Original WWII US Allied Propaganda - To German Officers 1944 - Translated - Rare For Sale

Original WWII US Allied Propaganda - To German Officers 1944 1945 - Rare

This is an Allied propaganda leaflet from World War II, specifically targeted at German officers. It attempts to appeal to their sense of responsibility for their men, the hopelessness of Germany’s military situation, and their duty to make decisions that would prevent unnecessary bloodshed.

Translation: Feel free to copy this listing and use for your collection purposes.

Front Page:

Hand immediately to the company commander or unit leader!

AN ALLIED OFFICER SPEAKS TO GERMAN OFFICERS!

We know that the overwhelming majority of German officers enjoy the respect and trust of their men. It is understood that in every organized army the lives of many soldiers depend on the attitude of their leaders toward the following considerations.

Of course, the enemy cannot take away your honor. But in this tragic hour, he can call upon you to soberly and reasonably assess Germany’s situation, your men’s condition, and your personal responsibility.

Here are the facts:

THE WAR SITUATION. As you know, your most important defense line in the West, the West Wall, has been lost. The Allies have crossed the Rhine and advanced into the Ruhr area. In the East, the Red Army is near Berlin. The Upper Silesian industrial region, East Prussia, Posen, and parts of Saxony, Brandenburg, and Pomerania are in Russian hands. It must be said plainly: the end of the war is only a matter of time.

THE RESPONSIBILITY. Under such circumstances, even the greatest steadfastness and readiness for sacrifice can perhaps delay the end somewhat, but otherwise can no longer influence the outcome of the war. The responsibility for the outcome can therefore no longer rest with you. What remains for you—and what will be decisive for post-war Germany—is the responsibility for your men.

Back Page:

THE FUTURE. The end will be hard, but it will bring an opportunity for rebuilding. The Allies have no intention of exterminating Germany. The only threat to its survival comes from party politics. The return of almost 1,000,000 German soldiers who have already surrendered in the West has been guaranteed by the Geneva Convention.

THE DECISION. Whether you decide to surrender your unit is not just a matter of conscience, but often depends on the tactical situation. Many German officers—whose names will remain anonymous—have, in hopeless situations, sent parliamentarians to the Allies and handed over their troops. Others, for whom this was not possible, gave orders to cease fire and surrender when the attack reached them.

We cannot expect you to do anything against your honor or the interests of your country. But consider what truly lies in your country’s interest. At this stage of the war, it can only be in your interest to prevent pointless bloodshed.

THE DECISION LIES WITH YOU!

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