The following morning word had spread after last night's adjournment.
Today, Philippe Pétain would face the final hour of his trial.
The crowds outside spoke in low voices.
The press clamored for every syllable from inside.
At 8:57 a.m., the usher tapped his staff three times; the judges reentered.
Presiding Judge Barbier tapped the gavel sharply. "We reconvene. Under Articles 12–18 of the Emergency Judicial Order and the Military Code of Procedure, we proceed with the remainder of evidence and final statements."
His gaze settled on Pétain. "General, you stand accused of influencing delays that impaired our nation's defensive readiness. You will now face cross-examination on newly received documents."
Auriol rose, stepping to the lectern. "Your Honor, we present internal Ministry of War correspondence dated September 1936, revealing Pétain's signature below a directive postponing routine garrison exercises in Strasbourg and Metz." He handed the papers to the clerk.
