On 21 October 1943, a large IIL meeting was called at the Cathay Theatre, where Subhas Bose announced the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind). Subhas Chandra Bose was sworn in as the head of state and premier; Rashbehari was given the title of supreme adviser. None of the witnesses would have been in any doubt that this was a historic moment. Within days, the provisional government was recognized by Japan, Germany, Italy, Croatia, Thailand, Burma, the Philippines and Manchukuo. President Eamon de Valera of the Irish Free State also sent a personal
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