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Music Hello everyone and welcome to History of the Second World War, episode 60,

Anschluss Part 4, Operation Auto.

Top secret.

1. If other measures prove unsuccessful, I intend to invade Austria with armed forces to establish

constitutional conditions and to prevent further outrages against the pro-German population.

2.

The whole operation will be directed by myself.

3.

The forces of the Army and Air Force, detailed for this operation, must be ready for

invasion on March 12, 1938, at the latest of 1,200 hours. 4. The behavior of the troops

must give the impression that we do not want to wage war against our Austrian brothers.

Therefore, any provocation is to be avoided. If, however, resistance is offered, it must

be broken ruthlessly by force of arms."

These were the orders given to the German military for the invasion of Austria, just a few days before the operation was to take place.

At Army headquarters, frantic preparations would be completed, as orders were drawn up and distributed for an operation that just a few

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