Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Tomas Plnkers
Traitor or Seduced
A psychoanalytic investigation of Stasi unofficial collaborators
(Machine-translated from the original German)
Over the 40 year existence of the German Democratic Republic, more than
600,000 people were recruited by the Ministry for State Security (Stasi) as
unofficial collaborators. Whether out of political conviction or a sense of
adventure, for career reasons or revenge, for fear of reprisals or the desire
for recognition and security, an incurable and afflictive alliance was
entered into with the Stasi whereby colleagues, acquaintances, friends, or
even their own family were surveilled and betrayed. How do these people stand
by their former conspiratorial activities 14 years after dissolution of the
Stasi?
For the first time, this psychoanalytic investigation creates an opportunity
to question the unconscious motivations for their actions. Twenty former
unofficial collaborators told their life stories and a group of five
psychoanalysts drew up an overall assessment which takes into account the
different perceptions by the collaborators and their case officers, yielding
an assessment of fact and perpetrators alike.
ISBN 3-86153-327-8
9 783861 533276
Contents
Foreword.................................................................... 6
1 Introduction.............................................................. 8
1.1 Overview of the structure of the Stasi and its functions .............. 8
1.2 Selection and use of unofficial collaborators ........................ 10
1.3 The psychodynamics of surveillance and betrayal relations ............ 13
1.4 Question and objectives .............................................. 17
1.5 Method ............................................................... 17
1.6 Evaluation ........................................................... 18
1.7 Data framework of the surveyed unofficial collaborators .............. 19
2 Summaries of 20 interviews............................................... 21
Mr. Opitz (1) ............................................................ 21
Mr. Jahn (2) ............................................................. 26
Ms. Ring (3) ............................................................. 29
Mr. Gabler (4) ........................................................... 33
Mrs. Jung (5) ............................................................ 35
Ms. Urban (6) ............................................................ 38
Ms. Pohl (7) ............................................................. 41
Mrs. Forster (8) ......................................................... 44
Ms. Langer (9) ........................................................... 46
Mrs. Quindt (10) ......................................................... 47
Mr. Pollok (11) .......................................................... 51
Ms. Vogel (12) ........................................................... 54
Mr. Erler (13) ........................................................... 58
Mr. Voss (14) ............................................................ 60
Mr. Stahl (15) ........................................................... 63
Mr. Mahler (16) .......................................................... 66
Ms. Onken (17) ........................................................... 69
Mr. Lenz (18) ............................................................ 71
Mr. Hartel (19) .......................................................... 73
Mr. Dahm (20) ............................................................ 77
3 Overall Assessment....................................................... 81
3.1 Motives for participation in the project and relationship with the
interviewer .............................................................. 81
3.1.1 Attempts to deal with feelings of shame and guilt because of IM
activities ............................................................. 81
3.1.2 Searching for narcissistic gratification ......................... 81
3.1.3 Search-sufficient / therapeutic object relationship .............. 81
3.1.4 Desire to aggressively advocate for the Stasi, to justify it, the
West against right to represent .................................... 82
Foreword
Foreword
After the election of the Peoples Chamber in March 1990, the question arose,
what will become of the state security apparatus of the GDR. It was not until
June 1990 that the Peoples Chamber adopted a decision on the dissolution of
the Ministry for State Security (MfS, commonly known as the Stasi), with
Joachim Gauck as chairman of a Special Committee for monitoring the final
dissolution of the Stasi / AfNS. The end of 1991 adopted the Stasi Records
Act (StUG), which allowed all citizens who had been monitored by the Stasi to
inspect their files. Thus began a controversial discussion about the meaning
and function of the unofficial collaborators (abbreviated IM, from the
original German term Inoffizieller Mitarbeiter), who has come through getting
new disclosures and press releases to date to no end. Those who learned in
their files of the monitoring, control and other measures the Stasi first
time after 1991 responded, shocked by the extent of control and spying,
especially when they realized that friends, colleagues or family members had
abused their trust. That public punishment of the perpetrators was demanded
is well understood. Of them could not be expected that they strove to
understand those who had monitored and betray them. Law enforcement, review
and dismissal of unofficial collaborators were a certain satisfaction,
without being asked why a person had become an informer for them. If
unofficial collaborators disclosed themselves and even admitted their guilt,
they met often with little willingness to listen to the reasons for their
cooperation. This in turn led many IM to deny their involvement and to no
longer deal with their past. So far only in therapeutic conversations has
succeeded in some cases, to gain insight into the difficult life stories,
conflicts, fears and needs that made a person receceptive to recruitment by
the Stasi. Especially those who had been put under pressure or recruited with
hardly inscrutable legends felt misjudged and fought for their rights. Many
IM had experience only as agents of the Stasi, and had to follow the
instructions of case officers and had no decision opportunities. Under these
circumstances, it was very difficult for them to feel responsible for their
actions. Those, however, who had been used out of conviction for their
country, found themselves a more than equal and self-responsible partner and
may still defend their activities for the Stasi.
To understand these different settings, it seems necessary to clarify
the motives for collaboration, using biographical backgrounds and the
subsequent processing of detailed psychoanalytic interviews with former
collaborators. Only in this way is it possible to assess whether their
motives were ideological conviction, submission, hope for satisfaction of
needs, revenge, or fear of punitive measures. As psychoanalysts we are
interested not only in the conscious motives and explanations of our
interviewees, rather we also attempted rather to identify the unconscious
conflicts and traumas that shaped their personalities.
The results of our study show a very heterogeneous picture of
personality structures and motives. Even though we shortened the title of the
book to Traitors or Seduced, the interviews show in all clarity that it is
not one-sided and that traitor or seduced are but an interplay of various
motives. It was both submission to an omnipotent apparatus, which they felt
delivered up to the hope of getting previously unmet needs fulfilled by the
case officer, and desires to the conviction to protect the socialist society,
and to the possibility of secret revenge to supervisors and acquaintances to
be able to practice, as well as to the standstill of blackmail. Since most of
those who were unofficially worked for the Stasi, no longer want to deal with
this part of their life story, it was not easy for us to find interview
partners. With the help of Helmut Mller-Enbergs, employees of the Federal
Commissioner for the Records of the State Security Ser0vice of the former
Foreword
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
14 years after the collapse of the SED Dictatorship, the impact of the work
of the Ministry of State Security is still noticeable for many former GDR
citizens. Not only do the victims of the Stasi still suffer from the earlier
prosecution, but also many unofficial collaborators of the Stasi have to
continue to deal with the consequences of their involvement in monitoring and
denunciation opposition. In addition to the group of IM, which is related to
their previous jobs still quite self-conscious even today, there are those
for which the voluntary or enforced cooperation with the Stasi still
represents a psychological burden. They have partially lost their jobs,
suffer from social isolation and have to cope with guilt and shame. They are
also faced with the fact that previously recognized benefits for the GDR
State be condemned today as a criminal offense.
How could the Stasi win such a great power that approximately 600,000
people were prepared in the course of 40 years, more or less voluntarily to
work for the secret service? In addition to the political situation in the
divided Germany, by the German Democratic Republic feared more than any other
Eastern bloc states penetration imperialist enemies, the fact played a role
that the population had already lived before the founding of the GDR years
under a dictatorship, and hardly meet democratic freedoms could. In addition,
the Stasi tried to cleverly set by a special psychological training to its
full-time staff on needs, fears and personality of future IM and to create
the conditions for successful recruitment in a longer lead time. While
supporting many publications on the unofficial collaborator on the evaluation
of the files of the Stasi, no work, the study based on interviews with the
IM, the conscious and unconscious motives and conflicts of these people.
However, knowledge of the psychological aspects of conspiratorial activity
constitutes a prerequisite for understanding why so many people were willing
to cooperate with the Stasi.
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
10
1 Introduction
addressee, as the case officers went out of their most recognizable as such.
Some of the persons contacted, however believed the legend to the end of
their meeting with the Stasi.
The contact was made directly by the employees of the Stasi, in
writing, by phone or via a third person. The case officer said the potential
of IM in the workplace, on the way to work or at home. Many were summoned by
an authority or the human resources department of their operation under a
pretext and there enlisted by enforcement officers. When prompted, present
themselves for an interview, the candidates usually did not know that they
were the Stasi. In addition to this type of recruitment but there was also
extortion and threat of sanctions, for example, in people who had been in GDR
prisons, detention or which anything had been guilty or was present against
the allegedly compromising material. Through its involvement with the Stasi
them should be allowed a reparation.
Approximately 90 percent of IM were men, most between 25 and 40 years,
the proportion of women and young people up to 25 years was in the 80s at ten
per cent, of. The minors at one percent. One third of the IM were SED members
in the 80s. Approximately one in three mentioned GDR citizens rejected the
attempted recruitment, what by Dekonspiration was easiest possible (MllerEnbergs, 2000). Although the refusal could be punished by sanctions, but a
large number of objectors has endured no serious sanctions (Mller-Enbergs,
2000).
The areas of the IM were varied. According to your different tasks
there was for them each special designations: IMS was an IM to secure the
area of responsibility, the IMF were persons who work directly on hostile
working people, have their confidence, have invaded their conspiracy ....
Under IME was understood so-called expert IM. Unofficial collaborators who
put their apartments for conspiratorial meetings or your telephone connection
is available, welcomed IMK, i.e. IM to ensure the conspiracy. Full-time IM
(HIM) were reliable and verified IM, set up under special conditions or
special skills to tasks in other states. They received an allowance and an
apparent activity that should keep secret the true activities before her
family and environment (Mueller Enbergs, 1996). It cannot be all categories
listed here, only the mentioned give an impression of the complicated
structure of the IM system. Depending on the intended field of application
persons were recruited, who were considered suitable or who were forced as
members of opposition groups to conspiratorial collaboration with extortion.
The large network of IM in all areas of society exercised an intimidating and
disciplining effect on the population, even though many of the Stasi been
transmitted information often seem banal. It should also help to register any
possible unrest and protests among the population in time.
The motives for cooperation with the Stasi, both in political
conviction, as well as in psychological factors, to seek personal benefits
and fears. The motives given in the Stasi files do not always coincide with
those stated by the former IM because the enforcement officers had an
interest to emphasize the conviction as the main motif. By the socialist
conviction of IM a high level of commitment and reliability was assured.
Although the documented by the Stasi willingness of conviction was not
always accepted by respondents after the transition, so there were just under
technicians the desire to strengthen and safeguard the production (Barkleit
u. Dunsch, 1998). As nichtideologische motives personal benefits, recognizing
the needs of society and the reparation of sins were called by the Stasi. The
latter stated that the advertiser to IM was blackmailed by vorliegendes
against him compromising material to cooperate. Were pressured women if they
had violated the ban on prostitution in the GDR. They were, inter alia,
forced to establish contacts with western businessmen to spy on them. These
women received some financial support, but were also constantly threatened
11
1 Introduction
with punitive measures. So-called cells informers were prisoners who should
observe their cellmates and received prison for reductions or concessions.
The recruitment of unofficial collaborators by the enforcement officers
required a good knowledge of the person of the potential IM, his interests
and preferences, his relationships, the family situation, his career plans
and also the effect of intimidating measures. These idiosyncrasies had the
case officer determined in a reconnaissance phase, then to-audit or after.
Preliminary phase to clarify the suitability of candidate IM (see FIG.
Richter, 2001). These data have already been recorded in a flow file. Under
pressure to promote a sufficient number of IM, it took the lead officers with
these rules is not always as accurate. Despite the training in operational
psychology, such as those has taught at the MfS College in Potsdam, the
subjective requirements of the advertiser to not getting enough consideration
was given (Behnke and Fuchs, 1995;. Mller-Enbergs, 1995). The contact took
place often under false pretenses by the future IM e.g., was summoned to
check his identity papers by an authority other than the Stasi.
The requests of the Stasi with respect to an increase or employees
were not always answered positively. Many were rejected (cf. Mller-Enbergs,
1995). Others in turn meant the request as not a question, but a command to
which they had to submit. These different survival and response patterns
indicate different mental dispositions, which are crucial in determining
whether they consented to a collaboration with the Stasi or not. The
advertising of the Stasi spoke basically two sides: on the one hand a certain
order dimension in terms of the required monitoring and information
gathering; On the other hand a social offer, that is to meet regularly from
now on with a case officer to get his attention and attention. Both sides
must be taken into consideration in order to understand the individual
effective motives for cooperation.
If he had managed to recruit an IM, followed by the education by the
case officer, which should make him a good employee. In addition to the
placement of the order and to clarify the nature of the meetings and the
reports also included the psychological support of the IM. A case officer in
charge ten to eleven IM on average. Depending on the personality of the IM
management officer had to give the job to be a role model, recognition and
attention to get involved as a trusted interlocutor and the IM to convince
them of the importance of his task for backing of socialism. As MllerEnbergs (1996), Gieseke (2001) and others describe existed between the
expectations of the Stasi and the reality is often a large discrepancy,
because many, especially young executive officers, these tasks were not
grown. From psychological interest is other than the relationship of the IM
for the case officer to Observierten or denounced. It concerns with the
treachery always a triangular relationship between a state institution, i.e.
in the case of the GDR by the Stasi, the upper napkins and the informers. In
many situations, both the informant and the under observation is exposed to a
threat of persecution, similar to siblings, where a penalty by strict
almighty parents threatened (Kothe-Meyer, 1997; Hennig, 1997). This was
especially the case with those e.g., in the GDR because Western relatives,
close to the church or own exit plans were under observation. By being
willing to be obedient, they were able to escape punishment, but it had
another person the power of the Stasi deliver. In other cases, the envy
played on the denounced, who dared to plan an escape or take an oppositional
stance, an important role for the betrayal.
The IM activity was terminated by the Stasi, if the information were
not productive or IM proved unsuitable, unreliable or dishonest or
cooperation appeared no prospects. In the period from 1985 to 1989, the
cooperation with about ten percent of IM has been annually adjusted, and as
many new IM were recruited (Mller-Enbergs, 1995). But the unofficial
12
1 Introduction
13
1 Introduction
the cleaved own evil. It is reasonable to assume that a large part of the
people who were involved here were close by their personality structurally
these mechanisms of splitting and projective externalization.
First, the order dimension of information gathering qua espionage.
Targeted and planned to monitor another person for political purposes means
from a psychoanalytic point of view, to establish a special relationship to
form the monitored which has indeed conscious of play, but is mostly
unconscious. This means that the monitor cannot be accessed normally the real
motives of his actions. This unconscious relationship is not one that is a
really mature interest to want to get to know the other, determined. Because
this is the psychic ability ahead to perceive the other as separate from
themselves, and be able to endure this as well. The latter constitutes the
sine qua non for the development of privacy and respect. However, monitoring
relations are characterized by the fact that they do not leave the other his
freedom and not just accept respectful interpersonal boundaries. Surveillance
and betrayal relations are rather determined by an aggressive invading
interest: the observer penetrates in principle within the personal scope of
the other one, abused his innocence and trust, or tries to seduce to indicate
private things. This also applies to so seemingly trivial operations such
targeted monitoring and registration of the public movement of people on the
streets and squares. Because people therefore do not show themselves in
public, to be photographed and the subject of behavior protocols. Monitoring
as a conscious and intentional observation subjects the relationship with a
predefined purpose. Unlike in a Love or Friendship Relationship for example,
which is characterized by affection, excitement, empathy or friendly
interest, it goes here in the broadest sense about the other to do
something, to use it without the person concerned it somewhat may know.
Basically playing hostile impulses play a role, since the observer plays a
directed towards the best interests of the observed position and at the same
time formed a coalition with anyone against the monitored.
Like all relationships, which entertain adult humans, have also such a
relationship forms biographical precursors which are effective in shape
mentally internalized, unconscious forms of relationship in the present. It
seems to us important to emphasize this, because only this view makes it
clear which freedom is restricted in the choice of certain forms of
relationship. Because the unconscious requirements beyond just conscious
control and are the conscious intentions of people across effectively. The
only way to explain the fact that, for example, the commercial and blackmail
of the Stasi were partially successful only that any allowances and
cancellations were, yes and naysayers, followers and members of the
opposition. There are unconsciously conducting relationship forms that decide
to realize what people in the present and what is not. And it is precisely
those forms of relationship unconsciously effective, which experienced in
childhood and part of the basic equipment were psychic. This does not mean
that the relationship experiences of the child with the parents and siblings
are taken one by one from the outside inwards. But they form the basis of a
complex, lifelong mental processing process. Hence the question as to which
childhood experiences and which processing operations are later, let an adult
human to be willing to supervise other spy and betray. This to clarify
empirically, is the subject of our investigation. However, we take this as a
very extensive a now psychoanalytic body of knowledge regarding the causes
and the development of damaged relationships. This allows the designation of
a number of predisposing factors that the ability to develop and maintain
mature relationship shapes damage, or not arising in the first. We speak of
mature forms of relationship, because we espionage relationship already
appears as a form of relationship, go to the lost values such as respect and
honesty. Since a variety of psychological conflicts undermine this maturity
14
1 Introduction
15
1 Introduction
16
1 Introduction
1.5 Method
To clarify our questions, we have both qualitative and quantitative data
collected that support each other in their findings. In particular, was to us
that we underpin from a psychoanalytic theory derived from theses and
interviews resulting findings with data from psychological questionnaires. In
this way, the principle wide room for interpretation of interview data could
be concentrated at some point, on the other hand received the questionnaire
results through the interviews a better interpretative basis.
Object of our study were 20 former unofficial collaborators of the
Ministry for State Security of the GDR. The contact with them has been made
on the authority of the Federal Commissioner for the Stasi documents (BStU),
the different IM asked if they were willing to do an interview with us. With
them, we have led either to their current work, in their homes or in the
Frankfurt Sigmund Freud Institute in 2000 and 2001, one to two
psychoanalytically oriented, so-called semi-structured interviews. In this
interview for a targeted specific issues were addressed and explored, on the
other hand should the interviewees are given sufficient space to express
himself according to his personal character to these areas. Furthermore, the
interviews were far psychoanalytically oriented, as it was also about the
Explorierung latent motives of respondents for us.
Formed the basis of the interviews for us an interview guide in which
we had fixed our topics of interest based on our theoretical preparatory work
and our inquiry. The interviews were recorded with tape and transliterated.
17
1 Introduction
1.6 Evaluation
To sum up the conspiracy when the individual in the very heterogeneous
designs and processing mechanisms, a certain type of education is necessary.
This categorization means a reduction of the complex material and the
individual does not always do justice to the detail, but it allows to
highlight differences and similarities between the IM. Such a classification
of the interviewees nor does it mean that the individual Family would not be
subsumed under various categories. The classification means rather that the
emphasis of his problem is to be found in this area.
In the evaluation, we tried to take into account the external
conditions of the interviews. For the statements of the individual in it was
meaningful, in which personal situation and political environment which he
was at the time of the conversation and what expectations he had to the
interviewer. The presentation of the biography and the IM activities in the
interview does not always correspond to the historical truth, it is a
remembered or constructed for the addressee life story, enter into the
desires, fears and justifications.
In addition, we tried to clarify before we touch, what preconceptions and
previous experience we would encounter as an interviewer due to different
socialization experience the former IM in order to make a reasonable
interpretation can.
18
1 Introduction
Political attitude
Professional
Professional
activities
activity after
before the turn the turn
1982-1985
1987-1989
File Clerk
Student
1972-1974
scientific
Assistant
unemployed
1985-1989
Employee
independently
Mr.
Gabler
(4)
1929
1951-1990
SED Member
Pensioner
1975-1985
HVA in Germany
SED Member
1967-1969
rather politically
indifferent
Kindergarten
Teacher
Employee
1962-1968
1972-1980
convinced communist
Researcher
Various
AHM points
Mrs.
Forster
(8)
Tomas
Plnkers
1944
1978-1989
Observation of individuals
Nurse
BU-pensioner
Ms.
Langer
(9)
Tomas
Plnkers
1959
1983-1988
Altenpflegerin
Politician
Mrs.
Quindt
(10)
Tomas
Plnkers
1944
1969-1981
no political affiliations
Saleswoman,
accountant
Administrative
staff
Mr.
Pollock
(11)
Tomas
Plnkers
1948
1966-1980
Engineer
ABM site
1962-1989
Secretary
Pensioner
1956-1989
SED Member
Life science
Research
Employee
1985-1989
SED Member
scientific
Employee
Social Advisor
1971-1973
SED Member
Teacher
Teacher
Tomas
Plnkers
19
1 Introduction
Interview
partners
Interviewer
Vintage
Activity for
the Stasi
from / to
Type of IM activities
Political
attitude
Professional
activities
before the turn
Professional activity
after the turn
Mr. Mahler
(16)
Tomas
Plnkers
1953
1973-1974
Observation of comrades
during the NVA-time
critical of the
GDR
Teacher
Managers of long-term
unemployed
Ms. Onken
(17)
Tomas
Plnkers
1965
indifferent,
later critical
Secretary
Administrative staff
Mr. Lenz
(18)
Tomas
Plnkers
1953
1969-1971
Observation of classmates
scientific employee
Mr. Hartel
(19)
1975-1985
HVA in Germany
SED Member
Press Officer
unemployed
Mr. Dahm
(20)
1969-1970
1973-1974
Reports of colleagues
critical of the
GDR
Worker in a
cultural
institution
ABM site
The group of interviewees consisted of eleven men and nine women aged 38 to 77 years. The duration of the
activity for the Stasi was between one and 39 years. Of the interviewees were seven SED members, two
convinced Communists without party membership, nine were of the party towards critical and two were rather
politically indifferent. For 18 Investigated there was after the turn or uncovering career changes.
20
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
Before the general evaluation of the interviews according to specific angles
is represented by each conversation is a brief summary. The tape transcripts
which comprise between 40 to 80 pages, cannot be published in full in this
framework. We are concerned at the summary above all a representation of the
essential aspects of motivation and processing of IM activities. Important
for us is to let speak for themselves with some exemplary original quotations
from the tape transcripts the interviewees. Are complemented the stories of
IM to some explanations, which drew up the interviewer together with the
volunteers. The handling of the IM with the interviewer, his expectations and
his behavior during the conversation should be considered, because this
information allow to draw conclusions about earlier relationship experiences.
In the subjects who answered the questions of casting tests, the results of
the personality questionnaire to be used with.
The interviews in this study presented us with specific problems. We
came with a request, wanted to obtain information and were often referred to
as guests in the homes of respondents in an unfamiliar situation for us. This
constellation often required a greater restraint in the immediate
interpretation of the story, as we are used to our psychotherapeutic
conversations, especially when we had the impression to get patchy or
embellished information. We wanted to avoid, opposite our interlocutors act
as revisers or accusers. For us it was not primarily concerned to discover
the truth about the IM activity, it is really to be found neither in the
memories of IM still in the Stasi files, but we wanted to understand why
people were willing to conspiratorial activity and how they have processed
after the collapse of the GDR. The discovery after 1990 and the related
stresses such as job loss and social isolation triggered some IM from mental
illness, to which we had to take into consideration. Therefore, we hoped to
help by talking maybe some of those interviewed to better cope with their
difficult situation after the turn.
The occurring in contemporary historical studies difficulty, on the one
hand to take into account the protection of privacy, on the other hand this
does not impede research too much, we tried in the form to solve that we have
personal information of those interviewed who were not relevant to the IM
activity altered, , Many of our interlocutors were understandably ready only
on the condition of preserving their anonymity to talk. Two of those
interviewed did not experience during the discussions with the Stasi as IM,
but found themselves being interrogated or exposed to massive pressure. They
reacted with outrage when they were called after the fall due to the Stasi
files of the Stasi as IM. They are therefore described separately in the
presentation of interviews because they were also the interviewers opposite
to being never been, and did not want to be discriminated against again.
21
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
22
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
23
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
24
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
25
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
officer offered him much of what he missed with my parents. But his
justification is not so far that he is trying to blame all responsibility for
his actions parents. Although he would like then followed the girlfriend to
West Germany, but out of consideration for his mother and brother, who would
thus have had drawbacks, he renounced this plan. He makes the claim that the
courage he had been wanting to reject the recruitment. Sure, I was afraid to
come in the East German jail two years. Yes, thats the essence, perhaps even
more important than this disinterested argument with the family. So, one
could, with proper tension of conscience really have to come out that its
wrong, and ask me, what are you doing here.
Confronting the Stasi activity is an important prerequisite for a
change in the situation in the new Lnder for him. Mr. Opitz would have
thought it right to publish the names of IM after the turn, so that no
opinion could escape. A useful respected by him worked up would otherwise
have to be, however, as the processing performed after the turn. He thinks
like in our conversation would have to be about, how is it that has become,
as were the structures, what constraints they were exposed to, so that you
can explain everything that one can explain national security system.
While I take his openness and willingness to retrospectively to stand
his guilt, for him, I have the same impression that he maintains a great
distance from me as to all persons. It does not seem to him just about to go
to gain insight into his motives and his fended conflicts, but to get
especially my appreciation for his political activism and his conduct after
the turn. Only at the end of the interview, he is thoughtful and come back to
the question of its responsibility for the collaboration with the Stasi apart
while he initially has a tendency to blame, especially in the other, i.e., To
search for the parents and the Observierten.
26
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
father and his new family were very disappointing as the father his promises
to support him, and did not keep it even refused to allow him to study in the
West. For father Mr. Jahn always had an ambivalent relationship, he admired
him as a writer, however, despised him, as he was his second wife, opposite
could not prevail. The father was unheard vital and talented, he has
produced an enormous amount. Mr. Jahn tried to do the same on his own
scientific field, too much to publish in order to gain the recognition of the
father. At that time I said to myself, if youve ever dealt with the man
again, then you need to have an established professional and want to show him
that youre also become what. His father died to his great regret, however,
before him was able to demonstrate its success as a scientist. Through his
contacts with the West Mr. Jahn had difficulties at school and at the
university place search, but found support from a teacher and friend. My
teacher has to speak out to fight for me. He has pushed through me to the
high school. Without him I would be there not got there. He succeeded Mr.
Jahn, accessible due to its good performance other fathers who supported him.
Today he is trying to do for his children and grandchildren, which he
considers very talented all that the Father has withheld from him and thus
shows again how much he missed his fathers support. Also with me he is
trying to demonstrate its achievements and to show me his knowledge. During
his studies and in his work as a chemist, he was repeatedly hampered because
he refused to join the party and made critical remarks against the State.
It takes a long time comes to speak to Mr. Jahn of detailing the life
story of the contacts with the Stasi. Only on intensive inquiries I get more
information from the meetings with the representatives of the Stasi. 1958,
when he received his diploma, he was approached for the first time on the
university administration, though he could not see at first, that it was
about the Stasi. He was offered after graduating a second degree in the west
and a place on the condition that he would be willing to work
conspiratorially there. Just because of his family ties in the West, he
seemed particularly suitable for this. Since he rejected this undertaking,
ran both offers in Sande. When he also rejected a Anwerbungsversuch the
party, he had initially difficulties in finding a job and always remained,
despite its good performance in the position of a research assistant. A few
years later took the Stasi in 1972 once again made contact with him and tried
to win him a legend to cooperate. He said it had first looked quite harmless,
but then ended up very angry for him. At this point of the conversation Mr.
Jahn is also opposite me suspiciously and said: . I do not suspect, too,
which will now develop in the interview, which may feel the same again be a
big disaster When I on his concern about our conversation addresses the
issue will be clear how much he felt at the time deceived by the Stasi, the
secret led him as IM, but rather treated as a defendant in the talks. Again
he had been called at the second contact for an alleged personnel issue in
the government, where he two men from the Stasi interrogated, as he
experienced it. He was accused, he had contacts with a woman who worked for a
Western intelligence service, and he would be on the list of this
intelligence. His address had been found in the notebook of this woman with
her entry into the GDR. It was suspected that he had been recruited or to be
recruited. He was invited to regular meetings, in which he should prove that
neither he nor co-operated with foreign secret services colleagues and
friends. In order to refute the accusation of being an enemy of the state, he
was ready for the meeting and also signed a confidentiality agreement, which
was later adapted it as a declaration of commitment. Mr. Jahn saw themselves
as threatened by the Stasi and was afraid of being arrested. He made absurd
insinuations, they tried to ask him what his colleagues e.g., had reported to
the Americans. Because he wanted to prove his innocence and that of
colleagues and friends, he did not refuse the talks. He never would have
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thought that you abused him to observe others. Thats why he was stunned when
he in his Stasi file logs read after the turn which had written and signed on
the typewriter with the IM case officer.
During the two years of meeting Mr. Jahn saw itself as the attacked,
who had to defend themselves. He himself has never made a record, they were
created rather by his case officer, as he calls it, from memory or tape
protocols. For him, it is clear today that he had not passed as IM about
other information, but that he had to protect themselves and others. That he
refused the meeting is not in principle the second contact with the Stasi, he
goes back on the advice of his teacher, who said that he should not ignore
the demands in order to free themselves from the suspect. Mr. Jahn stressed
that he might have dared even to say no, but the advice of the teacher, the
one to whom he confided, was in force much for him.
In the interview, we can its willingness to maintain contact with the
Stasi for a long time, among other things, so understand that he wanted to
prove how the father of the Stasi, that he is a successful scientist and an
honest son of anyone disappointed. The suspicion of the Stasi, he experienced
a similar unjustified as earlier criticism of his father and was therefore
ready to supply information to prove that he is innocent. Anyway, I thought
it advisable, any suspicion that I could ever disprove. As I also in the
professional must rule out errors. For me it was clear, here you have to
prove that this is nonsense. And if that is proved, then they leave you alone
anyway. That he was at the same time classified as IM in the files and
explains after reunification guilty for him is therefore incomprehensible. He
interprets it so that his personal file was relabeled by the case officer to
an IM Act. I can well sympathize with his frustration and anger in
conversation, the legend was so cleverly devised that he had not necessarily
suspicious, but tried to protect themselves from sanctions. Whether he would
have been perhaps possible to see through the pretense of Stasi and refuse
connections, can be difficult to decide in retrospect. In addition to the
massive pressure from the Stasi and his desire for his behavior plays a role,
to do everything right and to give no cause for criticism. The fear of being
several years in prison, has also helped that he talks not be refused. It
corresponds to his personality and his professional competence, to go to the
bottom of things and to prove or disprove its validity. He tells me: I have
tried every effort to explain that there is nothing, and then these defensive
efforts are interpreted as employees.
