Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Your answers to this item should be based on the passage only.The States are like pearls and the Centre is the thread which turns them into a necklace; if the thread snaps, the pearls are scattered.Which one of the following views corroborates the above statement?

• A. A strong Centre and strong States make the federation strong.
• B. A strong Centre is a binding force for national integrity.
• C. A strong Centre is a hindrance to State autonomy.
• D. State autonomy is a prerequisite for a federation.