Switzerland and Spain

[spearhead]

I am seeking information about the affect that World War Two had upon Spain. Was Spain considered a neutral country, although Germany had helped them in their civil war? Were they not interested in getting involved because of their internal politics? Also I was wondering why Germany didn't invade Switzerland? I am guessing economic reasons, although I would think Hitler would be interested in plundering the valuables there just as he had done in other countries. I saw that the Swiss had an elaborate network of defenses built into the mountains, but do you think that this was enough of a deterent to keep them safe from invasion? How would the Swiss rate in opposition to the German army?

[Astérix]

neutrality

Switzerland and Spain were Neutral countries... Like Belgium!
But there were not very interresting for both sides: Hitler was interrested in invading USSR, so Spain was useless for him, and Switzerland had few ressources and fighting in mountains would have cost a lot, much more than profits.

Spain was helpful for Allies, as it protected Gibraltar.

Hitler did not use Spain, and I think he made a mistake there:
- Going through Spain would have permit to German troups to occupy Gilbraltar, key of Mediterranean see.
- It would have permit also, through Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria (both in Spanish or French Vichy hands, almost German "allies"), to help Rommel through Gibraltar detroit, by land instead of by sea.
But for Hitler, fortunately, fighting in North Africa was not a priority.

Hitler met the Caudillo in 1940, before meeting Mal. Pétain in Montoire. He actually asked him to let the German troups going through Spain, or invade Gibraltar. But Franco refused. Could have he accepted, with more money or territories? Fact is that Hitler did not insist, even later in the war.

[Angel Farré]

Spain was non-beligerant country, this is diferent from being neutral, if you are neutral you are not allowed to mantain some relations with the nations in war. During the meeting Hitler-Franco in Hendaya Hitler tryed to persuade Franco to enter the war or, at least, permit to invade Gibraltar using Spanish soil. Due the debt with Germany in both, monetary and political parts, Franco didn't refuse to do it, but ask Hitler for such level of material neede by Spain to enter the war that it will cost Germany such amount of armament and food that Hitler must refuse to invade Russia (the prime objetiv for Hitler) so the Gibraltar invasion was sent to the limbo. Finally Spain to pain the debt sent to the Russian front the Spanish Blue Division (250 Inf.Div) and the Spanish Blue Squadron (15./ J.G.51) with this, due a financial solution to pay part of the debt. and the exports of some minerals Spain elude taking part in the war till 1.944 when we declared ourselves as neutral country undr the preasures of the Allies.

Angel