* * * * * *
“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.” (1775-PS)
As Jodl’s diary entry for 14 February shows, these deceptive maneuvers and threats of force were very effective in Austria:
“The effect is quick and strong. In Austria the impression is created that Germany is undertaking serious military preparations.” (1780-PS)
About a month later armed intervention was precipitated by Schuschnigg’s decision to hold a plebiscite in Austria. Hitler ordered mobilization in accordance with the preexisting plans for the invasion of Austria (these plans were known as “Case Otto”) in order to absorb Austria and stop the plebiscite. Jodl’s diary entry for 10 March 1938 states:
“By surprise and without consulting the ministers, Schuschnigg ordered a plebiscite for Sunday, 13 March, which should bring strong majority for the Legitimists in the absence of plan or preparation.
“Fuehrer is determined not to tolerate it. The same night, March 9 to 10, he calls for Goering, General V. Reichenau is called back from Cairo Olympic Committee. General V. Schobert is ordered to come, as well as Minister Glaise Horstenau, who is with the District Leader [Gauleiter] Burckel in the Palatinate. General Keitel communicates the facts at 1:45. He drives to the Reichskanzlei at 10 o’clock. I follow at 10:15, according to the wish of General V. Viebahn, to give him the old draft.
‘Prepare case Otto’.” (1780-PS)