That he was also classified according to the turn by the authority of
the Federal Commissioner for the Records of the State Security Service in the
assessment after the filing location as IM, has outraged him more so, because
he hoped to finally find peace. His work record is no longer true find, but
in his personal file, he was listed as IM. He calls the brief reports of the
Gauck Authority a disabled report, because only here and there a sentence of
the Act was taken up and the whole appears disjointed. It was also stated in
his Stasi file, that he had given any information and refused to collaborate.
But that was not enough considered by the Gauck Authority in its report, so
that a reader could interpret the result of judgment against him. From the
review conference at his workplace actually unusable this opinion was then
used to him, as he says, should be removed from the payroll. There could not
then be taken over all employees, and we took the chance to get rid of the
elderly. Not only the loss of a job, but even more so the character
assassination, he suffered through this report, has him very hurt. His
outrage at the Gauck Authority is almost bigger than the about the Stasi
because he hoped to find in democratic and fair justice.
Mr. Jahn has finally fought and won, so that he could return to work a
process. He was like the other colleagues within the framework of the
integration program for scientists only a temporary job. When the contract
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expired and you could occupy instead of five only three places, he was among
those who received no further employment more. It was in this not continuing
his contract not just about his alleged contacts with the Stasi, but above
all also that there was a massive competition among young scientists who
fought him, than older and made sure that he could not continue working.
Again and again in his life Mr. Jahn has learned that other its activities
unrecognized and withdrew from him. In my interpretation, that his need for
paternal recognition would put him over again to adapt and willing to respond
to the wishes of others, but in order to obtain the missing support yet, he
can agree. If the father would have given him the opportunity to study in
West Germany, he could have made a very different career. That to me is the
really sad that I just lived on the wrong side, was ostracized by prejudice,
and will now also be punished for something I did not do. In addition, he
was very closely linked to the mother was bound and had not dared to leave
her alone in the GDR.
At the end of the five-hour conversation, he shows me all the books he
has written, edited and translated. He is very proud of his work, but feels
left by West German colleagues in the lurch, whose books he has edited and
published.
Mr. Jahn heard as another interviewee in our study to those people who
have taken their conduct towards the Stasi already in the GDR disadvantages,
because the demands of the opposite Stasi behaved unfavorably, but not the
contacts for fear totally rejected and looked at the legend of the truth. The
disappointment after the fall was particularly great, therefore, for these
people, because they were considered on their own after the filing location
and their personal version of events found little attention.
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The parents, who had to flee as young people from the present-day
Poland, were busy trying to establish their own professional career, which is
also well done to them, but they had little time for the two children.
Although they were worried affectionately about her and my sister, but only
if they were willing to submit to the wishes of the parents. After she became
pregnant in 1979 with 19 years and wanted to get married, the parents had no
sympathy for them and withdrew completely, she has not forgiven them until
today. Through her strict Catholic upbringing, she was at school in an
outsider position, because they did not go to Jugendweihe and has not been in
the FDJ. She could therefore not directly make the student at the school, but
completed a professional education, how it was possible in the GDR. A
according to the teaching of construction workers planned studies failed
because they did not find an immediate Manger Square for their child. She
experienced again disadvantages. The fact that the church condemned them
because of premarital pregnancy and she felt abandoned, has not forgotten and
is still full of anger at the Church as an institution. Since they often felt
excluded, they had a tendency to take an observer position and to choose a
sport that could make it alone. When diving, since it is placed completely
under water on himself. And that was always my dream situation, diving and
being alone. How she thus wards off their desires for a sympathetic care,
they can gradually understand the conversation.
When choosing among the different partners in addition to their needs
also played guilt and rescue requests an important role. So Ms. Ring chose in
recent years, especially men who as refugees in need were like the parents
themselves, e.g., illegal in Germany living east Europeans. Your present
husband has married her for this reason and plays with the idea, to divorce,
to marry another refugee, and the opportunity to offer him also to remain in
Germany and come out of illegality. She has a tendency to make reparation to
the refugees who are for them instead of the parents. My interpretation both
of their guilt towards the parents as well as their disappointment not to
have been well taken care of helps to better understand her why she starts
over again in difficult relationship situations. She can unconsciously do not
allow that she is doing better than the others.
The willingness to cooperate with the Stasi, Mrs. ring also leads back
to the fact that she wanted to protect her then-boyfriend out of jail and her
daughter in front of the home. Fearing punishment she was unable to escape
the blackmail. The Stasi facilitated their collaboration by pretending the
information would help to better understand the attitude of the Church. They
should act as a mediator between church and state. The case officer has so
justified me. There are not very many people who are familiar with other
religions to be there to help and bring in a little clarity in the matter
For example, he said:. We would actually like to get along with the church,
but we know about little about certain parties, and we do not want that
someone surreptitiously freedoms under the guise of religion In addition,
Ms. Ring had to keep hope, church members from persecution, by woke
understanding on both sides. in the Stasi for church groups and at the church
for the public demands. However, a moment of revenge also plays an important
role, as she admits, namely revenge on the Church, which she had dropped.
Mrs. Ring was from 1985 to 1989 worked for the Stasi, it should provide
information about a church group and an anthroposophic community and also
influence their members. However, to decomposition it was not able and not
willing. While she was able to report on the group of the Protestant church
without any major difficulties, they felt members of the anthroposophic group
on friendly and tried to protect them. From their first case officer was very
pressured. Quit your request was met with a new blackmail by her threatened
to reveal their secret activities friends and colleagues. For the second case
officer, however they had a friendly relationship, felt he could speak openly
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with him, and trusted him while also information that they actually did not
want to pass. He also cautioned against her former partner, who also worked
for the Stasi. Your IM activity justified Woman Ring et al as I said so, that
it saw itself as a mediator between church and state and hoped to protect
under surveillance. Material advantages it has, will never get through their
IM activity except for a few in the German Democratic Republic banned books,
which gave her the second case officer. The most important motive for their
willingness to cooperate with the Stasi was their fear for the daughter. She
emphasizes that she wrote myself no reports, but discussions with the case
officer were recorded on tape. They also tried, as far as she could to
protect each by example a bad memory for names pretending. This effort to
harm anyone, spared her guilt because of IM activities. Under guilt she
suffers rather, given the fate of parents, refugees from Eastern Europe and
other In-emergency more advisable. Ms. Ring recognizes as their personal
problem, not being able to say no, if you ask for help. Until recently it has
made their house available to all refugees who had come illegally to Germany
and asked for accommodation. Although their refugee fate still very touched,
so they are now no longer fulfills all your wishes and can no longer be
exploited.
Ms. Ring had until the summer of 1989 contacts with the Stasi, her last
case officer was nearing the end of the GDR itself very critical of the
government, so that they could communicate well about the situation with him.
That it to survey did not specify their IM activities after the turn, she
grounds that they hoped it would go well everything was also the case. There
was no discovery for them. Why shes slipped through the nets, they do not
know, but it was never kept their IM activity, although the file still exists
and is not destroyed, as it the case officer announced at a later chance
encounter. She was after the turn for several years a member of the PDS, felt
there but also not comfortable. Since their activity ended in an authority
after the turn, she had to take care of new employment, and finally founded
his own company. This activity, however, it is not as successful as they
hoped, what they very stressed at the moment.
By the way mentioned Ms. Ring two suicide attempts, one during their IM
activities and another in 1996. The first will take you back to the burden of
the conspiratorial work. So, I felt already schizophrenic in some way. And
this schizophrenia was actually the main reason for the suicide thing. The
reason for the second suicide attempt it considers the disappointments in
their relationships. She succeeded, but again and again to overcome their
despair in that they sought new challenges and new partners active. So it has
successfully completed several professional trainings and exercised various
activities.
At the end of the interview she describes her great disappointment
about their experiences in Germany, reunification has brought for them only
disadvantages. With her company she ran into trouble. That they now even have
to worry about health and pension insurance, they experienced as an
additional burden. The house, which she bought together with the partner is
reclaimed by distant relatives of the previous owner, which makes them very
angry because they cannot recover even the house and the property of the
parents in what is now Poland. This assessment of the social requirements are
also reflected in the test examination. Woman ring has in the description of
the group ideal image today and earlier the impression that todays society
of her more subjugation and taciturnity expected, while she believed in the
GDR, more should take a more compulsive and dominant attitude.
Your life she describes as a chain of disappointments and renewed
search for understanding friends, without her here had success again. These
negative experiences corresponds Giessen test a depressive mood and a
negative social resonance in the present self-image. The high value of
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dominance indicates that it has a tendency to lead rather different and even
to avoid dependency.
One of the few people she portrays is positive, the second case
officer, she felt as a friend, because he is also critical of the Stasi
faced, she supported with books, which they would otherwise never be able to
acquire, and shared their religious interests. Multiple emphasizing how much
the study of Buddhism and other religions, they would have strengthened
internally. They have learned from the fact that you can learn from difficult
situations, of crises and not only should complain. One conclusion from our
conversation is for them, among other things, that they no longer want to
feel guilty for all emergency around and seek to they want, often to say no.
At the end of the conversation we need to adopt quickly because my bus ride
to the station. The separation also hard for me, because we had an intensive
contact and I find it regrettable to have to leave you alone now and not
being able to continue the conversation.
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
34
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
defense: What do you mean, what the constitutional protection would drum
given on how to find me so a guy. And so far it has seen, and of course
something Sportive per se. Mr. Gabler stressed that in relation to the BND
HVA people make a had excellent motivation . He felt proud that our
Vorturner were all seasoned anti-fascists from the underground struggle.
This motivation has let him also disadvantages to accept, such as the
demolition of all his social contacts with the beginning of his HVA activity
in the GDR. Although there was much to criticize him, the DDR is for me
still the most precious thing in German history has not produced. At the DDR
he laments her lack of democratic procedure and detachment from reality.
Even after the fall of Mr. Gabler felt no concerns about its HVA
activity: It is normal, that is class struggle. So do not complain to the
wall, to the Wailing Wall and.
Three months later I have with Mr. Gabler a second interview at his
home in order to further deepen with him points that are left open in the
first week, can.
These included building a begun its 1958 employees at the Stasi while
working in the administration of an East German university. He met then
regularly about once a month with a Stasi members to talk to him about the
human and material situation in the University Hospital. He said in this
context, to have created a better understanding of the situation of
physicians in both the Stasi and the SED and when to have been help to obtain
the release of material defects. He then signed a veritable declaration of
commitment to the Stasi and got a code name. The Stasi had just been a fire
brigade equipment if it had gone to the urgent elimination of material
deficiencies, e.g., he once received from the Stasi much needed Tachyotomie
tubes. In addition, Mr. Gabler points out that he had made against the Stasi
understanding there has become unpopular doctors. He hoped thereby to improve
the situation of doctors in the hospitals.
Thus, Mr. Gabler again this week began working for the State Security
Service as social assistance. An understanding about the fact that all this
was happening behind the backs of those concerned with ratings, one of which
for those affected often much depended only appear on a general policy level,
but not with regard to its own involvement in this form of acting in ambush.
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
several years. He took her up on the position: The people who are in the
party who can be fooled, but the party of their ideal, in its approach, is
always right. With this motto, she grew up and holds despite some negative
experience firmly in the real socialism to date it. I mean, really would
have time to ask a lot more, but Im not occurred to me. Thats this piece of
opportunism marriages in their own development, which is however only became
aware after the turn to me.
Their identification with the father is repeatedly subject in the
course of the interview, without, however, reported on their emotional
relationship with him. The mother, however, was in spite of their party
membership more skeptical about the conditions in East Germany and had, as
Mrs. Jung emphasized the realistic look when it e.g., went to the monitoring
of the Father by the Stasi during his party exclusion. With 20 years, after
graduation, she immediately wanted to join the party, but because at that
time preferred working-class children and she was the child of a family of
intellectuals, they had to wait. During her studies in 1975 she received the
invitation, to report to the precinct to clarify a situation. When they
finally realized that the Stasi had summoned her, she was very proud that
their employees to protect the GDR was sought prior to the capitalist enemy.
Since my heart beat up to the neck, I thought, oh, that is now that of which
youve always dreamed of. I want to do something to help my country to do
something against the inhumanity of capitalism. Mrs. Jung should check for
the HVA people in East and West Germany, if they were appropriate for the
collaboration with the Stasi. Their first task was to win a man from West
Germany, which was active in a left-wing organization for employees. She met
him when he came to visit to East Germany, and found the conversations with
him about socialism very interesting. Finally they accompanied two people to
the Stasi friend and tried to recruit him. Without that they had been
informed in advance, it was dekonspiriert before him, so that he disappointed
withdrew from her and not to work for the secret service was ready. Your
guilt of having betrayed a friend and lost it, she could appease the fact
that party and Stasi would always do the right thing.
In subsequent trips to West Germany for the HVA with a false name and a
legend she had no concerns, take with West German contact and to check them
for their suitability for the Stasi. In their reports, they should write down
their opinion as to whether these people would be winnable or not. Ms. Jung
was always happy, safe return of these trips to the GDR, because their fears
of being discovered, despite training were large. They justified their action
by saying that the West was enough reason to consider him as an enemy,
mentioning among other things, Pinochet in Chile. Your enemy also did not
change on their trips to West Germany because they had not dared to talk with
West Germans. Their activity caused her no conflicts because they betrayed no
one, denounced no one, but people wanted to win a good thing. Whether the
aforementioned contact persons were later recruited by the Stasi really is,
she has never experienced. Ms. Jung could not be seduced by the rich world of
commodities in West Germany because they did not see fulfilled their ideal of
a just society there. Their strict moral stance is i.a. clearly, when she
laughs, she would not even have dared to buy a few bananas, which they love
to eat, not to waste the few currencies in the GDR.
At times, she was sent to Hungary and in other Eastern Bloc countries
to address there West German. The occurrence of a legend was difficult for
them, because they often felt insecure. If I have to clean under a legend in
completely foreign circles, then I find it relatively difficult to adjust
myself.
After graduating, she worked at an institution for international
cooperation. As you no longer liked the work because of fears that planned
trips of scientists come about and thus funds could not be wasted, they
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
37
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
38
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
Shortly after the marriage she felt betrayed and left in the lurch. Her
husband often went fishing with friends, let her nights alone at home and
began to drink. Even the son suffered from a difficult family background, as
her husband led no more regular life and had an affair with another woman.
For a long time she has this degrading situation endured until 1961 divorce
filed, as the other woman had a child by her husband. She hoped then to find
peace, but her husband was still been jealous and did not want that she had
other partners. She was only 35 years old and did not want to stay alone. The
other life of Ms. Urban was marked by many disappointments and slights. Until
the suicide of her husband, several years later, there were massive conflicts
with him and his new life partner. Apparently this woman and many neighbors
were enviously at them and their relationships with men and always staged new
intrigue. Here after the impression of Ms. Urban party membership her husband
and his new wife of them was used to them, which was not in the party, to
make bad everywhere to commit slander and incite others against them. They,
too, had occurred in 1945 in the KPD, but her husband had stolen her party
document, because he would not let them come up. Later, she did not want to
enter the SED. After the divorce is imputed to her, she had a lot of men and
give her money on clothes. I was the bitch, and I had a lot of men and not
taken care of my son. The stories seem partly incredible, which is why women
Urban insists repeatedly that I should I watch their victim acts in which I
much confirmed find. There is enumerated very petty, how many male visitor
woman Urban had and how they dressed. It carries out these slurs on back that
the other women on their clothing, their popularity were envious of men and
their repartee and have therefore tried by all means to make them small. Even
her son had been temporarily incited against them.
She herself felt against these attackers, who were allegedly all Party
members, isolated and powerless. Full outrage she describes how he had
managed a relative in 1945, is red colorize, i.e. he was appointed by the
communists and fascists also made in her hometown a party career. He, too,
had schemed against her and her mother finally applied against them, which
made them very sad.
This is followed in its presentation now family conflicts, inheritance
matters and neighborhood disputes. I have the impression that Mrs. Urban in
their isolation is very glad to have found in me an understanding listener,
when they can get rid of all their suffering at last. She has a great need to
relieve yourself of all the allegations and accusations. When she talks about
the party and the Stasi, so it is not about political beliefs and activities,
but to powerful organizations, which are used by the individual to work
through their personal struggles.
As they Stasi invited in November 1967 on the cooperation and offered her to
pay for her monthly 150 marks, she agreed without hesitation, because she
said that she had desperately needed the money after the divorce. They also
hoped that now on their side a powerful institution would stand as her
husband led his fight against them with the aid of the party. It was used in
1968 as a domestic helper in the American headquarters and had about every
three weeks to report her case officer. Officially, she was employed by the
Russian army. Laughing, she says that she had ever experienced as a domestic
helper nothing special, it was doing it only for the money, and she had a bad
conscience. The advantage of working for the Americans was, inter alia, that
she repeatedly was able to take food from the kitchen. Their reports
contained only trivialities, e.g., when and where the Americans went. She
knew about it, as she was preparing food. Secrets we did not know. Just we
were in this respect there for the Stasi there had someone in it. The
collaboration with the Stasi gave her inner strength to fight her husband
because she felt now also protected by a powerful institution. According to
the documents submitted to me I can see later that they indeed for
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
politically reliable kept, but accused her she would act confidently,
contribute too much initiative, which was harmful to an IM. After nearly two
years she lost her job in 1969 because the Stasi was no longer interested in
cooperation. They had to find a new job. This one was her indeed help, as is
also apparent from the documents, but she felt abandoned. After discharge she
was assisted by the Stasi an activity as a switchboard operator. At her young
case officer Mrs. Urban had a friendly but distant relationship.
The character assassination, as she calls it, then continued, since
neither her husband nor his wife and the neighbors gave peace. She could not
complain at the party because there were only members legally. Yes, everyone
had as always right. As could a man who was not in the party, not help it. A
crow does not chop the other from the eye. In order to protect themselves
from the alleged attacks, she turned to her old office in the Stasi and took
her maiden name again.
Rest did not find them, even after the turn. Even today, living in the
home especially former party members and functionaries that hold together
well and plotting against them. Now it is no longer about men out and
vanities, but whether she cleans the windows properly and the hallway versa.
And I get the impression that Mrs. Urban in their isolation is very touchy
and perhaps some behaviors of neighbors interpreted as an attack which are
not so intended. They justified the attacks by saying that she is not willing
to drink with the other residents to work in the neighborhood group and the
party did not belong.
She lives for 27 years in the House, cannot afford another apartment at
her small pension. As it spreads, the stories about the neighborhood dispute
and on, I try several times to respond to their political stance before and
after the turn to turn them back to the actual topic of conversation. For she
has changed after 1989 not a lot when it comes to personal persecution.
Although she finds many new freedoms good, but she herself has benefited
little.
After (today Birthler authority) was at the Gauck Authority and has
seen its documents both as IM as well as under surveillance, they think you
have a little more peace found. They try to keep their distance from the
neighbors, but it was not easy for them. After her parents died, there is
hardly anyone to whom she has confidence. Her father, the idealized she still
was, for them the most important person, only from him she felt accepted and
loved. Her son, who had been drawn into the conflict with the husband, has a
distant relationship with her. She looks at him, although regularly and also
has contact with the granddaughter and great-grandchildren to, but missing a
very close emotional relationship. She feels completely isolated, which is
why the call for them is of particular importance.
In the course of the interview is becoming increasingly clear that it
was their lives in search of an authority that should protect and support
them as the Father, but she has this really found neither in the mens
relationships nor the Stasi. The authority shall notify to the evil, the
party, and the good, the parents, the Stasi and the Gauck Authority. Towards
the end of the conversation it becomes increasingly difficult for me to hear
this sometimes very petty neighborhood disputes obtained only by a political
note, that all the attackers were allegedly party members. During the
conversation I have sometimes wondered how the persecution fears of Mrs.
Urban correspond to reality and to what extent they are projections of their
own desires and feelings of envy.
On the questions of personality tests, which were answered only patchy
from her, Ms. Urban describes itself as a docile person with a depressive
mood that feels more criticized and despised by others, and not assertive.
Due to the many excitements it is also physically ill in recent years.
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
As I read the files at the end of the interview, it becomes clear that
much of what Mrs. Urban has described, is really true. It can be seen almost
unbelievable to me that personal defamation and pettiness which must be read
in the IM report on the volunteer.
Urban woman had me already announced before the interview that she
spoke with a neighbor about my visit and that you certainly do thoughts about
who would come to her. When I leave the house, there are two older women in
the door and let me pass barely, but block my way, staring at me curiously.
Through this experience, I find the messages of Mrs. Urban over their
neighbors once again confirmed. I, too, experience the views of neighbors as
intimidating. In her loneliness woman Urban does not seem to be able to
distance themselves from the clashes with the neighborhood, because otherwise
they would have perhaps found another apartment. Although it is identified
with the communist ideals of the father and had no objections to the
cooperation with the Stasi, but the personal conflicts, especially with the
husband, as a motive were more important than political conviction.
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
returned to the Father as a convinced communist East Germany in the back and
also forced the mother to accompany him. The mother, who had remained in the
West prefer to commit, suicide three years later, what Mrs. Pohl but does not
lose many words. The death of his mother has reportedly does not so painful
loss for them, because they always lived in a group or extended family. In
England, the family felt in the community of emigrants at home, and in East
Berlin, it was again the group of returned exiles who offered her a new home.
Family meant for Mrs. Pohl never very much what was probably because that the
father was often absent through its activities. Ms. Pohl reported that there
are hardly any photos of her family and parents, but only photos of groups.
The stepmother, who married the father shortly after the death of his mother,
she understood not good, there was often armed. She longed, like other
emigrants children be allowed to go into a home or boarding, that the Father
but, well, did not allow even out of guilt. A home was for Mrs. Pohl then
something to aim for, a bit of the kibbutz idea, a life in general. In the
FDJ she felt then also back home. Later, she regretted that they were not
recorded in the party because they did not come from a working class family.
Due to their disputes with the stepmother and her unruly occurrence
Mrs. Pohl left school before graduation. She was supposed to go into
production, but had enough relationships to work in a newspaper can. After
she had made up a high school, she began in 1970 to study sociology and
economics.
After that she worked in addition to their university activities also
repeatedly as journalists and wrote articles and books. Very early she got a
child she temporarily left the mans family. The giving away of the child can
be traced in an interview on her own experience in the family, for she had a
parent-child relationship of no great importance. About her son, she speaks
as well as about her husband very little. In its report are the various
groups in which they lived and worked, in the foreground. The family
relationships on the other hand seem to have given her little maintenance and
security. It describes a similar behavior in the father, who had no time for
her and her mother, only its publisher and his writing as well as the work
for the party devoted. Even her husband she described as a man who completely
absorbed in a job, like alone, leaving her plenty of time. The son is also
involved in various political groups. For Mrs. Pohl there is no separation
between work and family life, everything belongs together, it does not need a
closing time, because their commitment to groups and for the party represents
their lives. In this way she succeeds in also to cope with the fear of
dependence and to avoid disappointment in one relationships. But I think
that this me-embedding and thus my family embedded in these larger families,
I think I probably could stand better than too close.
Confrontations with the Father given many of their behaviors. The
father leaned a convinced communist religion completely from while later
again increasingly turning to religion. He took her too badly, that she wrote
a book about a trip to a Western country, where they do not attack the
imperialist enemy, but raved about it. Ms. Pohl saw his father shortly before
his death again, as he was helpless and confused and the stepmother she asked
for help. Great detail, she describes the frailty and accommodation of the
father in the home. On the one hand identifies with the father, but at the
same time disappointed by him and fought him, by doing things that she knew
they rebelled him.
From the father comes to the emigres to speak, she cared for in a club,
and with whom she often talks about death and funeral. It shall propose
before then where they should seek to bury in the cemetery, and says with a
smile, then we can wait together for the Messiah. On the interpretation to
the fact that they want to preserve the cohesion of the group even beyond
death, she laughs and is also affected. Their commitment to Marxism and the
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boarding school and occasionally visited their parents in East Germany and
was attended by the parents in West travel.
This story is the beginning of their life histories and narratives
emerged later talking again on. She then recounts her alone-being and the
stresses which meant that early in-themselves made-being. She felt at that
time by her family deported and suffered melancholy moods, withdrew dreamy
and envied other about their families.
After the school she made in West Germany trained as a nurse, moved in
1961 to West Berlin and lived there to build the wall. When she in 1963 to
East Berlin to meet her parents drove, she was held there against their will
by the authorities and was until 1975 the GDR again leave.
This involuntary stay in the GDR was for them also, therefore, very
distressing, because she was pregnant in 1963, her son was born in the GDR:
... it just was a matter that my professional life and my life, somehow also
my very own private, through my Son, my career, so my training, everything
was interrupted by this action and actually steered completely different.
That made me very angry. The pregnancy was rejected by their parents,
particularly the father, who died 1966th The mother traveled from 1975 from
the GDR and then remained in the West. That same year, Ms. Forster received
approved their exit visa and moved to West Berlin in order. They left behind
two younger sisters, who were born in the GDR. The youngest sister had been
instructed by the Stasi, to observe Mrs. Forster, has compared to this but
eventually dekonspiriert. Therefore, Ms. Forster also looks as victims of the
Stasi.
She then lived in West Berlin, fell ill in 1978 at a life-threatening
tumor, underwent surgery and Berufsunfahigkeits-pensioner.
The first contact with the Stasi had in 1976 during a visit to the
sisters in East Berlin: As two gentlemen came and rang and said we are from
Customs if they could speak to me once. Then were down and took the car in
the direction of Alex, and then said, we are not by customs. You may perhaps
think of what company we are. Company is good. And then we are driven to
the hotel to the legendary Berlin, and there had a room there and have
talked to me. She was threatened with the withdrawal of permission to visit
and wanted them under surveillance certain persons in West Berlin or about
they are information, including a well-known smugglers. Due to this blackmail
they spoke about the desire to meet in the following years, about three to
four times per year with the Stasi people in East Berlin. However, it
contends that it has not provided any substantial information in a total of
twelve years and harmed no one: If in talks something came out what they
could use in any form, I say that you have, but also experience in the pub
when they now would have been sitting here.
You will then subsequently again to talk about her childhood and being
very independent to the need, as a small child: For something like I
cannot or so, for me there is not ... Unlike shes got her mother as always
comfortable and going the easiest way - mere risk nothing or just not
accept any responsibility - experienced. The father was very domineering, he
leaned everyone in the family. The relationship among the parents she has
experienced positive and loving. Her childhood was, however, characterized by
frequent place of residence and change of school.
Then comes to their first years of life to speak. She was born during
the war, while her birth bombs fell, and the women had to constantly go up
and down, between delivery room and cellar reciprocating Mr. Ennen. It was
then later with the family as a very small child with on the run: afterwards
fed and I have family. I was always chickened out, so that I cry in the
stroller. The Russians and the Americans, that was so the children have then
always reingepackt what. The mother fled with her then to Bavaria, where
they reunited with his father after the war.
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According to the mother, she should indeed have been his fathers
favorite child, but what they from their experiences here never experienced
this: Or maybe anyway, I do not know, but he was with me most severely. The
father of her son is American, with whom she had a terrible time not married.
Later she learned then again know an American, with whom she was married, but
separated from him again. Today, it sees itself as a very independent woman
is not so much can take the scepter from his hand and which experienced the
German men as much as intolerant foreigners. She now lives alone in West
Berlin.
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stepfather. I have not spoken to anyone, I could not tell which. Because, he
has also said that if I tell this, then he kills me, then he beats me with an
ax dead. Thats what he told me. She no longer be able to speak to him about
it later.
After about one and a half hours we arrive on their first contact with
the Stasi during her first imprisonment to speak. She had answered a West
German leaflet with questions about Russian barracks sites, was therefore
arrested in the GDR and interrogated by the Stasi. She wanted time to flee
also from East Germany, after she had been sexually abused by her stepfather.
Important for their future Stasi collaboration was also her addict urge
for men: I have been a very wild rock n roll, foxtrot dancer. That was my
world. With music, I could abnebeln me by humanity. Since I had my own world.
Also had good contact always. Was very contactless ready for men also. And
there looked tenderness or love, or wanted to be married, to be loved like
everyone else maybe. And that became really like an addiction. I could not be
without a man, it has vexed me really. And I am thus also become conspicuous
for the Department of the Interior and also against the population. It said:
the whore !
The next disaster was the birth of her daughter in 1965. She mentions
no father. The child was forcefully adopted at about four years, which
represents woman as a result of persecution Quindt, fraud and ambush, and she
responded with her first suicide attempt.
Then describes me her second psychiatric briefing early 70s, where they
had to work in the pathology: I had the fetuses from the glasses that have
been delivered since - because it was also a forensic clinic - in ovens
throw. I burned the soul! This, too, were for her traumatic experience:
With so what have me in the work therapy busy ... I had thought it might be
worse not even been in a concentration camp! They also reported illtreatment in psychiatry and then describes me an escape attempt through the
forest in Czechoslovakia. Inbound she describes her neglected state in the
forest, but also in the interview culminates chaos by their speech is always
disconnected.
The second contact with the Stasi then arose during the second
detention, when she agreed to spy on fellow prisoners, and then
dekonspirierte. And I let it all first time about me and pourve said, Im
with, because I wanted to see what are they doing there? I could hardly
believe that ... And who recruited us, I was not the only one. . And we
should only times mutually sound out us Later she dekonspirierte itself:
And I said to myself, you cannot vote, what you should start here? Since one
has now had an appeal every day, where we have been counted. And since Im
just stepped forward and said: I can recite what ... And since I have spoken
of this recruitment of the Lieutenant 0. That has enlisted me there and that
I was not the mitmache. I should spy on you. The result was Bunker detention
and psychiatric involuntary commitment.
