British Propaganda to France, 1940—1944€¦ · Amiens (Somme) (concerning November 1940) Copy of...

British Propaganda to France, 1940—1944

Machinery, Method and Message

Annexe One White Propaganda Leaflets

Part V: Evidence Material received from France concerning leaflets

Tim Brooks

© Timothy William Brooks, 2007

2 PART V: EVIDENCE

Part V: Evidence Material received from France concerning leaflets

1940 Amiens (Somme) (concerning November 1940)

Copy of F.34 (1940) found beside the Somme Canal in Amiens in November 1940. Held by the Musée de la résistance et de la déportation, La Citadelle, 25000 Besançon, France, inventory number 973.238.45.

1941 Bordeaux (Gironde) (evidence dated after 26.12.1940 and received by 30.1.1941).

Refers to a suggestion by a Bordelais that next time the town is bombed leaflets should be dropped apologising for the fact. Start date arrived at using M. Middlebrook, & C. Everitt, The Bomber Command War Diaries: An Operational Reference Book 19391945 [henceforth BCWD], Leicester, Midland Publishing, 1996, p.113. Regional Leaflet Committee, Minutes, 30.1.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/428.

St.JulienenGenevois (Haute Savoie) (dated 30.1.1941). Refers to copying and distributing RAF propaganda leaflets. ‘Leaflet Raids – the power of the written word,’ excerpted from ‘French public opinion and RAF raids,’ European Intelligence Papers Series 2 No. 10, [henceforth ‘Leaflet Raids’], 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469 and BBC Written Archives Centre [BBC WAC] E2/188/2.

Le Havre (SeineInferieure) (Letter from Le Havre to Switzerland, dated 21.3.1941) Refers to La France Libre and Courrier de l'Air as aerial leaflets, indicating that the last leaflet received was F.50/5 (1941) Courrier de l'Air. Leaflets usually received about 10.30 p.m. and are spread over several kilometres. Progress Report for Week Ending 23.5.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

ArgentonsurCreuse (Indre) (Postcard dated 18.4.1941) Sends thanks for the Courrier de l'Air, which is described as ‘encouraging.’ Progress Report for Week Ending 13.6.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

France (evidence received before 19.4.1941) An informant indicated that leaflets were becoming increasingly important as jamming intensified, but that those who collected them refused to circulate them, keeping them as souvenirs. Information received from the British Legation at Berne. Progress Report for Week Ending 19.4.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Dordogne (concerning April or May 1941). ‘After bombing Mérignac, the RAF planes dropped leaflets over the Dordogne. I need not tell you how the good people picked them up and how delighted they were with them. Unfortunately there were not enough. Why don’t you have leaflets dropped more often? It would raise our spirits which, you may know, are badly shaken by the Press and Radio.’ Date arrived at using BCWD, pp.143144 and p.155. Propaganda Leaflets, July 1941, NA: PRO AIR 20/4865

3 BRITISH PROPAGANDA TO FRANCE, 1940—1944: ANNEXE ONE

Occupied France (source dated 13.6.1941) Indicates that instructions that leaflets are to be handed over, issued by town criers and the Mairies, are ignored. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (Letter dated 18.6.1941) ‘Send us more leaflets, more and more leaflets. Those which you sent us on the speech and proclamation of President Roosevelt had a great success: the Mayor ordered them to be handed over to the Police, but noone did so: they are passed from hand to hand and carefully kept.’ Probably refers to F.95 (1941) America abandons paths of peace. Notes on Evidence of Reception for week ending 26.9.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/463; ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (Letter dated 23.6.1941) Refers to the ‘cheering value’ of F.84 (1941) 1 st May. Progress Report, week ending 22.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Paris (Seine) (Message dated 27.6.1941) Refers to a tract dated 12.6.1941 containing a photograph of M. Dejean and Professor Cassin, and to a tract dated 20.6.1941 with French flag, Probably refers to F.50/11 and F.50/12, both Courrier de l'Air. Notes on Reception for the week ending 17.10.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Brittany (Letter, received before July 1941) ‘But we are a little disappointed at the scarcity of leaflets. Tell our English friends that a little word of sympathy would cheer us up now and then.’ Propaganda Leaflets, July 1941, NA: PRO AIR 20/4865.

Occupied France (concerning the period before July 1941) ‘The pamphlet raids are very popular and the leaflets are wellcirculated.’ From a Frenchwoman who had just escaped from Occupied France. Propaganda Leaflets, July 1941, NA: PRO AIR 20/4865.

Occupied France (Report concerning the end of March to the beginning of July 1941) ‘About 99% of tracts dropped by the RAF over France have not served any useful purpose. They are usually dropped in packets in the fields and are used in most cases as kindling by the peasants.’ From ‘an educated Frenchman’ who was travelling extensively in Occupied France from the end of March to the beginning of July. Sutton to Brooks, 4.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/444. Repeated attributed to a secret source, and dated June 1941, in Progress Report, week ending 8.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Paris (Seine) (Report concerning the end of March to the beginning of July 1941) ‘Many Parisians who have been approached on the subject of British propaganda, say that they are terribly disappointed not to see the RAF over Paris more often. They point out that Paris is an ideal spot to drop leaflets. It is quite certain that intelligent propaganda material would be circulated all over France in no time. It must be borne in mind that a lot of antiGerman

4 PART V: EVIDENCE

propaganda leaflets are already being distributed by students, and if British propaganda is to do any good it must not be of inferior standard.’ From ‘an educated Frenchman’ who was travelling extensively in Occupied France from the end of March to the beginning of July. Sutton to Brooks, 4.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/444. Repeated, attributed to a ‘secret source’ and dated, Progress Report, week ending 8.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

France (Report from Lisbon, dated July 1941). Refers to the views of American journalists that, although the Courrier de l'Air was highly thought of, it was not circulated in sufficient quantity to meet the needs of the French population. Progress Report, week ending 1.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

France (A ‘secret report’ dated July 1941) Indicates that the Courrier de l'Air is popular and has high propaganda value, and asks for an increase in quantity disseminated. Progress Report, week ending 8.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Occupied France (Report dated 4.7.1941). ‘Complaints are heard everywhere in Occupied France that the Courrier de l'Air, which is printed in London and dropped by the RAF, is not dropped in large enough quantities to meet the universal demand of the French public. The unanimous verdict is that this publication tells the French people exactly what they want to know.’ Pamphlet, RAF Against Goebbels, p.11, NA: PRO AIR 14/604.

Montpellier (Hérault) (Letter dated 5.7.1941) ‘Tell the RAF that we have picked up quantities of tracts thrown down to us by them. They were all over the place, in the park, in the vineyards, and in the fields.’ Annotated comment: ‘this must refer to an ‘M’ unit distribution.’ Notes on Reception, week ending 10.10.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (Interview report, 14.7.1941). ‘We receive in Paris, or at least in the suburbs of the capital, your leaflet Le Courrier de l'Air. You can imagine the effect it makes [sic] on us to see that our English friends do not forget us. What joy it gives us to read a French text, really French.’ Interview with a woman who had recently arrived from Paris. Notes on Reception for the week ending 17.10.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (Message sent via the British Legation at Berne, 16.7.1941) Indicates that the Courrier de l'Air was much appreciated, to the point where people would fight for it; and that more copies should be dropped, especially over Paris where the RAF had not yet been. Progress Report, week ending 18.7.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Fontainebleau (SeineetOise) (Report concerning the period before August 1941). ‘Our leaflets are very well done. He spoke strongly about the effect of these and particularly referred to the occasion of Roosevelt’s speech. They knew


nothing of this speech in Paris and the leaflets were the first intimation, but they were not dropped on Paris but on Fontainebleau. In spite of the risk of being shot, if found with a leaflet, people read them while taking them to the police, and pass on the news. If seen being dropped, whole battalions of mobile police set out to collect them almost before they have reached the ground.’ Evidence from a businessman who left Paris at the beginning of August 1941. The leaflet referred to is probably F.95 (1941) America abandons paths of peace. PWE Progress Report, week ending 1.11.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50 and BBC WAC E2/488.

Paris (Seine) (source dated August 1941) Indicates that pamphlets dropped at night were often ‘picked up by the Police before the population is out of bed in the morning.’ ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

NorthEastern France (evidence received before 1.8.1941). Indicates the popularity of the Courrier de l'Air in northeastern France and refers to the Catholic Youth, who make special arrangements to collect, copy and distribute leaflets. From a girl who had recently arrived from Lille. Progress Report, week ending 1.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Paris (Seine) (Letter received before 8.8.1941). Requests that leaflets should be dropped over Paris. From a Paris worker. Progress Report, week ending 8.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Rouen (SeineInfèrieure) (source dated 16.8.1941). Refers to copying and distributing leaflets dropped by the RAF. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (Secret report received before 22.8.1941). Refers to leaflets dropped by the RAF being passed from hand to hand. Progress Report, week ending 22.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Unoccupied France (Letter, dated 27.8.1941) ‘The other day we had a big, good visit from the big birds of liberty; they threw us down quantities of splendid little newspapers.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, 28.1.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50 and FO 898/432.

Brest (Finistère) (evidence received before 29.8.1941). Indicates that RAFdropped leaflet propaganda is considered to be effective in the Brest area. Progress Report, week ending 29.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

6 PART V: EVIDENCE

Unoccupied Zone (evidence received before 29.8.1941) Indicates that a balloon disseminated F.50/6 Courrier de l'Air in the Unoccupied Zone near to the Swiss border. The police removed as many as they were able. Progress Report, week ending 29.8.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

France (evidence received before September 1941) ‘All that the French ask for is repeated RAF leaflet raids all over France, giving the latest war news at regular intervals. This is the only form of propaganda necessary.’ RAF Propaganda Operations, September 1941, NA: PRO AIR 20/4865.

