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,AstAatl. Divisien 4f:Ec7a)N NOTES/CORRESPONDENCE

' 114. Subject

Resolution i n Lok Sabha tabled by Shrl Benoy Krishna Daschowdhury -- Case for instituting an Enquiry xed Commission about the mysterious disappearance o f Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. (for ,1is p.f.ross *M o o t 40,

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i" 9 Genet-M/4-6*, GIPT titer RLIAMT:Nr RESOLUTI j F MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIa8 (East Asia Division)

* * Refor(moe Private Member's esolution in the L61 Sabha on Friday the 29th August,1969, regarding the appointment of i Enquiry Commission presided over by a Judge of the Supreme Co relating to the disappearance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Rose since August,1945.

Since this is a matter which has been hand past by this Ministry, we might accept the tra Ministry of Home Affairs ar

A self-contained biief on the ih5it1s Government have all :along resisted the demand for holding a further enquiry into the death of Netaji. Nevertheless, tie demand has persisted. Whenever any information relating to, Netaji is brought to our notice, we have investigated andh , informed the House of our findings. It weuldotherefore, be-1 correct to say that Government have invariably investigated all such information qnd have not closed their mind. 1 / * Government's stand therefore seems to be that While we continue 4b4 to check and investigate every information that is brought to es. ' our notice, institution of an enquiry commission is not warranted until some tangible evidence is adduced.

4- This is not entirely a procedural or legal matter and political considerations are involved. The Home Minister in : the course of a discussion in the Lek Siehe on 22.8.1969 his stated that the demand for a fresh enquiry in the matter is : under active consideration of the Government. Government may therefore in view of the persistent demands reconsider its position and agree to a further enquiry. Perhaps some of the Membees of the Parliament eho have been consistently demanding a further probe could be asked to undertake further investigations to satisfy themselves. Government could pethaps render them necessery facilities for the purpose. If they bring out some tangible evidence, the matter could then be investigated more thoroughly. However, it is extremely unlikely that after 24 ; years they will be able to establish that Netaji is in fact alive. They might only succeed in showing some doubts on some of the findings of the Shah Newaz Khan Committee..

5- F.S. mayltherefore, kindly obtain F.M.'s orders. We are required to supply 12 copies of the brief to the Department of Parliamentary Affairs for consideration by the Olft er Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, by Monday the 25th August,1969. I I t1C r Sd r e4 - _(*Alit Singh)_ pirectr teast Asia) 24.8.69. 4 t g -r V t n .3 i; , ki) acA S. lt,' (.3 ,4u4 4, A. out weeeie tee Nose/melte/69PP ele Ilea. GI , 144-C244'CA- 7 mw ( 4-k keA t- 42. my0, -4).Ave irre- --Cayce_ ,..--traNe , tO-Q: CLO G Ir k. 4 X " (5)-tkA, kk GL. % k g -S 4 (0 ; N ' Pkr , 6)2.1Q ti

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Prime facie thore is no ca se for a fresh enquiry commission in view of the fIndings of the Shah Namaz Commission. However, as this question arouses strong feelin.s in the country, and has political implications, F.M. may like to consult P.M.

Sd. T.N. Kaul 24.8.69

This is regarding an internal political situation, which can best be decided by the Home Ministry. At best we can be asked regarding position abroad on which we can give our advice. But the decision has to be polit ical.

Sd. Dinesh Singh 26. 8. 69

Sd. T.N. Kaul 26.8.69

DE, Secretary MHA may kindly see.

Sd. Manjit Singh 26.8 .69

Ministry of Hgme Affairs (Shri L.P. Si n g hl Se c y . ) M.E.A. U0 NO. 025/18/69/JP, dated the 26th Aug. 69!

HM may see from prepage:

.114b, 2 . If the intention is that a Commission of Inquiry may be appointed, the draft note placed below will end with a statement to this effect.

3 . Presumably, if an inquiry is to be made the Commission will consist of a single judge of the Supreme Cou rt. Sd. Sd. Y.B. Chavan 26. 8. 69

XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX This file should appropriately be deposited with Poll. II Section wOo have previous divers on the su bj e ct . It is understood they also answered some Parliament questions in the past.

US(W11.I) LOK SABHA )1,8' 9

LIST OF BUSINESS Friday, August 29, 1969113hadra 7, 1891 (Saka)

PAR T I GOVERNMENT BUSINESS A list showing Government Business is being issued separately.

t PART II PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS I. FURTHER DISCUSSION of the following Resolution moved by Shrimati Tarkeshwari Sinha on the 1st August, "This House resolves that in order to achieve socialistic pattern of Nation'alisation society which is the declared policy of the Government, o f fo r e i g n necessary steps such as (a) nationalisation of foreign trade, trade, general general insurance and steel industry; (b) taking over of all insurance, etc. foreign investiment in India; (c) fixing of celing on urban property; and (d) eradication of black money through demo- netisation of the currency be taken by the Government with- out any further delay." [ALSO further discussion of the amendments (printed on separate list) moved bA Sarvashri Shiva Chandra Jha, J. M. Lobo Prabhu, B. P. 'Vandal, George Fernandes, Yashpal Singh and Abdul Ghani Dar on t h e 14th August, 1969.] 2. SHRI JYOTIRMOY BOSU to move the following

"This House expresses its grave concern at the unprecedented in- Unemployment. crease in unemployment in the country and failure of the Plans to create adequate employment potential and recom- mends immediate formulation of a high power All Patty Parliamentary Committee to tackle the problem immediately and frame rules for operating National Financial Assistance Scheme for the unemployed." 3. SHRI N . G. RANGA to move the "In view of the rapid spread of violence and violent guerilla acti- Na xa l it es. vities of the Naxalites and the support derived by them from several sections of the Communists, the Government should take concrete steps in co-operation with and also in addition to whatever the concerned State Governments can and are wiling to do in order to protect life, property and Funda- na aa l Rights of the people of India, and simultaneously execute socio-economic development works for uplifting the conditions of adivasis and agricultural workers." 4. SHRI BENOY KRISHNA DASCHOWDHURY to move the following

"This House is of opinion that in view of the serious discrepancy Netaji Subhash in the Shah Nawaz Enquiry Committee Report and in the Chandra Bose. absence of any positive evidence about the death of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, there is a clear case for instituting an a s a e Enquiry Commission presided over by a Judge of the t f (le Supreme Court of India about the mysterious disappearance of that great national leader since August, 1945, for setting at rest the various speculations still going on in the country and abroad."

