1947-03-13, #1: Doctors' Trial (early morning)

Official transcript of the American Military Tribunal in the matter of the United States of America against Karl Brandt, et al, defendants, sitting at Nuernberg, Germany, on 13 March 1947, 0930, Justice Beals presiding.

THE MARSHAL: Persons in the courtroom will please find their seats. The Honorable, the Judges of Military Tribunal 1. Military Tribunal 1 is now in session. God save the United States of America and this honorable Tribunal. There will be order in the courtroom.

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Marshal, will you ascertain that the defendants are all present in court.

THE MARSHAL: May it please your Honor, all the defendants are present in court with the exception of the defendant Oberheuser, absent due to illness.

THE PRESIDENT: The Secretary General will note for the record the presence of all the defendants in court save the defendant Oberheuser, who is in the hospital ill and has been excused on account of her illness.

Counsel may proceed.

THE MARSHAL: The defendant Rudolf Brandt is also absent, having been excused by the Tribunal yesterday.

THE PRESIDENT: The Secretary General will note for the record the absence of Rudolf Brandt, who was excused yesterday by the Tribunal in order to prepare for the presentation of his case.

DR. SEIDL (for the defendant Blome, instead of Dr. Sauter): Mr. President, Dr. Sauter has asked me to tell you that at the moment he is sick on account of his nose bleeding and asks the Tribunal to be able to begin in a few minutes. He has only left the court for a few minutes.

THE PRESIDENT: Very well, counsel, the Tribunal will await the presence of counsel.

MR. HARDY: May it please the Tribunal, Dr. Sauter is at the dispensary and he will be delayed about a half hour. Is it convenient for the Tribunal to adjourn for a half hour?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I think so. The Tribunal will be in recess until counsel is able to proceed with the case.