Toulouse (HauteGaronne) (evidence concerning 12.9.1941) Refers to a dissemination over Toulouse of 12 September, and comments ‘Leaflets received but insufficient in number as too many fell on the outskirts of the city.’ There was a dissemination recorded by the RAF on 12.10.1941, so it may be that this source has become misdated. Evidence from a message ‘for the British authorities’ given by a person passing through Lisbon, and reported by a ‘secret source.’ Also described as a ‘casual source.’ Progress Reports, weeks ending 24.10.1941 and 1.11.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Paris (Seine) (Letter dated 15.9.1941) ‘I copy and distribute English pamphlets that are dropped by aeroplanes – i.e. we resist depression and propaganda with all our might.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, 28.1.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50 and FO 898/432. Also referred to in ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469, where the date of the letter is given as 5.9.1941.

Occupied Zone (evidence concerning the period before 18.9.1941) Excerpt from the Daily Mail, 18.9.1941, referring to French peasants in the Occupied Zone ‘eagerly awaiting’ leaflets dropped by the RAF. Progress Report, week ending 19.9.1941, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Paris (Seine) (evidence concerns the period before October 1941) Interviewee ‘states that he had seen some of our leaflets (not Courrier de l'Air). He considered them firstrate and the best possible propaganda. He advised that they should not be dropped in the centre of Paris because there are so many German plain clothes police about the French would not dare to pick them up. On the other hand, if they were dropped on the outskirts of Paris, they would certainly be picked up and circulated.’ Evidence from an Englishman who left France in October 1941. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, 28.1.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50 and FO 898/432.

France (evidence concerning the period before October 1941). ‘Two posters are being stuck up in France by order of the General Secretariat of Information at Vichy. They reproduced two of our leaflets about General de


Gaulle and added commentaries on the usual Vichy line of a conspiracy between the Jews, Freemasons and Communists.’ Evidence from an Englishman who left France in October 1941. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, 28.1.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50 and FO 898/432.

Paris (Seine) (Letter dated October 1941) ‘The English planes drop a miniature newspaper over Paris which is subsequently picked up and passed from hand to hand in secret. Papers dropped from the height of the plane take hours to reach ground: the police cannot wait to watch for them and pick them up, so they are always found the following morning in the gardens and courtyards.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, 28.1.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50 and FO 898/432.

Unoccupied France (source dated 10.10.1941) Indicates that the Courrier de l'Air is ‘much appreciated.’ ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (October or November 1941) Refers to ‘American’ leaflets with a picture of the Statue of Liberty being dropped over Paris, and comment that ‘these were written in very good French and were certainly effective.’ From a man who left Unoccupied France in the spring of 1942. The leaflet referred to is probably F.136 (1941) To France. Evidence of Reception, received 15.9.19421.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Châteauroux (Indre) (source dated 1.11.1941) Contains an ‘abusively critical’ comment by an ‘Anglophobe.’ ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Vichy (Allier) (evidence concerning November or December 1941) Interviewee refers to the dropping of leaflets ‘giving extracts of speeches by Churchill and Roosevelt, together with a copy [sic] of the Pacific. He says this is a war of propaganda and is under the impression that they may have emanated from Germany, as the general look of the printing had not an English appearance.’ Evidence from a British subject, who had been living about twelve km north east of Vichy, and who left there on 9 February 1942. Probably refers to F.132 RooseveltChurchill or F.133 The American Nation, both 1941. Evidence of Reception, for period ending 31.3.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France (evidence concerning December 1941) re F.117 or F.117a. Interviewee refers to ‘leaflets in French giving pictures of Renault tanks going to Russia’ which he saw in December 1941. Evidence from a man who left France in January 1942. Probably refers to F.117 or F.117a Why this picture concerns you, both 1941. Evidence of Reception, received 216.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

8 PART V: EVIDENCE

Lyon (Rhône) (Interview, dated 13.12.1941) Indicates ‘the need for more British propaganda in Lyons and in Unoccupied France. The French would welcome leaflets dropped by plane … Leaflets would give the British point of view and would be easy to circulate … In fact he was told to tell the British authorities that leaflets would do a lot of good at the moment.’ Interview with a Pole, who had lived in Lyon since the Armistice, and was interviewed at Bermuda on 13.12.1941. Interview Report, 13.1.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/467.

Paris (Seine) (Source dated 23.12.1941) Indicates that leaflets dropped over large towns are ‘particularly effective’. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

France (concerning ‘the end of’ 1941) Refers to leaflets about ‘the American troops in Iceland, and comparing them with the troops who arrived in France in 1917. There were some photographs in the leaflets, and people were very pleased to have them.’ Evidence from a person who left France at the end of July 1942. Evidence of Reception, 1730.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

1942 Occupied Zone (‘secret report’, undated, received before 28.1.1942).

Indicates that the Courrier de l'Air ‘is a great success among the population’ and regarded as ‘stimulating and welcome.’ Suggests that dissemination should be increased. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, 28.1.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50 and FO 898/432.

Paris (Seine) (concerning the period before January 1942). Refers to ‘an old concierge, who looked and appeared to be the grimmest of her tribe, was collecting the leaflets dropped by the RAF, at great personal risk, and these she sat up and copied all night, distributing the copies as widely as she could.’ Evidence from a person who left the Unoccupied Zone in January 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 115.4.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Monthly Report on Propaganda, April 1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

France (letter from Lisbon, dated 17.1.1942) Requests leaflets giving the full texts of important speeches by Allied statesmen and labour leaders, and important texts of documentary value. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (Letter dated 29.1.1942) ‘Please thank warmly the aviators of the Free French and Royal Air Force who come to throw tracts over Paris and tell them to come preferably, and as often as possible, over Paris and its suburbs; for until now the great majority of these tracts have fallen in the countryside, north, northeast, and northwest of Paris. The peasants were delighted, but unfortunately they were unable to send only a very small quantity to the Parisians. It is very dangerous to carry these documents and one risks imprisonment or execution. The Parisians are in as


great a need as the peasants to read your leaflets and you do not know their joy when they receive Le Courrier de l'Air …’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.6.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463. An abbreviated and slightly different version, probably based on a different translation of the original letter, is in ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469. The gist of the evidence is unchanged, however.

Haute Savoie (source dated 30.1.1942) Indicates that the Courrier de l'Air is ‘much appreciated.’ ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Haute Savoie (Letter received before February 1942) Indicates that British leaflets in German, accidentally dropped on France, are translated. PWE Monthly Report on Propaganda, February 1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Lyon (Rhône), and Valence (Drôme) (evidence concerning the period before February 1942).

Indicates that copies of leaflets, including the Courrier de l'Air, dropped in the Lyon area were occasionally brought to Valence, where they were ‘much sought after.’ However, it was believed by the source that the leaflets were printed by British sympathisers in Switzerland, who also organised the air drops. Evidence from a female source who left France at the end of February 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 115.5.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Evidence of Reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Montpezat and ValslesBains (Ardéche) (evidence concerning February 1942). Interviewee refers to the dropping of leaflets but ‘stressed the point that there was little use dropping them in country places as the peasants were not interested and they would have little propaganda value. He advocates distributing them over more populous areas, such as large towns.’ Evidence from a British subject, who had been living in France for the past fifteen years and in Cannes since the outbreak of war, and who left France for England in July, returning via Lisbon and arriving on 4 August 1942. Interview Report, 23.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/467; Evidence of Reception, received 1631.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Occupied France (Letter received February 1942). ‘There was great excitement in the district, for the RAF came over and dropped leaflets about 25 kilometres from here, and naturally everyone was very excited. One little boy said to me, ‘Mama has one of them – she carries it on her as if it were the most precious thing she had.’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.4.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Monthly Report on Propaganda, April 1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50. What appears to be a direct quote from this letter is also used in ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469, where the date of the source is given as 26.2.1942 and stated to come from the Unoccupied Zone.

10 PART V: EVIDENCE

Paris (Seine) (evidence concerns the period before March 1942) Refers to the informant having seen ‘two or three copies of the Courrier de l'Air. He remembered especially the one referring to the Renault raid.’ Evidence from a person who left Paris in early March 1942. The first Courrier de l'Air dealing with Renault raid, F.27 (1942) was not dropped until nearly the end of March, suggesting that the source saw it elsewhere in France. Evidence of Reception, received 216.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (Letter, dated March 1942). Describes the RAF leaflet raids and notes that ‘pamphlets were dropped here actually in the courtyard. We read them but we don’t keep them – too dangerous.’ Comment annotated that the writer ‘is the only correspondent to express fear of being found in possession of a British tract.’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.7.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463. Also quoted in ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (concerning the period before 3/4.4.1942) Indicates that prior ‘to the Billancourt raid the RAF had dropped leaflets saying that the [Renault] works would be raided after working hours, but the Germans had insisted that the workers should work overtime.’ Evidence from a recent arrival from Nice, who had heard this from a friend whose son worked in Paris. Evidence of Reception, received 1531.5.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (concerning 3/4.3.1942) Indicates ‘that during the raid on Billancourt leaflets were dropped which said that the ‘British bombers will return.’ This may refer to copies of F.8 To Occupied France, which was disseminated over Paris on the same night as the raid. Evidence received in a letter dated 6.3.1942, from the Unoccupied Zone via Switzerland. Evidence of Reception, received 115.4.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (concerning 3/4.3.1942) Indicates that, ‘after the Renault bombing, ‘the British airmen dropped leaflets during the night too.’ On the following day the writer had many opportunities of seeing Frenchmen stamping those leaflets to shreds or tearing them up, when they discovered they were of English origin.’ Evidence from a German soldier stationed in Paris, his letter dated 12.3.1942. Evidence of Reception, received 115.5.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (concerning 3/4.3.1942) Comments that ‘evidence continues to be received of the welcome given to the leaflets dropped in Paris at the time of the Renault raid.’ Monthly Report on Propaganda, April 1942, NA: PRO FO 898/50.

