Leaflet 256 is a very early all-text amnesty pass from September 1949 on white paper with a red border. It has been reported that of 207 terrorists who surrendered between September and December 1949, 48 were as a direct result of reading leaflet 256. The text below the British Seal is:
NOTICE
To team members of the so called “Malayan Races Liberation Army” and the staff of “Min Yuen.”
Government Officials are aware that many people were coerced and deceived into joining the Communist Party’s illegal actions.
Now, those Government Officials are giving these same people a chance to save themselves.
The law has been amended so that whoever surrenders to the officials right now and brings in their weapons will be spared from prosecution.
This amendment has been announced by the Government authority.
Whoever was deceived into joining the Communist Party after the emergency, and has not been forced by the Communist Party leaders to murder, or those that have not done any brutal acts to harm the people, will enjoy this pardon.
To these people, now is a chance to rescue their life.
NOW IS THE TIME TO SAVE YOURSELF!
Muster up your courage. Plan immediately to escape from the Devil’s clutches. If possible, bring out your weapons. Immediately surrender to the authorities. You can go to any Government department, institution, or representative to surrender. If you feel that it’s easier to meet with your most trusted friend to surrender, then do it that way! If you do not believe this notice, you can ask your friends and relatives. Or if you have the chance, you can enquire from the people situated in the free areas. Most of your friends have already surrendered. Don’t be afraid that the government will treat you harshly. The government fully understands your situation. If you still have any doubt, you can enquire about the treatment received after surrender from the people that have already taken the opportunity to save themselves. Please make up your mind immediately! This opportunity will not be offered indefinitely.
Federation of Malaya High Commissioner
[Signature of Henry Gurney]
September 1949
(Source of text is here and image source is courtesy of Benjamin Seet of psywar.org)
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Title: Now is the time to save yourself!
Language: Chinese / Malay (Jawi) / Tamil
Designer: nil
Type of Graphic: Aerial Propaganda Leaflet
Client: nil
Publisher: Department of Public Relations
Date: 1949
Dimensions: 10 cm x 15 cm
Technique: nil
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