Let us first examine the political differences between Nehru and Bose, and see if there is evidence of any hostility or animus on the part of Nehru towards Bose. The Counsel for the Commission read extracts from a bunch of old letters by Jawaharlal Nehru, the authenticity of the contents of which was not challenged by anyone.

These letters show that there were, no doubt, political differences between Bose and Nehru, and whereas Nehru was a more moderate politician, Bose was inclined to be more revolutionary and more impetuous. But we find no evidence whatsoever of any hostility, recrimination or vindictiveness on the part of Nehru.

Indeed, before the unpleasantness caused by the presidential election of 1939, Bose had written to Nehru in the most affectionate and respectful terms. He wrote on March 4,1936: "I shall make the statement as short as possible and say clearly that I have definitely decided to give you my full support. Among the front rank leaders of today, you are the only one to whom we can look up to 'for leading the Congress in a progressive direction." Again, on 13th March, 1936, he wrote to Nehru: "I can think of no one else in whom I could have greater confidence."

Writing on June 13,1936, he expressed concern about Nehru's health, saying, "from the papers I gathered that you were over-working yourself and I was feeling concerned about your health. I am glad that you went to Mussoorie for a rest, though a short one. I can appreciate how difficult it is for you to avoid over-working yourself; nevertheless, I do hope that you will not strain yourself too much.

It will not help anyone if you have a break down." Again on October 19,1938, Bose writing to Nehru said, "you cannot imagine how I have missed you all these months. I realize, of course, that you needed a change very badly. I am only sorry that you did not give yourself enough physical rest. A.K.Chanda, writing on the eve of the presidential election on November 28, 1938, said to Nehru: "And if he (Gandhiji)met you now, he would, in all probability, seek your help in anger, regretting that differences had arisen in the National Congress.

He said : "As I told you, your contest in the election has done some good and some harm. I recognize the good, but I am apprehensive of the harm that will follow. I still think that, in the balance, it would have been better if this particular conflict had not taken place in this way. But that is a thing of the past and we have to face the future."

Bose, however, appears to have taken the differences as a personal affront to his dignity and position. He did not reply to the long letter written by Nehru from which the above passage has been quoted, and later, Nehru wrote to his brother, Sarat Chandra Bose, in reply to a letter which the latter had sent, "but your letter hardly refers to any question of policy or programme. It deals with personal issues and brings serious charges against particular individuals. "…I do not know how far your letter represents Subhas's views on the subject…I think it is desirable to have some kind of investigation into the various charges brought by you or others. It is improper that such charges should be made vaguely, and the fact that many people believe in them does not substantiate them. We cannot allow our public life to descend to a level of mutual recrimination…, I had hoped that it would be possible in these days of internal and external crisis to have a large measure of cooperation among Congress men, and laboured to this end at Tripuri and before…if there is to be conflict among Congress men, I earnestly hope that it will be kept on a higher level and will be confined to matters of policy and principle."

In these letters there is not the slightest sign of hostility or antipathy. There is an expression of regret on the part of Nehru for the differences in a national organization. There is anxiety to avoid a split and a spirit of what may be called sweet reasonableness.

It has often been said about Nehru that he never entertained any venom or feelings of recrimination, and that although he was imprisoned a number of times by the British Government, he found it in his heart to be friendly towards the British after independence. It was the system he fought against and not the individuals who were no more than instruments through whom the system was administered.