This law stated that upon Hindenburg's death, the office of president would be abolished and its powers merged with those of the chancellor.[20] The decree is illegal but goes unchallenged. The army swear oath to Hitler.[21] 19 August: The German people in a plebiscite overwhelmingly (90%) approve merger of the offices of President and Chancellor. Hitler assumes the new title of Führer und Reichskanzler (leader and Reich chancellor).