After her release from prison she had a social worker, who - as it
turned out for them - was a Stasi employees. Which she told of the advances,
which made her a West Berlin lawyer who was probably also involved in border
crossing services company: And this harassment by the X. I have this
supervisor says that he keeps the me from the neck. And I did not realize
what Ive thrown. Now they have indeed now fallen on the X., though I now
knew what it was because ... So she had involuntarily the Stasi delivered a
first important piece of information. A renewed commitment to cooperation
resulted after a further detention. They then reported by a first order: You
should entice the West Berlin lawyer X., who helped in the escape of East
Germans to the GDR. However, they did the opposite: And as I have in a night
bar, somewhere in Berlin, met someone And since I have given a card, he wants
to be so nice and would like to hand over the X.: he shall not enter into the
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
persecuted in the now. So it was some relief, was found as officially that
they had been treated law unconstitutional in the GDR for them. She also
received financial compensation, from which it purchased the land on which it
now resides.
The real character of their IM activities she thinks to have recognized
only after the fall of the wall: Through the television, I then mitgekriegt
what that was for a job ... And then I ... The guilt was then so hot , And
these attacks on the population. I look today ... as if I want to hurt
yourself, this program of informers. And since I want to kill me ... but this
time with alcohol. Because I wanted to have a real great effect, that you
cannot save me again.
From her current residence, she says: This is my safe jail. Thats my
cell, and if I do not want, I do not open the door ... and Im almost a year
did not go by land, until the Lord K. then forced me out, by the therapy.
At the end of the conversation I ask her if she because today have the
impression that these experiences could slow somewhat back into the past for
them. Not yet: For this she says. That has absorbed me so, I only live in
this tunnel. I do not know why. I want - Im looking, looking, and there is
no end. The body no longer let me go. Its really like an addiction. Why,
why, why, why me?
After our adoption brings me her husband to the station.
In the psychological test results, shows the current self-image of
women Quindt as extremely depressed, socially withdrawn, with the feeling of
social helplessness. The sensation of a negative social resonance has
radically enhanced with her since the turn.
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activity the book writing, and that this book was addressed to the State to
commit by my statement and commit that this man was anyway set of his state
of consciousness against the State. Mr. Pollok has all this essentially
confirmed with a few drawbacks . He describes to me that he had gone at the
trial to the Observierten and normally greeted him with a handshake. The
response was that both the judge and the prosecutor have very vicious
responds, almost to a reference. In this trial, he had weakened his earlier
statement: Since what has been done, what is dealing critically with our
presence, and how should that be to the detriment and to the detriment of our
society and the state system? I think only one critical cooperation can move
forward, you can simply return it to solve problems and build certain way.
The under surveillance has been sentenced to four years in prison and
had to settle for half of them. Even after sentencing Mr. Pollok had contact
with the wife of Observierten and also reported to the Stasi on these
contacts.
He told me also of a reward in the amount of 100 Westmark, he
immediately returned have. After some arguing he got the money yet assumed
his case officer something bought it and keep the rest for themselves.
Another order for keeping an eye to a special person, he refused,
categorically. And there came a point where I said clearly that I will not
do! This negative attitude explains Mr. Pollok first intellectual: He had
come through critical reading to a different assessment of the Stasi and the
GDR. Only after my inquires as he confirmed to have had feelings of guilt:
Thats really a massive, concrete harm to a person come through my share.
By changing his employer he finally brought about a cessation of work as IM.
Mr. Pollok was relieved at the end of this cooperation, but has spoken to
turn to anyone about it: That was like a dark chamber, and held the door
closed, and when it comes, nor throw away the key. During this time he was
very involved in church circles, also made street theater work and dealt
with alternative lifestyles. And we were a group, we have not just played,
we have actually lived like that.
At the time of reunification, he was engaged in a citizens committee
and outed for the first time in a small circle of friends. Finally, he
revealed himself to the board of the Citizens Committee. He got the support
to get the documents on the file, contact the betrayed by him friend and
introduce this throughout the meeting. Thus then did for him, the process of
working up began. When he read his IM Act, he noted that huge differences
between his memories and what was there was. I knew my cover name no longer,
I also did not know how was the time take place? In a written declaration,
signed or not, everything just read in the file. (...) And that was really
the time a huge shock. Mr. Pollok found what he read in the Act itself, on
the whole, adequately.
In addition, Mr. Pollok met with his victims, which brought him
Observierten and imprisoned friend in West Germany. I wanted him (...)
really can say that in person, what I feel, as I see it now, what I did back
then, and just ask him to apologize. In retrospect, he is ashamed
particularly about a lot of information to have given, from the personal
environment which normally do not belong . Today he explains the detail of
its information by saying that he was simply obedient. The other asked, and
I answered.
He feels now through this part of his life story very stressed: I
think that will remain so. (...) And in my life that is really also the most
serious mistake Ive ever made, the real reason for his behavior, he does
not understand to this day:.. There is a huge dark chapter
When asked me Mr. Pollok finally told a few words about his origins. He
grew up as an only child, said he experienced his father as rather absently:
The father had always to do any other things. In his adolescence, the
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
parents divorced. He was very often with their grandparents, who lived
nearby. His father was a member of the SED, committed member, right 200
percent full drinne. As a result he was professionally and very tied into
the party work and away from the family. The mother took great care in their
upbringing on externals and have no access to the had, what moved him inside.
He felt her no interest per se, and thus there had been little conversation.
He can remember having cuddled or played with her as a child barely. In
contrast to the family, he experienced the political organization of the GDR
as an area where I said to myself, this is something where you can purely be
his strength, can reintun his emotional range (...). When he later became
involved in the student community, which had become emotional range even
more. And this feeling that there really even radiation of heat was there, I
had a lot more than in the previous circle.
I tell Mr. Pollok at this point that my impression to work after he on
the advertising of a friend, for the Stasi, have therefore responded so
positively, because it there was a special appreciation, which had been
lacking in the years before in the family That you times someone has said
that you are really quite important. He then said emphatically: The
Totally, exactly, and also the feeling of a very long retrospective view, is
exactly right, also applies fully to the core! Thats what I think was one of
my main motivations.
Mr. Pollok reserves until the end of the conversation its very
orderly, thoughtful attitude with, and so the conversation goes well now very
quiet and friendly to the end.
The impression that Mr. Pollok mediated talks, confirmed also in the
psychological test results: He was there trying to be no so-called extreme
answers, i.e. Statements must be crossed, which would be at the edge of the
normal field. Instead, he is more of an above-average number of so-called
middle answers. Has at its self-image after the turn changed nothing: he sees
himself more than a man who evokes not so many positive reactions in others.
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
copied
out of
again,
wanted
to the
there. At that time I was very courageous, have just the things taken
the safe, and then off. And then who copied that, then Ive tricked it
although since was the State Security. When she finally no longer
to join, print resources were used. She was threatened to betray them
Stasi.
The fact that they agreed to work for the BND, we can understand the
basis of her biography in an interview. As a motive for this can work out
that in the West and the stresses to which it had been previously exposed,
resentment she had on the state due to the escape of her father 1951st His
father had worked for the Reich Railway and should be repeatedly shot by the
Russians because he refused to cooperate. There was constantly the theater
because the locomotives could not provide. Since he has just taken a
locomotive and ran away with it. Since the relationship between the parents
was not so good, he does not attempt to be joined by the family. Ms. Vogel
was at that time very sad, but is then himself soon drawn away from the
family in the big city in a dormitory for trainees. The father she has never
seen. The family was after the escape of the Father surveys exposed by the
Stasi, which Mrs. Vogels anger intensified in the state. Hatred Ive always
had the club (the GDR), through my father, because we were indeed heard. We
did not want to believe that we do not know where he is, and that hes just
cut down.
To her biography she continues, that it never had a real family, in
which they felt provided. The father was often absent as locomotive engineer
and the mother whose mother herself was in turn died early, showed no
maternal feelings neither you nor the brother against. The saying that a big
dog would have preferred as a child, Ms. Vogel has never forgotten. She
pulled out so early and was independent of the family. The contacts with the
representatives of the BND she felt taken seriously and acknowledged. She had
the impression to be important for the secret service.
Your work for the BND in 1956 thereby terminating that a spy from the
West defected to East Germany and revealed the names of many BND informants
at the Stasi. She came immediately into custody and spent four months in
solitary confinement. The terrible conditions of the East German prison they
would have completely demoralized. This must be just endure. One has also
not seen in the free hour either. The hallways were so basically empty when a
prisoner went through the house, they were all under lock and key. Hands
behind his back, the step out face to the wall. In the process, then you
offered her to shorten the sentence of ten or fifteen years to five years, if
they agreed, then to work for the Stasi. Although they did not believe it,
but the thought of being in the GDR prison fifteen years was so frightening
that they agreed to work together for her as a young woman. She gave her
fight but as soon not. Even in prison they are often resisted by example
repeatedly went on a hunger strike and insisted on being taken to the doctor.
She was not intimidated by the drastic punitive measures while in custody.
That both the BND and her family left in the lurch, she has very
disappointed. She was never visit during the five-year imprisonment. After
her release from prison her family did not care about them. The father had
died shortly after her release, she lost contact with the brother and the
mother, what she did not regret.
When Ms. Vogel was founded in 1961 after five years returned from
prison back into the detention center, her then interrogator was shocked by
her condition. Until they could be laid off permanently, she was nursed for
several weeks. Ms. Vogel can only tedious talk about these experiences and
struggles here against her tears. They had to sign a declaration of
commitment and collecting information, for the Stasi. After being released,
she found a job because they had denied her the civil rights for many years.
The Stasi helped her though, to find an apartment, but they did not support
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
in finding a job. Finally, she could find a freelancer working for a film
company, first as small Actress, later as a secretary in the production.
Your job when Stasi was to describe the processes at work, and to
report in restaurants and hotels on those present and the contents of the
talks. The people were unknown to her, and she wondered what value these had
their banal appearing information for the Stasi. They, too, was once sent to
Czechoslovakia to observe there in a hotel an unknown to her. The contacts
with the frequently changing enforcement officers she describes as very
superficial, they found irregularly and at greater distances instead.
A married six months after her release Ms. Vogel in the hope of finding
a new family, and was again disappointed when the man was an alcoholic and
the marriage she actually brought only misfortune, so that they do, but only
after 21 years , divorced. The only confidants were and still are to this day
her two children, especially the son, the daughter less. After his release
from prison, she suffered from severe anxiety, she was under observation,
fearing always that the children would be involved, what happened a few
times. The son was repeatedly invited to work for the Stasi, the chair should
be locked up in prison and sound out there as Zelleninformator inmates. They
have done their utmost to prevent it. He was incited by his father against
the state, refused to do military service and got a lot of difficulties. When
the son applied to leave, it was in turn borrowed danger for the family. They
were edited by the Stasi until he withdrew the request. Ms. Vogel feared
repeatedly that they could go to prison again. Already at GDR times, she was
under psychiatric care because they suffered from the consequences of trauma
such as sleep disorders, anxiety and depression. In order to protect
themselves from the authority in her home town, she submitted an application
to be able to relocate to Berlin, what was her finally approved. The daughter
had left already with 18 years the parental home, the son went with her to
Berlin, eventually found a place with the help of the Stasi in a department
store in which mainly women of Stasi officers worked. From her it was
expected that she told her case officer, which reported the son at home from
his workplace, for example, if goods have been moved. She repeatedly
emphasized that they were all irrelevancies and she wondered why the Stasi
such reports collected at all.
Due to the psychological stress it Ms. Vogel finally succeeded with 50
years after several approaches to obtain a disability pension. She hoped to
finally find peace. The Stasi but does not yet let go. Once every four weeks,
she met her case officer at home or at a cafe and had about the experiences
of her son reported in the department store. Her son was not even IM. Only
once she received yet an official order, they should go to an event of
Jehovahs Witnesses to West Berlin, and report on the presentations and the
persons present. Ms. Vogel told that they did not understand from the
nonsense a lot and was able to report anything special. They took the
opportunity to go to West Berlin, but also for themselves. At the border
crossing Checkpoint Charlie they chatted with a duty officer, who referred
her to a man in the Berlin Senate. This in turn gave her an additional
opportunity to work and supported them in the search for medical help for her
son.
Her son suffers from a serious rheumatic disease that was initially not
diagnosed in the GDR properly. With their battle for the son Mrs. Vogel
demonstrated again that it can never be beaten. But since Im not a peaceful
man, and luckily could ruherfahren already, I went to the League Against
Rheumatism, and who enlightened me first. And then I have the necessary crash
because organized through State inputs, up only once such a test has been
made. As I have constantly invested me with the professor because any
nonsense told, but I knew now exactly know. She forced in this way, the
doctors in East Berlin to investigate and treat according to the son. Always
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
surprised again Mrs. Vogel me with the fact that despite all their suffering
never gave up and fought courageously for herself and her son.
Your burden is not heard with the turn of 1989, however, as she had
hoped. She moved to the western part of the city, expecting more support. But
there were new frustrations towards them. Although her son a job has been
found with an authority after a long search finally, but they still do not
know whether you will hire him permanently. While talking about his son and
also about their disappointment by their own parents Mrs. Vogel repeatedly
occur tears in her eyes, she can no longer maintain their control and the
predetermined thickness. Behind the anger and the hatred of their
hopelessness and exhaustion are perceptible. Ms. Bird says, she would have
her despair can never indulge, because then they would have perished. Your
struggles she understands as a diversion, by which they could handle all the
loads.
A big disappointment for them was that the process they made it after
the reunification of the Western side of espionage. Since she retired as once
had to carry out an order of the Stasi in East Berlin, the observation of the
witnesses described above Jehovah, it could be assumed her West espionage.
She was sentenced to a fine and had a long time to pay 20 DM a month.
Furious, she makes sure she gets only a very small pension, since the time
they worked for the BND, and the detention time in the GDR will not be
counted. With the help of a lawyer bird woman is fighting for a higher
pension, but do not know if they will succeed. Since they cannot live on 650
DM pension, she receives a housing allowance from the Social Welfare Office.
Despite their trauma woman bird fighting continues and has not given up. They
stressed that they would prefer to work more in order not always to sit at
home alone. Although she has good contacts with their children, but most of
the time she is alone, watching television or crosswords. In the evening she
does not dare to go out, because it was very dangerous in their area.
As ringing during the interview a neighbor three times, the prearranged
signal, said Ms. Vogel, she did not want to be disturbed and will not open
now. We understand their behavior so that they are hidden with me, as it has
previously done it with the enforcement officers. After all her experiences
she has become very suspicious and do not want the neighbor learns of the
visit. The sole confidant with whom they can talk about their IM activities
except the psychiatrist and the lawyer, is her son. Although she has the
children, when they were more informed about their past and the IM activity,
but the daughter is not interested, while the son of applying a lot of
understanding, because he was subjected to persecution because of his
departure even the application.
Ms. Vogel feels abused by all and unfairly treated, both by the family
and the Stasi, the BND, and after 1989, the West German justice system, which
took no account of her difficult fate. It did not ask why she had become IM,
took no account of their long imprisonment in the GDR and the extortion of IM
activities. Their hope to be possibly as other prisoners ransomed in the GDR,
had been disappointed by the BND has heard only once on their request,
something. It was a representative of the BND to her, gave her money directly
into their own hands, because you keep it secret and did not want to be
transferred to their account, and disappeared again. Although they promised
to return, but that never happened, and her letters to the BND Pullach were
not answered. Attempts to make about the CIA, the American intelligence
looking her file, and then possibly get support, not lead to the goal. Ms.
Vogel was punished on the GDR in many ways for their youthful naivety and
their hatred. Although she has repeatedly been combative, is in the interview
very clearly how helpless and desperate she is and that she has the trauma of
the imprisonment never processed. The Giessen Test is also evidence of a
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
59
2 Summaries of 20 interviews
the family led, inter alia, thereby a contented life in the GDR with a
certain level of prosperity and the possibility of occasional trips to the
West. Although Mr. Erler acknowledges that there other much worse off in the
GDR that people also unjustified sat in prison, but that does not stop him
from seeing particularly positive in the East German society and a lot of
negative in todays Germany, especially in the social sphere. He stressed
that he could also be manifested in the times of the GDR critical of abuses,
without fear of sanctions. It had gone to him in collaboration with the Stasi
to the betterment of society and not personal gain. Today he is a member of
the Association for Civil Rights and Human Dignity and fights against the
prohibitions of previously politically active citizens of the GDR.
At the end he refers to his numerous publications and highlight its
professional qualification.
The test showed that Mr. Erler describes for before and after the turn
as a socially oriented personality with a more positive mood. Subsequently he
sees himself more overly controlled and obsessively at the time of the GDR.
Today he believes that society expected of him more dominance and greater
restraint and seclusion. In the GDR, he felt more in line with the
expectations of society. After the official part of the interview it still
happens to talk about the situation in the GDR and the experiences of Mr. and
Mrs. Erler and after the turn. In this case, both strive to give me reasons
for their criticism of the actually existing capitalism and to gain
recognition for achievements of socialism.
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pride. On the other hand, he suffered from the rage of the father, if this
something did not succeed due to the disability. But he was not only the
right arm of the Father, but also identified himself with him, he denied this
as any weakness. He was allowed to so cannot defend like a friend to the
excessive demand in the sports academy or feel homesick. It was not until the
end of his studies one of his sons on grounds of disability seriously ill and
died, he fought for the first time against the ruthless demands to leave the
child alone and to attend a training event. Mr. Voss used the little son for
a year and refused to participate in a training camp. He was then made ready
before the assembled students team, making him very depressed. Until then, he
had all the requirements subject to protest and completed his studies as a
Best of 60 students.
In the Academy, where he was a doctorate, were more than 90 percent
Party members, you put him under pressure, also join the party. A long time
he hesitated, then finally said to himself: That was one thing that went
against the grain, but I had developed a philosophy for me, I said, well,
stand outside and complain that everyone can, youll times Member, then you
have a bit of rest, and youre more involved, and perhaps changes in this
country are indeed possible. In 1983, he decided to make the request for
inclusion. During his candidacy as a so-called SED member, he was appointed
to the party leadership, at the interview not only the party secretary was
present, but an employee of the Stasi got in touch with him. He was, as he
later learned, in 1971, when he received a package from West relatives, have
been noticed and under surveillance. Along with admission to the party is
recruited him about 1984 to the Stasi. His first assignment was at the
academy to read research and to check which one had to keep secret the fact
that on several research had been published earlier in West Germany than in
East Germany. The idea was to prevent scientific espionage. He experienced it
as an honor that he was allowed to read him many otherwise inaccessible
works, and also considered it important that these research results did not
reach to the West in the field of social science borrowed and educational
research. That he time faster than others got a telephone connection, he was
surprised, but later he realized that served to monitor him. That who
monitored me by phone, the idea would never have occurred. I was really quite
naive. In retrospect, I realized, there was of course a certain amount of
lead time, which have monitored me by phone if I have contacts with the
West.
He got a very friendly young case officer, in which he was allowed to
practice and criticism of the party, and reported that about every four weeks
on the read work. After the case officer had first visited him twice in his
apartment, the meetings were held in safe houses. Mr. Voss describes that he
was proud of the one hand, to have been chosen for a special mission, on the
other hand, had a queasy feeling because it was nothing official.
After one year, this work should stop, but it turned out that it was
only a test phase actually, some kind of testing before actually provided for
him task. They wanted him to make so docile and examine his motivation. The
next job was much harder, and he got another, placed higher, stricter
enforcement officer. They offered him a study on young people perform in a
Berlin factory that made him very interested and also fell in his research
area. Although he did not believe that he would be selected for such work,
but the case officer assured him that if the Stasi need him, Mrs. Honecker
would agree. And so he got the research contract and began his investigation
into the operation. Linked to this, however, was that he was a young officer
working there, a social scientist observe, who allegedly had contacts with
peace and environmental groups. About this man he should deliver information
to prove his subversive attitude. The mission stressed Mr. Voss much because
he did not want to talk about people. On the other hand he did not say also
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no, because the research mandate very irritated him. In addition to his
ambition played a certain fear involved because relatives had fled to the
West and we therefore put him indirectly under pressure. He tried to resolve
the conflict through withdrawal, reported little and gave only such
information, in his opinion, did not harm the Observierten. Over time, he
managed to establish a friendly relationship with the colleagues, but did his
job all the more difficult. When I met the man more, quite a mess has arisen
in me, in my emotional life. So until then, it was somehow quite acceptable
for me, this lucrative business with the research mission, and from then on
was my very uncomfortable. Mr. Voss avoided, inter alia, that the families
first met and met with the colleagues alone.
As he tells it, is clearly the conflict to feel, under which he was
suffering at the time. He reluctantly reported that he repeatedly thought of
to reveal himself to his friend and tell him of his IM activity, but the
shame held him back. I had so much fear and so much shame, that I said, what
I can do to protect him, I do, but I did not manifest. The Stasi tried to
put pressure on him by one claiming to compare its reports with those of
other IM from this area. This colleague still received even in GDR times a
job as an editor in a publishing house, which was the evidence of Mr. Voss
that he had not really hurt him.
He even came in ever greater internal conflict, since the work in the
peace groups also convinced him that he on the other hand but also it held
that the socialist state had to be protected. The acquaintance him new worlds
were opened up, he had never known what it but also mentally stressed. To
cope with this conflict and family difficulties, he began to drink regularly,
and finally had to realize that he had become an alcoholic, although he very
controlled, only in the evening drinking and no one noticed. It came to the
alienation and separation from his wife, and he was increasingly in a
depression with suicidal ideation. This corresponds to the test in an
otherwise unchanged self-image today and earlier a larger depression in GDR
times. The fathers role was the only thing that kept him alive. He worked to
exhaustion, then gave in the summer of 1989 returned his party membership and
also declined the Habilitation. In an academy meeting he was criticized and
exposed by all. The humiliation he felt was very hurtful, it disappointed him
that no colleague was ready to assist him. Together with two colleagues, he
was dismissed from the institute. After the Stasi had only occasionally
generally questioned him after the departure of observierten friend from the
operation of meetings of the peace circle, the contacts ceased in the summer
of 1989 on gradually.
In the crisis situation in the autumn of 1989, Mr. Voss founded with
two colleagues outside the academy a club for youth work, he assisted various
bodies continued to expand even after the turn. It then succeeded around 1991
after he had been temporarily unemployed after completion of the Academy, to
get a job in the administration of a city. On the personal information sheet,
he had the question of cooperation with the Stasi in the negative, because he
believed not to be able to cope in this time without work his situation. He
felt mentally very burdened, had just overcome his drinking problem, hoping
to finally be able to make a fresh start in a new marriage. I knew that I
have to cheat in this situation. That was as clear as the Amen in the church
for me. I felt abandoned by all alone in the situation in August 91. Since I
have no written purely in the personal file and have the full consciousness
of doing what will eventually happen to anyone after checking. Mr. Voss had
not hoped that his file had disappeared, but he wanted to take the
opportunity to a meaningful to do for him life-saving work, until it revealed
its IM activity. The burden of conscience has naturally been gnawing at my
health, i.e. in the years 91 to 93 I have again overloaded me really. I am
nervous been quite at the end. The discovery in 1993 and the loss of his
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find contact with him. The mother who was a housewife always there for him,
he kissed and held him very closely linked to itself as a mamas boy. When he
was given approximately three years because of illness of the mother
temporarily in a nursery, he was so desperate that he became ill also and you
had to take it out quickly. Mr. Stahl describes his childhood as very happy.
When he was 15 years old, the parents were suddenly picked up by state
security, without that he and the two and a half years older brother knew the
reason for the arrest. Gradually they learned that the father was accused of
espionage and the mother because of their complicity. The father was
sentenced in 1969 to life imprisonment for Military Intelligence, the mother
to eight years. Nobody at that time was worried about the children, so that
the two themselves were left. Because they wanted to avoid being housed as
minors in a home, they asked anyone for help. They lived at first only from
apprentice money of his brother, after the conviction, the parents had to
work in prison, and sent them some money regularly. Even a teacher supported
him by saw to it that he could freely eat at school. After some time, also
took care of a neighbor to him and his brother, it was used by the Stasi to
do so; as it turned out later. The FDJ was eventually for him a surrogate
family, he spent a lot of time at a club and won a lot of friends. Mr. Stahl
described the separation from parents without major emotions, so that I have
to ask about his feelings again and again to see how much burdened him this
situation. Before his classmates he concealed the reason for the absence of
parents and told them they were in Cuba. He was allowed to visit their
parents in prison regularly every six months. It was very painful for him to
see his mother in such a bad state. With the mother he had great compassion,
as they grew thin in captivity and became ill. On the other hand, Father,
which it fared better in the prison, and the CIA, he was very angry, but not
to the Stasi, which was in his opinion the right to condemn a spy. I have my
father very accused, he has very strong at that time the family risked. He
has embarked on one thing that was extremely dangerous for himself, but also
for the family. Because of its socialist education, to which the CIA had
advised the father to camouflage, Mr. Stahl was identified with the East
German state. And the (CIA) of course told him logically, educate him for
the purposes of a young socialists to be as inconspicuous as possible. And he
ended up doing exactly that. That I so now was a Red, which lies on the CIA.
His later willingness to work for the Stasi, therefore, among other things
happened out of political conviction. Another motive was the fear of possible
harm to the mother by a refusal, but also the revenge on the father and the
restitution to the State betrayed by her father. At 17 he was appointed to
the FDJ leadership, which asked him to help as a good comrade, to observe two
alleged enemies of the state. He had won over the FDJ contacts with the son
of an East German dissident and his wife. His mission was to report on these
and other friends in the FDJ and to influence them to turn them again to
socialism. He did not have the impression to say something negative and
harming the friends so because he only reported positive and helped them to
be subsequently included in the SED and allowed to study. Its IM activity had
by his knowledge of the Friends positive consequences. That he reported
secretly about it, was not a problem for him. The regular contacts with his
case officer, where he found a father substitute, were very supportive. Mr.
Stahl said that he had with him can lead interesting conversations as with
others in the FDJ. As a teenager, he witnessed the secret contacts as well as
an exciting adventure, it was for him like in a detective movie. After one
and a half years ago when he came to the NVA in 1972, the Stasi was no longer
interested in him because he probably had not supplied enough information. In
the army, there was just one more time to a contact with the liaison officer
to the Stasi, in which he complained about an exercise.
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father. Even his transfer to another school after the end of the process won
brought him allegedly only benefits.
Mr. Stahl is still largely identified with the East German school system,
sees many positive aspects and tends to trivialize the earlier problems. The
restrictions imposed by strict controls and policy requirements in the GDR
school system have not charged him. Although he would not want again to join
a party, but the injustices of todays society and the great social
differences he finds unacceptable. At the end of the interview he gives me
the impression that he is very concerned to protect themselves from emotional
shocks and to distance themselves from stressful experiences by describing as
a historian.
This image can also be found in the test results again. Mr. Stahl
describes in the self-image both earlier and today as a socially capable,
tend manic personality. He feels recognized and respected in its environment.
In contrast to the communist era, he believes less controlled by the turn,
i.e. less neat to have to be on time and compulsively. On the other hand, he
thinks that todays society expected of him more reticence as regards the
expression of feelings and needs.
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2 Summaries of 20 interviews
have been so ... with me again gets the impression that Mr. Mahler painful
topics positivized .
Repeatedly I ask about the circumstances of his upbringing. Although he
received very friendly to each of my questions, but is also apparent that Mr.
Mahler reluctantly talks about this issue. It was not easy for his mother to
raise him in a small town alone. The mother would be accused today that it
had not then informed him in time on the methods of the Stasi. Because she
had of her professional position her experience with the Stasi. He had his
mother very revered and said, very, very cordial relationship to have her
one. He looks after her and that they strictly dealt as a child from her
concern out with him and allowed him less, was allowed as other children. She
was a good-hearted woman, the very care by the cohesion of the family.
In a further demand toward I learn that he was a child much alone: Even
as a toddler he was a week crib where the children were executed on Monday
introduced and collected on Friday. Later in kindergarten, he was separated
7-18 clock from the mother, ... then they picked me up. It was sometimes a
bit bitter because I was always the last one. Something ausfhrlieber
reported Mr. Mahler from Christmas that also had always been a little bit
bitter for him because his mother always visit as head of personnel on
December 24 company employees went and he remained alone. I wonder at this
point whether Mr. Mahler possibly with the Christmas experience of loneliness
responsive, rooted in the early experiences of the week crib or massive
separation from the mother. He thinks, however, not to have suffered greatly
from being alone: So I have not really felt in the sense a lack ... My
childhood was actually quite carefree, if one so wishes. It was obvious to
him also very good experiences and alternatives, such as to provide the farm
holidays with relatives, sports at school and his ability at school and good.
Later he made his baccalaureate with honors.
As a student, he worked at the Young Pioneers, and then in the FDJ.
Although he was greatly distressed later to join the SED, he did not.
Bothered him particularly the duplicity of SED functionaries, on the one hand
in thick Volvos rumfuhren, and on the other side had to run around here
for a piece of wood. He also took exception to try to influence his teaching
politically.
For the profession as a teacher, he had chosen through the role model
of our teachers. Of particular importance was his class teacher who was one
heart and soul. Enthusiastically told me Mr. Mahler, as he has now in turn
accepted as a teacher and his students called it, so that to thank them
partially for several years after completing school with him. I tell Mr.
Mahler at this point that he probably could therefore engage as well as a
teacher, because he caught up something he had missed in his childhood: a
fathers position. Mr. Mahler confirms its addition Going far beyond the
Professional Commitment and said that he was a teacher never been that
withdrew only teaching and by one standing on the tennis court. Mr. Mahler
reported then continued on his dedication to his students, which he describes
in detail specific examples repeatedly.
