Hungary: The Hungarian Secret Police (AVH)

A file of correspondence concerning the Hungarian secret police. Subjects discussed in the file include the activities of the Hungarian secret police; its apparently low profile due to its past history; its role in monitoring foreign missions in Budapest; its involvement in commercial espionage; its control of the local population and maintenance of public order; and its role as a vehicle of communication between the authorities and the general population. Further commentary covers the Hungarian secret police's role in decision-making due to its access to the Hungarian interior and defence ministries; its involvement with the Soviet secret police and intelligence services; and its lack of accountability.