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  4. Screen Gems Collection (outtakes from the television series "Decision: The Conflicts of Harry S. Truman")

Motion Picture MP2002-278

Screen Gems Collection (outtakes from the television series "Decision: The Conflicts of Harry S. Truman")

Administrative Information

Footage
110 feet
Running Time
3 minutes 17 seconds
Film Gauge
35mm
Sound
sound
Color
Black & White
Produced by
Screen Gems in association with Ben Gradus
Restrictions
Unrestricted
Description

Harry S. Truman discusses opposition to the war trials of German "brass" by our military leaders. He expresses the need to precede quickly on the war trials, before the lynch law was exercised. He also discusses that procedure being established for the trial of war prisoners. Sound only.

Date(s)
ca.
1961 - 1963

SD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are available for $20, and HD-quality copies of already digitized motion pictures are $50. Copies of motion pictures not already digitized will incur additional costs.

This item does not circulate but reproductions may be purchased.

To request a copy of this item, please contact truman.reference@nara.gov​​​​​​​

Please note that this video belongs to a different video collection than the items available to be borrowed by teachers, from our Education Department.

Moving Image Type
Screen Gems

Shot List

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Reel 1

0:00   Harry S. Truman discusses opposition to war trials of German "brass" by our military leaders. Our top generals and admirals were afraid their turn might come some day. Harry S. Truman declared "We weren’t trying them for their ability as soldiers, but for the savagery they allowed to take place."
0:52   Harry S. Truman discusses the need to move fast (on war trials) before the lynch law was exercised. England wanted to use the firing squad, but Prime Minister Anthony Eden eventually agreed with Harry S. Truman on the need for war trials.
1:56   Harry S. Truman discusses procedure being set up for the trial of war prisoners. The objective was to set a precedent. "The custom had been for conquerors to lay waste a country and shoot as many as they could and rob all the rest." The objective was to be sure this didn't happen in the event of future wars.
2:30   Harry S. Truman states that now, no one can ever say "it never happened" because it is on the record. No one can say "I was only following orders." "It was a precedent which will last in history and I was happy as can be that we were able to establish that precedent." "If there is another war, people will know they are up for punishment if they carry on horrors…"