I interrupt this conversation transition by asking him about the
beginning of his collaboration with the State Security Service. Mr. Mahler
answers this question directly, but explains how inexperienced he was 19
years as a high school graduate. He had, for example, had no experience with
girls, and it had been there a couple of development deficits, also due to
the upbringing of his mother. These rudimentary critique of his mother
allowed Mr. Mahler but fall by defending his mother and running, how
difficult it had been there with his birth, in view of the ugly behavior my
mother my father against. My father, my mother also exploited more or less.
Pep Talk A demand Mr. Mahler versa then again to the circumstances of his
first contact Stasi back. He had been called after graduation for military
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and came into a barracks, which lay on the Baltic Sea and at that time was
Twelve hours drive away from home. He was in his company, the only high
school graduate and had little experience with the use of alcohol and such
stories. Therefore, he did not belong to the other felt and was also
excluded. And it was also partly massively insulting ... Mr. Mahler
describes me how much he felt at the time as an outsider, until he once
three boxes full of brandy brought. That gave him recognition. Since he was
the only one with high school, he was brought into the bar after a certain
time by a Major, to manage social documents of the soldiers and the NCOs.
There he was asked about a possible collaboration with the Stasi. They told
him how important he was, and that one would be vigilant against foreign
agents always. Mr. Mahler agreed and signed a statement of commitment.
Subsequently he thinks that his boss has a little taken advantage of the
fathers role, this deficiency. He was then 20 years old. His first
assignment at the time of the World Festival in the GDR was to write a
progress report on his group. He wrote only two reports, which he mentioned
in one that comrades showed the Hitler salute. There are seven meeting
reports, which has drawn up the Stasi officer. These reports originated a
statement to which Mr. Mahler said to have no memory: A member of the company
said then shortly after the death of Ulbricht: Pity the Buchenwald have
closed down because they could indeed burn Ulbricht. Due to its disclosure of
this sentence to the Stasi Mr. Mahler later before the Federal Labor Court
lost his case for reinstatement, as he had played with this statement a
personal statement that could have hurt very much to the person concerned.
When his case officer offered him money for his reports, he had refused to do
so and ended cooperation. He later became a teacher again approached and
asked to provide information about a student of the Stasi. This he refused.
About two years after reunification, now Mr. Mahler was assistant
principal, the principal of the school was suspended because of Stasi
collaboration, and 14 days later, Mr. Mahler himself came to the series.
Within two hours, he had to pack his things and was not allowed to enter the
school. Until then, he had hoped that his earlier collaboration with the
Stasi during the army time remain undiscovered or would no longer be able to
find in the Stasi files. Afraid I was actually not otherwise have the also
reported again and would have said, come on, go ahead. And from my memory
that was finished there. He had the feeling that in a frenzied hole to
fall. Throughout the District, his case was known, and even his wife was no
longer greeted at their own school. You are a giant temple IM ... bum and theyve got no chance ... This notion is indeed haunted ... Today, there
are indeed manslaughter arguments. You can even do anything about it, for
now. He found the whole process totally unjust and tried with all legal
means to defend themselves against it. The Staff of the school had opposed
his dismissal, but the school board has not agreed to the decision of the
staff council. Then, the central staff of the city has also voted against the
dismissal. Only the arbitration committee, where employer and employee
representatives come together, chose it for the cancellation. He filed an
action for dismissal protection, went up before the Regional Labor Court,
which summoned the denunciation as lawful. The case went to the Federal Labor
Court on the revision there also summoned to the dismissal as lawful because
its Notification of Buchenwald-utterance would have been to the detriment of
the person concerned. Another appeal to the Federal Constitutional Court has
not been accepted. Mr. Mahler thought: At a comrade betrayal is the worst
thing there is, I guess. That was certainly a view of the judges.
Mr. Mahler then told me details of his current work situation. He has
worked in very different areas, made different professional approaches, e.g.,
at a Waldorf school, but there have to date found no prospects for him, which
would have brought him a secure job. Finally, we come back to the loss of his
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teaching job to speak, and Mr. Mahler stressed again that he sees not the
proportionality at all, understanding of the criticism of Stasi employees in
his case. He has the feeling that made an example of him, which is not
personally meet him.
The opinions undertook Mr. Mahler initially with respect to the changes
in society before and after the turn, are also reflected in the test
psychological results. In the GDR, therefore more docility and self-control
were of the people has been requested, while the present-day society
considered more dominant appearance as desirable. Mr. Mahler overestimated
himself as a GDR times dominant and tends to be less controlled than desired.
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divorce, the woman Onken has made is not good for the children, etc. The
mother had her son very much.
When asked me explained Ms. Onken why the relationship with her
stepfather was so difficult: The time was when she was ten years old,
collected from one day to the other, without having been informed at home.
She must then heat the oven in her room itself, and it could happen before,
that her stepfather the garbage dumped into the room when she had forgotten
to carry the garbage can. At 17, she eventually moved from home. I had then
met the D., which had been the biggest mistake of my life. Ms. Onken was
drawn to him and came over with a group of young people, with whom the whole
mess began. I guess I just wanted to be loved. She came into financial
difficulties, and since then I began to overdraw the account or issue
checks, which were not covered. She had covered her account to several
thousand dollars, and was then sentenced to one year and eight months
imprisonment without parole. They came up with 18 years in prison and had to
spend in prison for one year and three months. She felt the prison as a just
punishment. The time was tough, she was with 18 other prisoners in a room
with three-story beds. Because of their education, she headed in the prison
time a course for illiterate. And that has really fun for me ... As was also
shadowed me how I do it. After the detention, she was released on parole and
spent two years working hard to pay off their debts. The debt she also wanted
to therefore execute quickly, because they had become pregnant and had set
itself the goal to be debt free before the childs birth. I really wanted to
have a child at that time, but Ive lived. Although I did not want a man, but
I wanted to have a child.
The contact with the Stasi had emerged within the penitentiary system
at the outset. Ms. Onken reported that their phantom sketches submitted by
other people and they are asked if they know the person or not. It was only
later she found out that this was a survey by the Stasi. During her work in
the laundry she had to control the work performance of other prisoner and
inform the timekeeping of the Stasi. She signed a declaration of commitment
and received a code name. I thought that was kind of strange, but I did not
then also made me so worry about. Of course I wanted to do everything
possible to be dismissed early on, and then actually found anything bad here.
That would anyway come to light. The performance I have always settled, and
it was then also counted. In this respect, it was now not something wrong or
something. She was also asked about wanting to leave in its layer, but said
to have given to any information. In its relations with the other prisoners,
they remained in a friendly distance, Im very good terms with all, and that
was actually been my goal. I was there with no closer friends or the like,
which I did not want to.
Case officer was responsible for the film Woman lieutenant, to which
it at different distances for them - was quoted - about three to four weeks.
She then consented to this cooperation without hesitation because she
felt guilty, some wanted to make amends, and also had the impression that a
no will turn her then interpreted negatively ... along the lines of, you
do not learn from it from their offense. Yes, this fear I had. She had the
Hotlhung to be released on parole earlier. And I should have as positive as
possible enter, that I will perhaps earlier dismissed ... Thats why I have
hardly time dared to somehow say no, but I do not want that, or I will not be
here down. This question was not for me.
Remorse she has not made because of their messages because they think
the negative work habits of inmates would rather backdated to the other.
The Stasi wanted from her as well as further information about other
prisoners, who had asked for an exit visa. I should then downright sound
out, etc. And I was at that time not afraid to say I do not do that. But I
could anyway not say anything that I would not have said, even if I had known
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to not further deepen the extent psychodynamic contexts. Mr. Lenz gave
preference of external reality attention, but not the inner. The entire
conversation lasted two and a quarter hours and gave an overview of the
circumstances of his IM activity and his biography.
Mr. Lenz, at the time of the interview 47 years old, first told me
about his several unsuccessful attempts to get the offer of a professorship.
This was due to the information that was known about his former Stasi
employees. Its IM activity he represented as a kind of youthful
indiscretion or late adolescent behavior: That was a Stupid Boy prank.
With approximately 17 years he was in a drunken state back with friends from
visiting discotheques. It was late at night, and on the street were due to
the upcoming National Day of the GDR flags and pennants excited. The boys
made a game of it, practicing High Jump and tear down these pennants. The
result was that a few days later the police showed up at school and those
responsible interrogated. In the GDR was at that time with this incident, the
criminal offense of an attack on state symbols met, and for a time threatened
a school reference. But this could be just averted. A few months later the
Stasi got in touch with Mr. Lenz on, referring to the illegality of this act
and appealed to it that he would make up for something. Mr. Lenz agreed to
act as IM, and was from then on for a period of approximately two years
regularly Observation orders. It should, for example, Watch street scenes, if
there were public events and festivals, e.g., on May 1 and October 7
(National Day of the GDR), and from the school, he should talk about his
classmates. So he wrote reports on his classmates and met regularly every one
to two months with his case officer. He was there every effort to not provide
information that could harm someone. For example, he did not report him
become known emigration applications or plans. He himself says that he was
not only blackmailed to this activity, but also that a piece of voluntariness
was there that his former left revolutionism and his socialist ideals
arose: Yeah, well, and then just as the question was asked because I have to
make up what. And the whole thing was just from todays perspective a little
crazy, but I can just recap so parallel that speak my left Revoluzzerturn was
in full bloom and development. From 16 to 18 years, he worked as an informal
employee for the Stasi, later he was then approached again, but there
appeared to be no more cooperation.
Before me but Mr. Lenz talked about his Stasi activities, he described
to me his parents house, where he apparently learned little empathy and
affection. The parents had, until he was about nine years old, a nursery,
where they were both working. Mr. Lenz describes in great detail how
comfortable he felt to play there as a child. The mother was constantly busy
with work. It occurred to me that Mr. Lenz neither the mother nor with the
father describes some playful or otherwise communicative scene. The father
had once been a member of the NSDAP, in the opinion of Mr. Lenz, such a
little fellow. He came after the Seven Years War in captivity and turned
inwardly by the Nazis from. With the prisoner of war Mr. Lenz, it brought in
connection, that the father was often sick later. He had several heart
attacks and spinal damage. His capacity for work was very limited, and the
family went badly financially. This met Mr. Lenz more so than the father for
him a high priority had. By contrast, he said to his mother a still very
contemporary duty ratio to have. When he was 16 years old, the nursery was
converted into a cooperative, and the mother began to work as a factory
worker. The father could only accept the auxiliary jobs, and there began a
difficult time for the family.
The attachment to her father led Mr. Lenz back that this stimulated
thought processes and its example with it Computing practiced. He was a very
good student, made the best student of the school, although the parents were
Eigent borrowed set against a high school. He had to really fight to be
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worked, inter alia, as press officer and the Writers Union. In January 1989,
he was doing so badly that he made a suicide attempt. After the turn, he was
involved in the PDS, participated in the election campaign and was friends
with many POS functionaries. But his criticism of the PDS, he could not hold
back. When he noticed that although the leadership wanted to change, but the
old cadres again had the final say in the lower ranks, he also expressed his
doubts there in the new form of socialism and withdrew. Most recently, he was
looking especially contacts with the FDP because he expects from a smaller
party more opportunities.
Mr. Hartel portrays his story quite calmly, often laughing and proud of
his actions, without talking about disappointment or sadness. I have the
impression that it wards off depression with its activity and apparent selfassurance. Even guilt he has of himself, even when he told me that he, aware
of their illusions made the mother, who was a devout communist after the turn
and she was so driven almost to suicide. Despite all the negative experiences
he is sticking to his ideals of a democratic socialism and has strongly
criticized the civil rights movement and the FRG. Although he stresses how
important it is to him to show spontaneity and not to subdue, he expresses
himself very reticent about his private relations. Just to its approximately
18 year-old daughter he has a close contact. Even his relationship with his
second case officer has meant a lot to him because it was a sensitive man
with whom he could talk openly about everything, but he was dismissed from
the HVA. He has a father substitute found in him. From the biological father
he felt calm and massively devalued by stepfather in the lurch. This kept him
politically incompetent, Mr. Hartel would like proved it with his HVA
activity, how much he was mistaken in him. Unlike other IM he was after 1990
willing to take responsibility for its IM activity in the sense that he
offered to stand as a candidate for the PDS, refused because he said to
himself, to have as a former IM no right, and the party did not want to
damage. It was for me a number of reasons, not to do, firstly, I saw myself
as an employee of the Ministry of State Security. And there is a sense of
shame for me. I say, I did not indeed represented, what they did, I was
determined also been different than what commonly people imagine under Stasi,
but I was just been in there. Therefore, it is a high moral claim for me.
After 1991, he made another training and has held various positions,
among other things, led with a partner a petrol station, but failed for
various reasons. Since then, he is also due to a disease of the spine,
unemployed.
At the end of the conversation I had very mixed feelings. On the one
hand Mr. Hartel had told me in the interview of nearly five hours of
continuous very much, on the other hand I had the impression that they have
not experienced important things yet. So I know for example, almost nothing
about his marriage, his relationship with his father and other personal ties.
His work in the area of operations BRD remains largely in the dark, but what
he thus reasoned, trying to tell anyone afterwards. Until the end he tried to
fend off all the disappointments and burdens, by emphasizing that life is but
funny and he really enjoyed it. For him, his physical illnesses in the
foreground, he wants my medical advice when he learns that Im a doctor. In
the test with the answers to his current self-image the defense of a
depressive mood is very clear. Before the turn he describes himself as less
depressed, more dominant and socially accepted, respected and assertive.
Except for the depressive mood and a great openness to Mr. Hartel sees
himself in his self-image today in accordance with the expectations of
society. Before the turn, he says, to be the expectations of the social
environment have been adapted over less.
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local artist and belonged to dissident groups. They also came up pressure
means an allusion to his homosexuality. Mr. Dahm should make a list of the
books of an acquaintance, who had asked for an exit visa. By he warned his
friend to leave all prohibited in the GDR books disappear, he managed to
protect these. I said, Look here, one is interested in your books, you want
to know from me what you read. Even without the Stasi by name to call,
knowing the friend what was going on. Under the pretext of wanting to learn
more about art, an employee of the Stasi sought him on again and again. Mr.
Dahm told them openly that he could talk about art, but would not be willing
to spy on people. From 1975 he refused the contacts from final. The refusal
meant that he had professional disadvantages, was given a disciplinary
hearing for allegedly poor working and were threatened him to send him for
hostile-negative stance into production. From then on I had hell in the
museum. He received no salary increase, was shunned by colleagues and had
only finally inventory. Also exhibitions, which he had performed with great
success, he could no longer do. Mr. Dahm felt compromised siding, but did not
quite know what he should look for new activities. Finally, he announced
after five years its place in the museum. That he had persevered in spite of
all the repression so long, can be traced back to the fact that he lived very
isolated and the profession was his only purpose in life. After many
conflicts with supervisors and court hearings because of a negative
evaluation of its activities in 1981, he left the museum. With great regret,
he notes that he had at that time no idea that his life was destroyed. Ive
never been able to gain a foothold in the cultural field again.
Longer time he found no employment, lived by his parents, with whom he
had reconciled himself even before their death heritage, and held various
auxiliary works out. All these loads meant that he became depressed and
dyspeptic. The friendship with some Vietnamese who supported him, was the
only thing that saved him in front, to go to the dogs. In addition to
various, not satisfying him pursuits Mr. Dahm was trying to do a doctorate.
Due to the many burdens he could not perform at the desired intensity his art
historical research, however, so that it has not yet brought its promotion to
a conclusion. He also engaged in self-help groups for gays and contacted
sexologists on. Mr. Dahm was under surveillance because of the refusal of
further cooperation and his commitment to the rights of homosexuals in the
GDR as hostile-negative person of the Stasi, which is retained in its
sacrificial acts with the authority. Sexual Scientific lectures and his
contacts with West German scientists gave him courage. When the Stasi
approached him again and wanted to supposedly win him as a consultant on
issues of homosexuality, he refused.
After the turn he got no job as a teacher, as he had hoped, but was
unemployed for some time, until he finally found a place ABM in heritage
conservation. It was an interesting task for him as the subject of his
dissertation was in this area. But again, he did not succeed, because after
the ABM measure he did not get, as expected, a steady job, but has been
supplanted by a West German. In addition, it gave him difficulties that he
had written in the rule check while working in the authority on the question
of cooperation with the Stasi, that although there had been several
Anwerbungsversuche, he would have rejected every time. The detailed
description, which he gave to did not want to read it. Later, it came in
victim-offender meetings, at which he participated to a very stressful
situation for him, as an employee of the authority of the Federal Supervisor
referred to him as IM. Although defended him the present friend, whom he had
warned earlier, but for him it was frightening that it had led him on record
as IM, while he experienced the talks with the Stasi rather than questioning
and never seen herself as an unofficial collaborator would have. Even the
staff of the state authority of BStU had confirmed to him after reading his
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understand his disappointment and anger well, its hard for me to share his
hatred of the Gauck Authority without restriction. For Mr. Dahm is in the
foreground of his problems, he was always misjudged, as a child in the home,
from the Stasi, in his work in the school and in the museum and again after
1989 by the Authority.
The difficulties in his psychosocial relations are very clear also in
the Giessen test. In self-image, Mr. Dahm describes as too trusting, but also
respected as a little, and not recognized in his work, he lacks social
acknowledgment. At the same time, he thinks hes too dominant and often
embroiled in conflicts, which he sees as opposed to todays societal
expectations. In GDR times, he seemed to be better human eye adapts, was more
like the expectations placed on him.
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Below we have summarized the judgments of all 20 interviews after eight
viewpoints.
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3.2 Recruitment
The recruitment of the examined by us to unofficial collaborators took place
in very different ways, depending on from which political milieu they came
from and for what purpose they should be used. Between the recruitment
methods and described by the interviewees experience described by the Stasi
in the files there were occasional differences, since the issues raised
initially partially did not know who they were dealing with and were
convinced by the legends. Even if one suspected spies everywhere in the GDR,
yet many believed, including the Stasi made contact, not that they were now
on this system. Except those who were proud to be able to serve their
country, often consisted in the person addressed the idea that they would
tell no important information and for the Stasi would not be interesting
enough.
In our study, our objective was to present the recruitment of the
interviewed in the inspection. We asked our respondents how they had
experienced the so well-prepared by the Stasi recruitment and what reactions
they provoked in them?
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could have read in any book. Since you apparently wanted nothing more
important from her and she had very great anxiety about the daughter, she
finally agreed to inform the Stasi.
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more. Not that I should spy on anyone. They asked, how are you, and what do
the fellow.
The described recruitment measures make very good clear that the Stasi
knew assess the current situation, the personality and needs and fears in
order to gain the targeted candidates with pressure, the supply of assistance
or a special appreciation. The motives were the former unofficial
collaborators in the recruitment partly unaware they could be uncovered in
common only in the interviews.
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For Ms. Forsters visit two alleged employees of the duty at the home
of the sisters was less enjoyable. They took her to a hotel room and made her
an offer. If I as still there think I see it still in front of me. We sit
there and tell me that they just need patriots. As I told them, I must tell
you quite honestly, I think Im the wrong person. Do they really think that I
would be willing to cooperate with you? When she refused, they exerted
pressure on them. ... And then they began, yes, then, we can of course then
also do so when they now face stubborn, then they may not enter. This threat
brought Ms. Forster to be with reservations for cooperation ready to explain.
I wanted to do not specify, but annoy really I did not want them too.
Written summons or order by telephone to state institutions
Two of us interviewees received the invitation to register with the FDJ or
party line. During his FDJ membership Mr. Stahl was approached. Later, I was
quoted in the FDJ leadership. Since there are any demands, come time high.
And of course, there were two comrades of the State Security. The first I
knew well not quite. I do not know how the imagined, who do not always say
so, where they come from. I would have contact with the and the, and are
enemies of the state. Well, youre a good fellow, so to speak, mutatis
mutandis, because you were willing to meet you once with us?
As a candidate for the SED membership Mr. Voss was asked for a contract
party to the central party leadership. There he met a representative of the
Stasi, the recruited him a legend.
Contact in custody and during interrogation by the Stasi or police
Six interviewees were approached while in custody or when they had to appear
for questioning for alleged offenses to the police by the Stasi.
Mr. Lenz was appointed as a student a few months after a procedure had
been depressed because of his down-tearing a small East German flag in a
police building. There they threatened him to a prison sentence, if he were
not willing to cooperate. He was invited to the restitution of its
subversive act.
Ms. Langer, who later read in her file that she had been out as
Rechtsbrecherin was interrogated by a house search by the police. They had
made photos and movies with nude photos of himself, which was forbidden in
the GDR. The Stasi offered her generous, rather than a prison sentence to
giving her the opportunity to convert to hear in pubs and the Stasi to
provide information.
When Ms. Vogel recruitment took place during her trial for espionage.
The terrible burdens in pre-trial detention had let collapse their opposition
to the Stasi. When judgment has already told me that the interrogators. If I
would be willing to work after having served detention for the Stasi, they
wanted to reduce the sentence to five years.
The multiple enlistments of Mrs. Quindt happened each time with massive
pressure. She has been accused of subversive acts and sexual misconduct.
During a prison sentence for attempted flight from the republic should be
forced to Observation of inmates, but what prevented by their Dekonspiration.
Mrs. Ring was able to avoid a prison sentence, by their willingness to
cooperate with the Stasi stated during interrogation for alleged assistance
in illegal emigration of a colleague. At seven clock in the morning, after
they had just returned from her night shift, it rang at her door. A man who
introduced himself as a representative of the Ministry of the Interior,
urging them to come along. At the elevator waited two more Lord that they sat
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in a car and drove with her in the state prison. There they offered her in
the interrogation of, they should leave the country, but without her
daughter. When she refused, they said: Your daughter is no longer there, it
has been brought into a home. After hours of interrogation by different
interrogators they made her an offer. If they would be willing to talk about
religion and religious group to which they belonged, they wanted to play her
daughter and leave it blank. Communicate in their fear and with the
determination not fault people ring woman consented.
During military service recruits
For two interviewees took the Stasi during the army time to contact us. A
supervisor with the NVA, who had taken a paternal role towards Mr. Mahler,
ordered him into his office and asked him to be especially vigilant against
foreign agents. I had a glimpse of military secrets. And it would be
really important that you do something for the state.
Mr. Opitz was subject during his military service first even of
observation. After they had found him suitable, he should come to the Police
District clarification of facts to. There, the Stasi employees identified
themselves and told him: . We need that, in soldierly life must be taken
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kilos 0 ... When she went to jail, and is then practically within a few
years, two or three years, become ever thinner.
Inter alia existed guilt is to have a colleague helped escape from the
GDR or worked for Western intelligence. The fathers of three interviewees had
been convicted of spying for a Western intelligence service, and the children
felt obliged to repair the damage. However, membership of a father in the
Nazi party was the occasion for the son to provide a special commitment to
the socialist state. In another based on the guilt of the youthful
indiscretion of having denigrated the state flag of the GDR. There were more
unconscious guilt, which were attributable to childish hatred of parents and
siblings. From this guilt they tried to free himself by trying behaved
correctly in later years, including the GDR state opposite.
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its authority by the Stasi crime corresponded to their own secret desires to
act against government prohibitions. They threatened as Ms. Ring that was
interrogated for alleged escape assistance for the Stasi, so to take away her
daughter. Yes, and so it went throughout the day always why, why, why, why
that is so into being, you want to leave the country should they? I say, yes,
I always wanted to leave, and I say, I would leave the country, and, yes, you
can leave the country, but without her daughter. I say no, without my
daughter in any case. I do not travel without my daughter. Well, your
daughter is no longer where you think. Then they let so call me there, and
since then he said just the woman, where we always sat introduced the child
... they were allegedly colleague of mine, and the child should be brought to
the kindergarten. So Sarah has been plugged into the home on the day. To be
not such a bad mother, as she had partially witnessed it from your own, Ms.
Ring agreed cooperation.
The fear of punishment for the offenses prescribed by the Stasi could
be partially attributed to unconscious guilt of IM. In three of those
interviewed, however, threatened sanctions because of actual anti-state
actions. There were women who were raised in the detention period and which
one-in promised cooperation with the Stasi shortening the detention period.
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well, I had there not, with whom one could talk. Well, I had a classmate, but
he was in another unit, i.e. a few doors down, you then have from time to
time and met in the library itself. But de facto per se, these daily
hardships, which I have already that had to carry alone. And this was a man
who perhaps knew ... aha ... and then have a bit exploited the father role, I
guess, this deficiency. So I see it now from a distance for me. And I should
think about it, if I now want to.
Ms. Vogel, who often saw her father as absent and is overall very
disappointed with their family of origin, held several executive officers and
said: Yes, there was at least one case, the so by thinking ago was human and
a pleasant person. The occurred after this basic requirement, did you make up
for what, actually always all very, very friendly on. There are not as types
have been, as one would now might imagine, hulking, ugly people who always
wanted to rummage only in evil. But who had partially taken much time to talk
to me about politics and life and about the study, and as I imagine my life
and stuff. There were quite well for me opportunities to have interesting
conversations.
Mrs. Quindt, sexually abused as a child by her stepfather, designed a
erotisiertes ratio: It is built on what between the case officer and me. How
connectedness. I wanted him to entice sex. At a meeting I have opened the
door naked or just wearing a towel in front of it. And I let him tempt, and
then theyre only come in pairs. ... Ah, absolutely my type! ... Yes. And but
also the right type - who knew already what my type is-on set where I would
absolutely leave .
It seems remarkable to us here is that in the great majority a familial
tinted, characterized by feelings of sympathy and gratitude relationship
created by these transfers, which should have all located within the meaning
of the results sought by the enforcement officers ratio. This was probably
also crucial to ensuring that the IM their jobs with little or no guilt or
shame completed, because it has an estimated parent figure was so, by the
support they learned.
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against international law and with a campaign of lies beyond compare, as the
Lord Scharping they made a war of aggression operates ... In existence of the
GDR would have to not exist.
In order for human rights to do it, if at all, only in third place. In
the background, which is very different in the background of the story is the
Black and the Caspian Sea and the oil. And that was the example where you
with plausible reasons, appears plausible reasons, could create scope for
global interest policy by military means. Here the people have still
swallowed. The Federal Republic would be no alternative, Mrs. Young said
something similar:. And I would say, Ive been a real East German child,
Pioneer Organization, FDJ, study, party. Ive actually what my parents taught
me what I knew from this education out, I say today, of course, seen very
one-sided, out of this socialist-communist education out, have inhaled it,
have taken this very seriously, which have also taken personally for me very
seriously. I have ideals wanted out of this range, so I would say, Olga
Benario, Richard Sorge, so what were my ideals, Che Guevara, that was all as
the image, with which I have lived. And where I always had the ideal, somehow
you want to also be, you want to do for the thing that you recognize as a
humanist thing that you accept where you people, at least from the literature
or history know now something, before where you have respect, the Communists
are. Communist is always not been for me, what it is made frequently today,
but a communist was actually for me the incarnation of humanism. So, the one
who committed to with all our strength for humanity, committed to
straightforwardness, honesty, yes, also sacrifices for others, it was like
the ideal with which I grew up, and from which is then my has also affected
development.
Mr. Opitz hoped that the cooperation with the Stasi practical
advantages: ... and then have spoken to me and said, well, its probably
still interested, and I had something like minute panic So I stood by the
army time without a job since what would have been catastrophic in the GDR,
because there was nothing else, and no possible place of study. The abovementioned motif combination recalls that apparently hid the respective IM in
the majority of cases it remained unconscious motives for their commitment to
the Secret Service gave. This is indicated in our study, the findings of the
psychodynamic causes. Only in six cases, the IM felt blackmailed to spy, so
were not personally engaged or rather reluctantly worked.
A guilty conscience in the IM activity, we found only three cases. For
example, Mr. Voss: Over the months an attitude so the man is in me so arose,
I thought to myself, scared you now have in both directions, towards you have
a very bad conscience, because that is not good, what are you doing, and in
the other direction youre scared. It was this strange feeling mix.
About half we made a positive conviction or commitment period for their
jobs, the other half we classified as a unengagiert. Seven IN a certain
opposition in the manner of their activities has been integrated, for
example, trivialized your findings or concealed them completely or partly.
In summary, these partial results solidify the image that despite all
the differences but the majority of the pursued we studied their activity
with personal commitment.
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during a bombing raid in the war, escape the family when the war ended, with
13 years the sudden on-be-alone-asked-being in West Germany in a boarding
school, with no family support, under very limited financial ratios. She felt
at that time by her family deported and suffered melancholy moods, withdrew
dreamy and envied other about their families. Your future willingness to work
for the Stasi, was, inter alia, due to the fact that she was afraid that her
sisters no longer be able to see. The pressure medium of the Stasi were able
to successfully build on their early experienced trauma instability and fear
of loss.
Even the interview with Mrs. Quindt demonstrates the utilization of
traumatized persons by the Stasi impressively. In the identified trauma is
experienced in childhood sexual abuse, maltreatment, not manageable
separation experiences through outdated cribs stays, early losses experienced
one or both parents, home visits, lack of care. But even with the nontraumatized IM we found in more than half disturbances in the ability to make
mature relationships with other people. An IM was characterized by a very
advanced of commitment, six by a generally very distant relationship
behavior, a by-seeking relationships, one by homosexual relationships and two
by significant alcohol dependence.