NE W D ELHI ; S. L. SHAKDHER, August 25, 1969. Secretary. Bhadra 3, 1891 (Saka).

127 GMGIPND LS I-1912 (D) LS -25-8-69-1300. P.Irliament .Qua:stions on 'Teta:1 ubhash lhandra 9o5',e

.... . ------

IN La 1,. -Tut, 10:3g 1166 and 1rY37 anti 1P6P and

1 . Starred (7),.tio.613 answered on rn-3-65 asking whither the P.M. told nrensmen a t Varanasi on 17-11-64 that Go vt . would investigate whether getali WI F4 alive and whether shaulmarhi Ashram "Ildhu was :letali e , Starrod 7.u , stion ic:i.7410 answered on Re -q-45 regarding resolution nanned by Calcutta ligh Court Bar Association demanding a thorough enotti r y I nto the mystery o f death Of Netaji and asking for truth about late r .m. s t t o r s t o Fite 1.1. 'Iola that lc- i r I d i t ' lboltt Netoli's death i s avallablo. Unstarred Inestion anwered on 14.3.e,6 regarding ctstez7ent- by 31171 717.71t1r, re loge i n ebrn.ry 1266 a t root:trai. thfit Yetaji 1 s alive and that he would cone in Mare.. 19r7. tin:starred i t. on !o. P55 answered 0 71 1-P -A6 recording setting up a .7or.olsn1on by the Govt o f iPormosa t o enquire into t h arnnee o f Netali. ubhe (Plandra Rose. 57t1 rt i. 1.c..`"?`". Twer,71 on 3-4-67 regarding th . statement o f the r - ti.red Jananese Lt, Geleral nillwara about a probc into the eireumstances surrounding the death o f Ie t a ll. stn. r red 1.1o. 43357 answered on 7.7 i'7 rega rdi rig 'Cal wan Government'e assurance t o co-ope.rate i n carrying out ventign.tions n t Taiwan wh,nie Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose i s 7,nortr.r.1 t o have net his death I n air -crash, 7 . Stoirrld tion lo.1111 answered on 14-7-:17 regarding non -visit t o Taiwan by the 7 now! r v Co mmit tee headed by Mir! 7.101 1:iwa 1 Y. n de7111rid for fresh P nquirY I n co-on-3ration teth the G07 nmInt o f Taiwan.

, .1tarre.1 Inestiort 'To.5R1 answered on 11-11-67 regarding tote Prime Minister Jawaharlal 3ehru l s loAter o f 13/5/62 t o !3hri Suresh Chandra Bone exnrensing inability t o send orectse nroof o f the death o f notaji Subhash Chandra Bose!, and SUhs.g.Tuent letter t o Shri. Wye .t:Tath Bone about desirability o f rear: ing a finality about qotajl i s death. 71nst rred - 44ref3 on 11-11-(.37 regarding G-)nera1 ils.1.11,vrara's ntatenent i n Caleutta about Ja-anese eo-oneration i f Govt. o Tndia make any effort t o arrive a t a a'ho ut netali t s myntery; 14.7. Kama th' vi sit rorrio!la his statement r , gar ing enquiry being conducted by the Po rno sa Go vernment about the reoorted nlane eresh invol -ring 11,-401 e t Tainoh i n 1945..

siattedikia 11. Tinstare. 2.70.140P answered on 11 -r! -6P regardinr demand by a large number of Mils for a fresh encuirv into the r orted death of Netali qubhanh Chandra t3ose. 11. Unstarred 0.71o.51T1 dated 1-4-69 by T-ri In-ar Guha and ghri Beni Shr!nker Sharma regarding escape of Netail Subbash Chandra 3OS77 fro n lIngar,ore. AF7nranee given and subsequently a state7ent was sent to Department of Parliamentary Af"-Irs, "!de 125/5/69/3P dated PC -7-69 ln fulfilment of the Assurance.

11. r'."0.111:1" Pnnwered on 10-8-6P r7-Ta -111 a r.,ported broadca3t by Netall elabhash Chandra Bose from Radio YOSCg)W,

RAJA SAWA, 1. Itf!rred 1.N0.3P5 annllered on 2.2/2/6P regarding Memorandum by 360 MPs demonding fresh inquiry into the reported death or N'tajt lubhrsb lhandra Bose. 2. Stp--,1 rlhwered on 17-5-66 regarding statement mad? b- Duliendra Nsth one that Netali wan nlive and that he would come to India in March, 126.1.1.

3. Unstarred 0.,o.P65I`T rn ec1 on ?-P-66 regarding setting up of a Committee by th rf,ovrnment of Formosa to enquire into the dleappearane!? of7-tait Subhash Chn,ndra Bose. 4. Sta,-r47 2.7o.51, anrrlered on 17-P-65 regarding statement made by Dr. 1.'1. a former M.-., In Calcutta that NAaJi 3ubhash Chandra Bose had been kept in Cell 30.46 in a prion in Siberia.

( Governm7nt of India have already stated ir the Parliament several times, in anwers to (7nstion5 detailed abc7e, that the findings of the Netall "%entry Commtttee, headed by Shri Shlh Irawr7 Khnn, submitt,-1 to the Government in 1956 have been accerted by the Government and that there was no necessity to institute a fresh ennuiry since the report VIS conekusive.

