GR8 interview: There are books by Harry Cooper (USA) on Uboat stories. GR8 books. Before the war started, Donitz requested of Hitler, more Uboats, but Hitler wanted ships like the Bismark. Traitor Cannaris was responsible in 1939, telling Franco of Spain to stay neutral and not let Hitler take Gibraltar. If Hitler could have taken Gibraltar, the Mediterranean would have been a German sea only. North Africa would not have been lost in 1943. The Suez Canal would be in German hands. I've never read/heard Hitler wanted to go south 1st, and his generals wanted Moscow. Yes, that would have helped too. 88&8s,Dave
Hitler not wanting a lot of U boats might be explained by political reason. He was careful not to give the Americans an excuse for entering the war as retaliation. Sinking American ships guarding a convoy was forbidden.
Undoubtedly Franco not allowing Gibraltar to be taken was a blow to German efforts. I can understand that Franco wanted to remain neutral. He was in a similar position as Ireland. They were willing to aid Germany in clandestine ways, but couldn't risk retaliation (bombing) from Great Britain.
GR8 interview: There are books by Harry Cooper (USA) on Uboat stories. GR8 books. Before the war started, Donitz requested of Hitler, more Uboats, but Hitler wanted ships like the Bismark. Traitor Cannaris was responsible in 1939, telling Franco of Spain to stay neutral and not let Hitler take Gibraltar. If Hitler could have taken Gibraltar, the Mediterranean would have been a German sea only. North Africa would not have been lost in 1943. The Suez Canal would be in German hands. I've never read/heard Hitler wanted to go south 1st, and his generals wanted Moscow. Yes, that would have helped too. 88&8s,Dave
Hitler not wanting a lot of U boats might be explained by political reason. He was careful not to give the Americans an excuse for entering the war as retaliation. Sinking American ships guarding a convoy was forbidden.
Undoubtedly Franco not allowing Gibraltar to be taken was a blow to German efforts. I can understand that Franco wanted to remain neutral. He was in a similar position as Ireland. They were willing to aid Germany in clandestine ways, but couldn't risk retaliation (bombing) from Great Britain.