:52:02
that I consider vital to the defence.
:52:05
The prosecution presented no witnesses.
:52:08
There has never been a written indictment
of charges made against the defendants.
:52:12
And lastly, I protest against the fact
:52:15
that no stenographic records
of this trial have been kept.
:52:27
The attack yesterday morning
is no stain on the honour of France,
:52:34
and certainly no disgrace
to the fighting men of this nation.
:52:37
But this court martial
is such a stain, and such a disgrace.
:52:42
The case made against these men
is a mockery of all human justice.
:52:46
Gentlemen of the court,
to find these men guilty
:52:51
will be a crime to haunt each of you
till the day you die.
:53:00
I can't believe that
the noblest impulse of man,
:53:05
his compassion for another,
can be completely dead here.
:53:10
Therefore, I humbly beg you,
:53:15
show mercy to these men.
:53:23
The accused will be escorted back to
the guardroom. The hearing is closed.
:53:28
The court will now retire to deliberate.
:53:30
There will be a guard of six men
under arms. Two men to each prisoner.
:53:35
Any sign of trouble,
the prisoners will be covered.
:53:38
If the trouble doesn't subside at once,
the prisoner will be shot.
:53:42
It must all go off without a hitch
and with the least possible delay.
:53:45
It shouldn't be hurried,
but there must be no fumbling around.
:53:49
I've been put in charge
and made personally responsible
:53:52
for any lack of order, or for any mistakes.
:53:55
But you can take it from me that I shall
pass on any blame, and with interest,