Karl Respa and German Espionage in Canada

Abstract

When Canada declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914, it created an opportunity for members of the German Foreign Office in the United States to organize sabotage activity. While the United States remained neutral until April 1917, the German Foreign Office carried out intelligence work throughout North America. Certain Germans were successful in their plans by delaying military aid destined for Europe in the early stages of the war. Germans targets included transportation links such as bridges, canals, railway hubs, communication centres, power plants, vessels on the Great Lakes and in coastal harbours, recently departed ships returning to Europe, and in Canadian factories. This article will deal with one German saboteur, Karl Respa, and his actions to help Germany through espionage in Canada.