Description:

GERMAN BROADSIDE DEMANDS THE SURRENDER OF THE ISLE OF JERSEY
Rare printed broadside, 20" x 29 1/2", issued July 1, 1940, an English translation of a communication addressed to the Governor of the English Channel Isle of Jersey from the commanding general of the Luftwaffe in Normandy, announcing the German intent to occupy the island and ordering its surrender. In part: "1. I intend to neutralize military establishments in Jersey by occupation. 2. As evidence that the island will surrender the military and other establishments without resistance and without destroying them, a large White Cross is to be shown as follows... 3. If these signs of peaceful surrender are not observed by 7 a.m. July 2nd, heavy bombardment will take place... 6. All Radio traffic and other communications with Authorities outside the Island will be considered hostile actions and will be followed by bombardment. 7. Every hostile action against my representatives will be followed by bombardment. 8. In case of peaceful surrender, the lives, property, and liberty of peaceful inhabitants are solemnly guaranteed..." The local governor adds a note at bottom: "The States have ordered this Communication to be printed and posted forthwith, and charge the Inhabitants to keep calm, to comply with the requirements of the Communication and to offer no resistance whatsoever to the occupation of the Island." The broadside shows minor chips and small tears to the edges, else very good. The Channel Islands Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey would be the only part of the British Isles to be occupied by German armed forces during World War II. The islands were demilitarized by Britain due to their lack of strategic value, and were occupied peacefully. The period of occupation was marked by the closure of businesses and the confiscation of radios, although very little acts of open resistance occurred. The German occupiers constructed elements of the Atlantic Wall fortifications on the islands, utilizing slave laborers held in the concentration camps Sylt and Norderney, the only such camps built on British soil.

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April 17, 2018 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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