Paris (Seine) (concerning the period after 3/4.3.1942) Source refers to leaflets dropped after the Renault raid, and indicates ‘that they were particularly well done and they pleased the French enormously. She was unable to say what proportion were received, but heard that large quantities


fell into the hands of French people. The Maître d’hôtel came in with the first one, crying ‘Vive l’Angleterre!’.’ Evidence from a Chilean lady who left Paris in March 1942. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, 115.4.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Châteauroux (Indre) (Letter dated 16.3.1942) Indicates that ‘Châteauroux is to receive the visit and bombs of the RAF. Leaflets were dropped last week announcing their visit.’ Probably refers to F.8 To Occupied France. Evidence of Reception, received 115.5.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463. Slightly different translation in Evidence of Reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (Letter from Lisbon dated 19.3.1942) ‘Everywhere in the cafés people were discussing the raid with enthusiasm despite the news that casualties were numerous. I saw people in a restaurant near the Elysées produce blueedged pamphlets dropped by the RAF telling the French workers that the raid was necessary because the factories were working for the Germans … There were hundreds of these pamphlets about but they were very highly prized and unpurchaseable. Frenchmen were saying, ‘Well, they have come at last, better late than never.’’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.5.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Lyon (Rhône) (Letter dated 23.3.1942) ‘We are very happy that the RAF drops us now and again propaganda leaflets. Further, even to feel the RAF above us is a real satisfaction and helps to increase the growing funk of the Germans’ Evidence of Reception, undated, FO 898/469; Leaflet Operations, May 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Tulle (Corrèze) (Letter dated 27.3.1942) Refers to having heard an aircraft circling, and discovering leaflets signed ‘your friends, the RAF.’ Evidence of Reception, received 1531.5.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Unoccupied France (concerning the period before the spring of 1942) Indicates that British leaflets dropped over France are ‘excellent.’ From a man who left Unoccupied France in the spring of 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 15.91.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France (concerning the spring of 1942) Indicates that leaflets for the French Marine had been seen. Evidence from an informant who left France at the end of June 1942. Refers to F.44 Mercantile Navy or F.48 Mercantile Navy No.2 (both 1942). Evidence of Reception, 1730.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (concerning the spring of 1942) Refers to a copy of the Courrier de l'Air found at the Porte Maillot, Paris, an extract from which was later used in the clandestine newspaper L’Humanité. Memo to Horner, 28.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469; Leaflet Operations, April 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

12 PART V: EVIDENCE

Montpellier (Hérault) (concerning the period before April 1942) Refers to leaflets being seen at Montpellier. States that ‘they were collected by the local police and handed to the 2ème Bureau. He does not know what happened to them there. If anyone was found by the police to be in possession of leaflets they were imprisoned. In January 1942 a messenger from the Food Office in Montpellier was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for inserting Gaullist leaflets in the food cards he delivered through letterboxes.’ Evidence of Reception, 1730.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Nuremberg (Germany) (concerning April 1942) Refers to leaflets in French, which the informant was told had been dropped from a leaflet balloon. Evidence from a Luftwaffe officer who saw the leaflets while on leave. Evidence of Reception, received 115.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France, especially the southwest (concerning the period before 9.4.1942). The ‘informant spoke very strongly on our failure to capitalise the friendly feeling among the poorer French people, which could have been done by wide distribution of appropriately worded leaflets dropped by air. She said that on the few occasions when such leaflets have been dropped, typed copies had bee made of them and passed from hand to hand, on the chainletter principle. She had heard of one leaflet, dropped in Southwest France, appearing in the form of typed copies in Switzerland only twentyfour hours later. While she was in Switzerland she saw a newspaper story that leaflets setting out the American cause had been extensively dropped in France and she said that there was almost a spirit of indignation among the Swiss that it should be left to the Americans to do this when the English enterprise was so badly overdue.’ Evidence from a source who, having lived in Monaco for the past fifteen years, left there in November 1941 and travelled to England via Switzerland. Interview Report, 9.4.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/467; Evidence of Reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Switzerland (Letter dated 14.4.1942) ‘For many nights past now, Mummy has seen from her bed many British ‘planes fly over Switzerland. They cross the Jura mountains to go I don’t know where. Many people found tracts which they had dropped.’ Evidence of Reception, received 1531.5.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Limoges (HauteVienne) (Report broadcast 25.4.1942) ‘It is learned from Vichy that posters with translations of the US pledge to return all colonies to France after the war were pasted on walls and buildings in Limoges. The posters had been dropped in thousands by Allied planes which flew from England into Unoccupied France. The pledge referred to in the Vichy despatch is that made by Sumner Welles to M. HenryHaye in Washington, some time ago.’ Evidence from a broadcast by the American station Radio WCDA. Probably refers to F.37 (1942) To the French People, whose content was as described and which had been dropped over Limoges, but was a leaflet rather than a poster. Evidence of Reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.


Beaune (Côte d’Or) (source dated 28.4.1942) Request for more tracts ‘because it gives us pleasure to touch them.’ Evidence from an ‘illiterate’ winemerchant. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (probably received before May 1942) ‘A Spanish correspondent in Paris said he had never seen any British leaflets but he had heard that they are always dropped from too great a height and blow away, spreading over the countryside. They should be dropped from low flying planes over the centre of the city and let fall in quantities, like confetti in the daytime, so that they cannot be rapidly collected by the authorities. For this reason it is no use dropping them at night, as they are all collected before the people are about.’ Date approximated by comparison with dated reports referred to in source document. Evidence of Reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Corrèze (evidence concerning the period between February and May 1942) F.15 (1942) dropped by aircraft over this area. Evidence annotated to a photocopy of F.15 accompanying a letter from the Musée de la Résistance de Limoges to Brooks, 22.4.2004. Dating of evidence using information in Annexe One, Part One.

Vichy (Allier) (Letter dated May 1942) ‘States that the tracts thrown down by ‘plane make a very deep impression on the population (speaking of the autochtone [sic, i.e. native] population of the Auvergne) provided that these tracts do not contain any vulgar propaganda proposals but the declarations of Ministers who, in public opinion, are bound by the fact that their written declarations are written and printed. The type of tract referred to is that of President Roosevelt’s speech which was very well presented and which had considerable effect. It is very urgent that leaflet propaganda should be intensified.’ Evidence of Reception, 115.7.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Pélissanne (BouchesduRhône) (concerning 1.5.1942) Indicates that leaflets were dropped over Pélissanne (spelt Pelisson in the source document), and asks why they were not dropped over Marseilles, as ‘this would have an effect that you could not even imagine. 99% of the population are with you.’ Evidence in a letter from Marseilles, dated 3.6.1942. Evidence of Reception, 115.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Pontarlier (Doubs) (Letter dated 4.5.1942) Sends thanks for British leaflets. Evidence of Reception, 115.7.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Unoccupied France (Report dated 5.5.1942) ‘Vichy reported … that leaflets connected with Madagascar operations had been dropped over Unoccupied France.’ Leaflet Operations, May 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

14 PART V: EVIDENCE

ClermontFerrand (PuydeDôme) (Letter dated 9.5.1942). ‘For two days running your ‘planes come to visit us, they dropped some papers for us, I cannot tell you the pleasure we have when we find these papers, and what a sigh of relief is breathed. Our friends are not forgetting us.’ Evidence of Reception, 15.71.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463. Also quoted in a slightly different form, possibly owing to an alternate translation, in ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469. In this the ‘sigh of relief’ becomes a one of ‘delight’, but the gist of the remainder is the same; and it is noted that the letter comes from a ClermontFerrand worker.

Carnaud (Charente) (concerning the period after 19/20 May 1942) A leaflet titled La Marine Marchande de la France au service des ennemis de la France, probably either F.44 (1942) Mercantile Navy or F.48 (1942) Mercantile Navy No.2 was found here, but there is no date of discovery. Email, Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation, Angoulême, to Brooks, 24.2.2004. Date is first recorded dissemination of F.44.

St.Sauves (PuydeDôme) (Letter dated 20.5.1942) ‘If you see with what passionate interest the peasants look for and read the tracts dropped by the RAF in the fields it is because they are messages from friends to be kept preciously. I assure you that they are well distributed.’ Evidence of Reception, received 1530.6.1942 and 15.71.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463. The latter document includes a slightly different version, suggesting that the messages are ‘to be preserved religiously’, but the gist is the same.

Unoccupied France (Report dated 20.5.1942) ‘Vichy reported … that leaflets connected with Madagascar operations had been dropped over Unoccupied France.’ Leaflet Operations, May 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Vichy (Allier) (Letter dated 21.5.1942) Indicates that leaflets had been dropped over Vichy three times in the previous ten days, the last being ‘the night before last’ i.e. 19.5.1942. ‘They usually arrived about 1 a.m., flying around for about halfanhour. The Vichy DCA fires two or three shells at them and ‘a good time is had by all.’ Many of the writer’s French friends, however, were disappointed in that they dropped an American leaflet dealing with Madagascar. The writer wished they would drop fresh material such as a news bulletin every day. He hoped that material showing an American production line producing planes and photos of bombed German cities would be dropped.’ Evidence of Reception, received 1530.6.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

ClermontFerrand (PuydeDôme) (Letter dated 27.5.1942) Refers to large quantities of leaflets being dropped near the town, and the DCA being fired twice. Evidence of Reception, received 115.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

ChâlonsurSaône (SaôneetLoire) (concerning the period before June 1942). Refers to finding several leaflets in ChâlonsurSaône, which the informant would take into Unoccupied France to distribute. Informant particularly remembered F.136 (1941) To France, and commented generally that ‘these


leaflets were much sought after, and workmen would almost come to blows to get a copy.’ Evidence from an informant who left France at the end of June 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 1730.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Weekly Report on RAF Leaflets and Black Propaganda, 25.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/63.

