Hitler's demands to the Austrian Government, 12 February 1938
Hitler's demands to the Austrian Government, 12 February 1938
Source: J. Noakes & G. Pridham, Documents on Nazism 1919-1945, (London, 1974), pp.533-534.
... II (1) The Austrian Government shall from time to time enter into a diplomatic exchange of views on questions of foreign policy of common concern to both countries. Austria shall on request give moral, diplomatic, and press support to the desires and actions of the German Reich, to the extent that circumstances permit. The Reich Government assumes the same obligation toward the Austrian Government. (2) Federal Chancellor Schuschnigg declares that he is willing to take State Chancellor Dr Seyss-Inquart into his Government and entrust him with Security. (3) The Federal Chancellor states that the Austrian National Socialists shall in principle have opportunity for legal activity within the framework of the Fatherland Front and all other Austrian organisations. This activity shall take place on an equal footing with all other groups, and in accordance with the constitution. Dr Seyss-Inquart has the right and the duty to see to it that the activity of the National Socialists can develop along the lines indicated above, and to take appropriate measures for this purpose. (4) The Austrian Government shall immediately proclaim a general amnesty for all persons in Austria punished by the courts or the police because of their National Socialist activities. Such persons whose further stay in Austria appears detrimental to relations between the two countries shall, after an examination of each individual case and by agreement between the two Governments, be made to transfer their residence to the Reich. (5) Disciplinary measures in the fields of pensions, annuities, and public welfare, especially the withholding or reduction of benefits, and in education as well, because of National Socialist activities, shall be revoked and restitution promised. (6) All economic discrimination against National Socialists shall be eliminated. (7) The unhindered observance of the press truce agreed upon between the Governments shall be assured by the appointment of Dr Wolf to an important post in the Austrian Press Service. (8) Military relations between the German and Austrian armed forces shall be assured by the following measures: (a) the replacement of General Jansa by General Boehme; (b) a systematic exchange of officers (up to the number of 100); (c) regular conferences between the General Staffs; (d) a systematic cultivation of comradely and professional military relations. (9) All discrimination against National Socialists, especially that affecting enrolment in and completion of military service, shall be stopped. All past discriminatory actions shall be cancelled. (10) Preparations shall be made for the intensification of commerce between Austrian and German economies. For this purpose, Dr Fischboeck shall be appointed to a leading post. The Federal Chancellor declares that he is prepared to carry out all measures agreed upon under II (2), (4), (5), (7), by 18 February 1938, subject to the definitive reply agreed upon under II.
