"Overview Of U-Boats Supplied And Assisted By ..." Topic

…The "Etappendienst".

"Established in 1896, the "Etappendienst" was the secret German Naval Supply system that operated throughout the world in support of the Kriegsmarine. The main purpose of this organization was merely to furnish logistic support to German warships in the South Atlantic, armed merchant cruisers in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. It was also responsible for procurement, loading and shipment of critically needed supplies from South America and the Far East through the use of blockade runners. In addition, it supported U-boats operating in areas through which it's blockade runners passed. To accomplish its goals, the "Etappendienst" drew on the combined resources of the Navy, the diplomatic corps, business, and industry. They established cells that operated dummy companies and bank accounts in virtually every country in the world. The extent of the organization is illustrated by the fact that as late as 1948 the "Etappendienst" cell in Japan was still functioning. Many people who did business with those dummy companies were completely unaware that they were involved in an "Etappendienst" operation. In fact, the secrecy surrounding the "Etappendienst" was almost airtight, which is why so few historians today know much about the organization. The "Etappendienst" was not involved in espionage, but the cells routinely gathered commercial and industrial intelligence that was used to analyze the enemy's economic strengths and weaknesses. The "Etappendienst" was not active in any country which was considered as being a possible enemy of Germany in war…."
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