Why did Hitler honor Switzerland’s neutrality?
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Good question!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Tannenbaum#:~:text=One%20theory%20is%20that%20a,continued%20recognition%20of%20Switzerland’s%20neutrality.
Wikipedia has a couple of thoughts:
For reasons that are still uncertain, Hitler never ordered the invasion. One theory is that a neutral Switzerland would have been useful to hide Nazi gold and to serve as a refuge for war criminals in case of defeat.[22] This may also explain Germany’s continued recognition of Switzerland’s neutrality. One simpler explanation is that there would have been little strategic gain in conquering Switzerland, while a drawn-out and costly alpine war might well have ensued. Although the Wehrmacht feigned moves against Switzerland in its offensives, it never attempted to invade. After D-Day, Operation Tannenbaum was put on hold.
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