rise-and-fall-of-the-third-reich-william-shirer-pdf

ANSCHLUSS: THE RAPE OF AUSTRIA 293to his own account, ”whether we could count on the good will of Germany,whether the Reich government had at least the intention to keep its side of thebargain.” 290 He says he received an answer ”in the affirmative.”Then Papen went to work on him. The slippery ambassador admits to his”amazement” when he read the ultimatum. It was an ”unwarrantable interferencein Austrian sovereignty.” Schuschnigg says Papen apologized to him andexpressed his ”complete surprise” at the terms. Nevertheless, he advised theAustrian Chancellor to sign them.He furthermore informed me that I could be assured that Hitlerwould take care that, if I signed, and acceded to these demands,from that time on Germany would remain loyal to this agreementand that there would be no further difficulties for Austria. 291Schuschnigg, it would appear from the above statements, the last given inan affidavit at Nuremberg, was not only weakening but letting his naivete getthe best of him.He had one last chance to make a stand. He was summoned again to Hitler.He found the Fuehrer pacing excitedly up and down in his study.HITLER: Herr Schuschnigg . . . here is the draft of the document.There is nothing to be discussed. I will not change one single iota.You will either sign it as it is and fulfill my demands within threedays, or I will order the march into Austria. 292Schuschnigg capitulated. He told Hitler he was willing to sign. But hereminded him that under the Austrian constitution only the President of theRepublic had the legal power to accept such an agreement and carry it out.Therefore, while he was willing to appeal to the President to accept it, he couldgive no guarantee.”You have to guarantee it!” Hitler shouted.”I could not possibly, Herr Reichskanzler,” Schuschnigg says he replied. 293At this answer [Schuschnigg later recounted] Hitler seemed to losehis self-control. He ran to the doors, opened them, and shouted,”General Keitel!” Then turning back to me, he said, ”I shall haveyou called later.” 294This was pure bluff, but the harassed Austrian Chancellor, who had beenmade aware of the presence of the generals all day, did not perhaps know it.Papen relates that Keitel told later of how Hitler greeted him with a broad grinwhen he rushed in and asked for orders. ”There are no orders,” Hitler chuckled.”I just wanted to have you here.”But Schuschnigg and Dr. Schmidt, waiting outside the Fuehrer’s study, wereimpressed. Schmidt whispered that he would not be surprised if the both of themwere arrested within the next five minutes. Thirty minutes later Schuschniggwas again ushered into the presence of Hitler.I have decided to change my mind – for the first time in my life[Hitler said]. But I warn you this is your very last chance. I havegiven you three additional days to carry out the agreement. 295