The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has published a report about a British woman who claimed to be a journalist and requested an interview with Atatürk. The 1935 intelligence report was shared on the organization’s official website. The report reveals that, due to Atatürk’s suspicions, the woman’s letters and even her room were inspected. The interview likely never took place.
The report, found under the “Special Collection” section on the National Intelligence Organization’s website, was prepared by the Istanbul Bureau Directorate on May 31, 1935.
The report states that a woman claiming to be a British journalist and staying at the Pera Palace Hotel requested an interview with Atatürk.
The report emphasizes that Atatürk suspected the woman of being a spy and requested information about her, including whether she had any connection with the British Embassy.
The MIT officer who prepared the report stated that the information and photographs obtained about the woman were conveyed to Atatürk’s aide-de-camp, Kılıç Ali.
The report also includes the following statement: “There are only two days left before the woman’s departure. I have managed to obtain her letters. If the opportunity arises, I will also try to enter her room.”
The May 31, 1935 report contains the following statements:
“Four hours after your order, I was able to meet with Mr. Kılıç Ali. I received the following instruction: A woman claiming to be a British journalist and staying at the Pera Palace with her secretary requested an interview with Atatürk. Atatürk is convinced that she is a spy. Before deciding whether to accept or reject the request, they want detailed information about the woman, her correspondence to be reviewed, her documents to be examined, and whether she has any connection with the embassy. They also added that the police have not been informed. I obtained the results three hours later but was only able to deliver them at 22:00. Mr. Kılıç Ali’s response was as follows: ‘Atatürk read your report, found it interesting, was very pleased, and thanks you. They want the correspondence and documents to be handled as we discussed.’
The details I provided to Mr. Kılıç Ali and submitted as attached sufficiently clarify the situation regarding the women. There are only two days left before the woman’s departure. Nevertheless, I have managed to obtain her incoming and outgoing letters. If the opportunity arises, I will also try to enter her room. I am submitting photographs of the women for your information.”
