[1] After the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, he played an important role in sending German weapons and supplies to the rebel forces.
He became well-known person in colonial garrison circles and managed to create good relations with some Spanish army officers.
On the way back to Spain, he also reached an agreement with the Portuguese dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar so that German war materials and fuel could pass to the rebellious area through the port of Lisbon, thus avoiding the blockade of the republican army.
[5][6] After returning to Spain, he would be one of the founders of the Sociedad Hispano-Marroquí de Transportes (HISMA), a "ghost" company in charge of the trade and supply of German war material to the rebel forces.
[7] After the World War II, he managed to establish links with the Allied authorities and became an informant for Operation Safehaven.
Due to this, Allies granted him freedom of movement within Spain, and gave control over a number of companies whose resources amounted to 8 million pesetas.
[8] Bernhardt also maintained close relations with Francisco Franco, who gave him a personal gift of 1.4 million pesetas once the civil war ended.
In 1947, he founded the production company Sagitario Films, in order to launder the millions of pesetas accumulated by his activities.