Propaganda Leaflets Collection

**LoyalHistorian** · 02-23-2021, 01:46 AM

This is another leaflet from the “J” series, produced by the Psychological Warfare Branch (PWB) of the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). I already talked about their history earlier (in post #49). This is “15-J-1” made specifically by MacArthur’s PWB group while they were stationed in Brisbane, Australia. Though I have not found the exact date that this one was made, we do know that MacArthur's PWB was in Brisbane from August 1944 to March 1945, so it would have been during that time. Leaflet 101-J-1 was the last one made while they were in Brisbane in March of 1945, so, with this one being number 15, I'd assume it'd be closer to the late 1944 timeframe. Just my hunch. On its official typed translation, this leaflet is titled as "Good Treatment of Prisoners." Whereas many of the US Army's ETO leaflets have English translation mock-ups that looked just like the foreign language version, the Pacific theater leaflets just have plain typed translations on manila paper (most of the time with official letterhead at the top that also mentions their APO number). Nothing fancy or made to look like the real one. At least, I can't think of any off the top of my head that has an English language version made. I just find that interesting.

Anyway, I was again fortunate to find the official translation for this leaflet in Pacific University Oregon’s permanent collection from the scrapbook that belonged to Colonel Karl F. Baldwin, US Army, who was part of PWB Southwest Pacific. I took that translation and made a photoshopped version in English for you.

Front

Back

Translated Front

Translated Back

I really appreciate the great reception to the thread from y'all. I'm having a blast doing it. I've wanted to do something like this for myself for a while, to make accurate translations and such. It's even more fun getting to see the leaflets y'all have too. I'm currently trying to figure out the few Burmese language leaflets I have. It's been difficult. Don't suppose any of y'all know Burmese, do you?

-Robyn

**MAP** · 02-23-2021, 04:07 AM

This is a great set. Interesting to imaging what a Japanese soldier would think when seeing one of these. Given that, as we have been taught, they equate surrender with dishonor.

**Danmark** · 02-23-2021, 04:52 AM

by MAP

This is a great set. Interesting to imaging what a Japanese soldier would think when seeing one of these. Given that, as we have been taught, they equate surrender with dishonor.

Still, the chance to learn the noble art of macrame and basket-weaving would make any proud Japanese soldier lay down their weapons!!!

**LoyalHistorian** · 02-23-2021, 06:09 AM

by MAP

This is a great set. Interesting to imaging what a Japanese soldier would think when seeing one of these. Given that, as we have been taught, they equate surrender with dishonor.

Yes, the PsyOps guys tried to be careful not to mention "surrender" in the leaflets if they could help it. Especially in the Safe Conduct passes. It was more about convincing them to "live for the future of your country" and "Heaven has given you a gift by sparing your life". Even saying "I cease resistance" instead of "I surrender" in the phrasing. It's interesting to read about the evolution of those Safe Conduct passes, and how they were carefully tweaked each time the PsyOps people got more intel on what POWs said were working and not working. Evidently, anything that talked about food or showed food was tempting and tortuous to them, even if they weren't going to surrender.

Though I have to agree with Danmark - I'm pretty artsy myself. The enticement of good crafting materials might be enough to tempt me.

**Danmark** · 02-23-2021, 07:56 AM

by LoyalHistorian

Though I have to agree with Danmark - I'm pretty artsy myself. The enticement of good crafting materials might be enough to tempt me.

Sorry Robyn, I was being a tad sarcastic ..... that's just our odd Aussie humour at work ....

Cheers, Dan

**lebus12** · 02-23-2021, 11:48 AM

Found in Alsace.

**lebus12** · 02-23-2021, 11:57 AM

In French...

**lebus12** · 02-23-2021, 12:08 PM

**LoyalHistorian** · 02-23-2021, 07:38 PM

by Danmark

Sorry Robyn, I was being a tad sarcastic ..... that's just our odd Aussie humour at work ....

Cheers, Dan

That's okay, no need to apologize! I realized the sarcasm. I thought it was very funny! I was trying to be sarcastic back, but I guess it didn't come through that way on text. I should have included an emoji.

-Robyn