After the British ambassador to Berlin, Nevile Henderson on 3 March 1938 had stated that the German claims to Austria were justified, Schuschnigg started a last attempt to retain Austrian autonomy by scheduling a nationwide referendum on 13 March.
Pärast seda, kui Briti saadik Berliinis Nevile Henderson 3. märtsil 1938 märkis, et Saksamaa nõudmised Austriale olid õigustatud, algatas Schuschnigg viimase katse säilitada Austria autonoomiat, kavandades 13. märtsil üleriigilist referendumit.