On 1 January 1935, a little less than two years after Hitler took total control of the German government, Canaris was made head of the "Abwehr", Germany's official military intelligence agency. Records suggest that Canaris was approved in his role as "Abwehr" chief as a compromise candidate since commander-in-chief of the German navy Admiral Erich Raeder (a staunch navy man) was initially opposed to his appointment but caved when Patzig manipulated the situation by suggesting an army officer for the post if Canaris was rejected. Given the seemingly amicable relationship between SD chief Heydrich and Canaris which existed at the time according to former "Abwehr" secretary Inge Haag, it is possible that Heydrich supported the installment of Canaris as head of the "Abwehr", at least based on their behavior toward one another. The two remained "friendly" rivals, although Canaris considered Heydrich a "brutal fanatic" and was likewise aware that Heydrich's SD constantly monitored the telephone traffic of the "Abwehr". Heydrich was suspicious of Canaris and referred to him as a "wily old fox", cautioning his colleagues never to underestimate the man. Just a few weeks into his role as head of the "Abwehr", he met with Heydrich and some of his officials to divide out intelligence operations between the "Abwehr", Gestapo, and SD. It is clear from sources that at this point, Canaris was a true devotee to Hitler according to former Gestapo officer, Gerhard Fischer, who claimed that the Führer's gentlemanly relationship with Canaris converted the Admiral into "an extreme exponent of Hitlerism."