The text of German Ambassador Hans H. Dieckhoff’s declaration to Secretary of State Cordell Hull announcing inclusion of Austria in the German Reich was made public here today:
“The Federal Constitutional law of March 13, 1938, decided by the Austrian Federal Government, concerning the reunion of Austria with the German Reich, herewith becomes a law of the German Reich. The text thereof follows:
“The Federal Government has resolved that Austria is a state (land) of the German Reich.
“On Sunday, April 10, there will take place a free, secret plebiscite of German men and women in Austria over 20 years of age on the reunion of the German Reich. In the plebiscite, a majority of the vote cast will be decisive.
“‘The necessary prescriptions for the carrying out and supplementation of Article 11 of this Federal Constitutional law will be made by means of decrees. This Federal Constitutional law enters into force on the day of promulgation. The Federal Government is charged with the execution of this Federal Constitutional law.
“The law now prevailing in Austria remains in force until further notice. The introduction of Reich law into Austria will be effected by the Leader and Reich Chancellor or by the Reich Minister empowered by him to do so.
“‘The Reich Minister of the Interior is empowered, in agreement with the Reich Minister concerned, to issue the necessary legal and administrative prescriptions for the carrying out and supplementing of this law. The law enters force on the day of promulgation.’
“The former Austrian diplomatic representatives in foreign countries have received orders to place themselves, along with their personnel, under the German representatives.
“Accept, Mr. Secretary of State, the renewed assurance of my highest consideration. “(Signed) Dieckhoff.”
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