Eichmann Trial -- Session 75 -- Eichmann's testimony

The footage begins in the middle of Session 75 following a brief intermission, with a shot of Eichmann standing in the booth and Judge Moshe Landau sitting down. Landau asks the accused to rise and take off his headphones. He asks Eichmann whether he wishes to testify in his defense and if he wants to take the oath. The judge warns Eichmann that if he chooses to take the oath then the District Attorney will be entitled to question him. Eichmann opts to take the oath. It is decided that the accused will testify from the booth. Servatius makes some introductory remarks about how evidence will be presented for the defense (00:09:26). Footage cuts out briefly but continues with Servatius' speech and does not skip any of the proceedings. Eichmann stands (00:27:16) as Servatius begins his questioning. The defense asks the accused whether he voluntarily came to Israel. Eichmann replies that he did not, despite the fact that he signed a declaration to this effect. Eichmann speaks about why he joined the Nazi Party. Part of the proceedings is missing. The video resumes with Eichmann being questioned by Servatius about a document which recommends Eichmann for a promotion because he "secured huge properties for the German Reich." Eichmann responds that this must have been a mistake and that he had nothing to do with property seizure. The footage cuts out again and part of Eichmann's reply is missing. Eichmann explains the wording in the document that states that he carried out his work with a degree of severity/toughness. Servatius questions Eichmann about a document which described him as a "specialist," which Eichmann states referred to his experience in the field of emigration. This footage is also found on Tape 2096 (beginning at 00:06:16). Eichmann describes how he sought instruction in the Hebrew language. This section is duplicated on Tape 2099 (at 00:00:30). Eichmann gives a statement about his feelings towards Zionism. There are shots of people in the audience. This footage is duplicated on Tape 2099 (at 00:13:31). A large part of the proceedings is missing. The footage continues with Eichmann describing the chaos that ensued after Himmler was appointed Reich Commissioner, and Heydrich's establishment of a special taskforce for the coordination of deportations, for which Eichmann became the head. This footage is duplicated on Tape 2099 (at 00:27:56).