Admired by the Empire: British Officers on Bagai’s Service as a Colonial Spy

British intelligence officers praised Vaishno Das Bagai’s performance as a colonial spy. Ridout and Pietre’s correspondence shows them considering him for an assignment inside the German embassy in Peking, citing his earlier success as an informant. The letter is dated more than a year after Bagai had left India for California to continue spying on Indian revolutionaries.

Transcription

Scroll to left to see whole transcription details.

From :      G.O.C. Singapore.
To   :      D.M.I.

                                          6th March, 1917

      1236.       My 1178. January 23rd.

                  Mission to China. Have discussed matter with 
      PETRIE who urges that difficulties with reference to KOTHAVALA 
      are great and broaches subject of a bought agent of which I 
      understand he knows possible ones. PETRIE favours getting 
      in closer touch if possible. Alternatively he suggests the 
      employment of V. D. BAGAI who has done so well up to date. 
      I would urge that if scheme is to be carried out, it should be 
      controlled by a single person, not a bureau. If India agrees 
      P. would be best. C.G.S. telegraphs on March 3rd that after 
      discussion with all concerned, K. included, he considers War 
      Office objections are very weighty and should prevail. 
      I agree, Admiral concurs.

                                          Foreign Office
                                          India Office
                                          Colonial Office
                                          Copies to: M.I.1