construction, in order to have total control over the allocation of steel, but had been denied this power by Raeder, Doenitz’s predecessor. By relinquishing control of naval construction in exchange for guarantees of U-boats and other assets, Doenitz could be certain of receiving the raw materials he needed. Finally, Doenitz would have his 300 U-boats. He would be able to destroy sufficient numbers of Allied merchant ships to remove food from British tables, fuel from British cars and heat from British homes.
