U-48 GWX Intelligence Report

[Sailor Steve]

Just for historical information, all U-boats were instructed to pass around the Faroes Islands. None were to use the English Channel. This was Naval High Command's order, not Admiral Dönitz'. He wanted them to take the shortest route possible, but was overruled.

These long passages are due to the order to proceed around the Faroes, on which Naval War Staff has insisted contrary to F.O. U/B's intentions.

http://www.uboatarchive.net/BDU/BDUKTB30247.htm
Note for 23.VIII.39 (Page 7)