Original WWII Safe Conduct Pass & German Skorpion Counter-Propaganda Leaflet 1944

Description

WWII Safe Conduct Pass: Overview

Two original wartime leaflets documenting both sides of a psychological-warfare exchange in the final phase of the war: an Allied Safe Conduct pass and the German counter-propaganda leaflet created to imitate and ridicule it. Having the original and the reply together is what makes the pair unusual.

The Allied Safe Conduct Pass (US/GB-ZG61A.1944)

Part of the Safe Conduct series produced under the Psychological Warfare Division of SHAEF and dropped or fired to German troops as a practical surrender document. ZG61A is recorded as the smaller, artillery-distributed version. The front, headed “Passierschein” and “SAFE CONDUCT” with US and British emblems, tells Allied personnel to disarm the bearer and treat him properly. Both language sections carry the printed facsimile signature of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander; it is not a handwritten autograph. The reverse, headed “Grundsätze des Kriegsgefangenenrechts”, sets out prisoner-of-war principles under the Hague (1907) and Geneva (1929) Conventions, with surrender instructions.

The German “Dear Friends” Leaflet

German propagandists copied the appearance of the Allied pass, including the emblems and Eisenhower’s printed signature, but rewrote the message to present surrender as years of captivity and betrayal of Germany. The reverse, opening “DEAR FRIENDS:”, mocks the Allied campaign in English. This response is attributed in research on WWII propaganda to Skorpion-West, part of the SS-Standarte Kurt Eggers propaganda organisation.

WWII Safe Conduct Pass: Description

• Contents: two original leaflets
• Allied leaflet code: US/GB-ZG61A.1944, red printing
• Signatures: Eisenhower (printed facsimile) on both
• Inventory code: DOC57

Condition

Genuine age, handling and wear on both. The German leaflet has visible edge losses and irregular margins; the Allied ZG61A keeps clear, legible red printing. The photographs show the actual leaflets and form part of the description.

Provenance

No further provenance is recorded.

Authenticity

Offered as original wartime leaflets on the basis of paper, printing, codes and wear, which are consistent with each other and with the period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Eisenhower signature handwritten?

No. It is the official printed facsimile incorporated into the Safe Conduct design.

What was the purpose of the Passierschein?

To encourage German soldiers to surrender, and to tell Allied troops to recognise the bearer as someone giving himself up and treat him accordingly.

Further Reading

On printed versus handwritten signatures, see my guide Facsimile Signature: Meaning, Value and How to Identify One.

For historical background, see Deutsches Historisches Museum, LeMO: “Das NS-Regime”.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this item is offered as a historical artefact for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.