Invisible Ink: Intercepting Post in Second World War

Abstract

• During WWII, secret instructions for the interception of post passing through the Gulf were circulated to Political Agents in Bahrain, Kuwait and Muscat. In August 1939, anticipating the outbreak of war in Europe, the Government of India sanctioned the interception of post for examination and censorship in the Gulf. Three clerks were appointed at Bahrain, Kuwait and Muscat. Detailed instructions were sent to the Political Agents at these locations. These secret notes were provided for information and guidance for the new clerks who would carry out the interception and censorship work.