Eichmann Trial -- Excerpts from session 94 -- Cross-examination of the Accused

Footage begins late in Session 94 with cross-examination of Eichmann by Attorney General Gideon Hausner. This section of Session 94 concerns Eichmann's authority to make decisions about deportations. Not shown in the footage, Hausner has presented meeting minutes taken byTheodor Dannecker, in which Dannecker wrote that Eichmann had decided to deport French children (Jews) to Auschwitz as soon as it became possible. Hausner attempts to get Eichmann to admit that this was his decision alone and Judge Landau repeats Hausner's question when the accused fails to give a concrete answer (00:02:49). Eichmann goes on to assert that Heinrich Himmler gave the order (00:03:02). Hausner questions Eichmann about why Dannecker used the word "decided" to descrbe Eichmann's role. Eichmann states that Dannecker was well aware hat he did not give instructions on his own initiative and always consulted the Department Chief first. Hausner asks Eichmann if he reprimanded Roethke when he could not put a transport train together (00:12:48). Eichmann replies that he himself would have been reprimanded if a transport train failed to make its journey. Judge Landau restates the question, but (00:18:48) the English translation is delayed. Eichmann testifies that he has nothing more to add because what he said was the truth. Judge Raveh asks that some of the geographical questions raised earlier in the session be clarified and suggests that the court review a map that had been submitted by the prosecution (00:26:08). Judge Landau adjourns the session (00:27:08) and all rise as the judges exit the courtroom (00:27:14). Eichmann exits the booth (00:27:25). There are shots of the courtroom and of members of the prosecution conferring. The camera lingers on Servatius as he gathers documents. 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.