September 1938

Abstract The first operational study of a German military offensive against Czechoslovakia, code-named “Schulung,” was prepared in May 1935. On this foundation was built the original study’s more advanced version, Operation Green. This plan acquired realistic dimensions by late June 1937 and was redrawn in April 1938 to reflect the new situation brought about by the annexation of Austria. On 30 May 1938 the Fuhrer signed yet another version of the plan: German armed forces had to smash Czechoslovakia “in the near future.” They were specifically instructed to carry out ‘‘ a thrust into the heart of Czechoslovakia . . . with the strongest possible’’ force. An attached cover letter stipulated that the day of execution for Operation Green was 1 October 1938 “at the latest. “ A number of meetings between Hitler and Germany’s top military commanders followed, but not all were amiable. Many officers were unable to have faith in the Fiihrer’s military genius; some told him openly that Germany’s western defenses could be held against a French attack for only three weeks. In that case, Hitler replied during a meeting on 10 August 1938, the whole Wehrmacht “would not be good for anything.” There was open talk about defeatism and opposition among the generals.