845.00/2–1147: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
698. We have been following with concern recent developments in India1 and would appreciate info re Brit thinking as to next steps. If you have opportunity we hope you will endeavor to ascertain whether or not Brit are disposed to instruct Viceroy dismiss Muslim League members from Council, whether they are planning to bring pressure on Princes to reach definitive agreement with Congress and whether they have been giving consideration to possibility of meeting problem Muslim League absence from Constituent Assembly by modifying Cabinet Mission plan to include provision for provincial ratification (either by popular plebiscite or legislative action) of constitutions drafted by Assembly.
Sent London 698 rptd New Delhi 77.
- On, February 5, the Congress and minority members of the Interim Government, reacting to the League’s resolution of January 31 (see telegram 5, supra), had presented the Viceroy with a demand for the resignation of the Muslim League representatives.↩