[Second World War Propaganda / Churchill / Roosevelt / Eisenhower / Allied Occupation of Germany.], “Proklamation Nr. 1” with “CHURCHILL über Deutschlands Zukunft / ROOSEVELT über Deutschlands Zukunft” to verso – 1945

German-language Allied propaganda and military government leaflet concerning the future of Germany following the defeat of Nazism. From the Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes, with earlier Robert Hastings provenance.

Single sheet printed on both sides, measuring 23.8 cm × 15.3 cm.

A rare and historically important wartime leaflet uniting Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower within a single Allied statement concerning Germany’s collapse, occupation and reconstruction. Combining political messaging, psychological warfare and military-government proclamation, the leaflet captures the critical transitional moment between total war and Allied occupation at the end of the Second World War.

One side bears the bold heading “Proklamation Nr. 1”, issued by the Militärregierung – Deutschland Kontrollgebiet des Obersten Befehlshabers, and signed in print by Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force. Eisenhower’s proclamation established the authority of Allied Military Government in occupied Germany and announced the legal framework under which Allied control would be exercised. Its inclusion transforms the leaflet from mere propaganda into an instrument of transition from war to military occupation.

The verso contains  the headings “CHURCHILL über Deutschlands Zukunft” and “ROOSEVELT über Deutschlands Zukunft” — “Churchill on Germany’s Future” and “Roosevelt on Germany’s Future”. Beneath these headings appear German-language extracts setting out Allied intentions towards defeated Germany. Churchill stresses that unconditional surrender does not mean the destruction of the German people, but rather the eradication of the militarism and ideology that brought catastrophe upon Europe. Roosevelt similarly distinguishes between Germany and National Socialism, insisting that the Allied powers seek not enslavement but the destruction of Nazi tyranny and the institutions that enabled aggression and war.

The language is notable for its political sophistication. Unlike more inflammatory wartime propaganda, the leaflet avoids caricature and instead frames Allied policy as moral, rational and reconstructive. German readers were presented not merely with threats of defeat, but with a vision of post-war order founded upon responsibility, demilitarisation and political renewal. The document therefore functioned simultaneously as propaganda, political communication and psychological preparation for occupation.

This combination of Churchill, Roosevelt and Eisenhower is of considerable historical importance. Together, the three figures embodied the political, diplomatic and military leadership of the Western Allies at the decisive moment of Germany’s defeat. Churchill and Roosevelt articulate the ideological justification for Allied victory; Eisenhower represents the practical enforcement of that settlement through military government. Few surviving propaganda documents encapsulate this transition so clearly.

The leaflet also belongs to the wider history of Allied psychological warfare and information operations directed towards German civilians during the final phase of the war. Such material was printed cheaply for rapid distribution and immediate use, not preservation. Survival rates are therefore low, especially for examples retaining complete text and identifiable provenance.

Examples appear genuinely scarce in commerce. Related Churchill and occupation leaflets survive in institutional collections such as the Huntington Library and Ohio State University, while specialist propaganda archives record comparable “Deutschlands Zukunft” material. However, this exact Churchill–Roosevelt–Eisenhower configuration appears rarely encountered on the market.

The provenance is distinguished. The leaflet comes from the renowned Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes, publisher of Forbes magazine and one of the foremost modern collectors of Churchill material. It also carries earlier association with Robert Hastings, the noted American Churchill scholar, bibliophile and collector whose post-war efforts helped preserve significant Churchilliana and wartime ephemera. The combination of Hastings and Forbes provenance places the leaflet within a documented lineage of serious Churchill collecting and substantially enhances its historical and bibliographical interest.

Condition: printed on thin wartime paper, slightly browned and with minor creasing, edge wear, small marginal losses and very minor handling marks consistent with wartime circulation and survival. Text remains complete and legible throughout. A rare and historically resonant Allied propaganda and occupation document linking Churchill, Roosevelt and Eisenhower at the moment of Nazi Germany’s collapse and the beginning of Allied military government. In near fine condition overall.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

Established in 1976, Hornseys specialises in rare books, signed editions, manuscripts, historical documents and works of enduring cultural importance. From our gallery in Ripon, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, we serve collectors, institutions and bibliophiles throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

Our reputation is built upon careful scholarship, accurate cataloguing and a long-standing commitment to authenticity, provenance and condition. Every item we offer is selected not simply for rarity, but for its significance within the history of literature, art, politics, exploration and collecting.

Expertise and Authenticity

Each book, manuscript or historical item is thoroughly researched and professionally described. We carefully examine points of issue, bindings, dust jackets, inscriptions, provenance and bibliographical references to ensure accuracy and authenticity throughout our catalogue.

Curated Collections

Our stock is individually chosen for rarity, condition, historical importance and collector appeal. We specialise in literary first editions, children’s books, modern literature, signed and inscribed copies, Churchilliana, fine bindings, rare maps and unusual historical ephemera.

Provenance and Scholarship

We place particular importance on provenance and collecting history. Wherever possible, our cataloguing traces ownership, associations and historical context, allowing collectors to acquire objects with genuine bibliographical and historical significance.

Customer Service

We aim to provide a professional and straightforward buying experience, from detailed cataloguing and high-quality photography to secure packaging and prompt worldwide shipping. We are always happy to discuss condition, provenance or collecting advice directly with clients.

Returns Guarantee

All items are offered with an unconditional guarantee of authenticity. Purchases may be returned within fourteen days of receipt for any reason, provided items are returned in the same condition in which they were supplied. We simply request advance notice of any return.

Explore Our Collection

Discover exceptional rare books, manuscripts, signed editions and historical material at Hornseys. With nearly fifty years of experience in the trade, we continue to offer carefully curated material chosen for rarity, condition, provenance and lasting cultural importance.