Question

As per Wavell’s Plan, the external affairs would be under the charge of _____________.
(A) Viceroy
(B) Parliament
(C) An Indian Member of Executive Council
(D) Secretary of State

Answer 1

Hint: The Wavell’s Plan proposed to have all Indian members except the Viceroy himself and the Commander-in-Chief in the Viceroy’s Executive Council. It also proposed to reduce the concentration of power in the Viceroy/Governor-General and transfer of almost all portfolios to the Indian members.

Complete Answer: As per Wavell’s Plan, the portfolio of external affairs would be transferred from the Governor-General to an Indian member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council.
The Wavell Plan, also known as the Breakdown Plan was proposed by Lord Wavell who became the Governor-General in October, 1943. The objective of the plan was to make a way out from the existing stalemate deadlock in India and to propose a plan for smooth transition of power to the future government of India that is acceptable to both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. The plan, which was made public on June 14, 1945, proposed the following:
-The Viceroy’s Executive Council would be rebuilt such that it would consist of all Indian members except the Governor-General himself.
-The council was to have an equal representation of all Indians including ‘caste-Hindus’, Muslims, Depressed Classes, Sikhs, etc. 6 out of 14 seats were allotted to Muslims.
-The power to veto that lies with the Governor-General would now be minimal
-All portfolios will be transferred to Indian members, except defence, which would be handled by a British general until the full transfer of power was made.
The plan was to be discussed and approved at the Shimla conference on June 25th, 1945, where 21 political leaders would be present. The conference failed due to a disagreement between Congress and Muslim League regarding the selection of Muslim representatives in the Council. Jinnah refused to nominate members unless it was agreed to give Muslim league the exclusive rights to Muslim representation. Thus, with the failure of the conference, the proposal was dissolved
So the correct answer is an option (C): An Indian Member of the Executive Council.

Note: Wavell Plan was proposed to resolve the political deadlock in India and to ensure a smooth transition of power. But due to the disagreement between leaders of Muslim League and Congress, the plans were abandoned and the proposal dissolved at the Shimla Conference.