‘Subhas Chandra Bose Forms the Provisional Government’ as reported by The Tribune on 22nd October, 1943


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(Following text is a reproduction of the news report published by The Tribune (Philippines) reporting on the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on 21st October, 1943)

New Government Aims to Expel invaders From India Through Armed Offensive, Bose Declares

The Headline carried by The Tribune while reporting the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India, 22 October 1943.

The provisional government of Azad Hind (Free India), headed by President Subhas Chandra Bose of the Indian Independence League, was formally established during a rally of the East Asia delegates of the organization which convened at the Greater East Asia theater here at 10:30 a.m today.

The conference was attended by the representatives of the league in Malai, Djawa, Borneo. Sumatra, Burma, Celebes, Thailand, French Indo-China, the Philippines, Hongkong, Canton, and Japan. The leading officials of the women’s department of the Indian National Army were also present. 

Bose Accepts Post 

The meeting got underway with the singing of the national anthem of India. After the chief secretary of the league reported on its activities, President Bose introduced a motion for the establishment of the provisional government of Free India. The assembly unanimously approved the motion and immediately recommended Mr. Bose as head of the government. President Bose made an address accepting the nomination. 

The creation of the government signifies the establishment of a governing body by the Indians which has been one of the aspirations of the 400 million Indian people since Britain Invaded their country for exploitation. 

It is expected that the drive for Indian independence promoted by the awakened Indians, will henceforth be directed toward the march on Delhi for the liberation of India from Anglo-American domination. 

Armed Offensive

The immediate object of the provisional government of Free India is to launch and direct armed offensive against the Anglo-Americans for the cause of the liberation of India from the invaders. 

Thus declared Subhas Chandra. Bose, president of the Indian Independence League, who today assumed the post of the head of the new government. His statement, issued in connection with the establishment of the government, follows: 

“I have always realized during the 22 years of my struggle against the enemy of India that our country needs more than anything else the Indian National Army and the national government which will enable the armed forces to fight.

“As a result of Japan’s brilliant victory in this war, the Indian residents in Greater East Asia have been able to organize the Indian Independence League and the Indian National Army. Recently, it became necessary and possible to establish the Provisional Government of Free India.

 “The provisional government has as its nucleus the independence league, and its immediate task is to launch and direct armed offensive against the Anglo-American invaders of India. 

To Be Temporary 

“The government will immediately organize various units for the fight. Its basic aim is to challenge Britain and her ally in India in a last crusade for the liberation of India. 

“Therefore, the government will function only during the period of our fight, and will be reorganized after Its mission is fulfilled . 

“As the object of the provisional government is armed strife, it is natural that military leaders will form the majority in the Cabinet. It Is also stipulated that a number of advisers to the Cabinet shall be appointed.

“Our government will endeavor to maintain close and organized contact among all Indian residents in Greater East Asia, and at the same time will mobilize all resources in the region for the cause of our forthcoming march . 

“After the government succeeds in entering the territory of India, it will be converted into a new regular government controlling all facilities in our fatherland.”


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Saquib Salim

Saquib Salim is a well known historian under whose supervision various museums (Red Fort, National Library, IFFI, Jallianwala Bagh etc.) were researched. To his credit Mr. Salim has more than 400 published articles on history, politics, culture and literature in English and Hindi. Before pursuing his research and masters in modern Indian History from JNU, he was an electrical engineering student at AMU. Presently, he works as a freelance/ independent history researcher, writer and works at www.awazthevoice.in