Eichmann and Sassen interview

Kurt Becher

Black-and-white head-and-shoulders photo of Kurt Becher in a tweed jacket and tie.
Kurt Becher, the SS-Standartenfuehrer who negotiated with Rezso Kasztner in Hungary in 1944, in an undated later photo. Photo from Der Spiegel. Photo source.

SS officer who handled economic dealings and ransom talks in Hungary.

About

Kurt Becher was an SS officer sent to Hungary in 1944. He dealt with major businesses and property and took part in talks with Jewish negotiators, including Kasztner and Saly Mayer.

After the war, Kasztner spoke on Becher’s behalf. Becher wasn’t tried as a major war criminal and later became a wealthy businessman in West Germany.

In this interview

Eichmann discusses Becher as a rival participant in the Hungary negotiations and says Becher attended one of his meetings with Himmler. The speakers return often to who controlled each offer and transport.

Eichmann was hostile to Becher.

Selected pages

  • Page 20

    Eichmann says Becher attended his third meeting with Himmler.

  • Page 22

    The speakers discuss offers of Jews in exchange for goods and Becher’s part in the talks.

  • Page 23

    Eichmann distinguishes Becher’s access to Himmler from his.