Question

Who among the following was not a member of the Cabinet Mission ?

• A. Strafford Cripps
• B. A. V. Alexander
• C. John Simon
• D. Pethic Lawrence

Answer 1

Answer:

C. John Simon

Cabinet Mission of 1946

The Cabinet Mission of 1946 was a high-powered mission sent by the British government to India to discuss the transfer of power from British rule to Indian leadership, with the aim of preserving India's unity and granting it independence.

Key Points

• Date: The mission arrived in India on March 23, 1946.

• Members: The mission comprised three members:

  • Lord Pethick-Lawrence: Secretary of State for India

  • Sir Stafford Cripps: President of the Board of Trade

  • A.V. Alexander: First Lord of the Admiralty

• Objectives:

  • To set up a mechanism for Indian independence

  • To devise a constitution for India

  • To discuss the possibility of forming an interim government

Important Concepts

• The mission proposed a three-tier structure:

  • Provinces

  • Groups of provinces

  • A union of India

• This proposed structure was aimed at striking a balance between the demand for autonomy by various provinces and the need for a unified central government.