Planning for Sea Eagle took place while German Intelligence (Abwehr), and Abwehr/Foreign ministry dual role SS.
Colonel Dr.Edmund Veesenmayer, feared an invasion of neutral Éire by American forces soon to be stationed in Northern Ireland.
The Abwehr were to provide technical support for Sea Eagle and the Foreign Ministry was to retain operational control.
The agents initially selected for the task were Abwehr Ireland "expert" Helmut Clissman, and Bruno Rieger.
At a later date, Frank Ryan was added when the mission expanded to include a direct liaison with the IRA.