Switzerland and WWII

[Salty]

As we all know, Switzerland was neutral during WW II. As such, Hitler left them along.

But suppose, the Nazi's had conquered Europe and North America. Do you think Germany would have invaded Switzerland as well?

Salty

 

[just-want-peace]

As we all know, Switzerland was neutral during WW II. As such, Hitler left them along.

But suppose, the Nazi's had conquered Europe and North America. Do you think Germany would have invaded Switzerland as well?

Salty

I have not dug into history that deep, BUT I do believe that the neutrality of Switzerland was somehow an advantage to Hitler & his goals.

How, I don't know, but I have no doubts that had he succeeded in getting Europe under his thumb, S. would then be his for the taking; and he would have taken it.

 

[billwald]

Switzerland will always be left alone because thieves the world around need a safe place to store their loot. Except for hydro power, it doesn't have much worth stealing. A country doesn't need to steal vacation spots for their rich people.

 

[Crabtownboy]

I have not dug into history that deep, BUT I do believe that the neutrality of Switzerland was somehow an advantage to Hitler & his goals.

How, I don't know, but I have no doubts that had he succeeded in getting Europe under his thumb, S. would then be his for the taking; and he would have taken it.

A neutral country is to everyones advantage. It gives a safe meeting place for representatives to meet secretly or publicly for discussions and the passing of information.

 

[Salty]

A neutral country is to everyones advantage. It gives a safe meeting place for representatives to meet secretly or publicly for discussions and the passing of information.

But if Hitler had conquered all of Europe and North America, would there be a need for a "safe meeting place"

 

[Crabtownboy]

But if Hitler had conquered all of Europe and North America, would there be a need for a "safe meeting place"

But where would Hitler and his friends be without their secret Swiss bank accounts? :laugh:

And, there is a lot of world left even if they had Europe and North America.

 

[Salty]

But where would Hitler and his friends be without their secret Swiss bank accounts? :laugh:

And, there is a lot of world left even if they had Europe and North America.

Even AH needed a tax shelter:thumbsup::smilewinkgrin:

 

[Salty]

And, there is a lot of world left even if they had Europe and North America.

Japan would have had the rest -
then would Japan and - oh thats another thread....

 

[StefanM]

I think he would have pressured Switzerland, which would have forthwith had some kind of pseudo-legal measure either to formally ally as a puppet state or to merge with the German Reich.

 

[blackbird]

I think he would have pressured Switzerland, which would have forthwith had some kind of pseudo-legal measure either to formally ally as a puppet state or to merge with the German Reich.

I'm with Stefan here----I mean--think about it---Swit---had no defense against Hitler---I mean---what were they gonna do in defense against a Blitsrieg??? Throw their money at um????

 

[Crabtownboy]

Don't sell the Swiss military short. They have universal military training. Also they had and have terrain on their side. There was an elderly gentleman from Switzerland who was in the Swiss military during WW II. He was stationed in the States but was called home when the Swiss thought Hitler would invade France via Switzerland. They may well have proven as tough a nut for Hitler to crack as the Fins were to the
Russians.

 

[blackbird]

As we all know, Switzerland was neutral during WW II. As such, Hitler left them along.

But suppose, the Nazi's had conquered Europe and North America. Do you think Germany would have invaded Switzerland as well?

Salty

I read a story once---don't remember the exact source----and I could be totally off on this one------but the story goes that during WW2 the Jews needed a place to "stash" their money and the Swiss banks oblidged----"Sure--we'll hold your money!!" ---- and the Jews would deposit money in the Swiss banks in hopes to keep it out of German hands!!!!! But at the very same time---the NAZI's needed money-----so they went to the Swiss banks and said------"Dude! Vee gots zee var going on and vee zeeds money---lots of money!!" and the Swiss banks said-------"Man--you came to the right spot----sure---we'll lend you the money to carry on your little war games!!!"

So--according to the source---the Swiss were actually lending the Nazi's---money that belonged to the Jews!!! Imagine that!!!???