410.7- STAFRED QUESTION NO. 325

RAJYA SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO.325

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 29TH FEBRUARY, 1968

NETAJI SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE

QUESTION

*No,325 SARDAR NAEINDER SINGE ORAL: Will the Prime

Minister be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government hie received any memorandum signed by 350 Members of Parliament urging the Union

Government to appoint a Committee of Enquiry with collaboration of the Governments of Japan and Taiwan to clear the mystery about Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose; and

(b) if so, what are the main features of the memorandum and Government's reaction thereto?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHEI B.F.. BHAGAT)

(a) Yes, Sir,

(b) Apart from demanding a fresh enquiry into the death of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose the memorandum suggests certain steps to accord due honour and recognition to the personality of Netaji.

Since no new facts have been brought to light,

Government do not consider that any further enquiry into the death of Netaji is warranted.

The suggestions for according due honour and

recognition to the personality of Netaji are being examined.

******************* NOTE FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES (On Raj Ya Sa bha Starred Question No. 32 5 for 29.2.1968) I.....

Mem or an d u m b y acme 35 0 M. Ps. for appointing a fresh Enquiry Committee t o investigate into the death o f Netaji Su b ha sh Chand ra Bos e and according due ho n o u r t o his personality

A memorandum, said t o ha ve be e n signed b y nearly 35 0 Member s o f Parliament, wa s submitted t o the President urging that du e ho n ou r and recognition t o th e personality an d lead ership o f Netaji Su b hash Ch an d ra Bose should be accorded b y undertaking th e following: To place his p o r t r a it i n the Central Hall o f Parliament an d a l l o ff ic es o f the Government; 2 . To erect a statue of Netaji on a prominent s i t e i n New Delhi, preferably a t Ind ia Gate; 3 . To devise su it ab le means t o accord natio nal recognition t o mil it a r y genius of Netaji; 4 . To observe his birthd ay every year with due solemnity; 5 . T o erect su it ab le memorials a t Kohima and Imphal i n ho n ou r o f I.N.A. heroes who sa c r if ic e d th e ir liv e s i n the lib e r a t io n struggle under the lead ership o f Netaji; 6 . To publish the Volume on I.N.A. , alread y written for the "History o f Indian Ar m y Du ri n g the Se c o nd War", published b y the Government; 7 . To gii e him his duo place i n the "History o f the Fr e ed o m Movement"(planned b y Government o f India) . (For this i t i s necessary t o take expert advice on the portion of th e manuscript r e la t in g t o him before i t i s f i n a l l y approved for th e press) . 8 . To arrange publication o f Netajit s writ ings and speeches.

The memor andum then go es on t o suggest "that a fu r th e r enquiry be ma de with the collaboration o f the Governments o f Japan and Ta iwa n b y a small independent committee co nsisting of a Judge o f the Supreme Co u rt and tw o o r three public men..." O f f i c i a l Enquiry conducted i n 1956

I n response t o the pu b li c demand t h a t a l l the f a c t s r e l a t i n g t o the l a s t stage ,, o f Net aj il s l i f e should b e enquired i n t o and 'made kno wn, a n Enquiry Co m m itte e was appointed b y the Government o f India i n Ap r i l r 1956. The Committee c o n s i s t e d o f Sh ri Shah Na wa z Khan, Sh ri Suresh Chand ra Bos e ( e l d e r br o th e r o f Ne t a j i ) an d Shri S.N. Ma i tr e , Chief Commiss oner o f An d am an and Nicobar I s l a n d s . The r e p o r t o f t h i s Committee t which wa s signed b y Sh r i Shah N a w a z Kh a n and Sh ri S.N. Ma it :2 a , wa s r e le a s e d f o r publication i n September, 1956. Th e Government o f In d i a accepted the re po r t', The conclusion reached b y t h e Enquiry Committee wa s t h a t Ne t a j i met h i s death a s a r e s u l t o f a n a i r cr as :. a t Tai h o ku a i r f i e l d i n For mo sa o n Au gu st 1 8 1 19 45 a n t h a t h i s ashes ar e n o ," a t the Renkoji Temple i n To kyo, How ever, t h e t h i r d memb er , namely y Shri Suresh Ch an dr a Bo , did not sign the r e p o r t ., Later on, h e submitted a se p a ra t e re p o r t d i s s e n t i n g from t h e fi n d i n g s o f the ma jo r :ii ree o r t . Afte r la yin g a copy o f t h i s r e p o r t on tne Ta h . Le o f the Hou se o n 1 .9 .1 9 5 6 , the l a t e Prime Mi r i s t e r , Lhri Jawaharlal. Nehru, ma d e a s t a t e me n t i n th e Lok bha i i which h e sa id i n t e r a l i a t h a t Government f e l t t h a t the evidence ad d uced i n t h e r e p o r t wa s practically overwhelming and should b e a c c e p t e d .

Governmentr s a t t i t u d e t o repe ated r e q u e s t s for f u -r t h e r probes

Th ere ha ve been repe ated r e q u e s t s and demands o n s e v e r a l occas ions f o r undertaking another e n q u i r y. Ho wever, Government having accepted th e f i n d i n g s o f t h e Shah Nawaz Commi ttee ha ve taken the view t h a t u n le s s fr e s h evi d -nce o r now f o t s were brought t o l i g h t , another en qu ir y was unwarranted. I n the Rajya Sab ha i t s e l f i n 1966, i n an swer t o St a r r e d Question No . 2 8 4 o n 17.5.1966 and again i n r e p l y t o ur starred quest ion No . 2 6 5 o n 2 .8 .1 9 6 6 , t h e Government r e i t e r a t e d t h i s vi e wp o i n t , As s e r t i o n s t h e Swa m i Shardanand o f the Sholma r - ' . . -s 3 s -

