At the Berghof

The Agreement

During lunch, Schuschnigg hardly felt like eating, yet he was thankful to be able to take a break. His nerves were only beginning to calm down, and although the Führer seemed to be in a very good mood, monologuing about horses and his plans for building the most impressive skyscrapers in the world, this only served to worry Schuschnigg more. How can a man belittle and berate another for two hours, only to immediately bounce back to a state of comfort as soon as stepping from one room to another?

"The Americans will be humiliated," the Führer declared, "once they discover that Germany is building far superior buildings."

Schuschnigg nodded politely. He was itching for a cigarette. 

Lunch was over, and the assembly moved for coffee in an adjoining room. Schuschnigg was glad when Hitler finally excused himself, giving Schuschnigg a chance to breathe, and a chance to smoke. Cigarette between his lips, he elegantly lit it, and attempted to relax. However, it was also his chance to tell his Foreign Undersecretary about the contents of the morning discussion, and reiterating them did not quite calm him. He had a sense of dread around him, he could tell that things were not going to go well for Austria. He was right.

The pair were ushered before the German Foreign Minister and Franz von Papen, and presented with two pages, typewritten. An agreement. Hitler's final demands. They were informed that they were not up for discussion, and that they were to be signed at once. Schuschnigg was comforted, having something definite from the Führer, yet as he read over the agreement, that comfort was completely washed away. Signing it would be to hand Austria to the Nazis in a week.

The agreement demanded that the Austrian Nazi Party would no longer be banned, jailed Nazis were to be officially pardoned, pro-Nazis were to be appointed into powerful positions, and the two armies of Germany and Austria were to establish closer ties. 

"Preparations will be made for the assimilation of the Austrian into the German economic system." 

As Schuschnigg read this final demand, he quickly knew that to sign the agreement would bring Austria's independence to a close. The German Foreign Minister was urging him to accept at once, yet he protested. The demands were unreasonable. 

Papen interjected. He apologised and claimed he was surprised and amazed when he read the terms, claiming it was an "unwarrantable interference in Austrian sovereignty." Nevertheless, he too suggested that Schuschnigg should sign it. He promised that Germany would not deviate from the agreement. Schuschnigg was weakening. Finally, through all his nerves, he was again brought before Hitler. His last chance. The Führer was pacing up and down his study, eagerly. 

"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 three days, or I will order the march into Austria. "

These words felt heavy. Schuschnigg gave in.

"I am willing to sign,Herr Reichskanzler. However, I must remind you that under the Austrian constitution, only the President of the Republic has the legal power to accept and carry out an agreement such as this. I am willing to appeal to the President, but I can not guarantee anything." This infuriated Hitler.

"You have to guarantee it!" He shouted. 

"I could not possibly, Herr Reichskanzler."

And with that, Hitler exploded. He rushed to the doors, pulling them open aggressively, and shouted,
"General Keitel!" With that, he turned back to Schuschnigg and hissed, "I shall have you called later."

Schuschnigg could feel his pulse in his throat.