The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Documents · Propaganda

Propaganda Leaflets and Safe-Conduct Passes: History, Contents and Collector’s Guide

Used by All warring sides
Purpose To persuade soldiers to surrender or doubt their cause
Safe-conduct pass Printed pass promising good treatment to those who surrendered
Example Soviet leaflet with safe-conduct pass, 1943 (Museum Berlin-Karlshorst)
In the collection No pieces currently available

Propaganda leaflets were dropped from aircraft or fired in shells over enemy positions by every side. Those with a safe-conduct pass (Passierschein) invited soldiers to surrender. They are fragile, often scarce, and vivid evidence of psychological warfare.

What Were Propaganda Leaflets and Safe-Conduct Passes?

Museum Berlin-Karlshorst holds a Soviet leaflet of 1943 addressed to German soldiers. It promised good treatment to those who surrendered voluntarily and a return home at the end of the war, and was meant to serve as a safe-conduct pass into Soviet captivity. Allied leaflets for German troops, and German leaflets for Allied and Soviet troops, followed the same idea.

Who Issued It, and Who Signed It?

Leaflets were produced by military propaganda units and printed in large runs. They were not signed, though some quote orders or carry printed signatures of commanders.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Originals are on thin wartime paper; reprints exist.
  • Condition: folds and soiling are normal for leaflets that were picked up and carried.

Collector’s Note

A safe-conduct pass picked up on the battlefield represents a choice a soldier may or may not have made. That is why I find them so compelling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a safe-conduct pass?

A printed pass promising good treatment to soldiers who surrendered.

Who produced propaganda leaflets?

All warring sides, through military propaganda units.

Are leaflets often reproduced?

Yes; originals are on thin wartime paper and need checking.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.

References & Further Reading