“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.
“Principles of the Rights of Prisoners of War
(According to the Hague Convention 1907, Geneva Convention 1929)
1. From the moment of handing over, German soldiers count as prisoners of war and are under the protection of the Geneva Convention. Their honor as soldiers will be fully respected.
2. Prisoners of war have to be brought far enough away from a danger zone as soon as possible in order to guarantee their personal safety
3. They receive the same provisions in quality and quantity as the Allied Army and, if sick or wounded, are treated in the same military hospitals as Allied troops.
4. Medals and valuables are to be left with the prisoners of war. Only officers can take money, for which a receipt is issued.
5. In the POW camps, bedrooms and the distribution of lodgings, beds, and other facilities are equivalent to those of the Allied garrison troops.
6. According to the Geneva Convention, prisoners of war may neither be subjected to repressive measures nor handed over to the public. After the end of the war, they are sent back home as soon as possible.
* Who is counted as a Soldier on grounds of the Hague convention (IV, 1907): All armed persons who wear uniforms or badges recognizable from far away.
Rules for Capture
The following is suggested in order to prevent misunderstandings during capture: put your weapons aside and helmet and belt down; raise your hands and wave your handkerchief or this leaflet.”