In four cases of psychosexual identity was diagnosed explicitly a
disorder with consequences for self-esteem. These four men are more or less
prolonged absence of fathers had affected the male identification and the
development of an adequate self-esteem. They remained dependent on the
recognition by replacing fathers who found it in teachers, supervisors, and
also in the enforcement officers. Mr. Opitz was grateful that the case
officer supported him in career search. The father to prove that he is a
successful son, and also to demonstrate to the Stasi that he had not betrayed
the state, prompted Mr. Jahn to maintain contacts with the Stasi for a long
time. The close ties with the mother in the absence of father led Mr. Mahler
to development deficits. He felt in the army other soldiers in their
reckless behavior inferior and was glad when he was chosen by the Stasi, and
entrusted with a special task. Even Lord steel desire to write after
reunification the biography of his spying several years imprisoned father,
demonstrates how important it is the confrontation with the father today. The
separation of the fathers also led two female IM to a greater need,
especially if they are poorly supplied by the mothers felt as Mrs. Bird and
Mrs. Quindt.
According to these findings, which point to a relatively frequently
present psychological problems, we also found when assessing the motivational
basis of IM activity that here compensations of their own derangement were
sought. Here, the desire to increase self-esteem showed up most often by
receiving attention and recognition by the case officer. It also the
satisfaction of unconscious revenge motives, the unconscious acting out of
conflicts with his own father, or the function of leadership as an auxiliary
officer I have found should compensate for the loss-ego functions.
From a psychoanalytic perspective, these results are not surprising
inasmuch as a certain degree of mental derangement is the norm rather than
the exception. For the mentally healthy person with mature relationship
behavior is rather a fictional dimension than reality. Nevertheless, our
findings so that should not be trivialized, for it to show up in the group we
studied, but - in relation to the normal statistics - significantly greater
proportions of mental disorder and their clever use by the agents of the
Stasi.
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you have a guilty conscience, because that is not good, what are you doing,
and in the other direction youre scared.
For the extorted was the hope of escaping through the collaboration
with the Stasi a penalty, decisive for their consent to the conspiratorial
work. Some of them were trying to protect the persons under observation by
making indirect evidence for its IM function. So warned an IM his friend,
about whose political attitude and reading he should report, in that he told
him. We want to know your books, you want to know from me what you read.
For a woman who was used in prison to monitor inmates, the burden was so
unbearable that she revealed in front of the other prisoners and thus not was
more suitable for the spy service. Others tried to give any relevant
information.
Little distressing was the secret activity for those who took the party
and its policies towards an indifferent attitude and could not appreciate the
importance of their information. Often it was inconsequential reports of
incidents in the workplace or through other persons who visited certain
restaurants. For IM, the information had no discernible value, you wondered
why the Stasi wanted to bring these trivialities in experience. If demanded
by the IM such seemingly meaningless information, this was the reporting
indifferent, they complained about more than the obligation to have to
undergo this task.
The IM, which did not comply because of their belief in the legend of
unofficial collaborators were especially afraid of being punished for them
uncharged misconduct. They felt at the talks with the case officer in such an
interrogation and therefore experienced no guilt (cf. Kerz-Rhling, 2002).
While the unofficial collaborators who worked out of conviction with
the Stasi, great dedication in gathering information or recruiting
perspective-IM in the West showed were the other, rather less involved,
except for two who denounced from revenge. They tried, among others the
meeting turn to the enforcement officers to leave by vorschtzten to be
indispensable in the workplace. Some of the protest against the order of the
Stasi went so far that they possessed a secret oppositional attitude. This
could be that they downplayed or concealed facts certain information. One
example is remembered no longer the name of the people, or they gave the
indirect under observation notes on their IM feature. An unofficial
collaborator described their refusal as follows: . For inquiries about
people I have always pretended to have a terribly bad memory for names For
two IM the surveillance of opposition groups led to that they were convinced
of the work of the church and peace groups and in a serious conflict came
because they did not dare yet to break off contacts with the case officer.
Seven of the interviewees tried to escape to them by the enforcement
officers tasks by a certain opposition to the contracting authority. This
resistance was, inter alia, to mild guilt because of the willingness to
conspiratorial work. Remains an open question to what extent this opposition
was already relevant during the IM-time or whether the former IM
reinterpreted his past in order to make the blame on cooperation in
retrospect more bearable for themselves.
The psychological burden that had to endure an IM, which also depended
on whether he was aware of the consequences of his conspiratorial activities.
For those who worked out of conviction for socialism or worked for the HVA
Stasi in the FRG, this question did not matter. For them, it was especially
important to recognize how successful they e.g., had been at the
Allwerbungen. Often, however, they were not told whether the advertiser
really should be worked later for the HVA.
For those who should report on friends and colleagues, it was
reassuring when they realized that they had not to damage. Even though most
knew or suspected that their activities had the function to uncover
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subversive activities, as several did not know what impact drew their
information for Observierten by itself. About half of the twenty examinees
did not know the consequences of the information and did not try to attract
our attention.
To what extent the conspiratorial activity meant a psychological burden
for IM, indicated by the fact, whether it is after the end of cooperation
continued to make thoughts about the possible consequences. The majority of
the interviewees, it was rather indifferent, they tried to forget about the
contacts with the Stasi as soon as possible. It was so frightening,
therefore, for them to be confronted again after reunification with their
secret activities. Seven of those interviewed, the IM activities continue to
be employed for different reasons, even after the termination. It is
especially to those who were afraid to have a dissident group or a friend
might hurt. The guilt she could not come to rest as quickly. The
contradiction between the demands of their conscience and the call of the
Stasi to denounce trying to solve by means of various defense mechanisms. By
splitting mechanisms they created a kind of dual identity (cf. Kerz-Rhling
u. Plnkers, 2000). In this form of unconscious defense two different
postures are adopted towards reality. The doubling means a division of the
self into two independently functioning wholes (Lifton, 1986, p 491) that
do not conflict with each other. Because of splitting and denial can in this
way two views of reality coexist without affecting each other (Freud, 1940a).
Two signposted this split this way: If they were under observation church or
in the peace group, they felt to belong and forgot the Stasi. At the meeting
with the case officer they identified the other hand with its interests. It
was only when they could no longer keep separate the different perspectives,
they were aware of the conflict of conscience conscious, tried to refuse to
cooperate, or were mentally ill. Ms. Ring believed temporarily, this conflict
no longer be able to handle, and made a suicide attempt. I felt
schizophrenic in some way. And this schizophrenia was the main reason for
this suicide thing. Also Mr. Voss, who should report on a colleague, who was
a Peace Circle, increasingly took over its DDR-critical position. For me,
have opened up by the colleagues new worlds that I have never known before,
and, well purely fit for me in my own political thinking in terms of this
system. Arising from the conflict between belief and fear of the Stasi
resulting burdens tried to cope by increased alcohol consumption Mr. Voss.
As the former unofficial staff felt isolated at the time of the
interview guide in society and condemned, they were interested in presenting
their own risk and the resulting guilt as not too big or to relieve
themselves subsequently by an indirect oppositional attitude towards the
Stasi. To what extent this opposition was sufficient to impair the work of
the Stasi, cannot be resolved on the basis of interviews. To answer this
question, an analysis of the files is necessary, from which, however, is not
to know the historical truth, but the views of the respective management
officer. This problem arises especially when there is no custom built by the
Reports or tape protocols and in the files of only the memory logs of
enforcement officers are present.
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unofficial limit to five months. The meetings were all held in the office of
the Stasi captain.
Apparently Mr. Mahler presented only two handwritten reports who the
case officer not very convinced. He found the assessments of its IM vague, a
bit insecure even underestimate this the dangerousness of a fellow
soldier. Otherwise, the captain made notes of the details of Mr. Mahler,
including comments on the World Youth Festival, which took place in East
Berlin 1973: It would have to rain shit, we go to Berlin rum and celebrate.
Or When the festival is now canceled, we could save a lot of money. About
the State Council Chairman Ulbricht, who had died at that time, gave Mr.
Mahler, the utterance of a soldier with the words again: Pity they have
Buchenwald shut. (...) They could burn W. Ulbricht. The ovens are still
intact, that needed to be cleaned only. The company exists also. My
grandfather made the poker.
The positive political attitude of Mr. Mahler disabled nevertheless
access to particular interest negative people, even more so seemed the IM
to be feared to jeopardize by such contacts, the recommendation of the
company commander for his studies, because the company commander otherwise
no good evaluation could write to him, but he needed for his enrollment .
II.
Obvious benefits could not pull the IM from his conspiratorial activities. It
ended after 26 months on 1 September 1975, although the last meeting dated
back five months. The Act was the absence of perspective closed. When asked
if he was prepared while studying, to support the Stasi, he waved his hand:
He expressed that he would like to do so after graduation like. During the
period of study but do not want to be an additional burden, since he had a
lot to catch up.
III.
Consequences had not his information clearly. However, had been considered
with senior NVA officers to take political-educational measures. Whether
and in what form this is done, it is not apparent.
Comment:
The reason to select him as IM is formulated purely political in his Stasi
file, politically reliable, solid class position, good to very good
military and political results in training. Looking at the other hand, in an
interview the self-description of the IM as socially excluded soldiers when
sexually inexperienced, grown up without a father young man and as a single
high school in his company, it is clear that the political reasoning of the
case officer is a time socially compliant rationalization in order to
legitimize abuse of a young soldier for spy purposes. This is not to call
into question the alleged political orientation: From the interview with Mr.
Mahler is clearly evident that he abgewann the idea of a socially just
society much. However, the reasoning of the case officer can straight out
those vital dimension, the Lords supper he made corruptible for the purposes
of the Stasi.
The information provided by the IM in the Interview and the case
officer in the Act to the actual work for the Stasi agree amazingly well.
Also it is clear that Mr. Mahler at that time did not seem veifat with great
ambition reports. This corresponds to the refusal to continue working while
studying for the Stasi. The formulated in the Act whereas initiate
political-educational measures with Mr. Mahler, also suggests that it
cannot have been far away with the solid class position of the IM, but that
just yet, the above mentioned psychological constellations crucial were for
short-term cooperation with the Stasi. For this, there is no language in the
107
Act: If there had been, they would be the full extent of the abuse, which
lies in the functionalization of a young man for the purposes of the Stasi,
made manifest. By contrast, the political rationalization of cooperation
helped then both sides to maintain a semblance of a legitimate collaboration.
Mr. Stahl (15) *
In February 1972, the 18 year-old Mr. Stahl came to the attention of the
Stasi. The trainee had contacts with critical musicians and noticed as the
security organ was looking for someone who could tell from their environment.
I.
Discussions that had led to the FDJ secretary of its operation in February
1971, Mr. Stahl, the State Security offered some initial pointers. Three
years earlier, had been sentenced to long prison sentences for military
espionage, which the two sons had distanced his parents. The lack of parental
home, the FDJ functionary, had been offset by social labor. During a meeting
of the Stasi case officer with the FDJ-line operation, a conversation with
Mr. Stahl, in which he is relaxing immediately trust in a personal matter
to the representative of the Ministry turned. So learned the Stasi, that the
only surviving brothers of the Federal Republic had received visits, which
seemed well informed of the parents and the children insured that they were
not alone. Another visit was in prospect. During this time she also received
a Western package of textiles, which they brought to the visit in
conjunction. In Mr. Stahl had the Youth League as well as the prosecutors
office, which had led the action against the parents informed. The case
officer of the Stasi had been carried out elsewhere informed why he, as he
noted, this bridge used to intensify the contact. Just one month later, at
the first encounter, gave Mr. Stahl is a first written statement, which was
delivered six months later with the election of a cover name again.
II.
The cooperation lasted four years including the period of military service.
Up to its inaugural meeting twelve reports had arisen. Reports wrote Mr.
Stahl rarely. Three are located in the file that were related partly to the
operation, partly on the musicians and during military service on drunken
soldiers. In concise form the case officer saw what they hear. Altogether can
be found in the file a few details that suggest a motive. In advertising
proposal there is evidence of skills of Mr. Stahl as sociability and
reliability. Later he had, after he had been commended for his information,
expressed, that it was natural for him to fulfill all his responsibilities
by the Stasi duties conscientiously. For a young person the reproduced
utterance a nuance is too pathetic.
III.
The benefits from its operational work are low for Mr. Stahl. But a kind gift
worth 96, 10 Mark recorded the Act. The cooperation ended after the military
service due to lack of applications in January 1974, the Act wandered in
April 1975 to the archive. Direct consequences for the people rated him
cannot be identified. Rather be with this, been determined by formerly
hostile attitude, an approach to the line of the SED, to which Mr. Stahl had
contributed through its positive political occurrence. Also read acts
overstretched and clearly suggests that only one reason was sought to bring
the file to the musicians to finalize them.
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Comment:
His report in the interview is true with regard to the data and the
recruitment of tasks as agreed with the IM file excerpts. However, the
reasons for its willingness to cooperate are much more sophisticated than
they are described by the case officer in his subjective experience. Mr.
Stahl Felt left alone after the arrest of the parents and ashamed as FDJ
member for the betrayal of the father to his state. His longing for a good
father and a need to help parents in prison by collaboration with the Stasi
and to prove that he was a good Socialist, recruitment could approve him. The
case officer took advantage of his helplessness by offering itself as a
substitute parent, also appealed to his conscience and took him into a kind
of guilt by association. About the duties assigned to him reported Mr. Stahl
in the interview much more detail as it is clear from the file. His described
in the Stasi files a positive influence on the Observierten and to get closer
again with his supporting line of the SED, was reported similarly from him.
That he did not hurt his friends and still has a good relationship with them,
relieving him of any guilt. Also the files can be seen that the rated from
him people have taken no harm.
Ms. Pohl (7) *
24 years old was the journalist Mrs. Pohl when she has been commended by an
unofficial name Peter of the State Security as an interesting person. She
moved in circles of independent journalists and artists frequented the local
scene.
I.
She had in principle positive to subject an image of the GDR, but seemed in
the eyes of the Stasi various variations and negative influences, which
were a matter of urgency caused by the West stations and their environment,
including decomposed and demoralized circles. The first encounters with her
case officer that began in August 1962 were very pleasant. He sought out in
her apartment, a visit to which it wants to have maintained. Previously,
they had reached reminders due to frequent visits and their funny way of
life. Even at this meeting they have expressed their agreement to cooperate
and immediately given about their environment information. Differentiating
led the case officer in preparation for the actual advertising for their
motives a partial recognition of the need, some adventure and to a lesser
extent, the hope aufpersnliche benefits to. In April 1963 she signed her
written undertaking. You should, that is defined in the tasks, so live as
before, seek certain local and close acquaintances, sometimes deliberately,
what you - if the targets are unknown - photos were shown. From then on she
met soon monthly with their case officer, carried out the dispensation to the
year 1968th In total 38 meeting reports have been preserved. The meetings
were generally held in conspiratorial apartments, three could be identified,
sometimes in the home of Ms. Pohl, rare in restaurants or in the car.
II.
Ms. Pohl was hardworking rapporteur. In the five years she wrote 7 9
handwritten reports, without exception, people. They often referred to these
as pessimistic, intelligent, positive or reactionary. Mostly it was
work colleagues and acquaintances, often including artists or journalists.
Their reports were sometimes meaningful and contained information on level of
education, occupation, political affiliation, friendly relations, financial
circumstances, family, intimate or emotional relationships and indeed West
contacts. Moreover, there were remarks on the character, appearance, to
109
110
arrival of the troops in Prague and their disappointment with the Soviet
policy. From financial contributions in the interview was no question, as
Mrs. Pohl probably regarded this as a natural compensation for their
expenses. Upper the date of termination, there is a contradiction between the
instrument and the information in the interview. For Mrs. Pohl cooperation
ended in 1980, the Act was not until 1985, however, closed, although there
were no further meetings after 1980 more.
Mr. Erler (13) *
The applied to Mr. Erler files are remarkably extensive. His personal file
contains 541 pages, his work record, in which the services rendered by him
were recorded, comprising 2020 pages. So overall the testimony of a thirtyyear cooperation with the State Security, who was so diverse that they
require a fuller account.
I.
Attentive to the 30-year life scientists Mr. Erler the Stasi was a work
colleague who was active as IM p. . Thus as his frequent trips abroad were
known, especially to his father in the West, who worked at a prestigious
company as an authorized representative. Originally mainly operating interest
in the father, but it did Mr. Erler hardly promoted. In August 1956, the
Stasi approached Mr. Erler, this was employed at an institute and had for p.
jobs done as the description of individuals working his fathers place,
locations of the occupying powers, and he also had pictures of military
facilities from the aircraft of added. p. mediated contact with the Stasi.
p. introduced Mr. Erler in a safe house in person and then withdrew. He
declared himself, says the report for advertising in September 1956 writing
willing and expressed that he regards it as a matter of course, to do its
part. On another occasion his operation Guide recorded on cooperation, this
was based on political conviction and partially the ideal interestedness.
For the State Security Mr. Erler was apparently a stroke of luck, because
they realized that he shows great interest in participating and would be
even if he can give interesting information. In that regard, Mr. Erler was
aware with whom he held talks.
II.
Mr. Erler left a comprehensive oeuvre to various people, in particular to
scientists in East Germany and from abroad. In addition to their professional
development, technical knowledge and scientific work he characterized their
political beliefs, family circumstances, stays in West Berlin before the Wall
was built, connections abroad, but also their moral behavior. Sometimes he
hinted that people could make further details.
He was stingy not to process proposals such as when a member of the
Society of Biological Sciences, in which he indeed no conspiratorial
connections to the opponents imputed, but did not consider it expedient to
allow him to go abroad, because his wife apparently critical to DDR is set.
In another member of this society, he conceded an interest in pornographic
literature. In a next he surmised not insignificant accounts in the Federal
Republic, which is why a departure in the Federal Republic cannot be
endorsed.
Mr. Erler pointed to problems in the research. In other cases, he
reported on possible reasons for runaways took place as professional overwork
or light of life, and pointed, as in February 1979, on specific skills such
as through the administration of anabolic steroids. A woman he panelist as a
loose woman, led him to recommend her good looks than not unintelligent
highlight and for the unofficial working for the Stasi, as it would be to
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perform specific tasks are. This prediction was followed by the Stasi and
planned their recruitment.
Secondly, Mr. Erler was stopped to take to a colleague in the West
contact, so as to arrive at scientific studies. To this end, he got a fake
passport, but the action brought no result. For Western colleagues he has
compromising facts cannot find his extramarital relationship with an employee
would offer no point, because this would be tolerated by the wife. The IM was
applied for this reason, to examine the more operational perspective this
contact: This question is also crucial in that in order to prevent that are
made on our part further substantial investments that fall under any fertile
soil. The essential question remains to be clarified whether Prof. (...) is
interested in the DDR-science person may be hostile act or has great
influence in the West German life science. (...) For the tactical approach
was recommended the IM, the question (...) to test whether he would be
willing to interesting material to the GDR for sale, which will not be
published. This task took on Mr. Erler, but it stayed with successful levies
on topics such as the use of anabolic steroids or remarks to colleagues. In
this way, Mr. Erler also received annual reports of the Institute.
Furthermore, Mr. Erler had an interest in a Munich scientists who should be
charged to East Berlin, however, announced this offer out that he wants to
consult his competent staff of MAD. The contact should be developed in the
long term, said Mr. Erler should be careful to leave the Munich initiative
that also took this. By September 1989, he announced his visit to East
Berlin.
The father of the IM came not out of sight, where Mr. Erler had to pay
particular attention to compromising information to employees of the company.
Thus, for information on stolen bricks, find nightly stays in bars, where the
chauffeur sometimes had to teach 450 DM from the company in order to induce
his passenger can. Also held Mr. Erler his sister in mind that as he worked
in an institute. So he reported visits from the Federal Republic with her and
were some recommendations to the Stasi. The recital of his sister, wanting to
caring for dependent parent in the West, the Stasi should modestly negative
since care could not be found. Likewise, he knew about his sisters children
to report.
When Mr. Erler in February 1989 prominent Contact the Permanent Mission
of the Federal Republic received in the GDR, his case officer was concerned
about the personal security of the IM, which is why he told him to,
possible to refrain from anything that could dekonspirieren him. This saw a
Mr. Erler, as recorded, since it anyway, his status as a recognized
scientist did not want to jeopardize.
Proceeding knew of IM often via specialized institutions at home and
abroad to report, also through conferences, congresses and symposia. His
focus was on sensitive issues such as anabolic steroids. Even in private
holiday trips he stayed sometimes as IM in the service, made photos and
reports of contacts of traveling companions to German citizens. For this
information profile includes coverage of opinions among his colleagues, as
well as criticism of shortages.
III.
Overall, the record of Mr. Erler has 337 meetings out in the 60s usually five
per year, in the 70s almost every month, with an increasing trend in the
80s. Most encounters within one year found place in 1989, namely 18. In the
early years, he met with his case officer in a safe house, later mainly in
the Institute and in 130 cases in the private residence, which was therefore
encouraged by the attitude of his wife, who knew of the unofficial work of
the husband. Rarely has there been meeting in the car, only once in a hotel.
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The case officer logged in more than 300 cases, the information given
by Mr. Erler, in a dozen cases, the IM wrote by hand, in 55 cases, with the
typewriter. In 79 cases, both saved the work through the use of a tape
recorder. As a result of this information density originated 75 operational
information, which were passed on within the Stasi. It can be found in the
Act also correspondences of IM, so far as it apparently had operational
relevance, and West German magazines.
IV.
His case officer was satisfied with his limitations with IM. For desirable,
however, he thought as he noted in 1974, a little more consistency and
deferral extant scruples, then would be the IM more successful. He was
awarded the Medal for faithful service in silver and the Medal of the NVA
in gold. This award, which he was allowed to keep at home, he thought, as
stated, as a real vote of his, as he said, modest support. Anltich the 25
anniversary of the Stasi, there was a one-time bonus of 1,000 Mark. Otherwise
outweighed bouquets, brandy or a crystal bowl and vase.
In addition to these rather minor benefits he was often supported by
the State Security. Exits to his parents living in the West paved the Stasi
as well as various trips. Sometimes unsuccessful, as there were not coveted
by Mr. Erler trip to China. He had also taken his quest for a lectureship
significantly and could, as the Act is apparent, well imagine, as the owner
of a Peugeot. Whether the Stasi, which had tested its relevant ways, was
successful, reveals itself not contained in the files. After all, Mr. Erler
acquired the desired vehicle a year later, and as it a border crossing
medication had been taken earnestly, his case officer could be this itemizing
later personally.
V.
The cooperation of Mr. Erler with the State Security Service lasted from 13
September 1956 to at least December 12, 1989, when the last noted in the Act
encounter took place. The end is certainly seen as a result of the upheaval
in the GDR. Even on the eve of the Berlin Wall it says in the file that the
IM had stressed the Stasi always reliable and faithful to that to stand and
the unofficial cooperation his word redeem. On 5 December 1989, the IM
expressed its concern expressed to be dekonspiriert. He was assured,
wrote the case officer in the Act, that all necessary measures are taken by
the signatories to ensure the safety of his person by our institution. This
concern held apparently also to the next and the last on record meeting on
12. December 1989 onwards. The IM may, it is, with no other employees of the
security organ continue to work together as the familiar to him since 1961,
case officer. The process has been archived, out of it is not clear whether
the information provided by the IM had consequences for others.
Comment:
Both in the interview and in the Act his political convictions is given as a
motive for collaboration with the Stasi. During the case officer, he / it
describes the detailed reports by Mr. be very helpful for the State Security,
we learn in this week, up on his contacts with a Western scientist, little
details of his IM activity. Especially reports of colleagues and family
members are hardly mentioned in the interview. His contacts with a Western
counterparts, the exchange of technical information and his trips abroad take
contrast in an interview a large space. The reports of colleagues and others
meant for the Lord he / it no psychological burden. As a member of the SED,
it was natural for him to work for his country, so that the case officers
were very pleased with him. Neither in the documents nor in the interview was
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114
115
I.
The State Security made contact with Mr. Pollok and had the effect influenced
him during three calls to attend the events on behalf of the Stasi and to
put particular attention to the student chaplain. In January 1974 she went to
see him at his workplace, was - also due to the unsatisfactory external
conversational situation - merely provide that the youth organization of the
CDU, the Young Union, had expressed during the World Festival 1973 in East
Berlin their interest, compounds with teenagers want to expand in the GDR.
This should be discussed in a further conversation she agreed.
Two weeks later, Mr. Pollok told the case officer in detail on his way
to the ESG. He was there immediately found a hoard of denominational
students who had a critical relationship to DDR. He had tried with a friend,
to give the discussion a positive turn what was but failed. The interest of
the Stasi, with which political issues are dealing the student community,
he came to meet. At the next meeting Mr. Pollok handed the program and
informed about an event.
The case officer listed on the subject of cooperation: . The
unofficial collaboration with the Stasi resulted from the conviction of the
IM, that socialism is the only correct order of society and must be protected
from negative active and passive actions He had thus a positive political
conviction .
II.
He chose a pseudonym. He was obliged, however, only verbally what was
intended to advertising proposal: It is envisaged that the candidates taking
into account its moral and ethical attitude based on the conviction (...) to
oblige you with a handshake. His scheduled tasks corresponded to the
practice He informed about events and - as it was called - decomposed the
Working Group Marxism. Several times he had to approach certain people,
including German citizens and one French journalist. In the six years of
cooperation 77 meetings were held, on average, a dozen a year. In 1977 alone
there were 17, in the following years they declined in 1979 there were eight,
in 1980 only three. Its activity slowly declined, apparently because of
private problems by Mr. Pollok. Meetings were usually held in safe houses,
where he met three. There were short meetings as well as encounters in the
workplace and in restaurants. 26 reports he wrote by hand, usually not
signed, sometimes provided with its code name. 77 reports were drafted by the
case officer on the basis of his information.
Alone 50 reports concerned the member circle of the student community
and not remain without consequences. Mr. Pollok have, so it comes from the
file produced, circle privately visited and utilized an opportunity to find
a book manuscript of circle in a suitcase, the intention of this, to be
published in the Federal Republic. In subsequent years, Mr. Pollok
intensified the relationship with him. He procured a specimen signature of
the typewriter under the pretext of wanting to tap this a request for a
telephone. In addition to this evidence, he designed an apartment sketch and
pointed as another hiding place for the book manuscript on the cabinet wall
in the bedroom. Time told Mr. Pollok how the Act can be seen that circle
and his wife from the Stasi would questioned and possibly the house search
will be carried out. Mr. Pollok asked in this context, therefore, to also be
heard in order to prove his authenticity. In fact, the wife of circle had
to have something other than Mr. Pollok suspected betray the work on the book
manuscript.
When Mr. Pollok was summoned as a witness in the case against circle
in September 1978 he prepared himself thoroughly with his case officer out
front. Simultaneously, the IM was pointed out that he should look for in the
way of his argument that no suspicion of the accused may occur to him. There
116
was the IM no signs of concern or scruples before the trial, although it him
was uncomfortable, but that he should be heard as a witness. The IM was
oriented so that the wife of the accused shall be present in court. He should
tell her that burden him the court proceedings; he condemn it, that he was
here with his appearance known to state bodies. The IM shall try to contact
with the wife of the accused to further intensify in order to elucidate
further projects. The prosecutor complained afterwards Mr. Pollock
provocative behavior in court and amended in favor of the accused
statements. This was not without consequences for Mr. Pollok, who did not get
awarded an expected point position. By contrast, no suspicion against Mr.
Pollok drew the couple circle On the contrary: Its behavior in court I
won, by the accurate and independent IM operative action, continue to be used
for further control of the wife of the convicted person and its handling loop
instruction. A suspicion of collaboration with the Stasi by the convicted
person or his wife and handling circuit was not known. In the aftermath of
the case officer had the impression as if Mr. Pollok of guilt plagued that
he had wanted to overcome by would address the hostile attitude of the
circle.
As a circle was released in November 1979 in the German Democratic
Republic held in the Federal Republic, the contact to Mr. Pollok revived, but
which in his reporting had reserved. The detention was at the IM obviously
strong psychological aftereffects leave.
III.
The assessments of the guide officer fell from differentiated. In June 1974
Mr. Pollock was considered openly and honestly. In January 1977 his
sympathies for the singer-songwriter Wolf Biermann voted questionable, but
these were seen as tactically in order to enter into the appropriate student
circles can and trust to win the pastor. Reporting, fail discipline and
order fulfillment were considered good. Through a second IM in the student
community its details could be confirmed. In June 1977, stated that his
reporting successes Predominantly in oral form, what due to convenience
is. In political discussions, the case officer asked him a certain
restraint firmly. In the discussions for the surgical work, he is also a
bit reluctant and one must interrogate him on certain issues directly before
it gives its views. Although the IM to me a calm and factual impression made,
also appeared modest, I could (...) not really satisfied. In general, I
appreciate it, however, as an honest employee A, which provide various
weaknesses.
The detention of circle appeared, as already indicated, the
information changed behavior by Mr. Pollok. He presented claims how the Act
can be seen: He brought in another unofficial work to express that he is
ready to talk about people and situations, but want to know why or why this
information is needed. He does not want people burden the exercise legitimate
criticism of certain social developments in his opinion. On the other hand,
he argues that real enemies of the GDR and socialism must be rendered
harmless. (...) In his report puts the worth that his opinion or views on
certain people or situations to be heard, and we deal with these thoughts.
IV.
When he took a new job in another city, slackened the cooperation with the
Stasi. The last meeting is recorded for March 1980 the Act was signed in
January 1982nd The final report states: The detention and subsequent
judicial condemnation of the processed in the OD circle person left strong
psychological effects in the IM, in the result of which he was dodging the
other unofficial cooperation, reporting on people and situations rejected
when he did not know , were what the information needed and used. He himself
117
was defeated strongly the influence of negative social phenomena and took the
view that each authorized certain social phenomena can criticize and needs.
In March 1980, the IM then an occupation took in church institutions and
refused to report on this as people working there as well. Mr. Pollok has
his promise to report after taking up his duties, not respected.
As a direct financial benefit received Mr. Pollok 3050 Mark, this
presents worth 280 marks and even $ 100 in connection with the operation
circle. Despite these significant amounts he was apparently not keen on
money. In December 1979, stated: For the unofficial cooperation said should
be handed over in a financial recognition. This was rejected by the IM on the
grounds that it carries out that activity from inner conviction and is itself
located him in mind to talk with me about him interest issues and problems.
