4 Jan. 46
The portion here in question, Document 1780-PS, Exhibit
Number USA-72, of this diary shows the participation of the German
military leaders in the absorption of Austria. As is shown by Jodl's
diary entry for 11 February 1938, the Defendant Keitel and two other
important generals were present at the Obersalzberg meeting between
Schuschnigg and Hitler, and the purpose is shown clearly by the entry
which recites that:
" ... in the evening and on 12
February General Keitel with General Von Reichenau and Sperrle at the
Obersalzberg, Schuschnigg together with G. Schmidt are again being put
under heaviest political and military pressure. At 2300 hours
Schuschnigg signs protocol."
The General Von Reichenau referred to there was at that time the head
commander of Wehrkreis 7, one of the military districts into which
Germany was divided. He subsequently commanded the 10th Army in Poland
and the 6th Army in France and was a member of the group as defined in
the Indictment. Sperrle, who was in Spain during the civil war and then
commanded Luftflotte 3, 'the 3rd German Air Fleet, practically
throughout the war, was also a member of the group. Two days later
Keitel and other military leaders were preparing proposals to be
submitted to Hitler which would give the Austrian Government the
impression that Germany would resort to force unless the Schuschnigg
agreement was ratified in Vienna.
These proposals are embodied in a document dated February 14, 1938,
1775-PS, Exhibit Number USA-73, and signed by Keitel. Portions of
Keitel's proposals to the Führer are as follows:
"1) Take no real preparatory measures
in the Army or Luftwaffe. No troop movements or redeployments.
"2) Spread false but quite credible news which may lead to the
conclusion of military preparations against Austria: a) through V-men"
— that means agents — "in Austria, b) through our
customs personnel at the frontier, c) through travelling agents."
Going down the document to 4), Keitel proposed:
"4) Order a very active make-believe
wireless exchange in Wehrkreis VII and between Berlin and Munich.
"5) Real maneuvers, training flights, and winter maneuvers of
the mountain troops near the frontier.
"6) Admiral Canaris has to be ready beginning on February 14 in
the Service Command Headquarters VII in order to carry out measures
given by order of the Chief of the OKW."
As Jodl's diary shows under the entry for 14 February, these deceptive
maneuvers were very effective and created in Austria the