I'm working through some files at an archive in Germany and came across some of the interrogation files from a number of the Nazi high command. I'm working on a different topic at the moment, but took a look anyway. This is all known to historians but there are a few interesting bits that were cool to see in person.
Goering was pretty eager to talk to his captors. He went on and on about anything they asked. When asked why Germany declared war on the US he had this to say (I'm paraphrasing and translating at the same time here): Hitler was convinced that war with the US was just a matter of time. The reelection of President Roosevelt (1940) was accepted as conclusive (of the inevitability of war with the US). The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a complete surprise to the German government, although a gratifying one. Hitler felt deeply indebted toward the Japanese and may have acted impulsively (!). Up to that time he (Hitler) had tried to avoid an open break with the US and the (German) Navy had been ordered to allow American ships to move unmolested although they know they were fully laden with war material for England. There was no treaty obligation binding Germany to declare war on the US as Japan was clearly the aggressor.
Just thought I'd share with the board.
Goering was pretty eager to talk to his captors. He went on and on about anything they asked. When asked why Germany declared war on the US he had this to say (I'm paraphrasing and translating at the same time here): Hitler was convinced that war with the US was just a matter of time. The reelection of President Roosevelt (1940) was accepted as conclusive (of the inevitability of war with the US). The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a complete surprise to the German government, although a gratifying one. Hitler felt deeply indebted toward the Japanese and may have acted impulsively (!). Up to that time he (Hitler) had tried to avoid an open break with the US and the (German) Navy had been ordered to allow American ships to move unmolested although they know they were fully laden with war material for England. There was no treaty obligation binding Germany to declare war on the US as Japan was clearly the aggressor.
Just thought I'd share with the board.