An acknowledgment in the form of a prominent he would agree. He had earlier
had a bad feeling, if he had taken money.
Comment:
Mr. Pollok, who already knew his acts at the time of the interview, was
reproduced there adequately broadly its IM activity. Even when comparing the
interviews with the above given file extracts itself creates the impression
of a broad consensus. Even with Mr. Pollok see the case officer as a motive a
positive political convictions. This corresponds to the former
Begeisterungfr the cause of socialism, of the Lord Pollok reported in an
interview. But the interview revealed beyond a very different, more decisive
dimension: Mr. Pollok grew with an often absent father, a 200 percent SED
Member, and a more experienced as unloving and distant mother, experienced
the divorce of his parents in adolescence , then much lived with his
grandparents. His poorly trained self-esteem just learned through the offers
of the Stasi, to make an important contribution to the cause of socialism,
a narcissistic supply, which must be seen as a decisive reason for the
willingness to cooperate. The enthusiasm for socialism may have been
motivated by the unconscious search for the SED father. This dimension was
then but probably neither case officer still in conscious, yet they have been
operating in her, she gave for the Stasi, the decisive constellation for the
abuse of a young man for their purposes spy ago.
The record shows, however, in the detailed presentation much clearer
than the interview with what great energy Mr. Pollok its mission circle
fulfilled, even his critical attitude to the trial of Circle was discussed
in advance with the Stasi in detail. This enabled him to observe circle
also by this method nor the wife of. The file noted significantly higher
financial benefits from the Stasi when Mr. Pollok in the interview indicates.
This reinforces the assessment of the time effectively BEEN psychodynamic
constellation, acting in the Lord Pollok one against the father, opposition
has even share projected on the friend circle and fought there in
cooperation with the Stasi. Unconsciously he thus securing loyalty to the
absent father, but then had to increasingly make the experience that he
Stasi father really could not win as a moral integrity and present father
also.
The Act confirms accordingly also its more or less ambivalent expectant
attitude, his growing sense of guilt, its developing distancing from the
Stasi.
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119
120
of schoolmates, was later recognized by Mr. Opitz. The Act reflects his
ambivalence reflected in terms of cooperation, just as we found it in the
interview. The doubts expressed by the case officer at the willingness of the
young man for cooperation demonstrated by the fact that he led eight contact
calls, until he decided to create an obligation. Mr. Opitz took the lead
officer on the one hand a supporting him and senior father, on the other
hand, he was full of rebellion against requirements, which he regarded as
impositions.
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122
time. Half a year later, as a K. again visited her mother, Mr. Jahn knew
only inform his case officer that he had not received an invitation to K..
His invitation was granted negative since the family K. would have a small
program already and very little time would be free. The family of IM should
apologize, but if possible, it calls in this regard once again to. For this
purpose, it had not come.
III.
Gradually, Mr. Jahn seems to have been averse to the cooperation with the
Stasi. In November 1978, is noted in the record that he did not appear to the
agreed meeting. At then yet conducted meetings had come it to discussion,
in which Mr. Jahn directly detect its rejection of further assistance
could, and about the meaning of a connection to the Stasi issues occurred.
Similarly, it is reproduced a year later: After several years of maturity of
the IM could clearly see that he was no longer willing to support the Stasi.
When asked about problems of his extensive connections to the FRG, he did not
specify, this would be private and he explained that this is not a hostile
compounds. He further stated that he could not develop the sniffer or spy
and hell be pure play not by the employee or the Stasi in such a role.
This he refuse for ethical and moral reasons. Despite repeatedly guided
debates, he stressed that he is no longer willing to support our institution
and he could not see any reasons for the need. Consistently he allowed
himself to deny or more of the meetings at work. The process was filed in
December 1979. Recognizable consequences had not his work. As attention he
has, according to the Act, obtained a brandy worth 100 marks.
Comment:
The Act includes a large discrepancy to Mr. Jahns memories in an interview to
the prescribed when contacting legend that was a not uncommon method in the
eyes of the Stasi, to attract people, meant for Mr. Jahn that against him due
to contact hostile to a Secret Service was raised. He declared himself ready
for further talks, as he saw it as the only way to defend themselves against
the charge of anti-state actions. This means that the Act leaves out or
reformulated the experienced Mr. Jahn extortion. How not to be seen from his
statement and signed with his real name and pseudonyms, bedeutetenfr him the
talks no conspiratorial activity.
He saw himself as defendant who wanted to get rid of a suspect and not
as an unofficial collaborator. As Mr. Jahn told credibly in an interview, he
tried through his reports on the family friends and colleagues, to protect
them from the accusation of anti-state actions. The triggered in him by the
prosecution alleged fears and his attempt to conscientiously remove any
suspicion moment be so interpreted by the case officer, as he would
conscientiously fulfill his conspiratorial task. The same facts, namely the
attempt to prove his innocence and his friends and colleagues, thus takes a
very different interpretation. As Mr. Jahn reported in interview that he had
not given spontaneously in December 1973, the information on the K. family,
but he was subjected to by the case officer of a survey. Since this is not
mentioned in the protocols, it appears as though Mr. Jahn would make all the
inconsequential for him remarks about the family spontaneously. The 1978
attempted rejection of further contacts shows again how different the meeting
of both sides were understood. While Mr. Jahn was hoping to finally be sure
to have refuted the suspicion and therefore refused further meetings, will be
held in the acts that he did not want to continue the support of the Stasi.
For Mr. Jahn was never about the support of the Stasi, but the rejection of
the allegations made in the legend. His statement, he could not to snoop and
spy develop, shows m. E. once again very clearly that he looked up to this
point, the talks with the representatives of the Stasi as a possibility of
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rectification and saw no need to come to the meeting, when he thought he had
refuted these allegations. Only the last held in the file sets, namely, that
he rejects ethical and moral reasons cooperation from making it clear that
he did not consider the meeting as an activity for the Stasi, but as
evidence, no hostile connections to Germany to have. The example given by Mr.
Jahn becomes clear how the Stasi using the legend intimidated and forced to
the addressed contacts without that he could see through the pretense. The
question of whether it would have been possible for him to recognize the
abuse by the Stasi, can be answered in the negative, taking into account his
biography rather.
Ms. Ring (3) *
The procedure to Ms. Ring, despite its scope, three acts of the person for
more than two work files, not completely preserved. In a personal file, only
the file cover is preserved. Moreover, the Act has proven itself out as a
non-prescribed, disorder is noted.
I.
The Potsdam State Security was looking for an unofficial source within the
Catholic Church of the East, which is why their attention fell on the 23
year-old woman ring, which was interesting because of their Catholic
socialization and her mother, who had held one in the parish leading
position. Due to an alleged offense is a point of reference was given, which
was played out in advertising and was reflected in the Declaration of
Commitment: From the standpoint of a reticle from further criminal procedure
measures against my person, Ms. Ring wrote, I declare myself as part of the
reparation for ready support of the Stasi.
Initially, the State Security has not been seen. A friend of hers had
repeatedly sought in vain the right to leave the GDR and wanted contact with
his request to the Permanent Representation. Before he reached the building,
he was prevented. In advance he had already taken up with a West Berliner
press inquiries, should call the wife ring for the case that he would
imprisoned. This favor she did him, and the Berliner Morgenpost reported
with the result that her boyfriend was jailed for treason. In this context,
she was interrogated by the State Security, who had long since decided to
abstain due to insignificance of criminal computationally clear consequences.
It was not known woman ring.
Two years later, another case officer came to the course, Mrs. Ring was
very excited: First they asked the question, what I - the case officer of a people think that tells of other little ( spies?). These and other
questions will be answered as you could, that could be a motivation for
further cooperation reached or expanded and strengthened their confidence
that the cooperation is necessary and is in our mutual interest. Doubt shine
again by the Act. In strain Year is listed there: In the previous
cooperation with the IM repeatedly occurred phases in which she drew a
termination of cooperation into consideration, especially in existing
stressful situations.
Three years after she had unofficially cooperated with the Stasi, she
met her life partner who was tethered itself to state security as IM. Across
from him, she pointed to their commitment to the national security, what
their partner told his case officer. He himself had been instructed to keep
his cooperation towards her silence.
II.
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Ms. Ring reported on people and events of the Catholic Church, in particular,
on Catholics meeting in Dresden in July 1987. About 45 reports are about the
circle of young adults before, later on The Ark. Again, were events at
the center of its communications, the composition and the self-image of the
group. They also reported on private discussions and to concrete people as
method, who had his move sought in the Federal Republic, and the
oppositionists K.. They also reported five times on the Buddhism Institute
in Poland and the Buddhists Babel Tower, three times more than the
Jehovahs Witnesses, twice over another parish, the group contacts as well
as further details about the relocation applicant Z.. There are also
indications of a list handed over to homosexuals and the New Forum. This
comprehensive commitment collided with the care of her small child, then she
took the suggestion and payment of the Stasi a babysitter (IM B.) during
their unofficial use.
In the five years up to the autumn of 1989, 70 meetings were held, an
average of 14 per year. In fact took place in 1987 and 1988 around two dozen.
They met often in the safe house for example with their case officer,
sometimes in her apartment, in the city, a restaurant or in a car. The
reports produced on the guide officer what he once began a tape. They rarely
wrote reports that they - never signed with their deck or real name - with
one exception.
III.
Despite their high level of commitment there was rarely perquisites. In the
period of November 1985 to September 1988, she received a total of tangible
gifts worth 280 marks. Incurred costs were reimbursed her in the amount of
700 marks. In the spring and because of attorney in 1988 there were a total
of 500 marks each of premium. Eight restaurant visits with total expenditure
amounting to 300 marks are also recorded. In addition to these material
benefits helped her the case officer at the admission to distance learning in
which there had been difficulties in August 1987, their remedies had been
promised her. In fact, they took the study a month later on. Also with regard
to the divorce from her husband in October 1987, the Stasi related for a
swift implementation and the awarding of the children to her.
IV. The last encounter with her
Case officer is listed in the Act with 10th November 1989th Shes more
willing to work informally with the Stasi together. At the same time Mrs.
Ring said to have been clear that is in the current situation needed their
help. Follow their commitment to third parties are not given in their acts,
although they reported specifically on five persons to whom the State
Security had applied operations.
Comment:
In the incomplete file though an offense of the contestant and the request is
called the restitution as a starting point for advertising, but again there
is no indication to the extortionate measure by the Stasi. Because of alleged
aid to GDR deserters Ms. Ring was interrogated for a day and then so
pressured that we would take her daughter and put in a home. This massive
extortion is described in the Act as criminal proceedings action. Ms. Ring
should act as source within church groups. Not only the pressure measure in
the advertising is downplayed, but also the subsequent threats to make their
collaboration with the Stasi on their holdings publicly if she would
terminate the contacts, are not mentioned. In contrast, their reports on
ecclesiastical circles and other groups in the Act are more detailed than
reported Ms. Ring. Although she repeatedly tried to cancel the IM activities
and refused to release the name, the case officer praised their commitment.
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The great psychological distress and suicide attempt during this period are
not mentioned in the Act, this information would have asked the supposedly
good cooperation in question. Tangible gifts and the compensation of expenses
shall be confirmed by Ms. Ring. Their effort not to harm the observierten
people seems to have been successful, because consequences for those affected
are still mentioned neither in an interview in the Act.
Ms. Vogel (12)*
The process of female bird falls in the years from 1956 to 1962. The starting
point was their conviction in September 1956 for alleged espionage to ten
years in prison. The 22 year old had her underage brothers sake in November
1953 in Western Berlin Technical books ordered from the RIAS and picked up
there. By an employee of the radio station it was, the Stasi, recruited as an
agent E.. In subsequent years, she reported that about their jobs and
received the sum of 500 DM.
I.
Three weeks she was as convicts in M. in prison when she was approached by
the State Security in search of cells informers. According to a report in
October 1956 after she was the seriousness of their offense unaware been.
After three weeks of detention in a basement it had long since repented of
their deed and will behave in such a way that it can have hope of being once
more dismissed a few years. They undertook in writing as Mrs. Vogel. The
desire to end the detention prematurely, but was probably not solely motif
making, because repeatedly referenced material interests: Sometimes,
however, the impression, noted her case officer, six years later, as if
they were by the cooperation with the Stasi financial benefits hoped for
Another four years later we read:. Finally, the question was clarified why
the GI (Mrs. Vogel) cooperates with the Stasi. For this purpose, he stated
that the interrogators have said about their espionage activities, they would
have made spying for emotional gratification. The guided discussion showed
that the GI leads associated with us from talking pleasure in the experience
with a financial subsidy. Even after the detention, she continued this
cooperation. The case officer suspected, this does not take place in
consciousness, but primarily of financial interest.
II.
During her detention she shared her cellmates, including questions about what
they have concealed their crimes with regard to whether there was sabotage,
who demanded charcoal tablets, Kassiber ship, etc. It was in the course of
detention to 13 conspiratorial meetings. You wrote at that time 16
handwritten reports, mostly about the mood in the detention center.
After their amnesty in July 1961 she reported on colleagues at their
workplace. By 1964 at least 24 meetings were held, mostly in safe houses as
mushroom, fox or Venus. At times, she was led by another IM F.
subordinated, in which then held meetings. Repeatedly there were also
meetings in restaurants. For the case officer of the operation in November
1965 was considered complete. During this time she wrote 34 handwritten
reports that she signed mainly with their aliases, in one case with the name
..., under which it was conducted the RIAS. Seven other reports she wrote
with a typewriter, a single comes from the pen of the case officer. The aim
of the cooperation was initially in the wake of their connection to the RIAS,
but this was unsuccessful. Later she was commissioned, targeted to specific
individuals establish contact, but - not consistently followed by it fizzled. There were a few people assessments. In one case it was noticed at a
station people, especially their very prudent behavior, which is why they
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wrote down the car license plate. This weather notice was in fact followed
and led by Mrs. Vogels help to identify these people. In that time she had
married, and her husband was engaged as IM. After 1964 it was quiet, meetings
are not documented to the 1965th
In October 1966, the connection was activated again and finally ended
again in July 1970th Occasion for renewed contact was the desire of the State
Security, that they should get in touch with a former, now living in West
Berlin inmates connection. Which they came to. Also they should get in touch
with a colleague at work, but in which not sexual satisfaction in the
foreground stand should, but to identify specific information. In addition
to these orders, they also carried out observations in different places.
III.
The relationship between Ms. Vogel and the case officer was largely based on
trust. This opens up for example from a meeting report of April 1967: In a
report he stated that he had met a person who appeared operatively
interesting him. Therefore, the GI with this person even admitted intimate.
The GI was told that such acquaintances when they expire in such form, have
no value for us. *
Already in the final report to the unofficial labor during their
detention period Ms. Vogel was classified as very attentive and willing,
assessed their work as well. However, the reviews were subject to change.
1965 was their accuracy discipline as poor. This dissatisfaction may be due
also from an incident in October 1964, when it was suspected of
misappropriation of funds at work, and she had dekonspiriert completely.
That it could have been in this respect to a point load of Stasi
collaboration, is evident from a report in 1970, as their work was carried
out since 1956 unofficial always rated as good.
IV.
Many an advantage moved Ms. Vogel from their cooperation. During her
detention she received money for the purchase of clothing, and for several
months she was in her cell furnishings. When she was in 1966 once again
become delinquent, according to the Act without the relevant documents are to
be found there, she had been arrested and released because they had been
willing to continue cooperation with the Stasi. Even in their area the Stasi
might have held the hand over them. As in April 1972, after their active
unofficial work, initiated the criminal investigation to their
investigations, these learned from the Mayor: According to their own words,
they should work for the Stasi. In the past, allegedly tried to bring into
the dark sides of the CID light. But this could not go on because the Stasi
said to have been behind it.
Certainly it can be seen as an advantage that they got a car two years
rather than intended, because her husband had unofficially good services
provided. In addition, they also had material benefits. Until 1961 she was
awarded fees in the amount of 260 marks for expenses, 20 marks for a
Christmas present and restaurant visits in the amount of 50 marks. In the
period 1966 to 1968 there were in total 280 marks for search costs
(cigarettes and drinks), reimbursement of expenses in the amount of 1050 Mark
and the following years now and 30 or 40 marks. Not long ago a 14-year
unofficial work rather clear amounts.
V.
The cooperation ended in August 1972. In the corresponding final report is
given as a reason: The IM undertakes despite constant education and multiple
prison sentences repeatedly criminal acts, mainly fraud. In those days again
ran an investigation because Ms. Vogel your car to others against had
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128
of the GDR, but in his unofficial activities only was the so-called
intelligence gathering operations in the foreground.
Already in advertising report Ms. Vogel was encouraged to expand their
relationship Jehovahs Witnesses to report on them and to gain insight into
connections abroad. At the same time, she had usually without knowing it, the
task of monitoring, control and two more in. Operationally it appeared the
state security as a sense that woman and her bird of his time living in the
household 20 year-old son move to Berlin and thus access to Berlins
Witnesses received Jehovah. In this context, they should operate their
disability and to her son so act that he changes his job without
complications. In Berlin, the son could not find a job, especially since his
formerly posed relocation request indulged him. In this regard, however, the
State Security already measures for obtaining a job had caused
VII.
In the approximately two-year unofficial work there were 23 meetings. Goods
in 1984 only four there, recorded the Act for 1985 and eleven in 1986 nine
encounters. Sometimes, Ms. Vogel also call their case officer. In 20 cases,
the case officer made a report, noted in 23 cases, female birds handwritten,
in principle without any signature or code names. Once she handed a 30-page
notebook with information that they had made from March to July 1985 on the
Jehovahs Witnesses. The meetings were usually held in her apartment, rarely
elsewhere. Its content has, as evidenced by the documents before specializing
in a couple of Jehovahs Witnesses, to which the contact after their change
of residence to Berlin in December 1985 broke off. After all, 20 reports are
listed above. Proceeding informed them about the activities of the ZJ,
contacts and rituals, but sometimes also on advertising projects for ZJ. In
sighting was another, but living in separation couple, through which they
produced eight reports.
VIII.
In total, the state security was satisfied with Mrs. Bird, although reserves
are recognizable. Thus we read about it in September 1984: is very
interesting that the candidate, unlike then, today submitted detailed written
reports with kompromittierendem content. Possibly interesting because it once
against the Stasi remarked that it was now an end to the crime Elsewhere
runs: These reports could until today a dual role - reason. Even vendors not be detected. These factors to be considered compel einzukalkulieren only
a temporary collaboration with the candidate, since this could work in the
optionally active against the ZJ. Perhaps from the point: I will yet again
not criminal or similar. Operational powers to evaluate such developments of
the candidates are available. At the present time cannot yet be estimated how
long the candidate is operationally available.
Six months later, the case officer put it over them: uses the IMs by
ZJ initiated contacts (...) extensive and was thus able to establish a budget
for this moment of trust. The objects are solved excellently through
targeted instruction from the IM. It stands out a multi-year integration of
IM in the ZJ from which must be constantly aware that the IM in no way
identified with the content of faith the ZJ and it will therefore be very
difficult to IM without baptism anyway at the ZJ to keep.
In December 1985, it is then: To this day, the IM was monitored
commissioned to ZJ and he fulfilled his orders carefully, which he was always
ready to describe the way of gathering information.
As a motif of the case officer took Mrs. Vogel predominantly material
and personal benefits to. The State Security tried to promote ideological
foundations. It has been suggested, as spies not with the heart and with the
purse to work. When she had a physical bottleneck in December 1984 she asked
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the guide officer by telephone to support that he gave her with 200 marks.
Additional 200 marks she received because she has her son from the relocation
(SPD) can hold. In the Act, the reads as follows: Furthermore, the IM held
control of a PTS and contributed significantly to the fact that this person
could be committed. Furthermore, the reactions of this person to the actions
of the Stasi could be worked out. In sum, she received three awards each in
the amount of 200 marks, coffee and cigarettes in the oeuvre of 131.25 marks
and a gift bonus of 50 marks.
IX.
The cooperation ended in September 1986 by a dispensation. Decisive factor
was their Dekonspiration against a couple, from the Stasi to the surprise of
Ms. learned: Ms. Vogel made information on their prison time in terms of
espionage, and that they would be hoping committed to early release for
cooperation with the Stasi. Meanwhile, they would work for the Stasi back and
an employee would come to specially from Potsdam to Berlin. Your order would
be the ZJ shadow to. Since she had retired to their activities extend to
West Berlin. The IM, who gave this information, Ms. Vogel certified a hostile
attitude to the GDR, she had no regrets and would not bind the GDR would, at
any time, want to go to the West, which they disregard only with regard to
her son. The State Security severed the connection to her - under a legend.
Supposedly likely unofficial connections to Berlin not to be entertained.
This decision had Mrs. Bird with the words commented that she had already
experienced the Stasi: in / out of the potatoes. She expressed, the
Berliner want do not feel let blunder into the craft. The second
dispensation she signed without hesitation and wept then. Consequences for
third parties cannot be found in this Act.
Comment:
The Act has many contradictions compared to interview According to Stasi
documents committing itself already during their detention when to act as a
Cell Informer. For women, however, the bird conspiratorial activity began
only after the detention. In the interview, she remembered not to the
allegedly first collaboration, but only to the terrible conditions and their
suffering in prison, which is considering the trauma that she has suffered,
and the subsequent consequences of course. That you may have the Stasi gave
information during detention, it can be concluded that they have some
advantages, such as a doctors visit by sat. However, this was not judged by
it as a collaboration with the Stasi. For them, the conspiratorial work began
only after the detention, as the interrogators took care of it. In their
distress after discharge without a job shed bargained for financial
benefits. The type of activity described in the documents is in line with
that of Ms. Vogel told largely without being suspected, however, what
significance had their inconsequential information about their mostly unknown
persons in hotels and restaurants and from the work area for the Stasi.
Fearing further sanctions, for example, being arrested again, she felt well
set later again under pressure and was ready to fulfill the orders. From the
case officer, however, these fears are not seen, and instead classified the
services of Ms. Vogel as very attentive and willing. That they no longer
came to rest since the detention and suffered from depression which required
psychiatric treatment, is not considered. As in other documents there is a
tendency, the motives and the work to assess positive and thus denying the
intimidation, with the unofficial collaborators were bound by the Stasi.
There is no mention in the interview of Ms. Bird also about an alleged
offense more 1966th However, she describes how she still felt pressured and
even their children were threatened. So her son should be a voluntary
suspension as Cell Informer jail. He was under suspicion because he applied
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to leave and did not want to go to the army. However, they could help to
reject this recruiting him. In the Stasi file this self-weirs is not held
against ever new threats of punitive measures against her family. Although
the case officer the view expressed in the interview negative attitude
towards the GDR is mentioned, yet is called as a motif of Mrs. Bird
conviction. That Ms. Vogel was recruited again after an interruption with
alleged dispensation, does not meet its specifications. She felt since the
release from prison of the Stasi and continuously bonded sought help there,
when they got into trouble, such as Jehovahs Witness. Their objections to
further contacts with these people were barely taken into account, except
with the sentence, that the IM in no way identified with the content of
faith the ZJ and it will therefore be very difficult to IM without baptism
anyway at the ZJ to hold . The given her financial support helped Ms. Vogel
in their emergency situation after imprisonment because she found a new job
only after a long time and did not deserve enough money. In addition, the
remuneration it reimbursed served to finance the demanded by the Stasi
restaurant visits and trips. Their struggle was eventually successful by
becoming unusable due to their resistance, their alleged criminal acts for
the Stasi. Their refusal, in the dispensation again offenses admit, where it
is uncertain whether she has actually committed in the form shown by the
Stasi is understandable, because they are not felt guilty, but after the
detention a constant battle with the Stasi austrug. The second dispensation
according to the documents before it came after an interruption because Mrs.
Vogel is dekonspirierte at a couple, by speaking of her detention and the
forced collaboration with the Stasi.
That the contradiction between documents before and interview is
particularly great in this case, has different reasons. From Stasi Although
the Criminal reduction was cited as a motive, but the effects of his
imprisonment and the fears of Mrs. Bird of renewed sanctions if they did not
meet the demands of the Stasi, be disregarded. For women, however, the bird
trauma while in detention have been a constant presence, she had to be
treated psychiatrically already in GDR times for depression. Ms. Vogel sees
its total cooperation from the perspective of their fear of renewed arrest
and possible negative effects on their children. In her loneliness and
helplessness, especially after the separation from which it disappointing
husband offered her to the case officers help, which is why they have any
problems, turned to her, which was detained by the Stasi in the Act as a
self-provider. The story of Mrs. Vogel shows very clearly, as seen from
different perspectives perform the same facts to conflicting assessments. So
the question remains open whether the Act suppresses the opposition of IM or
whether the self-activity of the Stasi was not named in the interview.
4.2 Conclusion
The preceding examples confirm the results of a remarkably insightful
empirical study of motivations from 1967, which had been made by the State
Security. (Hempel, 1967) Thus was asked about their motive a representative
sample of IM.
As a result, 60.5 percent called the recognition of the social
requirement and after all, still 49, 1 percent a moral obligation
Experience and coercion of conscience. Personal benefit considerations
initiated only 27.4 percent, live practical objectives and 39.9 itself
motivations 11.9 percent. Pressure or coercion experiences gave
remarkably, 23.4 percent of respondents as a recovery image. (Ibid., Vol. 1,
p 83) The vast majority of respondents i.e. political and ideological
factors as crucial for the unofficial cooperation to. Nevertheless, the
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subjects more or less clearly. To what extent they have already suffered at
the time of IM activity from guilt, cannot say for sure, theres rarely noted
in the file that an IM of conscience refused further cooperation.
Over the duration of the co-operation and the completion of the
meeting, there are some discrepancies, but rather can be attributed to errors
of memory over the long past events as aufbewute falsification of data.
About the termination of IM activity is missing in the interviews often
accurate information because the unofficial collaborators often was not known
when the file was closed.
The large number of contradictions in the statement of financial
benefits refers inter alia that it was shameful for many of those
interviewed, to be let for their conspiratorial activity, albeit with small
sums reward. Although in almost all files contributions are noted, these were
reported by only a few.
Since not all 20 interviewees templates the files or could be
evaluated, our statements restricted to a small number of comparisons with
the files. Despite the few examinees we can assume that these findings not
only on the true of us interviewed, but also for a large number of unofficial
collaborators have validity. Similar results when comparing files and selfdescription can be found in a study of Barkleit and Dunsch (1998), the
unofficial collaborators of the Stasi surveyed in companies of high
technology. It remains unclear in our study, have contributed to what extent
gaps in memory, conscious denial of facts and subsequent constructions on the
IM activity on the part of IM and the distortions of the case officers in the
files to the contradictions.
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a) a little more rest, youre b) more involved, I then also started to work
there, and perhaps changes in this state are indeed possible.
The recruitment by the Stasi, the psychological situation of Mr. Voss
was used cleverly by luring him with an interesting offer for him scientific.
Now the following happened, from the year ago 1985 end of 84 or early
85. I suddenly received a note on the table, should I report times in the
central party leadership, in such and such a space, because of my party
order. That was normal, that somewhere said or written gets that thou shalt
times back there. I also have it waiting that someday someone what I want.
That anyone wanted to talk about the central party leadership with me, which
was only times clear, but there was another gentleman there. That was the
first one who recruited me. And who has also reported briefly. I can
remember, who had showed me any identification. (...) And then the two have
offered me a legend, which is actually not a legend but fact was truth. And
although we had the early 80s repeated instances where research findings from
the field of social sciences, social science research reports, concepts or
reports of investigations that have been made, rather than published in the
West were in the east. That is, there were leaks somewhere, and there was
also research topics that seem so important to the other side that they have
to be protected. (...) And the task that it could be deduced ultimately for
me, was that I was a good man professionally, you knew me well over the
years, to consider whether it would be as possible when corresponding me
research documents is that now look through thoroughly and in a sense to be
classified in terms the extent to which they might be of interest to the
other side. If you like, I have even found a term for it, something like
preventing scientific espionage. That was the legend. I have let myself in
for this job, and I was inside. That was exactly taken a partially true
situation, which was used as a background for me to motivate me, and I have
also had it only once in the situation no conflict of conscience.
When I asked him if he had at that time also thought to reject the
cooperation, Mr. Voss told me that he regarded the order as an official
working task.
No, not at all. I remember that I was pretty excited. But I think even
if the Herbert (his first case officer) would not have been there, I would
have been excited, because the floors have had themselves rarely do.
The whole thing began yes then beginning to 85 period. There was later
a conversation with Herbert, my first case officer, a young man middle grade
degree, I guess, who was also beginners. He was always very excited, having a
date agreed with me at my house. He said we cannot take in the work area,
which is not good if we are seen together. And it is then only came twice to
my house, then also told me that would not be good if he shows up at my
house.
Although Mr. Voss told his wife of the order, so dekonspirierte, the
Stasi held on to him, but they tried to keep the family.
Therefore, the so relatively quickly from the apartment got me out So
our meeting, we met twice since no one was present. Who has always previously
satisfied by phone if we are alone, and it also has penetrated. He said it
would not be good if some people are included, not even family, especially
when it came to the content. And from that point then, after the second
meeting, so there was only so conspiratorial meeting in apartments. As I was
informed, an address and a statement, as I have to behave myself, so that I
should not park the car in front of the door, but somewhere else to go-out
and, and then stands there and turn there a name. (...) Over the years, then,
the whole game was indeed over four years, in the four years I have five
apartments to know which were partly flats of old ladies who were the widows
of former party veteran, I suppose, i.e. that State were very connected and
have proven their apartment. They actually even put down a cup of coffee, but
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intelligent man. (...) The Lord is not only an enemy of socialism, if you get
to know the, youll remember, is a very strong advocate of the socialist
idea. But he can with this State, as it is, do nothing. And that was, of
course, somewhere on my wavelength that. And the reason why we must pursue
this man was, there are ambitions that he made that stupid function as a
youth representative, where he was completely unchallenged, sometime also
again aspirations has to go out to change the operation to evolve, and you
wants to make sure if something happened, that he is not politically active
in the underground. That is, my job was, within the framework of this
research project, as it were, to this gentleman to contact a legend, to build
a relationship with him, and somehow supposed to find out whether that is
politically active in the underground.
