Eichmann Trial -- Session 98 -- Cross-examination of the Accused

Footage begins in the middle of Session 98 during cross examination of the accused by Attorney General Gideon Hausner concerning the death of deportees during transport. Eichmann denies being involved in round-ups and, in particular, the Stettin Affair. When asked by Hausner who did carry out the deportations from Stettin, Eichmann states that it was the local authorities (00:01:28). A document is cited noting that at a meeting in January 1940 it was decided that section IVD4 would deal with deportations (00:03:19) and Eichmann maintains that their job was only to draw up timetables. Hausner goes on to question Eichmann about his section's involvement in handling petitions from Poles who asked not to be deported (00:14:23) noting that there were seven thousand people that petitioned (00:17:29). Eichmann is asked about what he refers to as the "interim" and "long term plans." Hausner continues by questioning the accused about a meeting held on 30 January 1940 (0023:11), the people who attended (00:23:33), and the discussion about the Stettin deportations (00:24:13). Eichmann testifies that unless the meeting concerned timetable matters he did participate. The Attorney General turns to the topic of Eichmann's refusal to allow relatives of deportees to send parcels and money to family members in the General Government (00:27:52). Eichmann testifies that he was involved but could not do anything contrary because it was an order (00:28:40). Hausner asks why this matter concerned him and after Eichmann fails to properly answer further questions from the Attorney General, Judge Landau interrupts and tells the accused to answer the questions (00:33:41). Landau asks the accused whether or not he ever made proposals or suggestions to Heinrich Müller his superior as the head of Section IV of the Reich Main Security Office. A long discussion ensues concerning Eichmann's duty to make proposals to his superiors as a section head. Eichmann maintains that he did not make suggestions to Müller or anyone else because it was not in his nature. Landau asks Eichmann whether Müller ever asked for his opinion (00:36:16) and Eichmann states that because Müller knew him well and he would never ask since Eichmann was not in the habit of making decisions and giving his opinion (00:36:26). The accused is questioned further about Müller's statement that had they had fifty Eichmann's they would have won the war against the USSR, England, and France (00:39:07) and Heinrich Himmler's statement that they were sending "the master" to Hungary (00:43:01). Judge Halevi asks Eichmann to clarify the fact that although he was a section head, and it was his right and duty to make decisions and give his opinion, he never took this initiative (00:44:53). Eichmann states that this is true but when further questioned by Judge Halevi about whether a section head should take the initiative or be dismissed, Eichmann states that he was good at his job and had he taken any initiative he could have been promoted but stayed in his position because he was good at what he was assigned to do (00:47:53). This entire section of footage beginning at questioning concerning Eichmann's refusal to all parcels to be sent is duplicate footage also found on Tape 2161 (from 00:00:24 to 00:20:31). Footage continues with more questioning concerning Eichmann's refusal to give his opinion as a section head and his ability to properly run his office. Hausner resumes the cross examination by asking Eichmann about issuing instructions regarding the allowance of deportees to bring money to the General Government (00:52:51) and whether or not section IVB4 suggested to Himmler, in regards to the Lublin-Zamosc district, that Poles be divided into four groups, that their children be taken away from them, and that those that were not able bodied be sent to Auschwitz (00:54:26). Eichmann testifies that these directions were issued but not by IVB4 (00:54:51). The Attorney General shows the accused a document showing that the instructions and proposal came from IVB4 but Eichmann continues to deny the claim, stating that it was handled by section IVB4a. Hausner goes on to tell Eichmann that Himmler was asking to seize Polish children up to ten and that Eichmann counter proposed to take children up to the age of fourteen (00:56:27) which the accused states again did not come from IVB4. There is a series of questions concerning whether Eichmann was notified of Himmler's orders regarding Cracow (00:59:15) and if he passed these instructions to implementing personnel such as Krumey (00:59:50). The following footage is duplicate footage also found on Tape 2160 (from 00:00:37 to 00:02:50). The footage on Tape 2160 is more complete. The remaining footage concerns whether Eichmann was aware that the people on these transports died in the dozens (01:01:57). The accused states that his section was not responsible for the round-ups, the local authorities were responsible. Hausner notes that these people died during transport not before (01:04:11) and children were taken out of the cars dead and he, Eichmann, was responsible for the organization of these transports (01:04:38). The accused begins to answer but the footage cuts and only part of his answer is given. The English translation of his final statement in this footage is not given. Emil Knebel was a cinematographer known for Andante (2010), Adam (1973), and Wild Is My Love (1963). He was one of the cameramen who recorded daily coverage of the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem (produced by Capital Cities Broadcasting Corp and later held academic positions in Israel and New York teaching filmmaking at universities. Refer to CV in file.