The agreement with smugglers was only the background against which practical every-day work was to develop. And such work was commenced wholeheartedly and with all energy. Smaller and larger groups were created, in keeping with natural selection as to the influence and usefulness of each member. In particular regions, special organisations were formed that were supposed to initiate and maintain contact with leading representatives of smugglers on both sides of the wall. There were also co-operative-like organisations known as “pula”723 (in card gaming slang—the entire income), with the dola724 defined for each of the participants in the co-operative. Earnings increased with each passing day, with each participant’s “dole” reaching as much as a few thousand zlotys a month in May and June. Particularly rewarding was Region IV, where profits grew like weeds. There were serious conflicts in the Order Service Command regarding assignments to this Region and the tariff for transfer there; finally, an adjustable rate was set, depending on various outlets and economic conditions at the time of transfer. The going rate [4] for such transfer was several hundred zlotys at the beginning, and later several thousand. The same amount was paid if someone did not want to be transferred, preferring to remain in the Region for a specific period of time. The pinnacle of the transfer business was a trial that took place before the Disciplinary Court of the Community concerning the transfer of an entire platoon in corpore725 from one Region to another, more profitable one. The investigation was carried out for more than six months, while the powers-that-be employed all their means to drag and stonewall the case, which was ultimately achieved. Most likely, the case will never see the light of day. The scandal, however, was too loud, so in order to appease the public, one of the accomplices, Mr Solnik,726 was removed from the Order Service. The juiciest part of the story is fact that the main perpetrator of this whole affair, Mr Lederman, testified in court as a witness . . .
During the camp period between March and June, there was a real run for positions in the Order Service; it was not so much about the wages as about protection from the camp. Any vacant (or artificially vacated) post in the Order Service was considered invaluable, and exorbitant sums were paid.