However, this was not just about one person, but to the groups in which
he was active. Mr. Voss should also report on the working groups.
Thats what he told me, that will inevitably arise if you get a
contact that suddenly even any working groups play a role. As is logical that
we want to have from you the information where it is and who it is and such.
But the order was based on that person, supposed to find out whether he is
politically active, to see what you can tolerate him. (...) And from the
moment I have to say, and in the course of further work, where I got to know
the man well, quite a mess in me arose, so in my emotional life. So, until
then, was somehow at first quite acceptable to me even, then this lucrative
business with the research mission, and from then on was me quite
uncomfortable. (...) That I should a person under surveillance had to make
very clear information, also had a very clear mission, what must I do. I got
in touch with the yes, in the operation, it was not a problem.
There were no direct threats if he refused the order, but Mr. Voss was
repeatedly addressed to his relatives in the West and was torn between his
research interests and his concerns about the contract.
Anyway, Ive taken this contact with him and realized now I skip just
so a few things that took forever to get to the man and to me had confidence.
I did not just dare, we had to do with one another by the apprentices and
then made war with so that we are sympathetic, the course was again serious.
So, who was sympathetic to me, and I was sympathetic to him. (...) Over the
months is created in me an attitude, I thought, scared you now have in both
directions, i.e. to the man you have a very bad conscience, because that is
not good, what are you doing , and in the other direction youre scared. It
was this strange feeling mixture. And I have a kind of escape inwards
committed in the course of months, so very gradually, as I have developed an
attitude, as do the check because what I tell and what not. What I could say
is first time in my mind what I write, is on the paper, and what we then talk
to each other, thats still going to be a different matter. And so I drove a
ridiculous strategy, so quite a Rumgeeiere. That is, the contact with the
Lord is actually arrived at. We have become sympathetic, we have had private
contacts, but have left our families out. So I then deliberately hit me with
the time somewhere in the caf or visited him at home, or me in the morning
if he could make it through his shiftwork also met once with him, when my
wife was traveling. I have avoided that any family members thus have
contact.
To my question about guilt responds Mr. Voss: At that time I thought
my guilt cannot wegreden who have stayed, but they were small. (...) Helmut
went a little harder with me as to Herbert, he had a clearer line. He was
also very face and critically. He said, in this work, which is a very
confidential and secret story that happened here. You know that by now, you
have to expect that this person is being observed by others, i.e., we can
also check fairly well, if thats true, what you tell. (...) But that he
views is also in other, he said, so you have to expect, and that is so
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practice with us, you yourself must be expected that you will also under
surveillance. Thats what he said quite clearly that of course, has been
working in me. I am actually not such a cool guy, but I have already done
anxiety. In any case, the contact with the Lord has actually quite well
developed. And I realized that the first, is a highly intelligent and
politically unlikely interested man and that at the time was further
developed mainly from his aborted studies. Who has had incredibly good
knowledge of literature, who has dealt mainly with war literature. (...) And
what was most interesting for me, of course, has had sources, I knew not. He
had books from the West. And he has repeatedly sometimes lent me what. (...)
Yes, at the end, it took a long time until we were ready, so maybe nine
months. Then he gave me that, and practically the history of the Soviet Union
times by another author, as far as I knew it, that has read quite
differently. That is, for me have really opened up by getting to know the
Lord a new world that I have never known before, and which, in fact purely
fit well in my own political thinking in terms of this system for me.
That Mr. Voss taught himself in trouble when he read Western books, he
took into account. I have some, also made of the information that I had no
bones. In discussions we had in the work area, as history yes was also
displayed as it was sold to us. I then partially also once said, well, you
can read other things, because it is written differently. This then gave way
a little trouble, I was somehow in the workspace an uncomfortable guy.
Despite his increasingly critical stance GDR Mr. Voss did not dare to
refuse contacts with the case officer, but was trying to protect the
Observierten.
I had to write about each meeting with an audit report, and there were
again at intervals of several, well, four to six weeks, there was meeting
with Helmut, by the way, this research story ran on. (...) Ive noticed that
my strategy is working. That which I have written, who bought it. (...) He
has played a very important role in the working group, he never told me what
function within the structures he has, but I have known, with the skills that
he has, that he political an executive in this subsoil is and have them just
not write anything more. I wrote banalities. (...) I have his attitude to
communism, his attitude to the Stalin era, his critical analysis of the
policies of the GDR leadership, so things that other guarantees of him knew
in principle that I have again written. (...) They were satisfied that were
satisfied at first. Then came as remarks from Helmut, the boss pushes that
are no concrete statements, whether of or whether that is not active now. And
then I have these periods, we have agreed not met, I said, I did not sign up
again, Im waiting times until the contact again. Then there were times eight
weeks, but now we have time to make an appointment again, since surely what
has been. Nope, I said, who has been ill. That is, I have flayed time and
have done so on a bit stupid and have noticed that the going relatively well.
They were a bit restless and dissatisfied, but nothing happened.
However, Mr. Voss dared not the case officer directly to say that he no
longer wanted to participate.
I came rather the idea partially to reveal me the A. because my
relationship with him was actually really quite good. But then I have had so
much fear and so much shame, that I said, what I can do to protect him, Ill
do it, but I did not manifest. (...) That would have been too embarrassing.
At the time there were so working groups within the library environment,
there was the (...) Peace Circle, who was known to me, and I have simply left
the things. He can be partly reached by car from me up there when we were out
in the evening, I knew exactly where the going. Who has worked in the print
shop (...), has edited articles, which itself wrote that was active,
definitely.
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After one and a half years, Mr. Voss had completed the project and
issued the research report. He then left again the operation and went back to
the Academy. However, it was only the start-up phase, after which he was to
meet colleagues privately. And it came again, another case officer, yes,
with Helmut that ran somehow not on, suddenly a third person was there, that
was Detlef. Detlef was my feeling after him. Who have not presented their
ranks, but I got even with well how have spoken of, and the names were indeed
between times, which must obviously have been the supervisor of the work area
again, the next in the hierarchy. And Detlef has already then again made a
little pressure on me so Now look, because what must sometimes slow to come,
I say, there but nothing is further. This contract was to find out whether
that is active in the underground or not, more than meet me privately with
him. I have a good relationship with the one who has faith in me and that
gives me stuff to read that are forbidden to us, I say, more is not, I can
only write what I live.
When asked Mr. Voss whether one could let the Observierten work in a
publishing house, he sat very one for him. That colleague this place
eventually got, Mr. Voss very relieved. It was for him so clear that he had
caused no harm.
It was to become the fact of working shift without any trouble, which
is out of this rubber pad out as a youth delegate and is a lecturer in
publishing this. And so I was inwardly pleased.
But Mr. Voss has still not left in peace.
And 89 since escalated so then the whole story. I noticed that the
job that I had actually times that was no longer there somewhere. I was then
ordered to go more often to talk, and suddenly, the order should change
again. So, from the beginning of 89 very small groups were active in the
GDR, church groups, peace groups, which gave these services, as under the
roof of the church was very much in motion. And who had mitgekriegt, and
above I have partially indeed even expressed myself writing that I am in this
peace circles and external. (...) And then there was even a remark from the
Helmut, Id rather be construed so jokingly, who said, well, pass on, we know
that you are doing in the (...) Peace Circle with drinhngst and we know that
people are there, and which we are anyway known for years, look to it that
you do not even doing as leadership. So I ended up doing more so recognized,
well, in principle, the more helpless. They had made an attempt to keep this
movement somewhere in the view and to practice control. There was such a
meeting in (...) because they stood on the roof of a large residential
building with the camera and have everything in the garden observed, that was
ridiculous, yes, that really bordered on absurdity, and I also noticed that
absolutely no clear mandate more came that times are getting longer, and that
even no longer so interested. (...) They are expected of me, that I may
impart, where I go, there I was at various points times, yes, I was in some
cases even sent. They then said, at some point was once again a call, you, we
need to take time, theres a large demonstration in the (...) Church as are
2,000 people wholl go with pure and Horch new items. Well, this church
region because you needed only to walk around because you knew, there are
around 100 people at least from the Stasi, in addition to the police, who was
still there, and in the church were also enough there. This has cost me but
then a smile, because go in and say, there was a great atmosphere, there was
humor. In principle, who have tried this scene, it was no more scene, there
was a movement to watch anyway, but had to intervene no more ambitions. The
have also informed me that way. So they said, Look, there is no personal
orders more, we think something is happening here, we only want to see that
nothing out of the ordinary, and we observe this movement. (...) For example,
if I were now mitkriegen in such meetings or circles that any violent
demonstrations or should run something where risk to humans arises, it would
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or did not want to work or something that is already aware of me. Otherwise,
he was but a very, lets say 90 percent is a very peaceful, a completely
peaceful father, but could barely curb in emotional situations.
In spite of family circumstances he described as positive Mr. Voss left
the age of twelve his home without separation difficulties.
One question that is still not entirely clear to me why I decided
years than 12 to go away from home, even though I had it so good. I had a
really great home in the village, a lot of space could, I live athletic, had
friends, the school was going well at home, that was actually fine too. I had
at that time as a few idols, guys who were in the sports school, two guys who
were little older than me, and I did not realize when the weekend had time to
visit, what those guys that has me already irritably. But I think, between
the stimulus, so what to do, to have enthusiasm for the sport and the
decision, I go away from home to boarding school, thats a step. (...) I
cannot remember that I was homesick me. I think the real homesickness was my
mother.
In my interpretation, that he was so identified with the father, who
could admit no weaknesses, Mr. Voss agrees and describes how hard life was
for him in the sports school.
This is tough, so we had normal schooling and parallel to it 35 hours
training. So, up to three units a day, and before competitions or any because
there was this Spartakiad, so there have again acquired a tooth.
By the end of his studies, Mr. Voss has good these burdens endured,
then began his drinking problem.
At 21 I am become a father for the first time, with 22 the second time
father. The second child was severely disabled, which I have kept for a year
until it is then died, and then I finished my university time, am there was
again fairly magenommen. (...) So was born precisely in the year when the
second small, was the last academic year. And since I was also studying in
one of the top people in the field of sport, I was always there for special
tasks.
When he should participate in a sports festival and a preparation camp
and therefore his child should have to leave you alone, Mr. Voss fought back
for the first time against the requirements. Only with the help of support
from a professor, he was able to get his wish.
Through this story in the year, I ended up being so struck nerves so
badly that I was just too sick. And it was the time the end of May, beginning
of June, and shortly before his first birthday this little boy then died.
Then my sick leave was over, I had to return to the Institute, (...) and then
has this section director, that was our coach, who then said, so, ladies and
gentlemen, Mr. Voss is now back among us, and the has just told me that he is
fully available again after he was sick. That was the only time in four
years, where I was sick.
From this time on, Mr. Voss was thinking more of his personal needs and
put back his power pursuit. When finally even was come, the separation from
his wife, he fell into a severe crisis. According to this story, which I
have submitted my party card, my B-Promotion, which stood at 80 percent, and
have said, is no longer. Because the looked at me like that, you do not mean
seriously, you have to be crazy, well, ok if it is so. (...) I could not. No
longer physically, psychologically no longer. I was 89 in such a difficult
situation. There was then a period, either you are doing now what, or you
take the car and drive into a tree. So rather I did not have clearance, I was
now also clear that the alcohol problem was very acute, so that to keep the
effort that I have operated to get somewhere in handle limited to normally
live outwardly, to make, that I no longer have this energy in my work.
I was just so at the end that I had no more reserves, maybe that would
have been even make sense, I do not know. I have in any case in the
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situation, the work was gone, nerves and health, I was at the end. (...) And
in the situation I then broke up and have noticed that the real thing that
has held me for years of it to make that decision, was the relationship with
the children. So I felt somewhere that my father role was the only thing that
kept me alive. (...) I was then 1991 on an invitation to tender in the press
a work in the field of addiction prevention. (...) From 1991 to 94, and of
course that was a godsend for me. I have since had a play fair and
technically good line manager, a very great man who has accepted us as Ossis
and also trying to form mixed teams. (...) At the same time I had the club,
so it was incredibly active, now my present wife had met who was also the
first woman, the first man to actually, I have opened in my alcohol problem
and one year later in the story, what the Stasi was concerned. She is also
the only person who is initiated there, and she has somewhere processed for
himself, said, yes, this is so. For me, then a difficult time is come again.
When set in the (...) management was clear that we get submitted any personal
information sheet. That was easy for me a difficult situation, the place was
like a rescue. So, at the time, the spring 91, I stood there, newly
divorced, with 810 marks net salary, of which 480 Mark maintenance for the
children, shortly after an addiction career, i.e. also in poor health, and
with this Stasi story in the neck. So, I knew that I must operate lifesaving.
(...) But I had had courage to start anew, because it also presents no health
felt better again. I knew that I have to cheat in this personal information
sheet. That was as clear as the Amen in the church for me. That I am all in
the situation, August 91, how should I say, let alone felt. Well, I need not
explain, it would have been for me an absurdity. In the situation in this
personal information sheet, where indeed the question was asked, you had
contacts with the Stasi, because I have no reingeschrieben and have the full
consciousness of doing what is sometime, after verification, happen. I just
needed a buffer time when I recover, where I can earn money and be on the
water. This burden of conscience has naturally been gnawing at my health,
i.e. in the years 91, 92, 93, I was again really overloaded with this
association work in (...) and also my new family. Im so nervous been quite
at the end, have been working constantly on the limit. 93 Was my review
over, and in December 93 I got a letter from the management that it has thus
given the information as part of my review, and I am asked for an interview.
Since it was clear to me that all fairs are sung. I knew that the day will
come, but that really hit me like a hammer. (...) I did not have the problem
with this guilt, to have done, but simply the fact after I have since remade
three years hard work, having to just go, it was clear to me. I have in the
meantime over the years, I think, the same 1991 mitgekriegt that these A.
(the under surveillance), at issue so that the moved to (...), there has
somehow found a new function where he has arrived really good. I have picked
out his address from the phone book and have tried to establish contact with
him, wrote him several letters, but he never reported, this will have his
reasons. That was a small pity, I would have gladly taken up the contact with
him one more time to talk with him a few things. I simply what I have
described today, written him in detail.
Mr. Voss lost after reviewing his work. In the interview with the
Review Commission, he was held up as a reason for dismissal in particular
that he had the personal information sheet 1991 is not filled honest.
And these reasons I have not accepted. The was also untenable for me.
I know that later in the year, so 93, 94 was already so different methods,
differentiated, but in August 91, no one can tell that because I had had a
chance to me. And so I guess I just took it in stride. And I have a very good
service certificate got from my superiors. That was really great, as it has
assessed my work and how I could apply myself well. And then I have
considered for me if I want to get out with my wife and with my family from
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(...) because my wife was also unemployed for the birth of the little one.
(...) I then looked at me after this time converted more or less throughout
Germany in the field of youth welfare, children in villages I demand. My idea
was actually, after this time in the youth services which for me also, apart
from the dismissal thing again so was an intermediate phase that I already
gladly wanted to continue their education in the field of addiction work and
somewhere wanted to develop.
At his new job, the problem arose again in the short term, but without
adverse consequences for him. I was hired, have also had interviews, and I
saw no reason to talk about it. For me it was clear when Im asked, I must
answer. For me it was also clear that I was at the time, after I was through
checked gegauckt certain extent and there had to go, that I. In the case,
when Im asked, would stand by it, that was clear But not asked. So that was
also first time a non-issue for me.
On a subsequent request of his superiors, he told her the affair, after
he received the opportunity to view his file to the Authority.
But Im willing to give information to all things, if you want, and if
that should somehow touch my employment. Thats the reason why I explain not
so sweeping, wanting to be checked. Yes, she says, that is acceptable. But if
I would be ready for review. She has explained to me the process path, she
had already ask what colleagues can ever be checked, even if they were
prepared to do so, and if they can at least ask in relation to me. I say, if
you see it now so you can ask me. And then they got the answer, months later,
that with me no further review is possible. (...) After this message came
from the Gauck Authority that no verification takes place, the management has
brought me again and said that the matter is settled in order for us.
At the end of the conversation, we like to mention how he stands on his
IM activity today. His disappointment that the colleague under surveillance
did not reply to his letters, he has overcome. Him busy especially the
question of why he has agreed to cooperate and how he deals with the guilt.
I have at the moment no more ambitions. This has come in me to rest. I also
think thats my inner attitude, Im not religious as a human being, but as of
my ideological position as I see it, everyone is in the course of his life
with debt laden in any form. And how far-reaching is this debt, is certainly
different and with the guilt every person must live somehow. And I will, if I
can no longer talk to him now it not be in the course of my life, sick or
broken, but pretty much what Ive designed my life now as I continue to
develop myself, I can well live. (...) I just noticed that there are
different ways to keep yourself alive, which was only times important. I
merely definitely made a decision for me, or two decisions I make in my life
not a member of any party, and I will in no way more research. This decision
was made at that time already.
The problem of guilt because of the collaboration with the Stasi and
the observation of colleagues, Mr. Voss tries to solve for themselves. This
first year since that has not bothered me. I think the thing with the A.,
which was really stressful thing. I speak it not so nice, thats clear, this
internal retreat, which I have made, meant that you could not blame him.
Without being able to blame him what he has to change his job and thus (...)
can work in the publishing house. I would basically just write in a set need
where the worked, then they would have had him by the collar again. And so I
say to myself, is the damage that has arisen, rather low, yes, I was a cog in
the work, that is clear. (...) I have no one harmed. I have protected him.
The interview saw Mr. Voss despite a certain fearful expectation as a
relief. I have often employed me in the last few weeks so. And the first
occupations were more burdensome than the current conversation. I rather felt
it was pleasant, easy to sometimes describe that. Thats what Ive been never
done before.
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Selected passages from the interview to show how much Mr. Voss his
desires for dependency and care fended since childhood, in order to meet the
ideal and the demands of parents, superiors and the party or the Stasi. The
desire to show everyone on what scientific achievements he was able initially
made him receptive to the offers of the Stasi. The right to benefits, he
dared not withdraw until it under the massive psychological stress eventually
became depressed and took to alcohol. Only after 1990, he managed to resist
the pressure and to lead a satisfactory, retired life.
Mrs. Quindt
The interview took place at the home of Ms. Quindt and lasted three hours. In
following the thematic course of the interview are outlined and highlighted
several passages that seem both the reported her content, but also in terms
of psychodynamics to be important to us. Introduction, I ask Mrs. Quindt by
their current life circumstances. Would you have told me earlier, you are
now moved here, she answered this question with a dramatic violence scenario
in 1993 by these shootings there, and we had the sniper on the roof in
Berlin, in the Blumenstrasse. (...) The Radicals (...) Skins and the squatter
in the Mainzer Street. That was out of date. The trams have been fired
because a woman was inside. And in these brawls between police and these
people, I would say (...) Then they set fire to a Trabant with us in the
Boxhagener road! And the man has really struggled like a madman: who had
waited ten years later, and shortly before the turn he got his Trabi. And the
Kindle at him, and he could not defend the car. I have all that followed from
the balcony so, and I could not go away too. I was so fascinated, I had to
sit and watch because, even though I knew it is not good for me.
At the same time I have the impression that this fascination even in
our conversation is immediately present. I feel overwhelmed me through this
opening, because it allows me no gradual introduction to this topic. This
corresponds to their way of speaking in very short, incomplete sentences. You
can obviously take no time to organize the content of their message
intellectually and verbalize, but is under a strong affective pressure which
makes its statements more to a kind of evacuation instead of communication.
She wants desperately to get rid of something. After this dramatic opener she
accesses her lying ready file documents and reads me the dates of their
detention before. She was housed a total of over seven years in prisons and
mental hospitals. Spread over a period of 16 years, she was deprived of these
seven years of their freedom. You count me on the data of six arrests. They
founded the first detention with a planned escape from the GDR, which was
motivated by a sexual abuse by her stepfather. They then told me about the
loss of her mother at age 16, the mother came in 1951 in a mental hospital
for syphilis and was never released from psychiatry, where she died also.
This is followed by the announcement that a grandmother and two siblings had
died of starvation. She speaks very confidential to me of Mutti, e.g.,
Mutti had been taken to the mental hospital. She then goes on to talk about
her father, who did not care about it: After I then from the youth factory
farm came at age 18, I went home, my father has but not taking care of me. He
has met another woman who is drawn to her. And then I sat in the apartment:
there was no light, there was no water. And he also gave me nothing to eat,
(...) Then appears another eroticized story: I am then staying in Erfurt,
because ... well, I should probably have a little looked delicious, and the
chief of his fingers was not very safe. And to protect the woman and not to
hurt her, because she was very nice to me, then Im gone away in Erfurt, went
out.
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outskirts, the other they must not do. And the suburbs was already the bus
stop, so what should that. And then Im around in the dark, have looked for
the stars that I somehow do not crashing somewhere and then get to Wrnitz.
And then I was only at six at home. And since my daughter was gone. (...)
Then Im the Meiers, the Mayor family, and wanted to tell whether Ulrike
slept there. I could only now come back because the bus ... And began as
yelling at me: that my child will be withdrawn immediately virtue of his
office, and that the supervisory neglect is, in the most rugged nature (...)
And from the. day I could no longer see my daughter. (...) As I asked the
mayor, but give me back the child, and he gave me such a thundering, that I
am here, popped in the hall, in the anteroom of the mayor apartment to the
heater. And when he says: Because you need not rumzuheulen that believes you
anyway no one that I smote thee. And went into the apartment and took me just
standing like that. So I went to the pharmacy and got me Dormutil ... a
sleeping pill. Thats what I stirred into a pot of coffee, as great as is,
and swallowed Because, I thought, no, in prison you do not go back more!
(...) And when they see me lying there, have the emergency service brought to
Eisenach, and who then saved me.
Then describes me her second psychiatric training 1970: Since I had a
work therapy. I had to work in the pathology and women tissue samples from
these breast examinations under the microscope and so I had to cut on the
dissecting table in the portions and lie there for the professor. It has
shaken me, but what could I do, I had to make it so! I had the fetuses from
the glasses that have been delivered since-because there are indeed a
forensic clinic was-in throwing the furnaces there. I burned the soul They
told me about there lives housed murderers: And from whom they also have the
genitals added: ... and I had the photos below in a filing Books series. Or
cross sections of Kehlchen of infants who had swallowed a cherry pit, where
the suspicion of the murder was or something in this kind. With so what have
in the work therapy employs me ... I had thought that worse may be in a
concentration camp not have been!
Then she describes me another psychiatric abuse: And one day I was
summoned by the work therapy and am at once ... I was on the open station ...
That was right, and the left was closed in the same house. And since my
sister has caught and said: You never will walk a sister in the stomach
again! I do not know whom I should have entered there. I came home from work
therapy. And they brought me in as a Tobe cell where a recessed bed was only
a bed sheet so tightened, and a blanket with linen, linen, otherwise there
was nothing drinne in the room. Only those large white window, and the shops
were shut. I thought, what is now, what is happening now - I could only
freeze, tremor, anxiety .-- Then they touched me, one from top to bottom, one
pulled up, a pulled down, because I was naked again. This went ratzfatz as
fast as you cannot defend yourself. You know not where you should first
touch. Since they have undressed me and threw there on the bed and fixed to
his hands and feet. I thought, what is this now, why? It was not even
intended to do me any investigations .-- I know only afterwards that I have
been sprayed. And it may be that someone has been a Bndel over me since. I
do not know. I only know that something has been taken purely as a radio in a
car. Then I knew nothing more. I am then eventually woke up and thought I had
slept only a day or a night. And then there were three weeks. Since me three
weeks must have lowered so in a coma-like sleep or how shall I say, as a
guard sleeping maybe. I had to eat somehow or something. All I know is I was
totally dirty. This may of course have been his last of the hour or the last
day whether who nursed me at all, because I could not say anything at all. It
stunk terribly. I have never been so smelly ... like I come as a man in the
bed ... I was just at the closed station again. And when I asked why? And it
has been answered me never really. I would know everything myself ... Have it
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but not catch that unwarranted incarceration has been organized in time.
Namely, for the purpose, because my daughter has been adopted at this time.
She then describes me another escape attempt through the forest in
Czechoslovakia. Inbound she describes her neglected state in the forest, but
also in the interview culminates chaos: Yes, I have stopped me just in the
forest. The people I had to avoid. If I see people today ... Im trying since
withdraw. There is always trouble with people. AND then there was an amnesty,
1972. And thus I am again ... stop, no, now I throw it all messed .-- Thats
bad. - (scrolls) --Wo I was now? Oh, Potsdam, at this time, but when am I
because come in psychiatry Tollpitz - No, --Gerichtsgutachten. The time to
notice under section 16 or 15, if Im sane. And as a forensic order had got
from the prosecutors office, and should examine me. And at this time there
were already conflicts. I did not do anything to me always. They have my
private things that I could have even in the pre-trial detention, taken away,
and so what. There were frictions. Sometime escalated then also because we
beat each other. The ward nurses and the other two sisters and me. And when
they caught me, as I said, again the same song. Above and below, on the bed,
fixed. And who then calmly splashed me. Sedated. And they did so well
committed three days to me (...)
My already initially present feeling of being swamped by these disaster
reports, intensified since an even begin wise talk about these experiences
was impossible. On one hand, I had the impression that Mrs. Quindt wanted
deposit these undigested disasters with me, on the other hand strengthened my
suspicion that she unconsciously held a director who should put their Stasi
collaboration in a sacrificial context that clearly to the question of
personal guilt others delegated. Her childhood she describes me catastrophic:
it tells of two brothers who were starving in 1948 and 1951, and of her
father: (...) and my father is from 48 captivity of Russia (...) He was
four times in captivity. France, across the Rhine, as the British were. From
the British to the Americans, and the Americans to the Russians. He came in
48, 4 9 back home. Total emotionally neglected. And he was no longer the
man, as he went to war. He really had time loving his children properly. But
who had become cold. He has beaten us. Since he has now woven baskets and
prams Korbmacher was, he had the willow branches are always in salt water,
made canes. And with that he has but we really hit on the bare that the
calluses are cracked! For the smallest and lowest negations. Or if he has
caught, and we were not there on the doorstep and are pure. Then we had to
line up in threes, and because he then reacted to us, at his nasty life that
he now had with the war.
An exception to this catastrophe reports makes the depiction of
memories of the early years with her mother. And that has the Prof. K. me
only brought out again I was totally forgotten. The years were gone. Namely,
Mr. K. had noticed my behavior and these blackouts associated with these
times ... And since he has had excavated the: first time that I ... that my
father had trespassed against me. And then he went even lower and then had
the child ... So good times. Then he asked if I cannot describe, a good
moment. As I said, yes, the most were always times as a child ... Since I can
remember that on the way so there was snow. But even so the earth. And that
there was really liberated, has been looking forward properly, no burden here
or something there. Or where I liked to play. With my old stroller and with
my dolls there. And since he also brought ... noticed how my mom has
attracted me. The death of my grandmother, who was starved to death there.
That I had not so mitgekriegt as a child. Thats what I afterwards learned
only later why they had died. And the house where we lived drinne. The whole
family, the garden, toys and so on. He had saved me the six years that I then
... Where we had the work-up, this therapy. One and a half years, because it
was so heavy, he then brought in me again. Brought into this childhood. He
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says six years have been enough to strengthen my personality so ... So well,
that was the foundation for the man ... Yes, he meant that it was not only
bad, there were six good years. No matter how it has leaked, but six good
years with Mutti. And I was very closely connected with my mother, have
rumgeklebt only on her apron (laughs), nothing else.
Mrs. Quindt came in 1951 in a childrens home after the mother - as she
says, because of a syphilis - was psychiatrically hospitalized. There she
describes a military education: Yes, we have been so militarily educated.
(...) There was every day appeal. Because the flag was hoisted, these folk
songs or socialist marching songs were sung. It has also been rehearsed. We
also had a large choir are also performed it. So, what is culturally been
commanded us, only not love. Food was adequate. As it is, in large kitchens.
Interviewer: But no love, you say.
No love. That they could not. They would then have had 40 children on
the neck. 40 children were drinne in a group. So, they have withdrawn. I do
not know a physical touch! Not even that. And then the dormitories. With us
as in Zeitz, on Knittel wood. This is now part of Potsdam, the Foundation.
This was previously a military girls orphanage. Of soldiers, officers, the
children who are left orphans. And all the clothes, as that was left after
the war, the orphanage had taken. And we wore the clothes of these military
girl. (...) Since they then cut off the epaulettes. We are really in the old
clothes ... The shoes, which were huge mountains. Since were picked out for a
couple. The cobbler had patched it. We had frozen our feet. Was not
sufficient, the clothing. It was a very, very tough time. And then certainly
for the orphans or for admissions. (...) From the navel, because we have the
dirt under rausgespachtelt mess we helped ourselves. An educator can now not
all supply. Since we had also had a five-, six-year-old child who was our
loveable. We idolized, the little one.
At this point the interview scratching a cat at the door. Mrs. Quindt
opens the door and says: As someone wants pure. A Discarded, we have taken.
She continues: And - as I said, this military rigor was precisely what
had influenced us. Obedience absolutely. There were no demands. It has always
been said that if an arrangement is that must be carried out. Afterwards we
can discuss. But if now comes a command, which must be carried out. And later
you can talk about whether that was right or not. In this sense it is also
educated But even in this context, they can at least appoint a good man:.
