in terms of broad generalities

[5h]

Surprise is commonly used in the brainwashing process. The prisoner
is rarely prepared for the fact that the interrogators are usually
friendly
and considerate at first. They make every effort to demonstrate that
they are reasonable human beings. Often they apologize for bad treatment
received by the prisoner and promise to improve his lot if he, too, is
reasonable. This behaviour is not what he has steeled himself for. He
lets down some of his defenses and tries to take a reasonable attitude.
The first occasion he balks at satisfying a request of the interrogator
,
however, he is in for another surprise. The formerly reasonable inter-
rogator unexpectedly turns into a furious maniac. The interrogator is
likely to slap the prisoner or draw his pistol and threaten to shoot
him.
Usually this storm of emotion ceases as suddenly as it began and the in-
terrogator stalks from the room. These surprising changes create doubt
in the prisoner as to his very ability to perceive another person's
moti-
vations correctly. His next interrogation probably will be marked by im-
passivity in the interrogator 's mien.

A feeling of uncertainty about what is required of him is likewise
carefully engendered within the individual . Pleas of the prisoner to
learn specifically of what he is accused and by whom are side-stepped by

8

OA 53-37

the interrogator. Instead, the prisoner is asked to tell why he thinks
he is held and what he feels he is guilty of. If the prisoner fails to
come up with anything, he is accused in terms of broad generalities
(e.g.,
espionage, sabotage,acts of treason against the "people"). This us-
ually provokes the prisoner to make some statement about his activities.
If this take the form of a denial, he is usually sent to isolation on
further decreased food rations to "think over" his crimes. This process
can be repeated again and again. As soon as the prisoner can think of
something that might be considered self-incriminating, the interrogator
appears momentarily satisfied. The prisoner is asked to write down his
statement in his own words and sign it.