As hr a m was i n f a c t , Netaji Su bh ash Ch an d ra Bose ha d been denied b y the Swami himself. Anot h a - claim ma d e b y Dr. S.N. Sinha that Netaji was incarcerated i n c e ll No.4 6 o f yakutusk prison i n Siberia has not been corroboratcid b y any tangible evidence. Recently, Lt. -General Fujiwara o f Japan who ca me t o Ind ia t o present Netaji' s sword, requested that the matter should be investigated "o nes and fo r a l l " . Th e General, however, has not produced any evidence whi-oh would warrant any furt her enquiry. The memor a ndum to o r e f e r s t o press r e -oorts o f hearsay evidencc published i n 19 4 5 and ea rly 1956. These hearsay reports cannot warrant a fresh enquiry. I t would be relevant t o mention that Pri me Minister Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, had i n a l e t t e r t o Shri Suresh Chand ra Bose on May 1 3 1 19 6 2 said : "I cannot se nd you any precise and d irect pro o f. But a l l the circumstantial evidence th at has been produced and which has been referred t o i n the Enquiry Committee's Report has convinced u s of the fact that Netaji has d ied . I n addition t o t h i s , the lapse o f time n ow and the extreme improbability o f h is being alive s e c r e t ly wh en h e would be welcome i n Ind ia with great joy and aff ect io n adds t o that circumstantial evidence".

Correspondence bet ween Shri Jawaharlal Ne hr u and Shri Sur e s h Bose and Shri Amiya Bose regarding further enquiry

A set o f the l e t t e r s exchanged bet ween Prime Minister Nehru and Shri Sur e sh Bos e o r Shri Amiya Bose are enclo sed. I t i s true that i n his l e t t e r o f April 22, 19 64 Pri me Minister Nehru agreed' with Shri Amiya Bose that something should be done t o " f i n a l i s e the question o f Netajil s death". But h e ga ve n o assurance and there i s nothing t o suggest, i n the context of the e n t ir e corre s- pon den ce th a t a t any time Prime Minister Nehru ha d

4/- entertained doubts about the c onclusive c h a r a c t e r o f the evidence c i t e d b y th e Shah Nawaz Kh an Commi ttee o r ot h e r s t o e s t a b l i s h Netaj s d e a t h . Presumably, wha t Shr Nehru ha d i n mind wa s t h a t something should b e done t o persuade those wh o s t i l l do ubt ed t h i s fa c t t o accept the f i n a l i t y o f th e conclusion t h a t Ne t a j i wa s n o mor e

Decision o n t h e Mem or a n d u m

The memora ndum wa s dis cus sed a t a me et in g o f Secretaries held un der the chairman ship o f the Cabinet Se c r e t a r y o n the 1 7 t h Fe b ru a ry, 1968, t o examine the va r io u s p o i n t s r a i s e d . A s f a r a s t h e que sti on o f a fr e s h en qu ir y wa s concerned the me et in g wa s o f t h e view t h a t t h i s wa s not warranted a s n o fr e s h evidence ha d been brought t o l i g h t . This recommendation wa o brought t o the Prime M i n i s t e r ' s no t i c e i n connection with Vraritersed q u e s t i o n No . 1 4 0 8 which was answered i n the Lok Sa bha o n 21 .2 .1 9 6 8 . I n r e p l y t o t h e q u e s t i o n , the Prime Mi ni s te r had s t a t e d : "Since n o new f a c t s have been brought t o l i g h t Go vern ment d o not co ns id er t h a t any fr e s h en q ui r y i s Th e suggestions i n the memor andum f o r aeeording ho n o u r an d recognition t o the personality o f Ne t e j i Su bh ash Chandra Bose to o were examin ed i n t h e meet ing an d the recommendations o f the mee tin g, conta ined i n the mi n u te s , ha ve be e n submitted t o th e Home Mi n i s t e r and the Pr im e Min ist er fo r a p p r o va l, Su re s h C.Bos e Dat ed 12th May 0962.

Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister o f Ind ia, New Delhi.

De a r Shri Nehru,

Th e report i n the papers o f the 8th ins ta nt i s t o th e ef f ec t that you stated i n Parliamen t on th e previous cl a y, i n reply t o a cl Uest io n b y Shri P.C. Ba r ooa h that the majority report o f the Netaj i En luiry Committee established th a t my brother Shri. Subhas Ch an dra Bose, died i n an air -ace iden t.

I f you hold t h is piece o f ne ws t o be correet i t a f f e c t s the members o f our family mor e than the general public who, however, are also deeply inter ested i n i t s correctness o r otherwi as. I wou ld therefo re , request yo u a s his eld er brother and a s the seniormost surviving memb er o f the family t o forward t o me the proof o f his death Circumstance under which such alleged death took place. I n th e expectation o f a reply and with

kind regards , I remain,

Yo ur s s in c e r e ly,

adt-Suresh C . Bose 1 2 .5 .6 2 . M a y 1 3 1 1962.

Dear Sh r i Su re s h Bo s e

I ha ve yo ur l e t t e r o f the 12th Hay. You ask me t o send you proof o f the death o f Ne t a j i SUb ha s Chandra Bose. I oannot send you an y p r e c i s e and d i r e c t p r o o f. Bu t a l l th e oiroumstantial evidence the t has be e n produced and which has been r e f e r r e d t o i n t h e Enquiry Committee's r e p o r t has convinced u s t o t h e fa c t t h a t Ne t a j i has d i e d . I n a d d i t i o n t o t h i s , th e lapse o f time now and the extreme improbability o f h i s being a l i v e s e c r e t l y somewhere wh en h e wo uld b e wol o om ed i n In d i a with gr e a t joy and 41-ft2ct ion, adds t o t h a t c ircumstantial

You rs s i n c e r e l y ,

Sdi-Jawaharlal Ne hr u

Sh r i Sur e sh C . B o s e , Ga ri a P .O .G a r i a , Di B t t . 2 4 Pa ra gan as , Wes t Ben ga l. / t

SURE SH C. BOSE Garia,P.O.Garia 2 4 Parganas, (Wes t Bengal) p Dated 8th August ,19C2

Dear Shri Nehru

I t appears from yo u r l e t t e r No.982-PMH/62 o f the 26 th Juno l a s t , th a t yo ur own information conveyed t o yo u b y our Ambassadors has oonf irmed the f r th at Netaji Su bh as Chan dra Bose i s dead

A s t h i s piece o f news, i f t r u e , v i t u a l l y a f f e c t s a l l the memb ers o f ou r family. I would respectfully request you t o please forward t o me the date , place and circumstances under which the alleged deathtook place a s reported t o you.