The director of the home, which made sure that the children were also given
time to eat extra servings from the farmers or with them to the Baltic Sea
into the tent camp drove. They also emphasized the maintenance in the
childrens group, how much they have held together. When she reached puberty
later, which was connected to them apparently with fears: I wanted to stay a
child. I did not want to like the adults. They were made up who were mean,
who smoked, so everything. I found terribly grown-up people. The dismissal
from the childrens home was connected to them with the sexual abuse by the
stepfather. I have not spoken to anyone, I could not tell which. Because, he
has also said that if I tell this, then he kills me, then he beats me with an
ax dead. Thats what he told me. She no longer be able to speak to him about
it later. My sister ... But he has not touched! Funnily enough. And Ive now
told recently my sister Elke. And as she said it was revenge, because you
were not his child. He has raised you, he has paid the money for you. 30
marks a month. And that he then brought back, thereabouts. She was also
appalled. But she said, he has not touched me.
After about one and a half hours we arrive on their first contact with
the Stasi during her first imprisonment to speak. The first contact was ...
Im going back in the youth choir factory farm near Magdeburg. We have had to
work in the fields in the LPG. Pig and arable farming. And on the field I
have a leaflet found. I have taken that have read the. And there was of West
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Berliners an address. And since you should indicate ... As always fluttered
such silver linings on the fields around, the destruction of transmitters
should be or something like that. And I have found such a leaflet. So A5, and
have answered that. I should indicate about the milestone, where I have found
that, from the street up. Then I should say, if there is the next Russian
barracks, base is. What are plants there, factories, and how the atmosphere
is. Then it was also cover address. And as I have written down. And the
letter was intercepted. Well I never knew: that really is a leaflet from over
there have been, or was it a ploy by the Stasi? (...) They have intercepted
the letter and she came back in the youth factory farm. Since I was
interrogated. I was then so bad mentally ... They have me so made ready I was
brought up in a single room. I was really deep ill chills, broken, the entire
circuit must be me because messed gone in fear. And then they said: All
right, I have to stay until 18 drinne. Otherwise I would namely previously
skillfully already out. But since I have answered the leaflet and treason
have operated, I had to stay up to 18 .
Important for their future Stasi collaboration was their selfish desire
for men: I have been a very wild rock n roll, foxtrot dancer. That was my
world. With music, I could abnebeln me by humanity. Since I had my own world.
Also had good contact always. Was very contactless ready for men also. And
also sought there tenderness or love, or wanted to be married, to be loved
like everyone else maybe. And that became really like an addiction. I could
not be without a man, it has vexed me really. And I am thus also become
conspicuous for the Department of the Interior and also against the
population. It said: the whore! Either way, yes. And inside I was not ready.
I thought it was beautiful, it was pleasant, no one has been injured the
other. Warming was me perhaps more important than the make of the sexual
act.
The second contact with the Stasi then arose during the second
detention, when she agreed to spy on fellow prisoners and subsequently
dekonspirierte. After her release from prison she had a social worker who,
like himself-was for them later turned out-a Stasi employees. Which she told
of the advances, which made her a West Berlin lawyer who was probably also
involved in border crossing services company: And this harassment of which I
have this supervisor says that he keeps the me from the neck. And I did not
realize what Ive thrown. Now they have indeed now fallen to, though I now
knew what it was because ... So she had involuntarily the Stasi delivered a
first important piece of information. A renewed commitment to cooperation
stemmed from her view by a blackmail maneuver after another detention: And I
had had a sentencing. And half an hour before that ... brought me right in
the office of the public prosecutors office, the county prosecutor. Since
there were two gentlemen. (...) And as they have over the sentence spoken by
the last sentence and said I would because such good contacts with the
underworld, and as I imagine that if I had given birth to the child, and ...
Well, she could ensure that I could stay out. But I did not know that I could
have stayed there. They had not given me this selection, not given to me to
note .... But I did not know that I can be free and so would. And there have
also been afraid that they take away my son. And I was also very, how shall I
say - as fascinated. I do not know what the trigger in me. (...) And I have
to say ... my Sexverhalten. As a woman ... if I liked, I had to have him.
Something like that. And that made me really from the physical and the
psychic totally confused. Then came the pressure, we can be different, then
the child goes up for adoption as your firstborn, and you stay in detention.
And he had emigration applications, and one was approved. And one has not
delivered me. (...) And the pressure, detention continues, child away, and
training in psychiatry, as I said, for my child, I sign, and for my freedom.
And I thought, oh, because certainly nothing will play, youre the bend, and
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away you are. Ive really thought nothing of it, nor thought to work for. But
psychologically brought the ready that everything went off so smoothly at
once. So many signatures as I have given, I do not know what I signed. I did
not know how failed the judgment, which fascinated me, the fear of the child.
I cannot imagine ... I was really in a mill there, you then reports of a
first job. They should lure the aforementioned lawyer who helped to escape
from East Germany, to Leipzig. And then I was out on parole, and then came
to me of, and which was then interesting. I did not know what I had touched
since. I thought an attorney is anyway taboo. (...) But in my reports is
drinne that the X. entry ban has gotten for the GDR, because he has been
recognized as smugglers. And now came to: I should go with this lawyer in
epistolary connection. I should report interest in him from escaping. And I
should recruit him to come to Leipzig, where we should meet. And there would
have accessed. And since I have met in a night club, somewhere in Berlin
someone. And since I have given a card, he wants to be so nice, and they want
to give to the X: he shall not enter into the DDR. Nothing more. Do not
respond to my letters, my calls, nothing, he should do so, as if nothing had.
Nor let it be in his answers that I had informed him. The Act of operation
there.
An important motive for collaboration with the Stasi must have been
some kind of sexual bondage for women Quindt: It is built on what between
the case officer and me. How connectedness. I wanted him to entice sex. At a
meeting I have opened the door naked or just wearing a towel in front of it.
And I let him tempt, and then theyre only come in pairs. (...)
Interviewer: But he did you like obviously Mrs. Quindt. Ah, absolutely my
type Interviewer: Youve fallen in love with? Madam Quindt: Yes. And but
also the correct type that already knew what my type, set on me, where I
would absolutely leave Interviewer:. What would you say, what kind of guy?
Mrs. Quindt: RTL, This Newscaster: - clapper. So a guy. Great, charisma,
charisma, everything, it all fit. Only I have not so because Ive done more
on obedience. I was very punctual to these surveillance operations ... The
attracted me more and more, although also sometimes told me things that have
hurt me a lot. I felt as if I would give myself necessarily always lower in
his power, that he talked about me ... increasingly Ultimately only from me.
That was very funny. This power has perhaps not every man, but who had the
had. I like he thought, whether one now called brainwashing, I do not know.
At the same time she and her child from the Stasi were provided with an
apartment with their facility. Also their maintenance has been paid by the
Stasi, as long as they still had no job in Berlin.
Your Stasi working area were the night bars and hotels Inter: And I
had actually given the job of taking care in the bars when someone asks me if
hes a butt or a Busengrabscher. What he thinks, what he does. But so
directly, whether he is an agent or if he wants to escape or something. This
question was not asked that. I told more out of my experiences. And every
weekend, so once a week I had to phone register with the Department of the
Interior and the Stasi: that I am here, that I should go to work and what
there is of special features. Where I am going, with whom I make myself. And
once every fortnight or every week, I do not remember exactly, Friday I had a
stakeout. Since I have been told how to assess people had, starting up of the
head, the shape of the face, the eyes, the size of the growth. Yes, such as a
police officer when making its finding as such a physical description. And I
was obliged, with whom ... Although they have always said I do not need it,
if I do not want. But it always came to sexual intercourse. And only once
with my instinct ... which I do not klarkam. And that had consciously taken
into account. They also wrote that they had to take into account in order to
maintain this Observierung this conspiratorial activity, they had to let me
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run wild and still help the fact that I verwildere even more, in-sexual
area.
But they worked for the Stasi also outside this range. So they got in
touch with the witness to Jehovah. I had there as Jehovahs Witnesses in the
apartment ... They put the foot in the door, and I was with my baby alone
with my child. And I was scared. With my past and everything that kind of
people, and what do they want from me? And with us, Jehovahs Witnesses are
what have been quite bad. Those were sects kill people. Correct. And it was
true. They wanted to recruit me, and that I have Peter (their case officer;
dV) told. I say, what am I going to do, you can help me and do to me someone
in the apartment when the come back? And then he said, let you advertise. And
until the christening out I had to take handwriting samples by any ...
(inaudible) ... Bible readings. And somehow I managed that one specimen
signature be there. And there were identified and arrested. Actually from my
primal fear of being exposed to these people. Who knows what theyre doing.
(...) And then busted because of what I had been chattering. It was not
provided to me that to denounce or something. It is simply unwound way. And
then I had a purely because they had then given me the job. And I had also
done me no thought, because the sect was banned from us.
In the Gauck Authority be found later in her Stasi file a total of 31
reports. Through descriptions of this kind is clear how much women Quindt
strives to convey to me that their collaboration with the Stasi less
corresponded to their personal conscious will, but that she was a driven, so
to speak, happened all this. Here she seems to see me as potentially
threatening. Someone, before they have to justify himself because he could
condemn them.
And the friend alcohol was of course my constant companion. Ive only
got drunk. Im half-drunk only once gone, because I afraid to enter a room
where people are. And certainly if ... Ive always had the feeling that Im
going to get smaller and go back ever. And so Ive been drinking. As I have
had courage and could do it all because it all went easy. (...) Thats what
Ive been chattering or written, half-drunk or something, which I have yet
not registered correctly! I had trouble sober to get my head and so to lay a
report. And because the have liked to have heard, I have said, it ended up in
bed. To end all my things. But it was actually-through my eczema, I always
have a bit of peeling (scratches his arm) - showed actually just ... Lustlos!
But I just had to show that I Peter ... That to me is good.
Moreover, it is important for her to tell me that she had her work did
not understand the purposes of espionage, but that there was also for them
what the legend says the Stasi jargon, so an acceptable justification story
of IM varied to IM and was always tailored personally: ... I do not feel as
a spy. Im not a spy. I did not catch what it was actually there. And I said,
I inform of what if someone ... Because who always said, these are all sex
offenders that they bring me their sights there. I want to help, that no
child or no more young people are raped or that abuse is or so only. I was
always there on it, these are criminals. So ordinary citizens or that it was
a political matter not, but that they were criminals. (...) Because who
always told me these are sex offenders, these are people who are women ... I
am sent as a decoy through the forest, and there was a murderer drinne.
Whether that was really there drinne, I do not know. I had to go through the
forest and knew only that which is somewhere close to me. But thank God, was
not there. Such abuse has also happened. For that I was not worth anything. I
have had the not understood.
The end of their IM activity came with her marriage in 1981: At some
point the dormant but slowly. And the reason was because I married my
husband. Ive told my husband everything. I told him about the safe house, I
told of the meetings, I have to do. Then he had to join a while endure,
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because they had not yet been released me. As he tried to hold me back with
my child. Because I half-drunk evaporation of again. And there were clashes
with an egg clap on your hair, so I do not ... I had to do so again
beautiful. He always wanted to try to keep me there. I could not yes. I was
not allowed to yes. I knew what follows. And that he could not understand so
well. And as a man he was also injured. He knew that there was sexual stuff
out. Even my boy ran after me on the street and wanted to hold me. I was not
allowed. I had the boys push back and had to go on.
And then I got married and have written, I would like to be rid of it.
Now that I have a marriage, cannot agree more. And I thought that was the
right reason, that to me because no one can say married, Im protected.
Previously we have only ever tried to live together one year. Since the
matter was not just so, and he has all this yet so experienced, very bad
things, and always drunk. And then we got married, because in Friedrichshain.
And then we both understood each other but slowly getting better. But there
was no sexual intercourse. That was from. My husband was doing no more with
and complained that he was in pain. And then I did not want to because I did
not experience what I experienced with other men. And that was too drab. And
then ... I was always interested in seeing my family ...-- shall we say, not
marriage and marital obligations - my family is now not torn again by a
disease like the mom, the children go to Home , all go, everything is broken.
Because most of it is so, if the mother fails in the family, breaks the whole
family. I wanted the kitten necessarily. And Ive done it! Ive also got the
curve. My husband had then found me another job. And then she was then
working in the National Memorial Sachsenhausen in sales for books, etc. Later
she Ansteckplaketten at Deutsche Post in accounting.
On the turn they responded with physical and psychological symptoms: I
got a sudden hypertension. (...) And the doctor noted cardiac arrhythmias and
anxiety, guilt. Everything chaos, yes, helplessness and panic! Then came yes
... I was now at the post office ... and we had to take the S-Bahn ... I did
not even know that I cannot drive in the train that I have claustrophobia.
(...) The people, the people I was scared. Above all, if they were more than
two. And that was so bad, I got my head is not high, in order to talk to
them. I had, when I spoke, lowering his head. It was like so rigid. This went
over the whole brain. I was forced into this position ... And if someone
spoke to me, that hurt me, then rev the head. As if there were managers who
came from West Berlin. With our people I could talk quite different again,
because I was not as self-conscious. And ...
Interviewer: Do you have an idea of what you feared? Mrs. Quindt: I
do not know. Since I did not even know that there are so morally human rights
violations. I have not considered that. Afraid I had faced Interviewer:.
Due to the cooperation with the Stasi Mrs. Quindt: Nah, before the people,
all people. I could not explain it. I have to my husband and said, I have
terrible fear. Bin then there always driven over in a tense situation, and we
had had this highly embarrassing conversations, because we were asked to the
Stasi employees. That was a special ... an ombudsman from the post office.
The came from Bonn with his people, and then who us ... And as I have told
the truth, that I am in. I told the alias and had shown me 89 in November in
Friedrichshain to the prosecutor. Because I no longer klarkam as with the
problem of what I am now? Am I now a republic Volatile? Am I a victim? Am I
perpetrator? It has now also everything slowly brought into the media. And it
was like a race with death, with death, with the public death for me. This
Stasi was not so attacked, but these spy. And then we made war with, that the
arrests were that releasing them again. That actually those who had brought
us to had actually made us the second time to the victims. These things as
join. The were dismissed, and the media and the general public ... I suddenly
had a whole nation of enemies. They would have stoned me, if I had outed me.
155
It was really, I would also say that there were deaths. (...) I have informed
the prosecutors office, what I experienced. That triggered that I had a
hearing with the Chief of Police Berlin-Tempelhof. As Ive told everything.
Had no effect. Nothing. Have I not insulted. Quite nice really dealt with me.
Only, I could not tell. It was all drinne, and yet was not there. And a woman
Mink, that was the name, I believe, who had to talk to me. They had to let me
come a second time, then I could tell better. But she realized there was
something in me what worked. And it has helped me as far as she could. She
also has not pressured me. And then she has also made a log. And since I have
never heard what it. I had then asked for insight into the Gauck Authority.
Since I myself am gone. And since I have had a conversation with the
spokesman. As I have said about me that I did fish a IM. But victims have.
And I feel that haunts me. What I have to do. And, Ill kill myself, I cannot
stand that. And who then causes I then immediately got my insight also. And
since I have records --- but really, three or four such thick folder. And all
I could ... They knew everything! All reports in the psychiatric, all
gathered from the doctors about me. I am a psychopath, Im paranoid, so I
must have been a very bad mental patients.
They told me further that then officially their unlawful treatment in
the GDR has been determined. And I also get the capital compensation. In
seven years. As you can imagine, that was ne mass money. And I have wasted
nothing, I have everything invested in the land.
To her surprise, she found out after the fall of the wall the first
time from an existing GDR era opposition. Then I went sometimes, I do not
know in which corner it was, at the Nikolai Church in Berlin, or where that
was. That was ... Since the Wall had fallen. And I have purely streamed in
such a gallery or loft with the other because ... There are tons of people
down there and were our intellectuals and fought. Or introduced themselves
with their concepts, as they wanted to lead the DDR. So I claim the family
minister ... mostly women. And as I have for the first time in my life heard
of the Greens, of civil rights activists. Because I was for so many years in
prison, I never, I swear, of a movement against the GDR! Never! I had even
seen, that the Church has gekuscht and has made common cause with the GDR. I
have never heard. I have only heard of Republic fugitives who were imprisoned
like me, or have received sentences, because they were on the run, were not
working, that they are anti-social. And have been sentenced as asocial. But I
knew neither what a woman Bohley or ... They would not accept us. It could
have been that students eventually ... But since we would not be hard to get
to the sections of the population. Because who had had their drawers, lets
say so, had their privileges. The could not leave with us, that was where
their ... How is that supposed to express? They only lived with their peers
on a plane. Who did not leave us down. Above all, the artists. And that is
because maybe been. But in this world we have cannot daily. (...) They are
sometimes abused as pretty girls or so, yes. At their parties. But we did not
know what theyre doing. And then I was so shocked when the went to the
podium since. Absolute power only desire! Which it was not about a work-up,
but they wanted to enforce against the Westerners that have the position and
the West does not spill over us. Such a situation was. But all departments
what there is to government. About politics in the sense has not spoken. Or
that the GDR was such a Schandland. Not at all. It was only a distribution of
power!
The real character of their IM activities it has recognized only after
the fall of the wall: Through the television, I then mitgekriegt what that
was for a work ... Interviewer: How did you feel then, when you heard that?
Mrs. Quindt: Bad. Poor. I could not place it. And that is why I say yes,
Ive had these failures, that I am right and then collapsed had fallen ill.
(...) And then I ... The guilt was then so hot. And these attacks on the
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157
6 Final considerations
6 Final considerations
6.1 Subsequent editing of biographical narratives
The told us stories of the former IM and her portrayal of collaboration with
the Stasi are marked as all the reports of eyewitnesses by subsequent
machining. The current life situation, social conditions as well as the
interaction with the interviewer have influence on the current releases.
Verbalized memories are therefore no objective reproductions of past
events, but subjective creation, serving the current design of a relationship
between interviewee and interviewer. Past seems to in the light of the
present. That memories are often patchy, is attributable to the fact that the
meeting with the Stasi back are some IM for many years, so that details are
no longer remembered. On the other hand are the memories actual shame and
guilt, touch some painfully experienced situations. By 1990 it was uncovering
and public condemnation of many IM they were forced to justify and document
their willingness to secret loan activity partially offset by legends before
him other. Historical facts out in autobiographical memory in accordance with
the current self-perception often acceptable for the narrator forming.
Dissonance between current settings and previous perspectives be resolved in
favor of the current and developed the idea that he had never thought
otherwise or traded. After the demise of the GDR and the discovery of the
extent of the monitoring and pursuit of enemies of the state, many took a
more critical attitude to IM their country, as they had not at the time of
the existence of the GDR. It is thus understandable that in the interviews
they rated ten years after the turn of the system critical, than they were in
the GDR without that one can speak of a deliberate falsification of the
previous setting so. In psychoanalysis, this modification of the past is
known under the concept of screen memory. Occurs another which is less
stressful and conflictual and more acceptable to the current self-image to
replace the actual memory of an unpleasant experience full. This replacement
ideas are compromise formations in the defensive struggle of the ego against
traumatic experiences or intolerable conflicts between moral requirements and
the actions of the person. The phenomenon of self-in-one-eye-blind placing
can be used as an explanation for the differences between historical and
subjective truth. Facts that do not fit to their own self-image will be
hidden. One sees, for example, be just as someone who was interrogated by the
Stasi, and is blind to the signs that indicate that it was even used as an
informant. These defenses against memories of its own culpable actions must
be distinguished from deliberate lies. They are the victims unaware, because
they serve precisely to protect themselves from psychological stress,
especially guilt. On the other hand they also mean no exculpation. However,
it would not be helpful to accuse all former IM in the review meetings of the
denial of their entanglements with the Stasi. Of course there will be many
who want to protect themselves by conscious denial of their cooperation
before sanctions. To arrive at a fair assessment, however, it is necessary to
consider the biographical background, the personality and unconscious
defenses. Only under these conditions it will be possible for the parties
concerned to achieve insight into their involvement and to ensure a fair
processing.
Another factor influencing the story of former IM is their expectation
of the interviewer and in the course of the conversation evolving
interaction. The willingness to be candid the persons addressed by us
depended on what the interviewee is expected of their interlocutors,
psychotherapists from West Germany, to understanding and support. In the
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6 Final considerations
working out of conviction for the Stasi employees biographical memories were
mainly characterized by their group membership and their current social
situation. The loss of their more or less large share of power in the GDR and
the questioning of their political convictions after 1990 they tried thereby
to deal with, that they tried, the interviewer as a non-GDR citizens from the
advantages of socialist society and the legality to convince their work for
the Stasi. For them, there is no doubt that the Stasi was the BND and the
protection of the constitution in West Germany to be equated, even if it was
not about democracy in the GDR. Although they admitted some mistakes of the
SED regime as the restriction of freedom of East German citizens, but could
total no doubt that their actions were lawful and intended to protect their
state. This attitude towards the interviewers certain both the biographical
narrative and the representation of the collaboration with the Stasi. They
saw it as their duty, continuing to struggle after the end of the GDR for
their ideals. The fact that many of the details of their IM activities were
not or only mentioned in passing, especially when it came to the betrayal and
the injury of individuals who are reconstructing their Stasi work was very
difficult.
Three of investigated by us had already held talks with journalists or
academics. With them played among other motives the desire for publicity and
self-expression play an important role. We got the impression that they have
constructed in the course of their multiple repeated tales, a life story that
is consistent with both their moral ideas as well as their personal and
political ideals, its relationship to historical truth, however, is difficult
to detect. Of these biographical narratives, the interviewees themselves were
so convinced after a few repetitions, it was difficult in the talks to gain
new insights that would have put the previous design in question.
A larger group of interviewees, who suffered after the disclosure under
job losses, cuts in pensions, social isolation and mental illness, used the
conversation to get understanding and support. In their reports about their
often troubled childhood and adolescence and the stresses during IM
obligation they presented themselves as victims, as victims. Without
intending to ask the really traumatic experience in question must
nevertheless be borne in mind that this representation of deprivation had in
family and society also has the function to justify himself and to see itself
more as victims than as perpetrators. The difficult economic and social
situation in which some interviewees were present during the investigation,
was also not without influence on her report. Since many of the former at a
disadvantage professional and financial nature suffered, the stories about
the stresses took a large space. In this way they tried to win sympathy and
understanding for themselves. They succeeded by partially causing a big
consideration when the interviewers so that they refrained from requesting
information, or intense confrontation with contradictions in the reports, in
order not to fall into the role of a prosecutor. That the two interviewers
are West German, is certainly not without influence on the talks have been.
Firstly, it was hoped that due to the distance a greater understanding than
of GDR citizens that may have been victims of the Stasi, on the other hand
could be objected to them that they did not know the conditions in the GDR as
a West German and try some facts on this way to hide.
159
6 Final considerations
160
6 Final considerations
the deeds you did the Stasi responsible, in whose name the surveillance had
been carried out. It was many IM in the GDR did not succeed, a personal ego
(Mitscherlich, 1966) to develop, that would have been a prerequisite for from
the embrace of socially mediated constraints (ibid., 143) to free. The
project, funded by the state educational measures collective I certain
their standards and moral ideas. The previous considerations are less of SED
members and convinced of the socialist objectives citizens. Your hopes for
the realization of a socialist society prevented them from perceiving the
reality of oppression and persecution. The wish-fulfilling thought they had
to accept the repression as a means to an end. It filled her rather proud to
contribute to this development, which is why they reacted after 1989 with
disappointment, hurt and sadness at the loss. Why they had come specifically
to their conviction was evident in the study only partially because of their
family experience, but also a result of subsequent identifications with role
models.
161
6 Final considerations
162
6 Final considerations
interviewee, even if only very limited help in dealing with the past, most
were willing to give us an insight into their biography and in their to give
reasons. That can be such talks only perform with a small number of former
employees, however, should not prevent to consider whether the use of the IM
would not lead to more insight and acceptance of responsibility, if you take
the standard sentencing, as it is often in the press or for anonymous
publication of names of former IM happened, would be willing to listen to the
presentation of those concerned about their past. A prosecution or dismissal
from the civil service in relevant offenses should therefore not be excluded.
Since we know that people especially the Stasi picked with the help of
operational psychology in the recruitment of IM, which appeared due to their
mental health and living conditions especially for the conspiracy to be
suitable, please refer to our interviewees, many mentally burdened people. It
would be useful to consider in addressing the former unofficial collaborators
that had a lot of family and psychological problems and the case officer knew
exploit their needs sent. In our collective came a lot of the people from
broken families, was without father or grew up in homes. When assessing the
unofficial collaborator differentiation between victims and perpetrators is
not always clearly based solely on the files of the Stasi. It raises the
question of who is actually an offender. The one who committed treason
conviction, due to professional benefits or out of revenge and envy, or even
the one to whom he was threatened with imprisonment or the removal of a child
and thought he could not bear the consequences. It is not easy for a man who
was blackmailed because they needed an informant from an opposition religious
group to see themselves as a traitor, especially when he tried to mention any
names, and nothing other could have hurt to betray, , To deal with its IM
past, cannot, as it is expected in the public often consist only of the
admission of guilt, but for the individual is often to deal again with his
traumatic experiences in childhood and adolescence, the occasion were for his
consent to cooperate with the Stasi. If a grown up in homes young woman who
had no firm bond and little confidence had in others, let yourself be seduced
by the attention and support of a friendly guide officer, so this must be
assessed differently than if an IM of his career under surveillance because
colleagues. There can be no all set in the valid conditions for a meaningful
handling of conspiratorial activity, but it turns out that the existing,
established in StUG procedure brings many difficulties.
Apart from the mentioned obstacles for working up some of our
interlocutors complained of the fact that they could not access their work
files, but only in their personnel files. That is, they were not allowed to
see the reports drawn up by themselves or by the enforcement officers after
the meetings. This gave them the opportunity to declare these protocols as an
invention of the guide officer and to escape in this way because they have
not been directly confronted with their actions. Only when it came to a labor
dispute by dismissals, they were aware of the charges. Since we are not
concerned in our investigation to the criminal processing of the SED
injustice, but about the possibilities of each IM to understand his motives
and to identify ways in which he has contributed to the surveillance and
repression in the GDR, we are interested in the precondition for access to
their own fault and responsibility. In the interviews, it was important for
us to be about our own assumptions in the talks in the clear to still be the
accuser neither the defenders of the interviewees. Our psychotherapeutic
attitude that we could not maintain such therapy in discussions in the
interviews with witnesses in the same form, however, helped us not be too
hasty to condemn and not unilaterally taking sides for the interviewee. Not
abandon this neutral stance, was difficult in some interviews, because the
respondents were trying to convince us of their vision. Our interest in the
biographical backgrounds for conspiratorial activity and willingness to
163
6 Final considerations
pressures on the IM before and to listen after the turn without performing a
conviction, it allowed some of the interviewees, guilt and shame expressed to
express concern about the Observierten and To get insight that it would be
necessary in the future raise more civil courage. For many, however, the
self-pity was greater, since their current difficulties, the past deeds were
pushed into the background.
164
6 Final considerations
With the split between good and evil, between socialism and imperialism, but
the evil was averted not only outside society. The own projected onto the
enemy evil Shares threatened repeatedly to penetrate and to spread in their
own society. To control them, the apparatus of the Stasi was increasingly
expanded over the years. The GDR began large energy, human and financial
resources to fight enemies of the state. Despite the heterogeneity of the
life stories presented here show very clearly how there was an interaction
between institutional and personal regression, all those involved with it
have become carriers of them unconscious process that the apparently returned
to their own countries evil always make anew arrest and wanted to
externalize.
165
Appendix
Appendix
Abbreviations
ABM
Arbeitsbeschaffungsmaacquisition
IMK
Unofficial collaborators to
secure the conspiracy and
the connection system
AfNS
IMS
BDM
Association of German
girls
KPD
BND
Federal Intelligence
Service
Concentration
camp
Concentration camp
BStU
LDP / LDPD
BUCIA
Occupational disability
Central Intelligence
Agency, American
intelligence
MAD
Military
Counterintelligence
EOS
Stasi
IT G
Protestant students
community
NSDAP
National-socialist German
Workers Party
FDJ
NVA
Gen.
Comrade
PDS
Party of Democratic
Socialism
GI
Secret Informant
PKW
Passenger cars
GM
Secret employee
POS
HIM
Full-time employees
Unofficial
RIAS
HVA
Headquarters A
(Enlightenment)
SED
IN
THE
Unofficial collaborator
SS
Protection Squad
IN
THE
B
Unofficial collaborator
with enemy compound or
for immediate processing
in the enemy activity
related persons suspected
StUG
IME
Unofficial collaborators
or for a special use
PTS
bersiedlungersuchende / r
166
Bibliography
USA
VPKA
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TOMAS Plnkers
Born in 1950, psychoanalyst, Dr. phil., Dipl.Psych.; research associate at the Sigmund Freud
Institute and settled in private practice; Training
analyst at the Frankfurt Psychoanalytic Institute.
Research interests: epistemology and practice of
psychoanalysis, history of psychoanalysis,
psychoanalytic social psychology.
Numerous publications, among others
psychological aspects of the dictatorship.
170
171
IM inserts in prison
Rita Slitrenny
Double monitoring
Intelligence investigative techniques in the DDR-trial detention centers
518 pages, paperback
ISBN 3-86153-311-1
24.80, 43.50 CHF
Who came in the GDR with the law in conflict, it got to do not only with the
police and the official judicial institutions, but also with undercover
agents, whose existence in the public nothing was known.
This guide uses the secret loan investigative techniques in the DDR-trial
detention centers are presented systematically for the first time. It deals
with the author of both the practices of investigative bodies of the Ministry
of State Security, the so-called lines IX and XIV, as well as the secret
operating police units of the department K- To illegal practices were a
covert evidence and the use of unofficial cells informants in the prisons ,
For the first time now come the precise structures, the responsibilities of
each department and the working methods of the actors involved to light -an
indispensable work material not only for historians, but also for the
individuals themselves.
Ch. Links Verlag, Schnhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin, www.linksverlag.de
172