This book examines the formulation and the implementation of the Royal Navy's policy towards German naval disarmament after the Second World War. The British sought no less than the complete elimination of German naval power through a comprehensive program of control, disbandment and demilitarization. Dr Madsen details how the Royal Navy approached the disarmament of the Kriegsmarine with passion. Showing a remarkable level of co-operation with allied navies, particularly those of the United States and the Soviet Union, the Royal Navy controlled and disbanded German naval forces; participated in the division of the German surface fleet and merchant marine vessels in accord with the political decisions made at the Potsdam Conference; sank German submarines in deep water; supervised the clearance of sea mines off the coasts of north-west Germany; took full advantage of German technology and scientific know-how; assisted in the prosecution of alleged war crimes and demolished naval establishments.
British naval authorities used the occupation to undertake a lasting disablement of Germany's naval potential and Dr Madsen shows how the Royal Navy remained fixated on German naval disarmament, even as the Soviet Union emerged as a possible threat in the early stages of the Cold War.