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29 Nov.
45
guard, and in 5
minutes the troops will march in by my order.' " After
an interruption, Seyss-Inquart came to the telephone and informed the
Defendant Göring that Miklas was still sticking to his old
viewpoint, although a new person had gone in to talk to him, and there
might be definite word in about 10 minutes. The conversation proceeded
as follows--I quote from Page 2 of Part H, beginning about the middle of
the page:
"Göring:
'Listen, so I shall wait a few more minutes, till he comes back; then
you inform me via Blitz conversation in the Reich Chancery as usual,
but it has to be done fast. I can hardly justify it as a matter of
fact. I am not entitled to do so; if it cannot be done, then you have
to take over the power. All right?'
"Seyss-Inquart:
'But if he threatens?'
"Göring: 'Yes.'
"Seyss-Inquart:
'Well, I see; then we shall be ready.'
"Göring:
'Call me via Blitz,'" In
other words, Göring and Seyss-Inquart had agreed on a plan for
Seyss-Inquart to take over power if Miklas remained obdurate. The plan
which was already discussed involved the use of both the National
Socialist forces in Austria and the German troops who had been crossing
the borders. Later that night Göring and Seyss-Inquart had another
conversation at about 11 o'clock. This was after the ultimatum had
expired. Seyss-Inquart informed Göring that Miklas was still
refusing to name Seyss-Inquart as Chancellor. The conversation then
proceeded as follows, and I quote from Part I of this folder:
"Göring
'OK' "-What's the German word for OK? Schön.--"'I shall
give the order to march in and then you make sure that you get the
power. Notify the leading people about the following which I shall
tell you now. Everyone who offers resistance or organizes resistance
will immediately be subjected to our court martial, the court martial
of our invading troops. Is that clear?'
"Seyss-Inquart:
'Yes.'
"Göring: 'Including leading personalities;
it does not make any difference.'
"Seyss-Inquart: 'Yes,
they have given the order not to offer any resistance.'
"Göring:
'Yes, it does not matter; the Federal President did not authorize you,
and that also can be considered as resistance.' 419 |
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