the sums were generally small and preference was given to rewards
such as an automobile, an apartment, a telephone, or a coveted job or
place at a university. By no means the norm, there were nevertheless
numerous instances of refusal to collaborate from the outset. Recruit-
ment of West German citizens normally occurred in the GDR and
most frequently on the recommendation of an active IM. Procedures
ranged from Romeo spies and falsche Flagge operations to ideologi-
cal enticement and blackmail.
Some IMs had an additional function beyond collecting political
and economic information. In the event of a military conflict with
the Federal Republic of Germany, a special network had been es-
tablished to provide material and logistical assistance to trained
partisan fighters from the GDR. A number of these IMs were given
instruction in sabotage. During the 40-year existence of the GDR,
about 6,000 West Germans worked in different capacities as IMs.
Especially noteworthy was the length of their commitment, as many
were active for more than 10 years. See also ROSENHOLZ.INSIDERKOMITEE. A revisionist group of former members and
agents of the Ministerium für Staatssicherheit, the Insiderkomitee
(Insider Committee) was founded in 1991 to defend the reputation
of the German Democratic Republic and its security apparatus. In
addition to its publications and website, protest activities have taken
place at the memorial at Berlin-Hohenschönhausen. Government
authorities declined in 2007 to declare the group “anticonstitutional”
and place it under regular surveillance.
INSTRUKTEUR. An intelligence operative charged with servic-
ing agents in enemy territory, an Instrukteur (instructor) arranges
meetings on a regular basis and is authorized to make certain field
decisions. A Kurier (courier), by contrast, functions primarily as a
messenger.
– J –
JABLONKA PASS. The site of an Abwehr incursion immediately
prior to the outbreak of World War II, the Jablonka Pass is a key
206 • INSIDERKOMITEE