863.00/1454: Telegram

The Chargé in Austria (Wiley) to the Secretary of State

79. My 77, March 13, 11 p.m. Article 1 of Reich law published this morning dated Linz, March 13, effective same date declares Austrian constitutional law of March 13 concerning reunion of Austria with Germany to be also Reich law. Article 2 states that existing Austrian laws remain in effect until further notice. Labor Front established in Austria and leader authorized to assume control of Austrian League of Trade Unions and to liquidate the sneaks [sic] (Socialist Labor Organization in former Patriotic Front).

National political referat abolished. Pembaur garrisoned staff will now constitute themselves into agency to receive claims for damages suffered in the past by National Socialists. Hitler expected to arrive Vienna this afternoon.

Wiley