Simla Conference 1946/May Statement

Simla Conference 1946/May Statement

1. Simla Conference May 1946

   • Wavell joined 3 man delegation to form British party with 4 reps from Congress and ML
   • 2 options offered
     • Option 1 - Preferred Option
       • India as single state with 3 tier structure, made up of:
         • A minimal union govt - responsible for foreign affairs, defence and communication
           • Self-selected regional groupings of provinces, exercising all other govermental powers
             • The existing provinces
       • This option also included the chance that regional groupings would have a chance to secede
         • via plebiscite, to become independent states
     • Option 2 - Less well Preferred
       • 2 state outcomes Hindustan/Pakistan
         • 2 states would conclude formal treaties with eachother
           • But have no common govt
             • Partition would happen on religious lines
   • Reaction
     • Congress
       • Couldn't agree to either option
         • Both could lead to partition
           • Too much of a compromise
     • Muslim League
       • Obviously favoured 2nd option
         • Jinnah's health was deteriorating
           • Wanted to be first leader for Pakistan
             • Wouldn't have time to wait for plebiscites in first option
     • After 2 full sessions, Pethick Lawrence wound up proceedings
       • Not getting anywhere
         • Too much of a compromise for both sides
           • Congress did not want Muslim independent state
             • Muslims only want an independent state
   • British Aims of Simla Conference
     • Option 2 is there to push Congress into supporting first option
     • Option 1 is there to tempt ML into accepting it - offers seceding and Muslim state govts

2. May statement flow chart

   • British decide to go ahead with option 1 despite lack of support
     • Congress Reject this move
       • Jinnah accepts statement, publically emphasising the sacrifice he made
         • Congress re-interpret May Statement
           • They change it to, when the Muslims move to the North West- after a while they should be able to decide whether they want to be part of India or Pakistan
             • British Accept this interpretation
               • Jinnah is Furious
                 • Declares direct Action Day
                   • Leads to Great Calcutta Killings