Neutral Countries and Internees

The impetus for this thread came as a result of an article I read about USAAF aircrews interned in Switzerland at a notorious camp called Wauwilermoos. Shocking to learn that neutrality was not so simple nor so safe. Wanting to learn more about

other neutral countries and their handling of internees, I embarked on some research and present my basic summary here. This is merely a topical piece meant to encourage discussion, provoke thought and further the knowledge. I look forward to your comments and additions.

From the start, the term ‘neutral’ must be clarified as little more than a word used in various treaties and conventions (Hague & Geneva namely). As you will see, the countries who declared themselves neutral in #WW2 engaged in a wide range of contraventions and breaches for

various economic, political and national reasons. For the purpose of this thread, I focused on 4 main countries central to the issue of neutrality and who played a role by interning, repatriating and supporting the war efforts of belligerent nations; Ireland, Spain, Sweden and

Switzerland are the countries selected. The thread only touches on policy and actions around internment of solider/sailors/airmen. Also of note, nowhere in my readings did I find any belligerent country allowing a member of its armed forces to offer ‘parole’

or an agreement not to fight if released.

Ireland was one of the Commonwealth nations to remain neutral but certainly leaned toward support of the Allies. Internees, usually air crew but also mariners, were housed at Curragh Camp.

US airmen were repatriated as a result of a previous agreement. RAF, RCAF and other Commonwealth crews could make a claim of flying ‘non-combat’ missions and were released on personal assurances with most crossing borders into British territory.

German crews could not claim the same and were interned for the duration. As the war progresses in favour of the Allies, Ireland softens their approach further with logistic support and intelligence contributions such as refueling, METREPS etc.

Although a logical ally of Nazi Germany, Spain declares its neutrality given similar factors of geography, economics and strategic realities. Aircraft from all sides are interned after emergency or forced landing and on several occasions, Spain negotiates for their incorporation

into the Spanish Air Force. Aircrews of the belligerent Allied nations were interned at Miranda de Ebro. Owing to its border with France and flight path to the Med etc., the Iberian peninsula sees much traffic. Repatriation of Brit/Can/US internees seems to be a frequent

occurrence through diplomatic channels. I was unable to find any details on German airmen etc. but will assume they were returned post haste.

Sweden’s neutrality is as complex as the rest and more strict but leans toward the Allies. In the early phase of WW2,

Sweden is dealing with fleeing Norwegians, Danes and a scattering of downed RAF and Luftwaffe pilots. Sweden allowed training of the foreign soldiers but also stickhandles its economic needs with Nazi Germany. As the war progressed and greater air traffic was overhead, the

numbers of downed aircrew increased, notable USAAF. Many accounts suggest US aircrews enjoyed good conditions and freedoms until their eventual repatriation through clandestine and diplomatic channels. The deteriorating fortunes of Germany in the war, changed Swedish stance

ending transit and freedoms enjoyed by the Wehrmacht. By war’s end some 3000 German troops for all branches were still interned in Sweden.

Perhaps the strictest of the countries focused on in this thread, Switzerland shared a border with Germany and enjoyed considerable

economic benefits. The Swiss were quick to defend their airspace with accounts of Allied & German planes being shot down and forced to land for violating neutrality. Although conditions for internees was quite good to start, if an escape was attempted, harsh penalties

and assignment to more dire camps were meted out. The infamous Wauwilermoos camp was on par with some of the worst PoW camps in Nazi Germany in terms of abuse, maltreatment and privation. By 1944 more than 1000 US airmen are interred in Switzerland and 35000 foreign nationals.