Wit h kind regards,

I remain Yours s in c e r e ly, Suresh Chandra Bose.

Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minist er , New Delhi. c;

August 12, 1962

Dear Shri Bo se f

I have your letter ofthe 8th August I wrote to you that all the circumstantial evidence made me believe that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had died. Much of this evidence was given in the report made by the Committee appointed for this purpose you will find the date, place and circumstances mentioned in that committee' s report.

Apart from that rport , the length of time that has elapsed is itself confirmatory of the fact of his death.

Your s sinc ere ly,

Jawaharlal Nehru.

Shri Suresh C .Bose , Garia, P.O. Garia, Dist . 2 4 Par ga na s. 1 , VOODBURN PARR CALCUTTA 20

My dear Pa n di t ji ,

Wit h reference t o our ta lk i n Delhi r e c e n t ly. I would like t o su bmit t o you the following proposals foryour consideration. The controversy regarding the a ircrash a t Taiko ku i n Au gust 1945 i s having unfortunate consequences. The report o f the Enquiry Commi ttee co n s ist in g o f Shah Na wa z Kh an an d two other members has not found acceptance among a large section o f the Ind ian people. Th e main reason for t h i s i s t o be fou nd i n the fa ct that the Sha h Na wa z Enquiry Committee did not in t) lu de any person o f high judic ial standing and experience. Irresponsible statements b y a nu mb er o f persons are also keeping t h is controversy a l i v e , I n th e natio nal in t e r e s t there should b e a f i n a l jud icial find ing regard ing the aircrash a t Thaihoku i n August 19 45 I t will b e i n the f i t n e s s o f things i f the Chief Justice o f Ind ia will agree t o preside over a bo dy o f Judges and enquire into t h i s questio n. All the materials co llected b y the Sha h Na wa z Enquiry Committee on the subject and other mat erials that may be available t o the Government o f India should be placed a t t h e disposal o f t h is body of Judges. This bo d y should, o f course be a t lib e r t y t o take an y further evidence on the subject i f th a t i s considered necessary b y i t and i f such evidence i s av a ila ble .

The Go vernmen t should accept -the find ings o f t h is jud icial bo d y and take whatever steps that ma y be found necessary on the basis o f i t s recommendations. This being purely a natio nal question the Government should not take into acceeunt the opinion o f any ind ivid ual i n t h i s matter even though h e happens t o be re lat e d t o Netaji Su b h as Ch an d ra Bose.

I sh all be thankful i f you will kindly send me your message i n support of the plans o f Netaji Hall so c ie t y.

Hop e you are feeling b e t t e r .

Wit h regards,

Yours s in c e r e ly,

Nat h Bos e .

Shr i Jawaharlal Nehru, Pri me Minister o f In d ia , ew ,

No.293-PMH/64 a. April 22, 1964.

My dear Amiya,

I have yo ur l e t t e r o f the 2 0 t h April I agree with you that scmething should be done t o f in a lis e the question o f Notajit s death. But i t i s not quite cle ar t o me h ow far i t will b e proper fo r me t o ask the Chief Justice of India t o lo o k in t o t h is matter. I t may imvo lve v i s i t in g Japan, and I am sure I cannot ask the Chief Justice t o d o so. I ha ve sent you a brief mes sage already about the Netaji Hall So ciety.

Yours sincerely,

Jawaharlal Nehru.

Shri Amiya Na t h Bose, 1 , Woodb u r t Park. Calcutta -20. SECRET

Metaji Subash Chandra of his ,%shes from the Renko'i Temple in Tokyo to India.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose died in an aircrash on the 18th eugust,1945, at the Taihoku airfield in Formosa. His body was cremated at the Taihoku Crematorium on the 20th , e;.,ust,i;eb. Thu asnes were collected and temporarily kept in the Nishi(Weet) Honganji Temple, Taihoku till the 7th September, 1945, when they were flown 4-e Tokyo. They have been lying in the Renkoji Temple in Tokyo since then. The

annum to the Head Priest of the Renkoji Temple for the upkeep of Netaji's ashes.

Some doubts were expressed in reard to Netaji's death and, in response to a demand from a section of the public, the Government of India set up an inquiry committee

(1) Shri Shah Nawez Khan (2) Shri Surcsh Chandra Bose (S.) Shri S.N. Maitre report was submitted by the Committee signed by Shri Shah Nawaz Khan and Shri S.N. Maitre in September,1956. The conclusion reached by the Enquiry Committee was that Netaji had, in fact, met his death as a result of an aircrash. The Committee recommended that Netaji's ashes should be bought to India with due honour and a suitable memor.tal erected for them.

The third member of the Enquiry Committee,Shri Suresh Chandra Bose, submitted a dissentient report stating that : there had been no aeroplane crash and that Netaji had not t1,4 Jct.-gem:ca.: died as a result.

T h n C-1- on 9th Septemberl9re6 and accepted its findings that Netaji had, in feet, met his death as a result of an aircrash. The Cabinec also decided that "the questior of bringing over Netaji's ashes to India right be left for future consideration". late Prime Minister Nehru on the 11th September,1956. He informed tha House that the Government had accepted the findings of the Committee. In regard to Netaji's ashes, late Prime Minister Nehru said as follows: wfhey(Enquiry Committee make a recommendation about these ashes, tle.e they should be brought to India with duo honour and a suitable memorial erected. So far as the latter part is concereed, the Goverment do not propose, at this stage, to take any action. This is a matter in which, primarily, the family of Netaji is concerned, and it is with their consultation and goodwill that any step should be taken. I am not prepared to say that it is entirely a family or domestic matter. It is a national matter. Nevertheless, the family is concerned". There is a body of opinion in India which still continue to doubt the death of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. Only recently some 350 Members of Parliament asked for a fresh enquiry to estahJ 4sh whei:her Netaji had, in fact, died in 1945.

