German propaganda leaflet from World War II, written in English but reprinted and distributed by the Germans. A reprint of an article from the New York Herald Tribune (September 25, 1944), credited to John W. Robertson, a war correspondent. It is titled “The Spectre of the 22 Millions: Europe or Far East?”. The Germans repurposed this article for distribution among Allied troops to sow doubt about the war effort in Europe and redirect hostility toward Japan instead. Content Summary: Questioning the War in Europe The article asks: “Why, when all is said and done, are we fighting in Europe?” It criticizes the U.S. strategy of fighting Germany rather than focusing entirely on Japan, which is described as the “real enemy.” 22 Million Unemployed Americans A key argument is that the U.S. war effort is primarily about solving the problem of mass unemployment at home by producing arms and supplies. It claims American leaders are using the war to put 22 million unemployed people back to work. Criticism of British Involvement The article argues that American soldiers are dying to support Britain, but Europe is in ruins and cannot buy American goods or help rebuild the economy. In contrast, Japan is portrayed as the real threat to U.S. interests. Attack on Allied Strategy It calls the idea of defeating Germany quickly with few losses a “blunder,” suggesting that German morale has not collapsed and that the war in Europe will be long, bloody, and costly. Fearmongering about German Weapons It hints that Germany may soon deploy new and unpleasant weapons, suggesting the Allies will suffer heavily. Final Message The conclusion emphasizes that U.S. forces should stop wasting themselves in Europe and instead redirect to fight Japan, where vital American interests supposedly lie.

German propaganda leaflet from WWII, aimed at Soviet soldiers, encouraging them to surrender voluntarily. Front Page (Image 1) Text in red: “Для них уже кончилась война…” Translation: “For them, the war is already over…” The picture shows Soviet soldiers with raised hands, symbolizing surrender. Back Page (Image 2) Top text in red: “Дружным смехом ответили они на вопрос:” Translation: “With loud laughter, they answered the question:” Next line in red: “— не хотите ли вы снова вернуться в сталинский рай?” Translation: “— Do you want to return again to Stalin’s paradise?” Below in black: “По приказу № 13 Верховного Командования Германской Армии, бойцы и командиры РККА, добровольно переходящие — не считаются пленными, а соратниками в борьбе против большевизма.” Translation: “According to Order No. 13 of the Supreme Command of the German Army, Red Army soldiers and commanders who voluntarily cross over are not considered prisoners, but comrades in the struggle against Bolshevism.” Passierschein (Safe Conduct Pass) text: States that the pass is valid for an unlimited number of Red Army commanders, soldiers, and political workers who voluntarily cross over to the German side. It also applies to members of allied formations (like the Russian Liberation Army, Ukrainian, Caucasian, Turkestani, and Tatar liberation units). The photo shows Soviet POWs smiling and laughing, with a caption pointing to one man: “Это лучше пленить” – “This is better captivity.” Note: Condition is very fragile, we did not attempt to open the little booklet. Also has repairs on it. We were unable to find any other like it online.   

German propaganda leaflet from World War II, written in Russian and German, aimed at Red Army soldiers, commanders, and political officers (political workers). These types of leaflets were dropped over Soviet positions to demoralize troops, encourage desertion, and undermine loyalty to Stalin. Front side (in Russian): Headline: “Бойцы, командиры и политработники!” (“Soldiers, commanders, and political officers!”) Text: “We are fighting you not as the sons of the Russian people, but as defenders of Stalin’s slave-owning system. Your refusal to defend Stalin will bring an end to the war. Don’t you see that Stalin’s cause is lost, but the Russian people must and will live! Your lives and your strength belong to your people, not to Stalin’s gang. Down with Stalin! Long live peace!” Back side (in Russian & German): Header: “Пропуск — Passierschein” (“Pass — Safe Conduct Pass”) Text: “This pass is valid for an unlimited number of soldiers, commanders, and political officers of the Red Army. The German High Command does not publish lists of prisoners of war. Their names are revealed only by their personal will, and only if their relatives are in liberated territory. This pass is valid until the end of the war. You can also cross to the German side without a pass: simply raise both hands and shout ‘Bayonets to the ground!’ or ‘Stalin kaput!’”