At this point, Mussolini had little choice but to join Hitler in international politics, thus he reluctantly abandoned its support of Austrian independence.

On 9 March 1938, Schuschnigg announced a plebiscite on Austrian independence held within four days.

In August 1933, Mussolini's government issued a guarantee of Austrian independence.

In declaration No. 1, the signatory parties undertook not to violate Austrian territorial or economic independence.

Hitler and Mussolini first met in June 1934, as the issue of Austrian independence was in crisis.

As a result, Mussolini decided to abandon the policy of protecting Austrian independence.

Schuschnigg desperately sought support for Austrian independence in the hours following the ultimatum.

Mussolini was outraged as he held Hitler directly responsible for the assassination that violated Hitler's promise made only weeks ago to respect Austrian independence.

He put forward three conditions for Austrian independence: neutrality, no foreign military bases and guarantees against a new Anschluss.