Identity Statement

Reference Code

HU OSA 408-3-5

Title

Register of Network Agents

Date(s)

1957 - 1979

Description Level

Series

Extent and medium (processed)

1 Archival boxes, 0.12 linear meters

Context

Archival history

Originals are kept in the Historical Archives of the Hungarian State Security (ÁBTL).

Content and Structure

Scope and Content (Abstract)

The network register included persons generally termed agents. However, agents fell into various categories depending on the type of cooperation („tmb.” for secret person in charge, „tmt.” for secret staff); the names of the various categories kept changing, and only one category was actually called “agent”.

At the same time, the network included only a relatively small number of persons collaborating with the state security service. Other persons working for the service were “official” (top managers of companies or institutions, HRO senior staff), “social” (party secretaries and other reliable cadres) and “occasional” (janitors used for getting one or two pieces of information) contacts. They were not included in the register, or no such registers survived. Official and occasional contacts are in the files with job title/rank, while social contacts only with initials.

The public seems to be most interested in the identity of the agents and in the lists compiled with various methods. First data on the agents were entered on sheets, namely sheet No 6, which had supplementary sheets, and later on computer.

Recruitment took place after meticulously regulated preparations and a permission. A folder “B” (recruitment) was dedicated to the network person, which included various documents, generally from the recommendation of recruitment to the decision on exclusion. Reports by the network agents and evaluation by the case officer were placed in the folder “M” (work).

The series includes commands, instructions and reports related to the network register.

The majority of folders “B” were destroyed before the collapse of the service; a number of folders “M” survived, yet severely selected.

Most myths concern sheets No 6: after the regime change leaders of the service claimed that fake sheets were placed in the register at the time of the fall. Files, however, clearly show that this is not true as the system did not make this kind of arbitrary interference possible. None of the sheets No 6 found so far show falsification.

It seem more probable that sheets were removed, which could mean important implication in case of a lustration.

Nevertheless, sheets No6 can easily be used manipulatively, their assessment requires expertise.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information

The collection is incomplete due to destruction before the collapse of the state security service. No further destruction took place in the course of processing.

Accruals

Not Expected

System of arrangement

Arranged thematically, and chronologically.

Conditions of Access and Use

Conditions governing access

The general rules of research in OSA Research Room apply.

Conditions governing reproduction

A dokumentumok oktatási és kutatási célból digitálisan másolhatók az OSA kutatótermében.

Description Control

Archivist's note

Processed by László Varga, March 2, 2015.