if partition was to be effected.

III. Why Congress Accepted Dominion Status

• Peaceful and quick transfer of power.

• More important for Congress to assume authority to check explosive situation.

• Allows for continuity in bureaucracy and army.

IV. Rationale for an Early Date (August 15, 1947)

• Britain wanted to secure Congress' agreement to the dominion status.

• British could escape responsibility for communal situation.

V. Implementation of the Plan

• Legislative assemblies of Bengal and Punjab vote for partition.

• East Bengal and West Punjab join Pakistan; West Bengal and East Punjab remain with the Indian Union.

• Referendum in Sylhet results in incorporation of district in East Bengal.

• Referendum in NWFP decides in favour of Pakistan.

• Baluchistan and Sindh throw in their lot with Pakistan.

VI. Significance of the Mountbatten Plan

Political Significance:

• The Mountbatten Plan played a crucial role in the political landscape of India and the subcontinent.

• It led to the creation of two sovereign nations - India and Pakistan - on the basis of religion, thus marking the end of British colonial rule in the region.

Socio-Economic Significance:

• The plan brought about a major upheaval in the socio-economic fabric of the region.

• The partition led to the mass migration of millions of people across the newly created borders, resulting in unprecedented loss of life and property.

Strategic Significance:

• The Mountbatten Plan had strategic implications for the region and the world.

• It led to the formation of new alliances and diplomatic ties

VII. Drawbacks of the Mountbatten Plan

Communal Riots:

• The Mountbatten Plan led to widespread communal violence and bloodshed, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives.

• It was one of the largest mass migrations in human history, with an estimated 14 million people crossing the borders in both directions.

Princely States:

• The Mountbatten Plan failed to address the issue of the princely states, which remained a contentious issue even after the creation of India and Pakistan.

• It led to the forced accession of many princely states, and the issue of Kashmir remains unresolved to this day.

Strategic Implications:

• The Mountbatten Plan had significant strategic implications for the region and the world.

• It led to the formation of new alliances and diplomatic ties, and set the stage for the India-Pakistan conflict, which remains unresolved to this day.

VIII. Conclusion

• The Mountbatten Plan was a significant event in the history of India and the subcontinent. While it brought about the end of British colonial rule, it also led to widespread violence and bloodshed.

• The plan had its drawbacks and limitations, which have had long-term implications for the region and the world.