...2 As this d-ubt is raised in the Parliament and outside every now and then, Government have been reluctant to bring the ashes of Netaji to India as that would raise a controversy and might offend the feelings of the family of Netaji.

,he que lo,1 was examined recently when our Ambassador in Tokyo raised this issue after attending the last memorial meeting held at the Renkoji Temple on the anniverry of Netaji Bubash Chandra Bose's death. The Ministry of Home Affairs were requested to obtain the understanding of the remaining members of the Bose family to allow Netaji's ashes to be brought Lack to India with dignity and honour. The Ministry of Home Affairs reached the conclusion that time was not yet ripe for taking any step for the transfer of the ashes of Netaji to India. That Ministry held that there was nothing to indicate that the members of the Bose family had changed their views and were now prepared to accept Netaji as c. ?ad. It was felt that, in addition to hurting the feelings of the Bose family, it might also give rise to a

believe that Netaji is alive. The Japanese Government had also approached us through their Embassy in New Delhi for bringing back the ashes to India. At that stage, the position was explained to them. They were also told that the Government of India would continue

at the Renkoji Temple. The Japanese Government seemed to have appreciated our difficulties and were satisfied with the arrangolTer ,

I m o

(Minstry of External Affairs(East Asia Division) File No.C/550/68/JP ) non -official Bill suggesti ng t h at t he Express Se rvice I l t d e r a smisAggx4.tion of t " ove1 ame n ashe s of Ne t aj i should be brought NEW DELHI. Aug 22. to I nd i a h a d been wi t hd rawn i n M e unavaTi- said t h a t the P ri me T h e Horne Minist er, M r Y. B. Mini ster h a d rece ntly received a t he Lok S a b h a whe n it was felt C h a v a n , told t he Lok S a b h a today me m or a nd u m from a large np mb e r t h at Net aji mi ght still be alive. A t h a t t he questi on of appoi nt i ng a of Me mbers of P arl i ame nt a n d t he Commi ssi on should, therefore, be appoint e d to inquire into t he m a t - Commi ssion to inqui re into de at h ma t t e r was being exami ne d. of Ne t aj i S u b h a s C h a n d r a Bose was ) M r Chav an. who was re pl ying to ter., . a short notice que sti on. said t h a t a n idea t h a t t he re shoul d be a st a t ue of Ne taji in t he An d a ma n s "w i t h some acti vi ty aro und i t " was a i pre se nt bei ng e xam i ne d by t he *Government. e ^. Mr S a m a r G u h a ' s sugge stion t h a t t he An d am a n a n d Nicobar islands shoul d be re name d as they were the first te rrit ory to be liberated from t he Brit ish whe n Ne taji made t he m t he head -quarters of t he Provisional Gov e r nme nt did not find favour wi t h t he Government. Mr Ch av an said t h a t it would be imprope r )e- for t he Gov e r nme nt to decide thi s; it should be left to the people the re to take a decision in t he ma t t e r . %-}j. Move opposed M r R. K Gane sh, who re pre se nt s t he islands in the House. said he did not di sput e the role of Ne taji in the st ruggl e for fre edom but he was opposed to t he na m e bei ng 16) cha nge d. Three -fourths of t he houses t he re had been destroyed by t he Ja pa ne se fascists and t ho usa nds of the people sufferred a t thei r nan ds. Eve ry house bore the scar of t he fascist invasion. , -\)1 T he re were ma r t yr s an d heroes who re fuse d to surre nde r to the J a p - ane se . T h e islands had a soul an d a hi st ory whi ch went fart he r back t h a n t h a t peri od. Some of t he m were t he proge ny of the revolution- arie s who h a d been se nt to those isl ands by t he Bri tish. Wh e n M r C u b a asked if t he de s- truct i on ha d not been before the 'Provisional Gove rnm e nt took over v)ig t he te rri tory. Mr Ga ne sh said t h at it was t he re bot h before an d aft e r. F or some time Mr Ga ne sh and Mr Gul l s had an gr y exchange s an d the Sne ake r. Mr G. S. Dhil lon. eio had to int ervene. M r Dhillon said t h a t he was seriously t hi nki ng to have a commit t e e of peacemakers as e ve ry little t hi ng seemed to st art a dispute in t he House. Suggestions There were many suggestions about ere cti ng me mori al s a n d mo nu me nt s for Ne taji and M r Ch a va n promised look into t he m. The se incl uded havi ng suit able me mori al s at Port Blair. development of the te rrit ory as a "na t i o nal pilgrimage." an n u a l celebrations the re, ge t ti ng all relevant di plomat i c docume nt s from t he Ja pa ne se Gove rnm e nt rel ati ng t he t ran sfe r of t he te rrit ory to t he Provisional Government, st at ue s in the Red Fort. I ndi a G a t e a n d port - rai t s in the Ce nt ral Hall of P arl i a- me nt a n d ge t ti ng information from t he Go ve rn me nt in T ai wan about the last journey of Ne taji . S ome me mbe rs pointed out t hat m a n y I ndi an revolutionaries had died in the isl ands and there should be a sui table me mori al for the m a s well an d the Home Mini- st er said t h at some suggestions in this re gard were unde r the consi - de rat i on of t he Government. M r J h a r k h a n d e Rai said t h at Ne taji ha d promised t hat the re- mai ns of the last Mughal Empe ror. S a b a d u r S h a h Zafar, would be Laken wi t h mi li t ary honours to Indi a from Rangoon and this should be done by the Gove r nme nt now, Ch av an promised to look inLo

M r S. M. Banne rj e e said t hat a ts Pis4appooransp of Netait SW04 Chapdra Bose

In April 1056, in response to the public demand. Government of India appointed an Enquiry Committee to ascertain the circumstances concerning Netaji's departure fres Bangkok on 160.45 and his alleged death in an air -crash. The ComMittee consisted of the following:-

(1) Shari Shah Nemaz Khan, t. P., Parliamentary Seeretary to the Minister of Railonys and Transport; (11) Shri Suresh Chandra Bose, older brother of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; and (iii) Shri S.N. Naitra, I.C.Si, formerly Chief Commissioner, Andamans and Nicobar.

