British Library's official papers show how the British government attempted to find a solution that would preserve a united India and avert Muslim fears of subordinate status. Although the official papers provide a one-sided view of the transfer of power and partition, they do, nevertheless, give an insight into official thinking at the time.

The British government sent a Cabinet Mission to India in March 1946 to negotiate with Indian leaders and agree to the terms of the transfer of power.

After difficult negotiations a federal solution was proposed. Above is an extract from the plans, read the full Cabinet Mission Plan for a united federal India.

Despite initial agreement, both sides eventually rejected the plan.

An interim government with representatives of all the Indian parties was proposed and implemented. However, it soon collapsed through lack of agreement. While the Muslim League consented to join the interim government but the Indian National Congress refused.

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