Original Korean War United Nations psychological-warfare Safe Conduct Certificate, designed to resemble a North Korean 1947 100 Won banknote.
The certificate carries the facsimile signature of General Matthew B. Ridgway, Commander in Chief, United Nations Forces, and contains Korean, English and Chinese instructions guaranteeing good treatment to Chinese or North Korean soldiers who surrendered to U.N. forces.
Printed leaflet identification 6015-9017.
Of particular historical interest, the reverse is handwritten:
“Tachikawa Air Force Base Japan, Feb 25, 1952”
Tachikawa Air Base was directly involved in the U.N. psychological-warfare leaflet operation. Printed leaflets were transported there for loading aboard aircraft and distribution over Chinese and North Korean forces.
This inscription strongly suggests the piece was retained as a contemporary souvenir at Tachikawa during the Korean War.
Condition: Good, with considerable handling, folds, edge wear, tears and small losses as shown.
