“Safe Conduct,” Allied leaflet, dropped by Allied aircraft, September 1944- March 1945. Leaflet produced by the Psychological Warfare Division of the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force, ZG61-1944.
This “Safe Conduct Pass” was one of the most successful leaflets produced by the Psychological Warfare Division of the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force (PWD/SHAEF). It was modeled on previously produced Russian leaflets. This leaflet was dropped on German forces between September 1944 and March 1945. It was intended to encourage German soldiers to surrender. The signature of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, on the front of the leaflet is a characteristic of “white propaganda,” the most common form of psychological warfare used by the American government, which meant that any propaganda being distributed had to make its origins clear. This leaflet also uses information from the Geneva Convention to inform German soldiers of their rights if they surrender.
“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.