Trotsky’s MIT Report: A Step-by-Step Account of Exile on Büyükada
MIT’s official website has recently added new intelligence reports to its “Documents” section under the “Special Collection” tab. One of the notable documents is the intelligence report of Istanbul Regional Chief Aziz Hüdai Bey, prepared for the Bolshevik politician Lev Trotsky, who was under surveillance by the Soviet Union intelligence during his exile in Büyükada between 1929 and 1933. This report was also reported to the National Police Service Riyaset (MAH).
The report, dated 16 January 1932, contained important information regarding the surveillance of Trotsky. It mentioned the involvement of an Armenian interpreter who was working to correct his situation against them. The report also discussed the GPU agent named Serkis who was in contact with Trotsky. It outlined the tasks to closely monitor Trotsky’s activities, the people he interacts with, and his communications and movements.
In order to facilitate their surveillance work, the report suggested seeking help from individuals like Salih Efendi and Osias Rosenzweig, who were associated with Trotsky. It also mentioned the upcoming visit of a man from England to meet Trotsky, urging the agents to gather information about this visitor.
Additionally, the report included statements from MAH personnel, confirming the presence of Salih Efendi and Osias Rosenzweig with Trotsky on the island. It emphasized the importance of uncovering the network surrounding Trotsky and the assistance he was receiving from various individuals.
Overall, these intelligence reports shed light on the monitoring and surveillance activities conducted on Lev Trotsky during his exile in Büyükada, providing valuable insights into the strategies employed by intelligence agencies during that period.
