*WW2, Allied, Seven “PASSIERSCHEIN” Safe Conduct Passes for German Forces*
Written in German and then English
We have seven of these extremely rare WW2 Allied printed “Passierschien” Safe Conduct Pass leaflets. These have clearly had an interesting journey and bear some damage.
They are printed in both English and German, these were dropped over Germany by the Allies to encourage the German forces to surrender. The German Serviceman bearer of the Safe Conduct Pass would allowed to surrender without fear of harm. This leaflet, printed code ‘ZG61’ was dropped from September 1944 to March 1945. The leaflet bears the printed name and signature of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force. These are increasingly difficult to find these days.
“SAFE CONDUCT
The German soldier who carries this safe conduct is using it as a sign of his genuine wish to give himself up. He is to be disarmed, to be well looked after, to receive food and medical attention as required, and to be removed from the danger zone as soon as possible.
Dwight D Eisenhower
SUPREME COMMANDER, Allied Expeditionary Force”
US/GB-ZG61-1944
When the United States joined World War II in December 1941, the British, French, and Russians had already distributed various surrender leaflets to the German Army. However, the collaboration between American and British troops in the United Kingdom led to the creation of a standardized safe conduct leaflet, known as the “passierschein,” it was considered the most effective single leaflet of the war by the Psychological Warfare Branch of Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). Its authenticity was protected, with a directive in 1944 forbidding its reproduction on other leaflets. The Allies believed that an official-looking document, resembling a stock certificate, would elicit a positive response from German officers and soldiers, leading to the production of the leaflets late in the war in various formats with different code numbers.
*Condition*
These leaflets have definitely seen some history and are in varying states of disrepair, please see photographs as part of the condition report as all are pictured. Given the rarity of these leaflets they are highly collectible.
JAQGEXACO_3853147617
