Hitler forbids attacks on passenger ships

In the context of World War II, the German military strategy initially included aggressive actions against various maritime targets, including British ships. However, following the sinking of the Athenia, a British passenger liner, a shift occurred in the orders given by Adolf Hitler. The Athenia was torpedoed by a German U-boat, resulting in the loss of civilian lives, which drew significant international condemnation. In response to the backlash and the potential for further diplomatic complications, Hitler issued a directive prohibiting attacks on passenger ships. This decision was aimed at mitigating the negative perception of Germany's naval warfare tactics and maintaining a facade of adherence to international maritime laws, particularly the prize rules that govern the treatment of neutral and civilian vessels during wartime. The directive was part of a broader strategy to avoid alienating neutral countries and to maintain a level of public support for the German war effort. The impact of this decision was notable, as it reflected the complexities of naval warfare and the importance of public relations in wartime strategy. The German Navy was instructed to focus on military targets while sparing civilian vessels, which was a significant shift in operational policy. This change in strategy was indicative of the challenges faced by the German command in balancing military objectives with the need to manage international relations and public opinion.