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George Orwell under the watchful eye of Big Brother | The National Archives
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George Orwell under the watchful eye of Big Brother

July 2005

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Recent releases at The National Archives

This newly released Metropolitan police file (MEPO 38/69) reveals how George Orwell, the author of Nineteen Eighty-Four, was under Special Branch surveillance for more than 12 years of his life. MI5 first became suspicious of the author's activities in 1936 when carrying out research into the living and working conditions of the working class for The Road to Wigan Pier. The reports link Orwell to well known Communists and left-wing organisations.

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