France, Occupied and Unoccupied (evidence received before June 1942). ‘Reports received from Switzerland, which has the advantage of a frontier with both Occupied and Vichy France, indicate that leaflets are eagerly read throughout both parts of France. Letters also show that there is a great demand for news from England and that printed news which can be read and passed on had a more permanent effect than the spoken word.’ ‘Several reports contain the information that a small ‘black market’ has been created in France, Belgium and Holland to deal in leaflets. This is a valuable aid to the circulation of leaflets, for it can be safely estimated that one leaflet is frequently read by a hundred readers, not to mention the remaining odd 40,000,000 leaflets which have been dropped.’ Leaflet Operations, June 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

France, Occupied and Unoccupied (concerning the period before June 1942). ‘A person who left France in the last two months mentions that leaflet raids were very popular in Occupied France. He had been asked why this form of propaganda had not been extended to Unoccupied France: everyone there would welcome such propaganda as the news they obtained was entirely controlled by the Germans. His friend mentioned that leaflets were not always scattered widely enough, and he mentioned an instance where a great number had fallen in one field.’ Evidence of Reception, received 1630.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Vichy (Allier) (Letter received before June 1942). Quotes ‘an extract from the German press which says that Vichy was bombed with ‘incendiary shells’, adding somewhat cynically that from the German point of view, it certainly was, as the ‘shells’ were pamphlets of Roosevelt’s last speech (in French) the existence of which had never been mentioned in any paper.’ Leaflet Operations, June 1942. NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Vichy (Allier) (concerning the period before June 1942). Refers to a British aeroplane flying over the town for about an hour and dropping leaflets relating to Madagascar, described as ‘rather harmless things.’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.7.1942. NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Lyon (Rhône) (Letter dated June 1942) Refers to a visit by five or six aircraft a fortnight previously. States that ‘there was a little noise but not a great deal and nothing to upset us. They send us many prospectuses and papers; since that [sic] is scarce at present it is always useful.’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

16 PART V: EVIDENCE

Vichy (Allier) (Letter dated 2.6.1942) States that ‘somebody had slipped up in the American propaganda effort when the RAF delivered American tracts. The RAF comes over Vichy and part of free France [i.e. unoccupied France] every week and takes chances to drop tracts, but they are obsolete by the time they get here. For instance, the RAF recently dropped tracts containing the text of the Roosevelt note to France of May 5 th . That note had been published in its entirety in the French press nearly a month ago. Instead, the French masses would like to have some figures of what we are doing, whether we are on the road to preparedness and whether we are going to land, how and when we are going to smash the Huns. That is the best form of propaganda. An overripe Roosevelt speech or message which comes weeks after it has been published in the local press is not propaganda. It just convinces them that we do not know anything about propaganda.’ Evidence from an American in Vichy. Evidence of Reception, received 1530.6.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Bourg de Thizy and Thizy (Rhône) (Letter dated 4.6.1942) Refers to leaflets dropped over this area, and the fact that, although the writer had had some, he had given them away. Evidence of Reception, received 1631.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Lyon (Rhône) (Letter dated 16.6.1942) Indicates that ‘when the English planes fly over the town of Lyon by night we listen with pleasure to their droning, and I have in my possession a leaflet dropped by them which I am treasuring. But what would please the greater majority of the French would be to receive leaflets bearing a photograph of General de Gaulle, if that were possible. Then the British should drop a large quantity on Lyon and other large towns.’ Annotated with the comment, ‘it is interesting to note this reference to General de Gaulle, as information greatly differs regarding Gaullist sympathies in France.’ Leaflet Operations, August 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729. Abbreviated version, using a slightly different translation, in Evidence of Reception, received 16 31.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Galdacano, Lezema, Munguin and Plencia, near Bilbao, Spain. (concerning 18.6.1942) Refers to a leaflet titled La Marine Marchande being found by the informant near Lezema, east of Bilbao, and that other leaflets, released from balloons, were found at other villages nearby. The leaflets were collected by the police. Leaflet referred to is either F.44 (1942) Mercantile Navy or F.48 Mercantile Navy No.2. Evidence of Reception, 115.7.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (concerning the period before 19.6.1942) Refers to the Germans ‘making trouble’ for a man seen picking up a leaflet. Letter from Nice dated 19.6.1942. Evidence of Reception, received 115.9.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.


Rabastens (Tarn) (Letter dated 21.6.1942) Expresses appreciation of RAF bombing and leaflet raids. Evidence of Reception, 115.9.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, September 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

ClermontFerrand (PuydeDôme) (Message dated 27.6.1942) States that ‘there is one unanimous cry from all the proBritish elements who are always asking why there are never any leaflets dropped there. They say, ‘we do not know what is going on.’’ Evidence received from ‘a secret source’. Evidence of Reception, received 1530.6.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Bordeaux (Gironde) (evidence received before July 1942). Suggests leaflets should be dropped by air if possible, as this ‘would give useful information about world affairs to such people as are unable or unwilling to listen to the wireless.’ Leaflet Operations, July 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Perigueux (Dordogne) (evidence received before July 1942). Refers to two or three recent occasions when leaflets were dropped over the city, and comments that ‘these were eagerly sought for by the local populations and several of the inhabitants expressed a desire for more.’ Leaflet Operations, July 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Vichy (Allier) (Letter received before July 1942). States that leaflets ‘are extremely effective. (This with special preference to the Auvergne region). This form of propaganda should be intensified as soon as possible. The illicit newspapers have much less effect than leaflets dropped from aeroplanes.’ Note: compare this with the letter from Vichy dated May 1942, above. They may both come from the same source, but there are sufficient differences to make this uncertain. Leaflet Operations, July 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Marseille and Marignane (BouchesduRhône) (Letter dated 3.7.1942). States that ‘the English planes which came to throw tracts some time ago were unwittingly the cause of drama … The leaflets thrown were very good in the opinion of those who had seen them and kept them. Roosevelt’s portrait was particularly admired. At Marignane [a small town to the northwest of Marseilles and site of an important airfield] where a large number of tracts were distributed, there were only two collaborationist airmen and their comrades picked up all the leaflets and papered the walls of the collaborationists with them.’ Other slightly different versions of the text add that this was an ‘amusing episode’, that ‘the emotions of the two [collaborationist] pilots were mixed. Anger at the trick played on them and at the same time alarm that the other collaborationists might think they had done it themselves’, and, to prevent this being thought of them, they ‘were obliged to spend the entire night trying to remove the offending tracts.’ Evidence from a Marseille schoolgirl.

18 PART V: EVIDENCE

Evidence of Reception, received 115.9.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, September 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729; ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469. A version in French, probably a copy of the original letter, is BBC European Services Intelligence Extract, 9.9.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/467.

Unoccupied Zone (concerning the period between November 1941 and 15.7.1942) Indicates that ‘leaflets are fine, but they want more of them in the south.’ Evidence from an Englishman who was in the Unoccupied Zone from November 1941 and left France on 15.7.1942). Evidence of Reception, received 15.71.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Cannes (AlpesMaritimes) (concerning the period before July 1942). States that leaflets are very important, but that he informant had seen only one, concerning Roosevelt’s speech, that was ‘extremely well done.’ Evidence from a man who had lived in Cannes until July 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 115.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Fontainebleau (SeineetOise) and Paris (Seine) (concerning the period before July 1942).

Indicates that ‘masses of leaflets’ fell in the Fontainebleau area, rather than, presumably, in Paris. Evidence from a man who left France in July 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 115.9.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (concerning the period before July 1942) Informant states ‘that he had never found any leaflets, but he had been shown two by workmen in a factory in Paris. One of these had reproductions of the of photos showing the damage done to the Renault works, and the other of the results of the St.Nazaire raid. All the workmen considered these most effective, and they hoped more would follow. Apparently not many had been found in the Paris district. Everyone who found the leaflets was supposed to take them to the Kommandatur [German headquarters]. It was suggested that the best way to get them to the population of Paris was to drop them in the suburbs, where there are fewer French police and Germans than in the city. Workmen would find the leaflets in the early morning, take them to the factories and, in this way, they would be given the widest possible circulation.’ Evidence from a man who left France in the middle of July 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 216.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Strasbourg (HauteRhin) (before July 1942). States that in Strasbourg ‘RAF leaflets are keenly sought and quickly passed around whole districts.’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.9.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, September 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Lyon (Rhône) (11.7.1942) Requests leaflets giving the full texts of important speeches by Allied statesmen and labour leaders, and important texts of documentary value. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.


Lyon (Rhône) (Letter dated 15.7.1942) ‘We have tracts falling from above, which keep us informed of the exact situation as it is now and as it will be soon.’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.9.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, September 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Vichy (Allier) (Letter dated 22.7.1942) Refers to leaflets being dropped over Vichy in May 1942, enclosing an example. Comments that ‘the message had been published in the Vichy press several days before, but the leaflets were passed from hand to hand with glee.’ Evidence of Reception, received 15.91.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Grenoble (Isère) (concerns the period before 25.7.1942) States that radio listening ‘has certain dangers attached to it and therefore it would be useful if more leaflets were dropped in the Zone Libre [Unoccupied France]. The French are cut off from the outside world, getting nothing but Vichy and German news, and feel abandoned by their onetime friends. In these leaflets it should be stated exactly what is going on in France, [for example concerning the extent of German requisitioning in France] … but care must be exercised to see that the facts are absolutely accurate … Let them know that we are perfectly aware of what is going on in each particular district, the leaflets should be made up to suit the district over which they are dropped and give the impression that we have our information service everywhere; this will not only cheer the French but scare the Germans. The Zone Libre needs a lot of encouraging and waking up, and these leaflets would go a long way towards doing that and also the presence of the RAF over the Zone Libre would hearten them.’ Evidence from a Pole, who had left Paris after the Armistice to study to become a doctor in Grenoble, and who was interviewed at Bermuda, as a passenger on the westbound S.S. Nyassa, on 25 July 1942. Interview Report, 13.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/467; final sentence repeated in Leaflet Operations, August 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Indre (Letter dated 26.7.1942) Reports leaflets being dropped in the fields in this area, and that they ‘were soon picked up.’ Evidence of Reception, received 15.91.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Château de Mallebois, Dreux (EureetLoire) (concerning the period before 29.7.1942). ‘An unfortunate infringment of blackout regulations led to the discovery of leaflets by the German military police at a country house in Occupied France. The new cook at the Château de Mallebois, situated a mile or two south of Dreux, by making a mistake with the switchboard, instead of turning out the lights in the hall, lit up the whole façade of the house. Shortly afterwards there was an RAF leaflet raid. The gardener picked up the leaflets and put them on a table at the foot of the main stairs. The next morning, as the owner was leaving by motor for Dreux to catch the Paris train, the military police arrived at the house to make enquiries concerning the previous night’s lighting offence. On going into the hall of the château to interview the mistress of the house, the police discovered the famous leaflets. Both the owner of the house and his