The Committee examined witnesues in Delhi, Calcutta, Bangkok, Saigon, fourane and Tokyo. They also examined books and articles about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and studied relevant elasoified records pertaining to the matter.

2. The members compared and discussed the statements of the witnesses mhos they had personally interviewed and took into consideration the evidence from several sources. The three menbers of the Committee then arrived at certain broad conclusions and unanimously agreed that the report should be written on the basis of these conclusions. These wore summarised in a list entitled ',Principal points agreed. to for Draft Report dated 30e6-19560. This was signed by all the three members of the Committee on 2-7-1956.

3. Mari Suresh Chandra Bose had agreed with the principal conclusions and signed the documents containing these on 2-7-1956. The conclusions confirmed that Netaji had, in fact, met his death in the crash on the 19th August, 1945 at Taihoku. Shri Suresh Chandra Bose, however, submitted a dissentient report stating that there had been no plane crash involving Netaji'e death as concluded in the Committee's Report.

4. The Cabinet considered the Report of the Enquiry Committee signed by Shri Shah NAM= Khan and Shri S.N. Maitre on 9th September, 1956 and accepted the finding that Netaji had, in fact, mat his death as a result of the air -crash on 19th Augdst, 1945. ' The Cabinet also decided that *the question of bringing over Netaji's ashes to India might be left for future consideration."

ot, A cor)y of the Report was laid on the fable of the House by late Primo Minister Nehru on 11th September, 1956 rhen he informed the Nouse that the Governneat had accepted the findings of the Committee. The dissentient report too was plaeed on the Table of the H o u s e on 12th Ahteember, 1956, and in doing as the Prime llnister again confirmed that the Government had aseepted the majority report. 5. Briefly, the conclusionsof the majority were that about the spring of 1945 the defeat of the Axis Powers became likely, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose began thinking of the future aetivities of himself on the one hand, and of the Indian Indepen- dence League and the Indian National Army on the other. AS regards himself, he decided to leave South Nast Asia dnd to take refuge in Russia, whence, in die course, he could re-emerge and continue the struggle for Indies freedom against the British. As regards the Indian Independence League and the Indian National Are, he appeared to be undecided and desired to consult with his allies, the Japanese, before imparting final instruction*.

With a v1st to implementing those intentitais he left Bangkok on the 17th August, 1945, for Saigon, whence he had boon promised passages for himself and 6 companions by a Tokyo- bound Japanese military plane.

7. At Saigon, however, there was a serious diaappointment: only two passogow is an Air Force bomber were ofc:ered by the Japanese Military Ommmamd, which, as a c msequence of Japan's surrender to the Allies on the 15th August, 1945, found itself abort of air transport. After some dteeussion Netaji found himself obliged to accept the 2 possagos offered, and with the approval of his companions selected Col. Habibur Reiman to accompnny him. Netaji and Col. Lehman accordingly tea% off for Tokyo by the bomber about 5.00 p.m. on the 17th August, 1945. - d n

: :. : : , ..

, S. Apart from Netaji and Col. aehman the %ember Included 6 Japanese Service Officers as passengers, OA a crew of 5 or 6 , - 9. The bomber landed for the night at Tourane on the Indo-China coast at about 7.30 p.m., and took to the air again with the sass inmates at 5.00 a.m, the next morning. The next brief stop was at Taihoku in Formosa in the early afternoon of 18th August, 1945, While taking off from Taihoku later in the afternoon, however, the propeller and the port side engine of the bomber which appears to have been defective even from the start, suddenly dropped out, with the result that the plane immediately crashed about 50 metres off the run -way and burst into fl:ees. Suffering from severe burns Wetaji was carried into the reihoku Military hospital, where after , some hours he passed away. to. Two days later, on the 20th, his body was crenated in the

Taihoku Crematorium. His ashes were collected and temporarily kept in the Nishi (West) Honganji Temple in that city until the 7th September, 1945, when they were flown to Tokyo. There they have since been lying in the eenkoji Temple.

Di s4 it. The main burden of Shri Dose's dissentient report is Rei7d that late prime Minister Nehru had already made up his mind and had aereed to the enquiry only in response to a pressing demand from a large section of the people. Secondly, Shri Boss has charged that two of the ;ashore of Committee were under a "mandate" to arrive at findings which would conform with the pre -conceived notion of the late Prime Minister Nehru that Netaji was dead. He has also charged that he was not taken into confidence by the other two members and was not shown all the relevant material to institute an impartial enquiry. The Committee, he has asked was dominated by the two official members and considered only selective evidence which would only enable them to arrive at the pro -conceived conclusion thnt Netaji had died in the crash at Talhoku. Shri Bose has gone further to charge that some of the officials of the Government of India had tried to harass and pressurise him into accepting the conclusions of the other two otvhem

12. Shri Bose mainly picket./ up small cantradictions in details relating to the height of the aircraft, timing of the aircrash, etc.

...4 4

He also maintained that there was evidence contradicting that nere was any aircraeh at all. This dissentient report was carefully examined by the Government mud when laying the report on the table of the House on 12.12.1956, PAIS. Minister Nehru said that Government adhered to their acceptance of the majority report.

