Slitherine

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

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

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...

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!

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.