The OKW is asking the Fuehrer's decision, concerning the following proposals:
Orders will be given immediately, after the detailed numbers and letters have been released by the Leader, for accomplishment.
1. To 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-man [V-Maenner] in Austria,
b. through our customs personnel at the frontier,
c. through traveling agents.
3. Such news could be:
a. Furloughs are supposed to have been barred in the Sector of the VII A.K.
b. Rolling stock is being assembled in Munich, Augsburg, and Regensburg.
c. Major General Muff, the Military Attache in Vienna has been called for a conference to Berlin. (As a matter of fact, this is the case).
d. The Police Stations located at the frontier of Austria, have called up reinforcements.
e. Custom officials report about the imminent maneuvers of the Mountain Bridgade in the region of Freilassing, Reichenhall and Berchtesgaden.
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 14th in the Service Command Headquarters in order to carry out measures given by order of the Chief of the OKW.
7. An answer is requested to Lt General Keitel through the Reich-Chancellery.
Signed-Keitel.14.2 7:30 Captain Eberhardt gives the information by phone, that the Fuehrer has given his approval in all points. Answer came only around 2 at night through Reich-Chancellery.
9:00 Telephone message transmitted to Admiral Canaris in Munich
Source: Nazi Conspiracy and Aggression Volume IV Office of the United States Chief Counsel for Prosecution of Axis Criminality Washington, DC : United States Government Printing Office, 1946 |