- paramountcy not to be transferred to any GoI unless IoA signed
- paramountcy to lapse on appointed date of 15th August
- net legal status legally possible for each PS to be fully independent country
- Mountbatten Plan 1947 promised India to be as large as possible
- unofficially no right of independence to any PS
- 13th June 1947: States dept. w/ 2 wings: for India & Pak
- Indian wing
- Patel: minister
- VP Menon: secretary
- Role: manage issues related to partition and issues related to PS