Control of the Azores airbase

[FirstCanadian]

As the Axis player, if I DOW Portugal (long story), after my turn I get the following message (war event): "The United States seizes control over the Azores airbase because Portugal is attacked."

As the Axis player, how could I take control of the Azores on the turn I DOW to prevent US control?

The Azores is a one-hex island with an Airbase. I don't believe you can invade it. It is too far from land for paratroopers to airdrop. Sailing them up to it for a sea invasion doesn't seem to work.

Any ideas?

Puzzled in Portugal

[GogTheMild]

There is no way in the game that the Axis can take control of the Azores.

[FirstCanadian]

Gog,

Thanks for your prompt and definitive reply. At least I know I'm not missing something.

...so why not? How exactly does the US seize control?

Oh well, I guess there is enough Europe to conquer...

[FirstCanadian]

As an interesting follow-up, playing as the Allies against the AI, I DOW'd a lot of countries so they would become Axis allies, to help the AI.

When I DOW'd Portugal as the Allies, in the next turn the Allies still seized the Azores. I don't know if this is a positive strategy on the whole, but it is valuable to post a Strategic bomber in the middle of the Atlantic!

[Peter Stauffenberg]

Yes it is. Azores also works well as a base when you send air units from USA to North Africa to help in the Italy campaign.