863.00/1402: Telegram
The Chargé in Austria (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 11—11:15 a.m.]
59. My 57, March 11, 11 a.m.45 Glaise-Horstenau,46 not Seyss-Inquart, went to Berlin. Former saw Hitler who went into furious rage stating plebiscite would be defeat for him and that he would not tolerate it. Seyss-Inquart and Glaise-Horstenau presented ultimatum to Schuschnigg demanding, under threat of open rupture, assurances by 1 o’clock today that plebiscite would be canceled.
Schuschnigg refused to act on basis of ultimatum and is replying that he will not postpone plebiscite and that to show that he is not clinging to office he will have plebiscite on “program yes—Schuschnigg no” and will agree to have another plebiscite later with list of voters et cetera.
Austrian Consul, Munich, proceeded to Kufstein whence he telephoned confirming report of military operations alleging semi-mobilization Bavaria and great movement troop trains.
British, Italian and French Ministers requested to inform their Governments. The latter replied he had no Government. British Minister apprehensive that Hitler will take advantage of Cabinet crisis in France to force the issue.
Schmidt very agitated. Press uninformed.