British Propaganda Leaflet to Italian forces in East Africa (No. 100)

British Propaganda Leaflet to Italian forces in East Africa (No. 100)

Given the places named in the leaflet it was likely dropped on Italian forces garrisoned in Massawa under Admiral Mario Bonetti. What's particularly interesting is the British claim that they are the only ones maintaining "public order" which could be construed in this context as control over the native Eritrean population. The veiled threat of the leaflet is that unless the Italians surrender, they will be cut off from support and abandoned to fend for themselves against the local population.

English translation of leaflet text:

"Warning!

Your retreat continues south from Asmara to Tigray.

The war is over, but your commanders, always ready to sacrifice you and your families, pretend to maintain the resistance.

We therefore warn you that any movement of organized groups on the Asmara-Massawa and Asmara-Macalle roads will be considered as a hostile movement and will be attacked by our air force.

Leave the streets. Wait for our arrival and surrender to us. Remember that today we are the only ones guaranteeing public order in Italian Eastern Africa."

Purchased from The War Store in Johannesburg, South Africa

Likely early April 1941