- In May 1947, Mountbatten proposed that the provinces be declared independent successor states and given the option to join or not join the constituent assembly.
- This strategy was referred to as the ‘Dickie Bird Plan’.
- Jawaharlal Nehru vehemently opposed the plan, stating it would lead to the Balkanization of the country.
- Consequently, the plan was also known as Plan Balkan.
- Provisions
- India was to be partitioned into the dominion of India and the dominion of Pakistan.
- Punjab and Bengal were divided between the newly formed countries of India and Pakistan.
- A governor-general would be appointed in both India and Pakistan to represent the Crown.
- Total legislative powers were assigned to the constituent assemblies of India and Pakistan.
- British control was revoked from the princely states, giving them the choice to join either of the two new countries.
- The title “Emperor of India” was abolished and was no longer to be used by the British ruler.
- Provisions were made for the partition of joint properties and the division of equipped forces between India and Pakistan.