20 PART V: EVIDENCE

wife were arrested, and imprisoned for a period of 15 days and 3 weeks respectively.’ Evidence from a letter sent from the HautesPyrenèes, 29.7.1942. Leaflet Operations, September 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729; an abbreviated version in Evidence of Reception, received 15.91.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Lyon (Rhône) (Letter dated 31.7.1942) ‘Now, every night we expect to hear the RAF. They have come several times but have only released tracts.’ Evidence of Reception, received 1631.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Marseilles (BouchesduRhône) (source dated 31.7.1942) Refers to leaflet raids, and expresses disappointment that bombs were not also dropped. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Cannes (AlpesMaritimes) (evidence received before August 1942) States that ‘more leaflets should be dropped all over France more planes sent over the Zone Libre so that ‘they’ could realise that the English still had some power and could put out the planes.’ Leaflet Operations, August 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Nice (AlpesMaritimes) (concerns the period before August 1942). Refers to having seen ‘two or three copies’ of Courrier de l'Air and comments that ‘the French to whom he spoke said they would appreciate more English based propaganda and less of the de Gaullist flavour.’ Evidence from an informant who left France at the end of August 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 1730.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Roanne (Loire) (before August 1942) Refers to a recent drop of leaflets and that they had been collected and circulated. Leaflet Operations, August 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Vichy (Allier) (concerns the period before August 1942) ‘Some months ago on a Vichy aerodrome a mechanic showed [the informant] an American leaflet, giving one of Roosevelt’s speeches. A policeman on the aerodrome said they had been dropped by balloon.’ Informant left France in August 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 1730.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Issoudun and St.AmandMontrond (Cher) (Letter from Grenoble dated 4.8.1942) Refers to the Courrier de l'Air no.24 and states that it was ‘well received.’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.9.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, September 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729

France (Letter from a ‘wellplaced source’ dated 9.8.1942) Comments that ‘French schoolboys have given up collecting stamps in favour of tracts spread by the RAF. The most valuable is one bearing a design of the Arc de Triomphe on which was hung a French tricolour. It pictured a feat


accomplished by a British pilot, identified on the tract as Flight Lt. Gatward, who some weeks ago dropped a flag on the Unknown Soldier’s tomb and then swept down the ChampsElysées to strafe the German sentries outside the Admiralty at the Place de la Concorde. This tract is quoted at 150 francs. Tracts with Roosevelt, Churchill or Eden speeches have the lowest market value.’ Refers to F.88 (1942) Arc de Triomphe Evidence of Reception, received 15.91.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Weekly Report on RAF leaflets and Black propaganda, 11.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/63.

Nevers (Nièvre) (concerning 10.8.1942) Indicates that Marine Marchande was distributed in this area on 10 August 1942. The leaflets ‘were carefully picked up and passed from hand to hand.’ Refers to F.44 Mercantile Navy or F.48 Mercantile Navy No.2, both 1942. Evidence of Reception, received 1730.11.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Gers (Letter, received before 15.8.1942) Discusses bombing raids and comments that ‘some weeks ago there were three [aircraft] which let fall leaflets papers menacing to bomb some towns, all of which are a good distance away, thank God.’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

St.Etienne (Loire) (Letter from the Dordogne, received before 15.8.1942) Comments that ‘English planes fly over St.Etienne and only drop leaflets – what a life – will we have the safety of these children to worry about?’ Evidence of Reception, received 115.8.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Lyon (Rhône) (Letter dated 18.8.1942) Comments that ‘Mr. Eden’s tracts have done a lot of good, believe me. I have one, which I am keeping.’ Refers to F.89 Eden’s statement. Weekly Report on RAF Leaflets and Black Propaganda, 22.11.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/63; Reports on leaflet reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469; Leaflet Operations, November 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Paris (Seine) (Letter from Tangier dated 19.8.1942) Reports that a boy from Paris stated that ‘it was an offence to pick up pamphlets and read them, but that there are some French people who distributed them to catch those who fell into the trap.’ Evidence of Reception, received 15.91.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

ChâlonsurSaône (SaôneetLoire) (concerning 24/25.8.1942) States that ‘on the night of 24/25 August 1942, English ‘planes flew over ChâlonsurSaône and its surroundings. At about 1 o’clock in the morning the inhabitants were awakened by the sound of engines. A large number of copies of the Courrier de l'Air were dropped. The German authorities sent out German patrols and police to collect the papers. Owners of private property were called out of bed to open their gates, so as to give the ‘collectors’ access to their land.’ Reports on leaflet reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

22 PART V: EVIDENCE

Comment annotated to otherwise identical report, ‘This action on the part of the German authorities would scarcely add to their popularity.’ Leaflet Operations, November 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729. Continuation of an otherwise identical report: ‘In spite all these precautions, everyone in Châlon was able to read the newspaper, given the enthusiasm that everyone put into circulating the copies that it had been possible to keep out of the clutches of the authorities. It’s important to be aware of the almost complete unanimity of the French when it comes to this sort of activity under the Germans’ very noses.’ Bureau Central de Renseignements et d’Action (BCRA Report), undated, is in NA: PRO FO 898/467, which appears to be the original source. My translation.

Unoccupied France (before September 1942), Informant states that ‘leaflets rarely appear in Unoccupied France, few people have even heard of the Courrier de l'Air. The few leaflets that trickle through to Unoccupied France are generally carefully copied and passed on in this way. Some of them are wellknown and collectors are proud of them. One which the informant saw, which the French seemed to think extremely good, was one explaining how and English pilot flew over the Arc de Triomphe and dropped a Tricolour flag. The people of Unoccupied France would like to get leaflets and such propaganda we can drop.’ Refers to F.88 (1942) Arc de Triomphe Informant left France at the beginning of September 1942. Reports on leaflet reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (source dated 5.9.1942) Refers to copying and distributing leaflets dropped by the RAF. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Lyon (Rhône) (Letter dated 8.9.1942) Comments that ‘it is rare to hear Allied ‘planes. Nevertheless, we have collected some leaflets and when the DCA shatters the night that gives pleasure.’ Reports on leaflet reception, undated. NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Fontainebleau (SeineetOise) and Unoccupied France (evidence received before 13.9.1942)

Informant ‘had only seen two of our leaflets, one which he picked up himself in the Forest of Fontainebleau when he was visiting Paris, and another which was handed to him by a journalist in Unoccupied France. On being shown many other copies he expressed warm approval, but regret that the distribution was not wider.’ Weekly Report on RAF Leaflets and Black Propaganda, 13.9.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/63.

Limoges (HauteVienne) (concerning 23.9.1942) States that ‘we had your visit the day before yesterday. Tracts were found, read and reread. It is, however, necessary that you should drop tracts over our countryside. The peasants are not against you, on the contrary, but they have


no fixed opinion and the Germans often gain their attention by their active propaganda and Black Market.’ Evidence of Reception, received 17.3011.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, November 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

France (Letter from Lausanne, Switzerland, 25.9.1942) Comments on receiving ‘a copy of a tiny newspaper thrown down by the RAF on France; they contain in detail all the commentaries of the British ‘dailies’ and also an article from ‘France’ and ‘La Marseillaise’ about which you told me. They are admirably printed on very good paper and are very legible, although the writing is small.’ Refers to an edition of the Revue de la Presse Libre, possibly F.127 (1942) which reproduces newspaper comment from 28.9.1942 including extracts from both publications mentioned by name. Evidence of Reception, received 1730.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, October 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Clairvivre (Dordogne) (concerning 24/25.9.1942) Comments on leaflets being dropped, ‘which we read with great pleasure. These leaflets, however, did not fall in Clairvivre proper but in the surrounding countryside.’ Letter from two Alsatians, 26.9.1942. Evidence of Reception, received 1730.11.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, November 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Pau (BassesPyrénées) (Letter dated 29.9.1942) Refers to a leaflet dissemination ‘two or three days ago … The next morning I was shown a copy of a little booklet or magazine of which a quantity were dropped. I am informed the French police was promptly employed to collect the booklets with the object of hiding them. Here they are called ‘tracts’, but the one I saw contained nothing of importance and, in my opinion, was a poor production. The first impression is that paper is plentiful ‘chez vous’.’ Evidence of Reception, received 1730.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France, both Occupied and Unoccupied (evidence received before October 1942) ‘Several demands have again been received … for more leaflets owing to the difficulties of listening on the wireless.’ Leaflet Operations, October 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Lausanne, Switzerland (evidence received before October 1942) Comments on ‘the excellence of the Courrier de l'Air, which has been well received by Gaullist sympathisers in Italy. Leaflet Operations, October 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Southwest France (evidence received before October 1942) ‘Several reports have been received of the anxiety shown by the police in collecting and burning leaflets.’ Leaflet Operations, October 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

24 PART V: EVIDENCE

South of France (concerning the period before October 1942) Indicates that the informat had seen several copies of the Courrier de l'Air, giving news about Russia and Libya. Leaflet Operations, October 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Ticino, Switzerland (evidence received before October 1942) Indicates that a leaflet dropped in France had been sent to the village and was being circulated there.

