Original WWII German Propaganda for US Soldiers in 1944 – Fake News – New York Hearld Article – Very Rare

Description

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.