The viceroy meets with Indian leaders in Simla in 1945 to decide what form of interim government will be acceptable.

No agreement is reached.

New elections to the provincial and central legislatures are ordered, and a three-man team comes from Britain to discuss plans for self-government.

The Cabinet Mission Plan, proposed by Cripps, represents Britain's last, desperate attempt to transfer the power it retains over India to a single union.

The mission puts forward a three-tier federal form of government in which the central government will be limited to power over defense, foreign relations, currency, and communications; significant other power will be delegated to the provinces.

The plan also prescribes the zones that will be created.

Northeastern Bengal and Assam will be joined to form a zone with a slight Muslim majority; in the northwest, Punjab, Sindh, North-West Frontier Province, and Balochistan will be joined for a clear Muslim majority; and the remainder of the country will be the third zone, with a clear Hindu majority.

The approximation of the boundaries of a new Pakistan is clear from the delineation of the zones.

The mission also suggests the right of veto on legislation by communities that see their interests adversely affected.

Finally, the mission proposes the immediate establishment of an interim government and the holding of new elections.