Author Topic: Switzerland no longer neutral. (Read 803 times)

Thrawn · « **on:** September 11, 2002, 09:09:12 AM »

Switzerland becomes newest UN member
Last Updated Tue, 10 Sep 2002 19:02:28

UNITED NATIONS - After hundreds of years of neutrality, Switzerland became the 190th member of the United Nations on Tuesday.

Switzerland's entry into the UN was one of the first orders of business in the new session of the General Assembly.

The country was the first to decide to join the UN after a referendum. About 55 per cent of Swiss voted in favour of membership during a poll in March.

http://cbc.ca/stories/2002/09/10/swissun0209010

hawk220 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 11, 2002, 09:19:06 AM »

The Swiss allegedly worked with the Nazis during WWII, making gold transactions for Hitler...not to mention taking the gold fillings from exterminated Jews and melting them into gold bars...thus funding and facilitating the Nazi war effort..not TOO neutral..granted, the Nazis could have squashed Switzerland like a bug so they might not have had a great deal of choice.

http://www.bigeye.com/nazigold.htm

miko2d · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2002, 11:08:16 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by hawk220
... the Nazis could have squashed Switzerland like a bug so they might not have had a great deal of choice.

I would not be so sure. In both WWI and WWII the germans as well as allies were eager to move through Switzerland. Only presence of mobilised army of few hundred thousands trained citizens determined to defend their country in a terrain extremely suited for defence made them reconsider.
As great as germans were in mountainous warfare, subduing Switzerland would have been a major effort for them and far from guaranteed success. The cost would surely not have warranted the effort.

P.S. How come joining the UN in any way compromises a country's neutrality? Does it mean that being in UN, someone can make USA to engage in war we do not want to engage in? UN is not a military alliance.

miko

Thrawn · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2002, 11:11:06 AM »

I've went to Switzerland a few times when I was living overseas. The whole country is a freakin' fortress.

hawk220 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2002, 11:18:34 AM »

interesting....when I was there, I learned that the hiway system was designed to double as possible landing strips and that when Eisenhower started the project in the 50s to put hiways across the US, we took the same idea and that the rules say that every mile in 10 has to be straight for a half mile(or close to that effect) in the US.

Animal · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2002, 11:18:39 AM »

Joining the UN doesnt necesarily invalidate their policy of neutrality.

Kratzer · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2002, 11:24:06 AM »

Not militarily, necessarily, but it does show that they want to be involved in international affairs (and Animal, no, that doesn't mean when you go to Grenada and pick up on the ladies). Neutral means whatever happens, they aren't going to get involved at all - and the UN gets involved, whether or not they actually send troops anywhere.

Curval · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2002, 12:13:18 PM »

The Vatican learned all about the Swiss military back in the Middle Ages...the Swiss now have a contingent of troops that guard the place.

Switzerland is a fortress...almost impossible to invade. All males MUST also join the military. I found it disconcerting over there to see so many guys in uniform carrying guns.

A boring lot for the most part...but piss them off at your peril!

straffo · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2002, 02:29:44 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by miko2d

I would not be so sure. In both WWI and WWII the germans as well as allies were eager to move through Switzerland. Only presence of mobilised army of few hundred thousands trained citizens determined to defend their country in a terrain extremely suited for defence made them reconsider.
As great as germans were in mountainous warfare, subduing Switzerland would have been a major effort for them and far from guaranteed success. The cost would surely not have warranted the effort.

P.S. How come joining the UN in any way compromises a country's neutrality? Does it mean that being in UN, someone can make USA to engage in war we do not want to engage in? UN is not a military alliance.

miko

since when do you attack your OWN bank ?

that's idiot no ?

funkedup · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2002, 02:41:25 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by hawk220
the rules say that every mile in 10 has to be straight for a half mile(or close to that effect) in the US.

I thought that was just so you could pick your nose?

qts · « **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2002, 03:02:54 PM »

Quote

when I was there, I learned that the hiway system was designed to double as possible landing strips

I think you're thinking of Sweden here.

miko2d · « **Reply #11 on:** September 12, 2002, 08:54:34 AM »

hawk220: interesting....when I was there, I learned that the hiway system was designed to double as possible landing strips...
For invading armies? Is there a chance you are mistaken and the highways there are designed so that they cannot be used as landing strips? That would make more sence.

straffo: since when do you attack your OWN bank ?
that's idiot no?
No. Occupation of the country does not have to be accompanied by destruction. Look at all the counties that folded without struggle in WWII and provided Germany with much-needed resources besides initial strategic options.
Germans enjoyed french hospitality and potatos of Paris (which was surrendered without a shot). Norway's resources were used to transport Sweden iron ore to Germany. Same with those countries' financial systems.

It's exactly the Suiss determination that even if their country is captured despite utmost resistance, there would not be a stone left unturned, let alone working roads, railways and banks that deterres invaders. Counties are like bullies - they do not just look for victory at any price.

miko

straffo · « **Reply #12 on:** September 12, 2002, 02:52:41 PM »

WHEN I READ THAT :

Quote

Originally posted by miko2d
Germans enjoyed french hospitality

AND THAT :

Quote

and potatos of Paris (which was surrendered without a shot).

I'VE NO POLITE ANSWER FOR YOU

CAPICE ?

congrats that's the first time I use my ignore list

gofaster · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2002, 02:58:00 PM »

The Swiss flew Me-109s.

The Swiss Guard protects the Vatican.

Swiss cheese is yellow, the color of cowardice.

That makes the Swiss Nazi-loving, Catholic-hugging, cowards!

10Bears · « **Reply #14 on:** September 12, 2002, 03:43:43 PM »

My friend Bert is Swiss.. He said the military is mandatory for 10 years. If you go to collage or leave or something else happens it doesn’t matter you still have to complete your military service up to the age of 45!. Wow

I wonder how many of you know there was a Swiss Lufwaffe grouppin in ww2.