It will be a safety chit issued to Allied combatants especially aircrew.The intention was to seek aid for a detached combatant,again usually aircrew who may find themselves marooned in enemy territory but hoping to meet "friendly neutrals".These helpers would be promised rewards for helping and guiding Allied combatants to safety. The French language would cover those who would found themselves in the North African colonial territories.Giraud's name is on the chit as he was the US preferred candidate for the leadership of the Free French.De Gaulle would have none of it and his military and political leadership won the day over Giraud,especially as he also had the backing of WSC,despite their differences.At the time before the Vichy French were ousted from power in the French North Africa,Allied stragglers such as airmen etc were left to the mercy of the Vichy government and Vichy were unpredicable in their treatment of Allied combatants. The Arabic covered the situation where Allied combantants came across Bedouin tribesmen in the Western Deserts and required aid. Some tribesmen were aligned to the Axis forces,some not and it was a case of persuasion using monetary rewards or rewards in kind, otherwise there was the danger of being denounced to the Germans and being put "in the bag". As regards units such as the SAS,they were able, as they gained experience of operations behind the German lines,of being aware which tribes they could trust and which not.
Harry, I'm almost 100 percent certain this is a propaganda leaflet produced by the Psychological Warfare Branch of AFHQ, rather than a blood chit. My French isn't great but the opening text says something like "A Message from the Commanders-in-Chief of Allied Forces in North Africa" and then is addressed to "Tunisians" then "The Germans..." can't make out the rest. Hopefully I'll have a definitive answer in a day or two. Lee
Rough translation.... TUNISIENS, The Germans want to take your land. They are trying, by lies and gifts, to make you believe that they are your friend. But this is only a ruse. They want to take your agricultural products and then give your land to the Italians. Don't be fooled. Remember what they have done for the last two years by the means of their agents. They have bled North Africa dry by taking the wheat, oil, livestock, wool. It is because of them that you are without clothes and shoes. Moreover, one of their bosses ...... in Germany, and everyone knew: Anyone can die of hunger, but it won't be us. Know well that the Allies are only here to aid the French in driving the Germans and Italians out of Tunisia and restoring prosperity and peace in the country. This is their only wish. They have no desire to deprive the Tunisiens of their country or their property. They have already shown their friendship towards the Muslims by defending their cause in Egypt, have no doubt about that. We only want one thing: to gather all the troops necessary on African territory to jump to Italy and beat definitively ......Help us in this....Don't believe the lies of the enemy. Giraud & Eisenhower. Or something like that anyway Jules.
Harry, I'm almost 100 percent certain this is a propaganda leaflet produced by the Psychological Warfare Branch of AFHQ, rather than a blood chit. My French isn't great but the opening text says something like "A Message from the Commanders-in-Chief of Allied Forces in North Africa" and then is addressed to "Tunisians" then "The Germans..." can't make out the rest. Hopefully I'll have a definitive answer in a day or two. Lee You are obviously correct.Should have had a detailed look at the French.
