The Recruitments of Gestapo Members by the Stasi in East Germany
Post-World War II, the Ministry for State Security (Stasi) of East Germany did indeed recruit former members of the Gestapo, the secret police of Nazi Germany. This recruitment was part of a broader effort to build a security apparatus in East Germany and to utilize the expertise of individuals who had experience in state security and intelligence work.
Historical Context and Recruitment Practices
Many former Nazis, including Gestapo members, found positions in the new East German regime. The Soviet authorities were often more focused on consolidating power than on purging former Nazis from positions of influence. The Stasi's early years were marked by a need for personnel who understood surveillance and repression, leading to this controversial recruitment strategy.
Post-war East German governance presents complexities and contradictions, particularly in the legacy of the Nazi regime. The complexity of post-war reconstruction and the challenges of creating a new political order necessitated such controversial practices.
Controversies and Evidence
Notably, the GDR did not yet exist in 1945; it was only founded in 1948 or 1949. However, it would not surprise many that the recruitment of Gestapo members did indeed happen. The lead AP reporter for Eastern Europe was arrested in East Germany in 1969 and interrogated by the Stasi. He asked his interrogators, "Where did you learn interrogation techniques"? The response: "In the Gestapo."
A different account from 1988 highlights the continued influence of former Nazis. In 1988, the same journalist was again detained in East Germany, accompanied by a KGB officer who was later identified as a much younger Vladimir Putin. The KGB officer escorted him back to the checkpoint, with photographic evidence provided by the journalist's wife showing their encounter.
Timing and Context
The recruitment of Gestapo members may not have happened immediately after World War II. In the initial years, the Wehrmacht had plenty of room to detain and sort out the past activities of individuals, using large camps like Ravensbruck, Sachsenhausen, and Buchenwald. These camps, with their barbed wire and watchtowers, provided ample space for processing and evaluating individuals.
The Stasi had the time and resources to evaluate potential recruits, and some were certainly used. By the time of the German reunification, it was clear that the Stasi had access to a wealth of information and expertise, which was often controversial.
Conclusion
The recruitment of Gestapo members by the Stasi in East Germany is a deeply troubling aspect of post-war history. It highlights the complexities and contradictions of post-war East German governance and the enduring legacy of the Nazi regime. While these practices were controversial, they played a significant role in shaping the security apparatus of East Germany during the Cold War era.