14 Dec.
45
not in a position to produce all the evidence in his
favor. Therefore, under German law it is the Prosecution's duty to
present the exculpating as well as the incriminating evidence in a
particular case.
DR. KUBUSCHOK: The question arising out of Pfaffenberger's evidence
does not specifically concern the Defendant Von Papen, because that part
of the Indictment does not apply to his case. I am therefore speaking
only of the principle behind it. I believe that in practice the effect
of the different opinions expressed by the Prosecution and the Defense
cannot be of very great importance. Justice Jackson agrees with us that
every witness whose affidavit is presented can, if available, be called
to the stand by the Defense. Thus, in all cases in which the Defense
holds that an affidavit is evidence of secondary value and as such
insufficient and that direct examination of the witness is necessary in
all such cases there would be duplication of evidence, namely, the
reading of the affidavit and then the examination and cross-examination
of the witness. This would undoubtedly delay the proceedings of the
Trial; and to prevent that the Tribunal would, in all such cases, rule
against the reading of the affidavit. Consequently, it is futile for the
Prosecution to present affidavits of witnesses who can be expected to
appear in person later in the proceedings.
I do not think that the Prosecution should be worried about this. It is
a matter of course that we and we assume the same is true of the
Prosecution that we, the members of the Defense, want the Trial
to be as speedy as possible but also want it to proceed cautiously to
establish the full truth. But, it is obvious, if evidence is introduced
which is a potential cause of completely unjust findings, that such
evidence will have to be clarified in a more complicated and
time-consuming way when the witness is called in person.
THE PRESIDENT: The Tribunal will consider the objection that has been
raised when the Court adjourns.
MR. JUSTICE JACKSON: May I have one word?
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Justice Jackson, it is unusual to hear counsel who
opposes an objection a second time.
MR. JUSTICE JACKSON: I merely want to give you the answer to the
question which you asked me as to the whereabouts of Pfaffenberger. My
information is that these affidavits were taken by the American Army at
the time it liberated the people in these concentration camps, at the
same time the films were taken and the whole evidence that was available
gathered. This witness was present at the concentration camp, and at
that time, his statements were taken. We do not know his present
whereabouts, and I see