Toulouse (HauteGaronne) (concerning October 1942) Refers to the Courrier de l'Air being found. Memo to Horner, 28.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Loire (Letter dated 5.10.1942) Describes contents of an edition of the Courrier de l'Air Illustrated, and comments ‘I should like you to keep this booklet as a souvenir for my children. It is very interesting and is the most beautiful souvenir we could have. It is worth far more than Pétain’s photo which was sold at 1 franc at the end of 1940 in all the schools.’ Probably refers to the Courrier de l'Air Illustrated No.3 F.92 (1942) Evidence from a French peasant. Evidence of Reception, received 1730.11.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Nice (AlpesMaritimes) (evidence received before 6.10.1942) Informant ‘reports that ‘any piece of paper dropped by the RAF’ had a ‘cachet’ all its own and was ‘more widely believed than any paper printed in France itself.’’ Evidence from a Merchant Marine cadet. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Occupied Zone (evidence received before 6.10.1942) Reports that ‘aircraft workers in the Occupied Zone were particularly impressed by an RAF tract containing pictures and technical details of new British and American bombers.’ Evidence from a ‘young Czech.’ May refer in part to the Courrier de l'Air Illustrated No.2 F.82 (1942) which contains cutaway pictures of the Short Stirling bomber. ‘Leaflet Raids’, 6.10.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Paris (Seine) (A ‘private report’ dated 9.10.1942) Indicates that RAF leaflets are circulated widely in Paris. Weekly Report on RAF Leaflets and Black Propaganda, 22.11.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/63; Reports on leaflet reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Vichy (Allier) (Letter dated 15.10.1942) States ‘We had nocturnal visits, some sky illumination, and flights of white butterflies which stress our fields in the morning. The country people are not slow in gathering them.’ Weekly Report on RAF Leaflets and Black Propaganda, 22.11.1942, NA: PRO FO 898/63; Reports on leaflet reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.


Étroussat (Allier) (concerning the period before November 1942) Interviewee stated that he saw ‘hundreds’ of leaflets in the Allier; these leaflets included editions of the Courrier de l'Air and some American leaflets. The Courrier de l'Air was felt to be over the heads of the peasants ‘whereas a single leaflet containing perhaps four striking sentences and some pictures would go right to their hearts; for example, the American leaflet showing a large picture of the Statue of Liberty and four sentences, which arrived about October ’42, was much appreciated.’ Nonetheless, peasants ‘are very keen about these leaflets’ and the informant saw an old man using a dictionary to comprehend the Courrier de l'Air before spreading its ‘gospel’ to others. Informant stated that in Étroussat, it was the responsibility of schoolchildren to collect the leaflets, which their teacher was to hand to the police, but in practice only about 25% of those collected were handed over. The rest were circulated and were ‘very well received’. Interviewee was an Alsatian student, born 3.8.22, who had been farming at Étroussat until November 1942, and left France on 25.12.1942, arriving in the UK on 15.3.1943. Interrogation Report, 29.3.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469; Leaflet Operations, April 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Paris (Seine) (report received before November 1942) States that ‘leaflets are collected more or less in the same way as stamps or other hobbies, and that different leaflets have different values. The highest value known to this informant was that of Frs. 150, for the leaflet describing the RAF pilot who flew over the Arc de Triomphe.’ Refers to F.88 (1942) Arc de Triomphe Date arrived at by comparison with dated reports in same document. Reports on leaflet reception, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Nantes (LoireInférieure) (concerning November 1942) Refers to leaflets about the North African landings, which the informant collected, copied and distributed to friends. Evidence from an informant of lower middle class and of average education, who left France in March 1943). Memo to Horner, 28.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

AixenProvence (BouchesduRhône) (concerning November 1942) Informant ‘saw the ‘special edition’ supplement (Nov. 11 th 1942) of the Courrier de l'Air at the end of November in a tram at AixenProvence. These leaflets were read openly by everyone in the tram, including the conductor, in spite of the fines threatened by the Germans.’ Refers to F.147 (1942) Churchill (Revised) and was received from two separate sources. Evidence of Reception, received JanuaryMarch 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Notes on Reception of political warfare output, AprilMay 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/37; Leaflet Operations, March 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729; ‘Why drop Nickels?’, September 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/427.

26 PART V: EVIDENCE

Solignac (HauteVienne) or SolignacsousRoche or SolignacsurLoire (both Haute Loire) (8.11.1942) Copies of F.140 and F.141 marked ‘Solignac 81142’ Held by the Musée de la résistance et de la déportation, La Citadelle, 25000 Besançon, France, inventory numbers 981.683.108 and 981.683.106.

Hyères (Var) (concerning November and/or December 1942) Informant found two of our leaflets, F.144 and F.147 he thinks, in Hyères. He passed these on to his friends or left them lying about for others to find. He thought these leaflets carried great weight, especially when they gave Mr. Churchill’s speeches. French people want direct action, not propaganda, and when Mr. Churchill says that we do not want French colonies for example, his words are believed and no enemy can shake them.’ Informant was a French regular officer who left Hyères at the end of December 1942. Memo to Horner, 28.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469; Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, received April 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Ardennes (before December 1942). Informant ‘remembers vaguely having seen a leaflet or two in the forests of the Ardennes. He thought BBC news of much greater value than odd leaflets which anyhow were very quickly picked up by the Germans and destroyed. He thought it much more important to have leaflets printed and disseminated, describing how to use the British or American arms with which the population would eventually be supplied. Everyone would study most carefully such instructions – particularly as there were groups of patriots in all villages in France. Otherwise men would suddenly find themselves in possession of weapons which they would not know how to handle.’ Informant was a textile manufacturer, of good education, who left France in December 1942. Memo to Horner, 28.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469. Second sentence repeated, Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, April 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Lyon and its suburb Villeurbanne (Rhône) (evidence received December 1942) Report ‘has once more confirmed satisfactory reception of leaflets.’ Leaflet Operations, December 1942, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

1943 Le Havre (SeineInfèrieure) (concerning early 1943)

Refers to many leaflets, both French and German, being found in the Le Havre area. Men collected them and ‘often traded cigarettes for them.’ Source is a prisoner of war, captured in December 1943, who was in a labour camp in Le Havre in early 1943. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, March 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Brioude (HauteLoire) (concerning the period before January 1943) Interviewee ‘emphasises the greatly increased importance of RAF leaflets today. France is now ripe for a vigorous propaganda campaign before the opening of a second front … [He] has only once or twice since the Armistice seen an RAF leaflet … He says that Vichy France should now be flooded with tens of thousands of tracts … every time an RAF planes goes over to Italy …


Interviewee holds ‘outspoken democratic and republican views’ and has been on leave since the Armistice. Interrogation Report, 22.3.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469

ClermontFerrand (PuydeDôme) (concerning the period before February 1943) Comments that ‘leaflets are excellently done and much welcomed by the people. Every kind of strategy is employed to pass them from hand to hand without the knowledge of the police.’ Informant was a ‘young Frenchman’ formerly of the ‘French Aviation Service’ who left ClermontFerrand in midFebruary 1943. DDCP to Ryder, 3.5.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469; Leaflet Operations, April 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Marseilles (BouchessuRhône) (evidence received before February 1943). Informant ‘states that leaflets are generally considered to be excellent and are passed around everywhere, adding that you must almost pay to see them.’ Informant was ‘a recent arrival from Marseilles.’ Reactions to leaflets dropped by the RAF, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469; Leaflet Operations, February 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Montauban (TarnetGaronne) and Toulouse (HauteGaronne) (concerning the period before February 1943)

‘Two men who left France in February, one from Toulouse and the other from Montauban, spoke appreciatively of leaflets.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, June 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Vichy, and its suburb of Bellerive (Allier) (evidence received February 1943). Indicates that the Courrier de l'Air had been ‘welldistributed’ here. Reactions to leaflets dropped by the RAF, undated. NA: PRO FO 898/469; Leaflet Operations, February 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

France (evidence concerns the period before 14.2.1943) Informant states ‘the RAF leaflets are most welcome gifts to the French people and have a great role in building up morale. There are regular collectors of these leaflets which have a market value and which are treasured by patriots. People make a point of passing them about and they are very eagerly read and commented upon.’ Informant was a resistance leader who had left France on 14.2.1943. He was described as ‘not the usual arrival but [a man who] has taken a most prominent part in clandestine activities.’ Ryder to Paniguian, 26.3.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469. The same informant is probably responsible for: Informant states ‘that leaflets are more than ever welcome in France as life becomes daily more difficult, adding that there were regular collectors of leaflets, which had a definite market value, being frequently bartered for cigarettes, and people made a point of passing them on.’ Leaflet Operations, March 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729; Reactions to leaflets dropped by the RAF, undated, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

28 PART V: EVIDENCE

Chartres (EureetLoire) (concerning the end of February 1943) States that informant found F.165 [1942, Six Pictures of the Year] on his balcony; that most of his friends also found copies; and that the informant kept his copy until he left Chartres, when he destroyed it. Memo to Horner, 28.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Annemasse (HauteSavoie) and Marseille (BouchesduRhône) and Toulouse (HauteGaronne) (evidence received before the end of March 1943).

Evidence concerning leaflets had been received from these towns. Evidence of Reception, received JanuaryMarch 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France (concerning the period before March 1943) Informant ‘stated that the police of a certain town had orders to collect all leaflets. This they proceeded to do, but instead of handing them over for destruction, they deposited them with a doctor, who directed a blood transfusion centre. People of every class come as blood donors to this centre and go away the poorer by a pint of blood, the richer by a bundle of leaflets which they then distribute among their friends.’ Informant left France at the end of March 1943. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, June 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, July 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Ozolles (SaôneetLoire) (evidence received before the end of March 1943). Comments that peasants ‘were very pleased with leaflets; their point of view was that if we could spare planes and paper to drop leaflets we must be very strong.’ Evidence of Reception, received JanuaryMarch 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463. Leaflet Operations, March 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729; ‘Why drop Nickels?’, September 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/427.

