Eichmann Trial -- Session 78 -- Examination of the Accused re: gassing methods, the Final Solution

Session 78. Examination of the Accused on: gas trucks and gassing methods and assignment of Special Operations Units, the preparations for the Final Solution of the Jewish Question, on the marking of Jews, on transportations (further), petitions submitted to him, and the Wannsee Conference. Begins with Servatius presenting documents, letters. Commander of Security Police, Eastern District, signed Rauff re. supply of vans. Second document, 2D3, originates in Belgrade and deals with trucks, written by commander of police security in Belgrade. Fourth letter, White Ruthenia. Sixth letter, Belgrade. I ask the witness if he requested the supply of vans. Eichmann replies, "I had no connection whatsoever with these affairs....Not my department at all." Servatius reading, translator rendering quotes: "Would it not be more humane to liquidate those Jews incapable of work, rather than letting them starve to death.... more pleasant." Eichmann declares he never saw this letter, and would surely remember if he had, because of its drastic contents. It would also indicate an earlier knowledge of the intent to exterminate the Jews than he experienced; he first heard it mentioned by Heydrich.