Army prosecutors today completed their case against 20 Landsberg Dp’s accused of participation in an assault on Germans on April 28, presenting nine additional witnesses. The prosecution has called a total of 50 witnesses.
Immediately after completion of the prosecution’s testimony, the defense moved for an adjournment until Monday, at which time it is expected to ask dismissal of the charges against some of the defendants on the basis that the prosecution has not linked them with the disturbance. Following that, the defense will begin to call the witnesses.
Major Clair Thurston, Provost Marshal, who commanded the troops who quelled the disturbance, denied on the stand today that he had originally offered to free all of the defendants except one who had a knife in his possession. He said that he pushed his way into a milling crowd of Dp’s and urged them to return to the camp area, explaining that he did not “love the Germans, but must maintain order.” He admitted that although he was unarmed, he was not molested. He also said that he had ordered the release of three of the Dp’s in order to appease the crowd.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