Paris (Seine) (evidence received in March 1943) ‘It is reported that the police in Paris on early morning rounds collect leaflets and distribute a proportion of them before handing in the remainder to the German authorities.’ ‘Another informant stated that several leaflets fell on the roofs of houses in Montmartre during recent sorties of Bomber Command OTUs. These were easily concealed from German authorities.’ Leaflet Operations, March 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Senonches (EureetLoire) (before March 1943). States that because the German headquarters at Senonches were regularly left empty, locals would ‘make a point of pushing leaflets under the door for the Germans to find on their return.’ Evidence of Reception, received JanuaryMarch 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Notes on reception of political warfare output, AprilMay 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/37.


Chartres (EureetLoire) and ClermontFerrand (PuydeDôme) and Melun (SeineetMarne) and Nantes (LoireInfèrieure) (evidence received April 1943)

Evidence concerning leaflets had been received from these towns. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, received April 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Le Havre (SeineInfèrieure) (before April 1943) re F.26 and F.28 (1942 leaflets). Informant states that ‘he found a packet of F.26 behind his factory during the lunch hour. He took some and distributed them among his friends, one of whom handed him a copy of F.28. He considered leaflets excellent propaganda, particularly when they included photographs of bomb damage, as of the Renault works. For those who have only the BBC to tell them about our raids, there is always an element of doubt., owing to the fallibility of pilots’ reports. But a photograph dispels these doubts.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, received April 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Memo to Horner, 28.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469; Leaflet Operations, April 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729; ‘Why drop Nickels?’, September 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/427; Notes on reception of political warfare output, AprilMay 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/37.

Perthes (Ardennes) (concerning the period before April 1943). States that ‘a large number of leaflets describing the Casablanca Conference fell in a forest at Perthes. These leaflets were comforting, and passed on to one or two friends, then destroyed. There is a great danger of being shot if found in possession of a leaflet.’ Evidence from an informant who left France at the beginning of April 1943. The Casablanca Conference took place during January 1943, and the leaflets referred to may have been F.13 (1943) Casablanca. Memo to Horner, 28.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469; Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, April 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Blois (LoireetCher) and Dijon (Côte d’Or) and Le Mans (Sarthe) and Mer (LoireetCher) and MeungsurLoire (Loiret) and Paris (Seine) and Poitiers (Vienne) and Troyes (Aube) (evidence received before 24.4.1943)

States that the informant had not seen a single leaflet, nor spoken to anyone who had seen a leaflet, in any of the places he visited. Comments that ‘nearly everyone had heard about it [them]. The result is that news are [sic] spread out and distorted.’ Evidence from an SOE agent. Gielgud to Sutton, Beck, Fairlie and Paniguian, 24.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/435.

30 PART V: EVIDENCE

Marseilles (BouchesduRhône) (evidence received before 28.4.1943). Indicates that a leaflet similar to the Revue de la Presse Libre had been seen near Marseilles. Memo to Horner, 28.4.1943, NA: PRO FO 898/469.

Rennes (IlleetVilaine) (concerning May 1943) Informant stated that ‘that in May 1943 he had seen Conseil aux Français (F.54) at Rennes. On the following morning the Germans had scattered an exact replica of the leaflet with the same heading but with their own text, running down the British and de Gaulle.’ Evidence from a French student who left France at the beginning of 1944. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, January 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, February 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729

Île d’Yeu (Vendée) (concerning May 1943) Evidence concerning F.58 (1943) French fishermen commented that ‘not many leaflets had reached the island, but when it became known that it might prove dangerous to fish in the Bay of Biscay many of the tunny fishermen laid up their boats.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, July 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Evidence of Reception of PWE Output, June/July 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/37.

Southern Brittany (concerning May 1943) Informant ‘referred to the leaflets dropped in May warning fishermen not to put to sea (F.58). Some of these fell in the South Brittany coast, and all the fishermen heard of the warning. As a result of these leaflets, coupled with the BBC warnings, no tunny fishing boats had gone out up to the time he left.’ Evidence from a French sailor who left France in July 1943. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, July 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Evidence of Reception of PWE Output, June/July 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/37.

France (broadcast of 27.5.1943) Refers to a broadcast by the underground station Radio France concerning RAF leaflets ‘warning French fishermen to keep near their own coasts, and explained the necessity for the warning.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France (concerning the period before June 1943) ‘A recent arrival in this country [states] that ‘The Huns are very sore about the English leaflets and run round and collect them, but the technique is that the first Frenchman who finds one learns it off by heart and after that they don’t worry … The news is easily passed by word of mouth.’’ Leaflet Operations, June 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Gers and LotetGaronne (report dated July 1943)

Report states that a small number of leaflets were dropped, including the Courrier de l'Air and four other named leaflets. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, November 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.


Versailles (SeineetOise) (concerning July 1943) Reports that copies of the Courrier de l'Air had been seen at Versailles. Evidence from a Pole who left France at the beginning of September 1943. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, December 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Angoulême (Charente) and Grenoble (Isère) and Limoges (HauteVienne) and Lyon (Rhône) and Montpellier (Hérault) and Nantes (LoireInfèrieure) and Poitiers (Vienne) and Rouen (SeineInfèrieure) (evidence received August 1943)

Evidence concerning leaflets had been received from these towns. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, August 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Marseilles (BouchesduRhône) (concerning the period before August 1943). Informant states that ‘few leaflets are seen in Marseilles, although he had seen several at the beginning of the war. Youths from the ‘Camps de Jeunesse’ are put on the job of collecting any that are dropped.’ Evidence from a Frenchman who left France in early August 1943) Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, November 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (concerning the period before August 1943) Informant states that he had only seen two leaflets in Paris during the whole of 1943. Informant left Paris in August 1943. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, August 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France (evidence received August 1943) Refers to a bundle of L’Amerique en Guerre which the informant distributed them to his friends, ‘and where he was not sure of the householder’s reliability he threw a copy into his back garden.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, August 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, September 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

France (evidence received August 1943) Refers to leaflets concerned with the landings in North Africa, of which the informant made typed copies which he distributed. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, August 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Isère (concerning August 1943). Refers to an increase in British aerial propaganda and its discovery, especially in the Isère. Evidence from a Vichy Police Report for August 1943. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, December 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, December 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

At Sea (evidence received September 1943) ‘An excellent example of Frenchmen obeying the instructions in our Avis is provided by three members of a French fishing vessel … from Concarneau [which] put into a port in southern England … with a copy of F.132. (This

32 PART V: EVIDENCE

warns fishermen either not to put to sea, or to make for a British port). This had been dropped on them while at sea and they had immediately sailed for England. They had complied with the instructions even to the point of hoisting a pair of white pants at the masthead.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, September 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, October 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Paris (Seine) (evidence received September 1943) Refers to the discovery of copies of the Courrier de l'Air in Paris, and comments that ‘leaflets are very useful as some people are frightened to listen to the BBC for fear of denunciation.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, September 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Agen (LotetGaronne) and Finistère and Maçon (SaôneetLoire) (evidence received October 1943).

Evidence concerning leaflets had been received from these towns. Evidence of Reception of Leaflets, October 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, November 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

France (evidence received October 1943) ‘Three of the reports [received in October 1943] speak of leaflet bundles coming down intact, and one informant points out that this helped the Germans clear them up. Various suggestions were made for improving disseminations, including the proposal that they should be dropped over suburbs, where there was a good chance of them being picked up safely in back gardens.’ ‘One informant stressed the value of the printed word as against the spoken word, particularly among the simpler people, who are often heard to say, ‘It must be true, since it’s printed.’’ Evidence of Reception of Leaflets, October 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463

Sens (Yonne) (evidence received October 1943). Informant reports that leaflets ‘were collected locally and distributed as far as possible. They gave encouragement and in general had a good effect on those who read them.’ Leaflet Operations, October 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Oise (evidence received November 1943) ‘Leaflets are reported to have been found in a clean condition in the Oise department on several occasions. Among them were the Courrier de l'Air and the Revue de la Presse Libre. They were passed on to friends or pushed into letterboxes, especially those of collaborators. The news and photographs are much appreciated.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, November 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Caen (Calvados) (concerning November and December 1943) ‘From the Calvados a report speaks of Gaullist activity in the form of leaflets being disseminated from aircraft. Two editions of L’Amerique en Guerre (December) and three of the Courrier de l'Air (November and December) are


referred to, also a Supplement to the Courrier de l'Air found at Caen at the end of last year.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, March 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France (concerning the period before December 1943) Informant ‘stated that people have no fear of picking up leaflets for the French police cooperate well with the Allies in this respect and shut an eye on every proper occasion.’ Informant was a French police officer who left France during December 1943. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, February 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/423; Leaflet Operations, March 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Amiens (Somme) (evidence received December 1943). Indicates that leaflets had been found across the Somme and particularly at Amiens. Evidence from a Vichy report on ‘antinational propaganda.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, December 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, December 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Auch (Gers) (‘private report’ dated December 1943) States that ‘leaflets have again been found in Auch’ and ‘mentions Recommandations importantes aux sansfilistes français.’ (F.104 1943) Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, March 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Bernay and Valailles (Eure) (evidence received December 1943) Indicates that the Courrier de l'Air and the Revue de la Presse Libre had been found there. Evidence from a Vichy report on ‘antinational propaganda.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, December 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, December 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Gannat (Allier) and Limoges (HauteVienne) and Montpellier (Hérault) and TarnetGaronne (evidence received December 1943)

Indicates that warning leaflets had been found across these areas. Evidence from a Vichy report on ‘antinational propaganda.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, December 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, December 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

PasdeCalais (evidence received December 1943) re F.168. Indicates that copies of F.168 (1943) Special Warning Leaflet had been found in several places in the PasdeCalais. Evidence from a Vichy report on ‘antinational propaganda.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, December 1943, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, December 1943, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

1944 Brittany (evidence received January 1944)

Informant, ‘who had never picked up a leaflet, had heard very good accounts of them and thought that they were read with much more interest than the

34 PART V: EVIDENCE

clandestine papers. They supplement the BBC and give the French the feeling of having direct contact with their Allies.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, January 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, February 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729

Finistère and Gers and IlleetVilaine and Isère and LotetGaronne and Morbihan (evidence received January 1944)

Evidence concerning leaflets had been received from these areas. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, January 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, February 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Paris (Seine) (concerning the period before January 1944) Informant ‘had passed to him various issues of the Courrier de l'Air as well as number of other leaflets, including two American ones. Most of them were dropped early last year.’ Evidence from a French Air Force Observer who arrived in England in January 1944. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, January 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Southern Brittany (evidence received January 1944) ‘A French fisherman from southern Brittany who picked up several copies of the Courrier de l'Air (Nov. 11) along the road side said that there were great numbers of this leaflet lying in the fields, and the Germans had not sent anyone out to collect them. People are less afraid of leaflets than they used to be because they are dropped in such huge quantities and the Germans do not hasten to collect them. When he went to exchange some fish for butter, the farmer handed him butter wrapped in the Courrier. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, January 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, February 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729; ‘The Leaflet Propaganda Front’ – Propaganda Reactions, 1.5.1944, NA: PRO AIR 37/241.

