(signed) Adolf Hitler
Berchtesgaden, 18 Oct 1938
(signed) Schmundt,
Lieutenant Colonel, G.S.C.
The Armed Forces Adjutant attached to the Fuehrer and Reich Chancellor.
After Delivery:
To the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces
I request that publication in the press be initiated from there.
1st Draft.
To The C-in-C of the Army
The occupation of the Sudeten-German territory had been completed according to plan, the operation being carried out by sections of the Army, Air Force, and police. Thus 3-1/2 million German compatriots have returned to the Reich once and for all, and have been placed under the protection of the Armed Forces.
You have borne the responsibility for the occupation of the country and the care of the population from the day when the army marched in, and now I approve your proposal to release you from your authority to exercise executive power in the Sudeten-German area, date of expiry being October 20th 1938.
My thanks to all those who participated in the liberation of the Sudetenland, for the order and discipline, the social understanding and devoted readiness to help with which they have done their duty.
J.