[KOREAN WAR PROPAGANDA LEAFLETS].

Darling, I Will Dream... [and] Truth Will Out!

[North Korea or China]. [Korean People's Army or People's Volunteer Army]. (Circa 1951-1953). Stock ID #222708

Two double-sided leaflets. Darling, I Will Dream: 21 x 15cm. Truth Will Out: 19 x 13cm. Both leaflets somewhat foxed and trifle soiled, chipped with a little loss, though still in good condition for what were most likely once-active leaflets in a warzone.

Two propaganda leaflets intended to be dropped over UN Forces in Korea, attempting to convince them to surrender and cooperate with the KPA and PVA. Each leaflet appeals to different modes of persuasion, with one relying on an emotional appeal, and the other from the perspective of logic.

'Darling, I Will Dream That You Are Coming Back to Me This Christmas' is a typical example in the long-winded history of so-called 'counterfeit Christmas cards' that purport to show wistful appeals from sweethearts abandoned back home. The addition of the details of a supposedly deceased GI are intended to add credence to the letter's authenticity, though a quick search reveals the soldier in question returned home after his successful tour of duty in Korea, married his sweetheart, and led out the rest of his life very well.

'Truth Will Out' is a very early example of the conflicting narratives that permeate the North Korean historiography of the Armistice Agreement - most retellings largely hinging on the portrayal of the American leadership as a gaggle of mercurial incompetents.

This particular account details a ceasefire negotiation in which General William K. Harrison abruptly walked out before waiting to hear General Nam Il's "very reasonable proposal". The ultimate purpose of this tale is to encourage UN Forces to passively revolt in protest. While the event did indeed take place in June 1952, in reality, Harrison was not empowered to hear counter-proposals, and called a recess before Nam Il had the opportunity to launch into what would have undoubtedly been an over-rehearsed, propagandistic diatribe. D. Bruce Lockerbie, the author of Harrison's biography, theorised that the ultimate goal of the American delegation's walk-out was to not only deny the North Koreans a platform, but also shock them, which it evidently did.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 222708.

Price: $180.00 AU

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