Mayenne (Mayenne) (Report dated January 1944) Refers to six different issues of the Courrier de l'Air and one other named leaflet, found in the Mayenne area. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Paris (Seine) (concerning January 1944) Refers to a copy of Courrier de l'Air found in Paris, and comments that ‘the penalty for [picking up a leaflet] is not worth the risk, particularly as people get the news on the BBC.’ Evidence from a French lawyer who left France in April 1944. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.


Armentières (PasdeCalais) and Cahors (Lot) and CôtesduNord and MarmandeBordeaux area (LotetGaronne and Gironde) (evidence received February

1944) Refers to widespread distribution of the Courrier de l'Air including in these areas. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, February 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/46; Leaflet Operations, March 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Bordeaux (Gironde) and Paris (Seine) (evidence received February 1944)

‘Two law students from Paris and Bordeaux commented upon our leaflets, saying that the most interesting reading matter was that which came from London, and mentioned four of our booklets.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, February 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, March 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Brittany (evidence received February 1944) A ‘Breton fisherman stated that he had not seen any leaflets since 1942, when he remembered one specially addressed to the French fishermen (F.70 or F.132).’ Both F.70 Notice to French fishermen and F.132 Warning to fishermen were 1943 leaflets; the annotation added by a member of PWE. The leaflet the fisherman is probably referring to is F.99 (1942) French fishermen. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, February 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Catus (Lot) (evidence concerning 11/12 February 1944) F.186 (1943) Accord, F.1 (1944) Towards the final assault, and F.14 (1944) French Arms Honoured were dropped by a British aeroplane. F.186 was found on 12 February and F.1 on 13 February; no date of discovery is given for F.14. From Compléments sur les Parachutages, display at the Musée de la Résistance, de la Déportation et de la Libération du Lot, Caserne Bessières, Place Charles de Gaulle, Cahors. Printed version, undated, purchased by Brooks, August 2001.

Toulouse (HauteGaronne) (concerning the period October 1943February 1944). States that the informant never saw any leaflets. Informant was a French insurance salesman, who escaped Germany in October 1943 and left France at the end of February 1944. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France (concerning the period before March 1944) States that ‘in general, leaflets are very much liked and their distribution is wellorganised, in spite of the stricter German watch and control during recent months.’ Evidence from a French police inspector who left France in March 1944. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

36 PART V: EVIDENCE

Cannes (AlpesMaritimes) (a ‘private report’ dated March 1944) The ‘report states that numerous leaflets were dropped over the region of Cannes: this probably refers to Accord which was disseminated from North Africa during March over many targets in the south of France, including Cannes.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Orne (Message sent April 1944) Requests more copies of the Courrier de l'Air, ‘as that is all the news they get.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Bordeaux (Gironde) (concerning the period before May 1944) Interviewee states that ‘he read the Courrier de l'Air ‘almost every week’; he had not found them himself, but they were passed by hand in the works.’ Interviewee was a French refugee who had worked at a powder factory in Bordeaux, interviewed in May 1944. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Brittany and Charente and DeuxSèvres and Dordogne and Marne (evidence received May 1944)

Evidence about leaflets received from these areas, some of which are mentioned by name including the Courrier de l'Air. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, June 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Fosses (DeuxSèvres) and Vosges (‘private report’ received May 1944)

States that F.1 Vers l’Assaut Final had been found in these places and that ‘it had been spread by hand … and slipped under the doors of houses.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

France (evidence received May 1944) ‘From all parts of the country reports indicate that people are less afraid of leaflets than in the past; an increasingly larger percentage of the population appear to have seen leaflets. Escapees confirm the popularity of them and state that they are circulated widely though not openly. Frequently, one leaflet reaches as many as 200 people.’ Leaflet Operations, May 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729; ‘The Leaflet Propaganda Front’ – Propaganda Reactions, 1.5.1944, NA: PRO AIR 37/241.

Paris (Seine) (evidence received May 1944) ‘It has been reported that the Germans in Paris make most desperate efforts to prevent anybody getting hold of leaflets dropped by the RAF at night. Special squads of men equipped with long sharppronged sticks are sent out before dawn to pick up all the leaflets they can find. Reports of a similar nature have been received from other towns as well as from the capital.’ Leaflet Operations, May 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.


Toulouse (HauteGaronne) (evidence received May 1944). Comments that ‘packets’ of leaflets had been found and distributed. Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Vire (Calvados) (‘private report’ concerning 13.5.1944) States that ‘the complete cutting of the electric current and general confiscation of wireless sets in Normandy had deprived the inhabitants of news; they were therefore delighted to find our leaflets on the morning of May 13 th .’ Evidence of Reception, May 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463; Leaflet Operations, June 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Poix (Marne) to Paris (Seine) (concerning the period between February and May 1944)

‘According to a report covering the period FebMay 1944, the French in Paris ask that more news leaflets be dropped over the city. Many of them had been seen in woods and fields between Poix and Paris, but too few get into the cities themselves.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, June 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Mayenne (report dated June 1944) States that ‘on several occasions L’Amerique en Guerre, the Courrier de l'Air, and Revue de la Presse Libre were dropped over the department.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, June 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

Perpignan (PyrénéesOrientales) (report dated June 1944) ‘States that [British] planes dropped two types of leaflet over Perpignan. People who pic[ked up] leaflets were questioned immediately by the police, but nevertheless [the] population of the city took great pains to conceal, and later on to [pass them] round.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, September 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463. This document is badly damaged on its right hand edge, obliterating part of the text, and the words in square brackets are my guesses as to what is missing. Perpignan also referred to in Leaflet Operations, October 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Northern France (concerning the period before 9.6.1944) The ‘DNB [Deutsche Nachrichtenbüro, the German official news agency] on June 9 th referred to the dropping of millions of leaflets on northern France, inciting the population to sabotage and espionage.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, June 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463.

CondésurNoireau (Calvados) (Letter received July 1944) Writer ‘regrets the damage down by bombing but admits the population had been expressly warned by leaflets before the operations were undertaken.’ Leaflet Operations, July 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

38 PART V: EVIDENCE

France (evidence received July 1944) ‘In France the reception of the Courrier de l'Air has been recorded in various regions.’ Leaflet Operations, July 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Abbeville (Somme) (concerning the period before August 1944) ‘[Some] leaflets were found by a French poultry farmer just northwest of Ab[beville] before he left the country in August. Amongst them he remembered R[evue de la] Presse Libre, the Courrier de l'Air, Entente Cordiale and thr[ee editions] of L’Amerique en Guerre. They were all in good condition, and he [found them] most interesting.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, September 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463. This document is badly damaged on its right hand edge, obliterating part of the text, and the words in square brackets are my guesses as to what is missing, including making the identification of Abbeville.

France and Paris (Seine) (evidence received August 1944)

‘Ample evidence has now come to light from letters recently found in France that leaflets, repeatedly dropped, giving warnings to the French to avoid targets which were to be bombed, had considerable effect. Letters written even from Paris to Normandy called attention to these leaflets [warning about bombing raids] and it is to be hoped that they influenced their recipients. The warnings were issued not only as single leaflets but were constantly reiterated in publications such as the Courrier de l'Air which has always had a widespread circulation.’ Leaflet Operations, August 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

Saumur (MaineetLoire) (evidence dated August 1944) Informant ‘had seen the Cour[rier de] l’Air, L’Amerique en Guerre, and Voir, besides other leaflets wh[ich he could] not remember. He stated that Voir seemed to have produced the most effect because in the country districts a certain amount of illiterac[y] prevails, and the peasants are reluctant to read more than a minimum.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, September 1944, NA: PRO FO 898/463. This document is badly damaged on its right hand edge, obliterating part of the text, and the words in square brackets are my guesses as to what is missing.

France (evidence received after 25.8.1944) ‘An officer of SNCF reports that for a long time now the Courrier de l'Air has been circulated regularly amongst railway workers. It is considered ‘required reading’ among those men, who have perfected a system of rapid communication of all new developments in the battle for liberation. As part of this system, news heard along the line is typed up by ‘cheminots’ and disseminated amongst the various other categories of railway workers.’ Latest report of leaflet reactions, No.8, undated, from PWD SHAEF, NA: PRO 898/467. [No.7 is dated 25.8.1944]

France (evidence received October 1944) ‘Now that the greater part of France has been liberated it is possible to see more clearly the effect that leaflets have had on the French population during


the long years of occupation. Reports have been received that cover the whole country, and from these it is evident that the weekly and monthly newspaper leaflets were largely read and appreciated by individuals of every class who procured them by one means or another.’ Evidence of Reception, Leaflets, October 1944, NA: PRO AIR 20/4729.

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