D. Pressure and Threats Resulting in Further Concessions: Berchtesgaden, 12 February 1938.
Chancellor Schuschnigg states in an affidavit (2995-PS) that in 1938 von Papen suggested to him that he should meet Hitler at Berchtesgaden. After several discussions Schuschnigg agreed to go, provided three conditions were met:
(1)
He must be invited by Hitler.
(2)
He must be previously informed of the precise agenda and assured that the agreement of 11 July 1936 would be maintained.
(3)
There was to be an agreement in advance that the communique to be published at the end of the meeting would affirm the 11 July 1936 agreement.
Von Papen brought back word from Hitler inviting Schuschnigg and agreeing with these conditions, particularly the maintenance of the July 1936 treaty. (2995-PS)
The official German communique of this conference between Hitler and Schuschnigg at Obersalzberg on 12 February 1938 was calm (2461-PS). The communique stated that the unofficial meeting was caused by the mutual desire to clarify by personal conversations the questions relating to the relationship between the German Reich and Austria. The communique listed, as among those present, Schuschnigg and his Foreign Minister Schmidt, Hitler and his Foreign Minister Ribbentrop, and von Papen. The communique concluded: “Both statesmen are convinced that the measures taken by them constitute at the same time an effective contribution toward the peaceful development of the European situation.” (2461-PS). A similar communique was issued by the Austrian Government.