Neither Friend Nor Foe: The European Neutrals in World War II

by Jerrold M. Packard

Examines the strategy of Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland during World War II and the Allies' charge that the desire of the neutral powers for self-protection led them, however unwittingly, to help the Nazi war effort.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction

432 pages, Hardcover

First published November 14, 1992

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neither Friend Nor Foe is the best survey of European neutrality in WWII that I've found. It is sufficiently scholarly to serve as a good launch point for an academic seeking an introduction to the area, while also being accessible and engaging for the common reader. Though I was in grad school and should not have taken the time to do so, I read this cover to cover--and also used it as a reference later.

[Scott Vizcarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an overall view of all the countries that claimed neutrality during WWII and what they did to appeaze both the Axis and Allied sides to overt hostilities and not show favoritism. Switzerland, Ireland,Spain,Sweeden, and Portugal all walked a fine line to continue to exist and do business with both Germany and England the main proponents of the war. The book is very well laid out and you get a good sense of what happened during these years. Not a big topic for anyone other than those really interested. If you are check it out if not skip it and save your time.

[Nick Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I have read extensively on the Second World War but this book opened up a new chapter for me. The book explains how five neutral countries walked a tightrope with the allies and axis powers each in their unique way with some being more neutral than others.

[Kevin Hovet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read numerous books on World War II. This is an excellent book about those nations that chose to stay neutral. Ireland had no sympathy for the Nazis, but due to the centuries-old animosity between Ireland and the United Kingdom, Ireland was not about to enter the war on the UK side, so they stayed neutral.
A notable fact these nations had in common is that they were "out of the way" of the belligerents. One may recall that the Netherlands and Belgium had declared their neutrality as well, but Hitler had to go through them to get to France, so their neutral stance was ignored. The five nations of this book: Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, and Portugal were on the periphery of the war, so were able to avoid being invaded. It's a good read, describing how these nations did a delicate balancing job, trying not to antagonize the nations on either side of the conflict, not always successfully. Well explained and well laid out, I recommend this book to anyone looking to round out their understanding of all players involved in WWII.