Eichmann Trial -- Session 100 -- Cross-examination of the Accused

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. Footage begins in the middle of the Session 100. Judge Landau warns the Attorney General that the matter concerning the liquidation of the ghettos is being dealt with a second time. Hausner continues with the cross examination of the accused. Eichmann is asked if he is familiar with "Operation Reinhardt" (00:01:42) and replies in the affirmative that he read that the operation involved the liquidation of Polish Jewry and the confiscation of their property. When asked if he was familiar with the operation in 1942 and 1943, Eichmann testifies that he did not concern himself with the matter because he was not responsible for it, not even for the scheduling of timetables. Hausner presents a document noting a meeting that took place in Berlin during which the expulsion of Jews from the General Government was discussed (00:03:52). Eichmann is also told that during his interrogation he said that it was possible that Franz Novak, one of his assistants, took part in the meeting (00:05:05) and is asked whether or not Novak did take part. The accused states that Novak took part in many meetings concerning timetables but that as far as he knows IVB4 never dealt with the General Government (00:08:43). Hausner continues to ask Eichmann whether or not Novak took part in the meeting. Another document is presented consisting of precise timetables for trains from various cities within the General Government and Eichmann is asked why, if he and his department were not involved, did Novak take part in such a meeting (00:11:27) or, if he did not take part, why did he refer to him at all. Eichmann states that during his interrogation he always tried to mention all possibilities. Hausner continues on this subject questioning the accused about who took part in a conference proposed by the Chief of the Reich Main Security Office (RSHA) following Reinhard Heydrich's death (00:16:49) and who could take part in meetings concerning timetable planning if not him since he was the expert (00:18:33). Judge Raveh asks Eichmann if transports from Romania were also discussed at the meeting held in Berlin referred to by the Attorney General (00:24:55). Eichmann testifies that he does not know and Judge Raveh proceeds to ask the accused several times whether Romanian transports fell within his department's jurisdiction. The accused states that he does not know if the timetables for Romania were drawn up by his department or by the Reich Transport Ministry and suggests that Novak be questioned. Hausner proceeds with the cross examination questioning Eichmann about Auschwitz. Eichmann is asked whether Auschwitz was outside the boarders of the General Government (00:35:47) and about the cooperation of two railroad administrations in order to carry out resettlement (00:36:06). Hausner notes that a political prisoner in Auschwitz named Rajewski who testified against Höss stated that all Jewish prisoners sent to Auschwitz came with papers signed by IVB4 (00:36:55). Eichmann states that this is impossible and untrue (00:38:26). Eichmann is further asked whether IVB4 was the authority which ordered transfers to Auschwitz (00:39:08) and replies that IVB4 did not have an office or branch office in the General Government. Hausner reads a portion of Rajewski's testimony for the accused (00:40:56). There is some confusion, brought to the Attorney General's attention by Judge Landau, regarding whether the document refers to only Aryan Poles or to Jews from the General Government (00:42:30 to 00:46:10). Hausner shows that the document does refer to Jews from the General Government. Eichmann is then asked how he can explain the fact that Rajewski precisely stated that Jews sent to Auschwitz were designated IVB4 (00:46:11). The accused states that he does not know since IVB4 did not have an office there and when asked about the designation of Poles from Zamosc sent to Auschwitz Eichmann is unable to explain why Rajewski states that they were also designated IVB4. Judge Landau calls for a recess (00:52:19) and all rise as the judges exit the courtroom (00:52:28). There are various shots of the prosecution and the audience.