"I Expect the Wisdom and Prudence of the People to Avoid Any Reckless Action..." – Nazi Intimidation Poster ...

"I Expect the Wisdom and Prudence of the People to Avoid Any Reckless Action..." – Nazi Intimidation Poster Following the Fall of France. [Paris, June 1940]

Appel à la population française - "Appeal to the French People" – A Poster Issued by the Supreme Commander of the German Army, Posted in the Streets of Paris Following Its Nazi Occupation to Prevent Resistance. [Paris, June 1940]. French. Rare.

"Appeal to the French People

The French territory occupied by German forces is now under the administration of the German military.

The military commanders will take the necessary measures to ensure the security of the soldiers and to maintain peace and order.

The soldiers have been instructed to respect the population and its property, as long as it remains peaceful.

State authorities will remain in their positions, provided they are willing to cooperate faithfully.

I expect the wisdom and prudence of the people to avoid any reckless action, sabotage of any kind, or passive or active resistance against the German army.

The orders of the German military administration must be carried out unconditionally. The German army will regret if, due to hostile actions by individual civilians, it is forced to respond with the most severe measures against the population.

Everyone should remain in place and continue their work. This will be the best way to serve their homeland, their people, and themselves.

The Supreme Commander of the Army."

On June 14, 1940, the Germans entered Paris without a battle, as the French government had abandoned the city. On June 22, 1940, following a crushing defeat, the French government signed the Armistice Agreement with Germany in the town of Compiègne, in the same railway car where Germany had surrendered at the end of World War I. Following the surrender, France was divided into two zones: The occupied zone – the northern and western parts of France, including Paris, were placed under German military rule. Vichy France – a puppet government was established in the south, led by Marshal Philippe Pétain, who collaborated with the Nazis. This poster is a significant historical remnant from the early moments of the German occupation in France, when the Nazis sought to impose order and suppress civilian resistance through threats. However, despite these efforts, the French resistance movements continued to fight, and the French people never fully accepted the occupation.

Size: 58x40 cm. Fold mark. Light tears along the edges. Good condition.