Declassified Netaji files reveal how British gathered intelligence during the war

KOLKATA: The declassified Netaji files have provided insight into how British intelligence officials snooped on the day-to-day happenings and gathered information about war rumours that circulated in Kolkata even during the Second World War. It also provides a glimpse over 'Gandhi group' and 'Bose group' of Indians, as identified by the Japanese.

The 323-page file called 'war rumours' open a chapter on how Indians, especially those who supported Bose, were built against the British. In 1942, an intelligence report said: "It is being disseminated that the Japanese are treating the Indians very kindly, and even helping them with money. They ask the Indians if they are 'Gandhi Man' or 'Bose Man' or pro-British. Those who claim to be the members of 'Bose group' or 'Gandhi group' were paid money… The general idea is that the Japanese are very kind to Indians — even generous — if they are not resisted by the Indians."

The intelligence officials tracked and used the ideological divide between the Forward Bloc and Congress. One report read, "Lila Roy and Suresh Majumdar have been influencing minor members of the Forward Bloc to circulate rumors of pro-Japanese nature. These two are also trying to undermine the position of the right wing Congress."

The intelligence branch also received a letter called 'First Warning' dated February 17, 1942. The letter read, "White Satan, you impress upon the Viceroy of India to declare Independence of India within March 25, 1942. Else Indian soil would be made red with white blood." The letter was undersigned by 'Nazi Ger man Japan Independence Association of India' and it was forwarded to the highest authority of government.

Opening and reading letters, maintaining dossiers, pulling up councillors (of Calcutta Corporation), examining the editors of newspapers for publishing war and airstrikes related news, all were part of the intelligence gathering mechanism.