Torkild Rieber (Q3532307)

Rieber’s relations with Franco and Hitler stemmed more from ideology than money-making. He shipped oil—in the amount of 3.5 million tons—to Franco on credit.He also provided Franco with valuable intelligence on the Spanish Loyalists. This earned him praise from “Il Duce,” as the Spanish fascist leader was known, who awarded Rieber the Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic.When Franco won Spain’s civil war in 1939, Rieber directed his energies toward Nazi Germany after World War II began in Europe. His allegiance to the regime was noted by his Nazi intelligence file which read that the oilman was “absolutely pro-German” Rieber, the file stated, was “a sincere admirer of the Fuhrer.”These views were evident on a visit to Germany when Rieber stayed at the estate of Herman Goering and cultivated strong ties to the Luftwaffe commander.As with Franco, Rieber did more than provide oil to Nazi Germany. He also provided crucial intelligence to the regime concerning American naval vessels that were then shipping war materials to an England being bombed by the Nazis.Rieber passed along information to the Nazis concerning what the ships were carrying, as well as information about American aircraft factories.When British intelligence uncovered Rieber’s activities and shared this with the United States, the oilman was forced out of his position with Texaco. (English)