Turkish intelligence MIT releases declassified files from 1920 to 1948
Some of the published documents and A general view of the National Intelligence Agency's (MIT) Istanbul Regional Directorate building, Istanbul, Türkiye, July 26, 2020. (AA Photo)
The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) released a series of declassified intelligence documents dating from 1920 to 1948 on its official website, making them accessible.
This collection includes 17 documents with the oldest dating back to 1920.
Inside Karakol Society – 1921
One significant document from 1921 sheds light on Mustafa Sagir, an English spy of Indian descent, who infiltrated the “Karakol Society.”
This document is displayed in its original Ottoman Turkish script on the MIT website.
Key decisions from – 1926
MIT’s website showcased an important decree signed by then-Prime Minister Ismet Inonu and the founder of the Republic, President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
This decree, dated December 25, 1926, confirmed the appointment of Colonel Sukru Ali Bey to the National Security Service (MAH), the predecessor of MIT.
Intelligence on Soviet propaganda – 1927
In an intriguing entry, a February 1927 activity report sent from the Ankara Central Region Command to the MAH highlights concerns regarding the screening of Soviet author Maxim Gorky’s novel “Mother” as a film in Istanbul.
The report warns that the film could serve as a strong propaganda tool for communism.
Military intelligence – 1932
Additionally, fragments of a military report written by the French consul assigned to Izmir in 1932 have been decrypted.
These reports reveal that the French had other priorities in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco leading up to Hatay’s incorporation into Türkiye in 1938, highlighting their willingness to withdraw from Iskenderun.
Rejection of request to follow Halide Edip Adivar – 1935
The documents also reveal that in 1935, the General Directorate of Security sought information on Halide Edip Adivar, who had briefly returned to Türkiye.
The response from MAH indicated their focus was on espionage activities and suggested a lack of interest in following Adivar closely.
Gathering information on German propaganda minister Goebbels – 1939
In another significant entry, a cable documents the monitoring of Joseph Goebbels during his visit to Türkiye in April 1939, shortly before the outbreak of World War II. This report confirmed that an agent was assigned to gather intelligence disguised as a journalist.
The report details interactions with Goebbels.
Other released materials include a report concerning the female spy code-named “Rebeka,” and a classified document sent to the General Staff in March 1921 regarding the “Yavuz Group.”
