VZKAZ Z LONDÝNA (“Message from London”) – Czech-Language Allied Propaganda Leaflet Featuring Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden – c.1943 – Provenance: Robert Hastings; The Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes

An uncommon Czech-language Allied propaganda leaflet issued during the Second World War under the title Vzkaz z Londýna (“Message from London”). Produced for distribution amongst Czech and Slovak audiences living under German occupation, the leaflet presents Allied political and military developments from a pro-Allied perspective and places particular emphasis upon the statements and leadership of Winston Churchill and British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden.

The front page is headed “Naše Projevy” (“Our Statements”) and reproduces a substantial message from Churchill under the heading “Churchill mluví k zotročené Evropě” (“Churchill Speaks to Enslaved Europe”). Churchill’s appeal urges the occupied nations of Europe to maintain confidence in eventual liberation and Allied victory. A second section reproduces remarks by Anthony Eden concerning Allied war aims and the determination of Britain and her allies to continue the struggle until complete victory.

Additional articles discuss Allied assistance to the Soviet Union and the growing cooperation between Britain, the United States and the USSR. The reverse, headed “Naše Činy” (“Our Actions”), contrasts Allied achievements with German military setbacks and concludes with the striking declaration:

“Den vašeho osvobození se blíží” — “The day of your liberation is drawing near.”

The final section, “Naše Budoucnost” (“Our Future”), outlines diplomatic recognition of the Czechoslovak government-in-exile and presents a vision of post-war restoration and national independence.

Historically, the leaflet belongs to the wider Allied information campaign directed towards occupied Europe. Broadcasts from London played an important role in sustaining morale and communicating Allied policy to occupied populations. Contemporary scholarship and institutional exhibitions relating to wartime broadcasting note the significance of messages transmitted from London to occupied Czechoslovakia during the war.

This example carries exceptional provenance. It formed part of the collection of Robert Hastings, noted Churchill scholar and collector, before entering The Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes, publisher of Forbes magazine and creator of one of the most important private Churchill collections assembled in modern times. The provenance is especially relevant because Churchill’s message is the principal feature of the leaflet.

A scarce and attractive survival from the propaganda war waged alongside the military conflict, documenting the effort to sustain hope and resistance in occupied Czechoslovakia.

No separate institutional record for this specific leaflet has been traced. Related material concerning wartime broadcasts and propaganda directed from London towards occupied Czechoslovakia is represented in institutional collections and exhibitions.

Condition: Very good indeed. Light fold creases and minor handling wear. Clean and well preserved.

Size: 13.2 x 21.4 cm.

Provenance: Robert Hastings, Churchill scholar and collector; subsequently The Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes.

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