“Hitler and his men are the only obstacle to lasting peace” – A leaflet dropped by Allied aircraft over Nazi Germany

“Hitler and his men are the only obstacle to lasting peace” – A leaflet dropped by Allied aircraft over Nazi Germany

“An das deutsche Volk!” – A rare double-sided leaflet printed by the Allies (primarily Britain) and dropped over Germany and occupied territories beginning in late August 1941 and throughout 1942, to convey the principles of the Atlantic Charter directly to the German people. On August 14, 1941, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill met in secret aboard the battleship Prince of Wales in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. During this meeting, they formulated the text of the Atlantic Charter. At that time, the United States had not yet officially entered the war (which occurred after Pearl Harbor in December 1941). The purpose of the declaration was to define the moral goals of the war and the vision for the world after the defeat of Nazism. The leaflet, titled “An das deutsche Volk!” (“To the German People!”), was distributed in an effort to make clear that the war was being waged against the Nazi leadership—not against the German people themselves. Rare.

The leaflet features the following declaration:

“To the German People! 

President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill pursued two goals during their meeting. They aimed: To strengthen the unity of the fighting forces of the British Commonwealth and the United States of America. 

To establish, once and for all, the principles they would uphold and upon which peace must be built once Hitler’s war machine is destroyed. This joint declaration places full responsibility for the consequences of the war on Hitler and all his followers. It solemnly promises the German people: Great Britain and the United States seek no territorial expansion or other gain. They desire only territorial changes that reflect the will of the peoples concerned. They respect the right of all peoples to choose the form of government under which they wish to live. This is the solemn pledge of the Anglo-Saxon fighting alliance to the German people, as well as to all the peoples of Europe. The war could end tomorrow, were it not for Hitler, the German war machine, and all those behind it. They will never be able to achieve peace on these terms. Hitler and his men are the only obstacle to lasting peace.” 

On the reverse appears a similar message under the heading: “Joint Declaration of the Governments of Britain and the USA.” It states that President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill jointly declare they seek no territorial expansion, respect the right of all peoples to choose their form of government, and aim to restore sovereign rights and self-government to those who have been forcibly deprived of them. They also express their intention to promote the greatest possible global economic cooperation, to secure improved labor conditions, economic advancement, and social security for all. Furthermore, it states that after the final destruction of Nazi tyranny, they hope to establish a peace that will enable all nations to live safely within their borders, ensuring that all people in all countries may live their lives free from fear and want. It further notes that the Allies believe disarmament of such states is essential until a broader and lasting system of general security is established. They will also support and promote any possible measures to ease the burden of armaments for peace-loving nations.

[1] leaf. 21×14 cm. Minor edge tears. Very good condition.