31
A Suitcase of Doubts


This is a well worn leather suitcase with a luggage label for South Georgia tied to the handle, and the initial "L" inscribed on the base. It was found in a men's washroom at Victoria Station, London, where it was probably ransacked by passersby. The lock shows signs of being forced. It was passed to the VFI by a sharp eyed station employee (a Mr. Renard), and was thought to be empty. However, on closer examination the following note was found tucked behind the lining.

Internal memorandum No. 2763. 19th October 1997

As interest grows in the legacy of Tulse Luper, and the value of his personal affects increases, these are ideal times for us to spread confusion and doubt among our enemies, while at the same time discreetly making them contribute to the funding of our organisation. The production of forged Tulse Luper suitcases is an ideal method of furthering these aims. The following are notes to help you, an agent in the field, with the task of creating a convincing suitcase which would easily dupe TL researchers.

1. The Better Part of Valour.
The best way to ignite the curiosity of the VFI is to be standoffish with TL references. Don't simply plaster every object with TL's name and throw them in a battered old suitcase. TL's initials are a much more useful device, and only ONE initial will drive a VFI researcher into a frenzy of creative "research." Likewise, don't leave clues to be found in obvious places when more obscure places are available. "Secret" compartments are infinitely preferable, though care must be taken not to make them too secret.

2. That Obscure Object.
There are many subjects and places that are synonymous with TL and it is important to include a reference to at least one of them. But don't make the mistake of using too many. It may be possible to fool the enemy once or twice, but even the enthusiasm of the VFI may be dampened by a profusion of TL related material. Blinded by desire and wishful thinking most of the time, they can nevertheless become cynical of the obvious. Always leave them wanting more!

3. Broadening the Mind.
Faraway places lend a convincing aura to the authenticity to a suitcase, but avoid glamorous localities. Places like Greenland or South Georgia (with its penguin colonies) are ideal. But don't forget the power of the commonplace. Nothing is more convincing than concealing your suitcase, for example, in the men's washroom of an ordinary station in the London area, or an abandoned swimming pool cubicle in Manchester. Just make sure the enemy finds it before anyone else does!

4. Handle Luggage with Care.
Self reference is a good ploy. Employ it with regard to TL's life and work, but don't abuse luggage self references. The recent Luggage Rack Anthem with it's pathological obsession with luggage, is an example which nearly gave our game away. It is quite obviously a forgery. We were only saved by its original proposal, which greatly pleased the enemy. Be more careful next time!

End of memo.


The VFI Secretary adds.....

Suitcase 31 was lodged on 20 October 1997 by Nigel Harris, founder of VFI Japan. Nigel's supporters are certain that he is engaged in quite original research although his detractors accuse him of manufacturing fictions and deliberately confusing identities. Some have suggested that if suitcase 32 had been completely empty then Nigel would have invented a content for it.

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Peter Greenaway		 .........