Why was Switzerland spared a German attack during World War II? Was its existence actually endangered at any time? In
"Let's Swallow Switzerland,"
historian Klaus Urner reveals new data uncovered about the actual threats Switzerland faced during the war. Extensive archival research into the events at the Führer's headquarters discloses that Hitler, in cooperation with Mussolini, initiated a surprise pincer operation against Switzerland during the final phase of the French campaign. On June 24, 1940, Army Corps C received orders to prepare for the "Special Task Switzerland." In early July, the 12th Army, with nine divisions, was deployed near the Western border of Switzerland. Urner proves that German operational plans were not fictitious designs worked out by a bored staff, as has been claimed, but in fact were serious preparatory measures for an attack. The second half of this fascinating exposé provides a discussion of German economic warfare against Switzerland, revealing that Germany's goal was to control every interaction between Switzerland and the Allies—such attempts continued until the total occupation of France on November 11, 1942. Numerous original documents attesting to Hitler's plans, historic photographs, and a detailed bibliography make this book a fundamental work for understanding Switzerland's difficult predicament during World War II.