Continuing 13. There have been repeated demands for undertaking another !MOW enquiry ever since the Shah Nawax Khan Committee Report was published. However, Government having accepted the findings of the Coramittee, have taken the position that unless fresh evidence or new facts were brought to light a turther enquiry was not warranted. aumours about Netajles repeatedly. Each of atese, whenever brought to Government's notice, has been investigated and generally found to be baseless. In 1962, 'rumour was spread that a Sanyasi of Shaulmari Ashram was in fact Meteji. The Senyasi, Sw.i Shradhanand himself denied the rumour. Another claim made by Dr. S.N. Sinha that Netaji was incarcerated in Cell No.46 of Yakutusk prison in Siberia has not been corroborated by any tangible evidence. Lt. Gen. Fujiwara of Japan who came to India to present Netajigs sword, while urging for further investiga- tion, aid not produce any evidence to contradict the findings of the Shah Naives Khan Enquiry Coiaittee. Recently a press report in a Bengali Daily, "Jugantar", based on information given by an ex -Indian army personnel, prcsently employed in 4est Bengal Police (as Inspector of Police, Security Control, Calcutta), that Netaji left Singapore by submarine towards the end of 1045 was investigated and found to be hearsay and vague information. The latest instance is of the news report claiming that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had spoken from Radio Moscow after the Tashkent Agreement. On checking up with Radio Moscow authorities, it was discovered that a student by the name of Subhas Chandra had in fact made the b

a 4. It has been claimed by shri Aniya Math Bose t Minister Nehru, in his letter of April 22,064, to him accepted that "something should be done to finalise the ques of Netaji's death." However, there is nothing to suggest, in Maya context of the entire correspondence, that at any time Prime Minister Nehru had entertained any doubts about the conclusions

o.4,5 : 5 :

the Shah Nawaz Khan Committee Report. Presumably, that Shri Nahru bad in mind was that something shsuld be done to i;ersuade those who still doubted this fact Lel acoept the finality of the conclusions that !etaji was no more. flirt Aniya Dose has however claimed that a month before his death, andit Nehru had agreed that a proper enquiry Commission should be formed.

Memo r cndum 15. On DeceMber 26, 1967, about 350 Members of Parlinment $3730-777s Sent a memorandum to the President demanding a fresh enquiry into the report e,), death of Netaji Subbas Chandra Bose. They had urged that further enquiry be made in collaboration nith the Governments of Japan and Taiwan. This memorandum uns discussed at a enting of Secretaries held under the Chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary on 10th rebruary, 1968 to examine the verious points raised. As far as the question of a fresh empliry was concerned, the meeting was of the view that this was not warranted as no fres evidence

had been brought to light. This reeommendation f1 a b r o ug h t t o the Prime Ifinister's in the Lok Sabha on 21.3.U. T'le Prime hnister, in reply to the question stated that "since no new facts have been brought to light, Government do not censider t hat any fresh enquiry is warranted.

Reeiwt 16. Shri Samar Guha wrote in May this year to the Prine reenests for offiefaf Minister requesting for a judicial enquiry on the analogy of the enquiry enquiry being conducted in regard to Gandhijios asoassination 20 years after Mahatmaji's death. The Foreign Minister in reply to this letter informed Shri Gaha that the terms of reference of the enquiry being conducted into .1,ahAria. (,andhits assassination did not Beek to establish Gandhiji's death. In the letter sent to the Prime linister by 44 M.Ps, dated August 7, the request for the appointment of a fresh enquiry Commission, consisting of retired Supreme Court judges and eminent public men, has been made on the ground that a fresh probe was being conduetyql in regard to the assassination of Mahatma landhi and that a judicial enfluiry was also being conceded in response to a number of Nt.rs4 request into the cause of death of the Jan Sangh Leader Shri Dindayal Upadhyay,. It is quite obvious that these two examples that w e been cited are not on all fours with the demand for an angatry to establish the death of Notaji Subhas Chandra Boa

ft ft ft ( 7 1 *

MEDIATE' .

No. 23/2/69-P011.11 9.16 GOVERlEgf OF INU/A MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

NO1A; Delhi, dated the Aug.,23. 1969.

Subject:- Admitted Resolution given notice of by Shri Benoy Krishna paschowdhury. M.P., for discussion in Lok Sabha on 29 -8-69 - Case for instituting an Enquiry Commission about the mysterious disappearame of N6t2ji Subash Chandra Bose.

. s o " . 11,411411

rn continuation of this Ministry's O.M. of even No. dated the 22nd August. 1969, the undersigned is directed to forward herewith a cony of Lok Sabha Secretariat u.o. No. 24/2(2)/69/L dated the 20th August. 1969, alongwith its enclosure, on the subject noted above, and to request that, as the subject matter of the Resolution is the concern of the Mnistry of External Af-Cairs, they may kindly accept its tranlfer and inform the Lok Sabha Secretariat (Legislatia Branch) immediately t*Ttheir acceptance of the Eesolutioa, under intimation to this Ministry.

(R. KuppuRao) UNDER SECRETARY

To The Ministry of External Affairs, ck4,LAS14 (1ta-M.K7-Mang1amurti, Under Secretary). . t / ( t f 4 ... ( /2 - 62--ek. 1. lgoor-P--747v &-sp r . A 14F

1 \ 14 -1 - 1 6 T r ' , 4 ) 2

MCST IMMEDIATE

LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT (Legislative Branch)

A list of admitted resolutions given notice of

by Sarvashri Jyotirmoy Bosu, N.G. Ranga and Benoy Krishna

Daschowdhury, M.Ps., for discussion in the Mortise on the

29th August, 19)9 is sent herewith.

MATHUR) for UNDER SECRETARY

Ministry of Labour, Employment and Rehabilitation (Department of Labour and Employment) Ministly of Home Affairs L.S.S. U.O. No. 27172(2)/694, dated the 20th August, 1969. RESOLUTflN ADMITTED FOR 29-8-1969,

sHRI BENOY This House is of opinion

that in view of the serious discrepancy in the Shanaraj

Enquiry Committee Report and in the absence of any positive

evidence about the death of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,

that is a clear case for instituting an Enquiry Commission

presided over by a Judge of the Supreme Court of India about

the mysterious disappearance of that great national leader

since August, 1945, for setting at rest the various specula-

tions still going on in the country and abroad, 01t / 3 < ,4k ,ciit t 711\- 6 1. (!)

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