Original Item. Only One Available. Concerns about national security intensify in wartime. During World War II, the Government alerted citizens to the presence of enemy spies and saboteurs lurking just below the surface of American society. "Careless talk" posters warned people that small snippets of information regarding troop movements or other logistical details would be useful to the enemy. Well-meaning citizens could easily compromise national security and soldiers' safety with careless talk.

“Words are ammunition. Each word an American utters either helps or hurts the war effort. He must stop rumors. He must challenge the cynic and the appeaser. He must not speak recklessly. He must remember that the enemy is listening.”

-Government Information Manual for the Motion Picture Industry Office of War Information

“Telling a Friend May Mean Telling the Enemy” is a WWII poster created in the United Kingdom to help raise awareness of espionage in England during WWII. During the Second World War, there was a constant concern in the UK about inappropriate information being overheard by enemy agents both domestically and abroad. 

The poster, divided into quadrants (two red, two white), depicts gossip being passed from person to person: sailor to a blonde woman, from her to a redheaded woman, from her to a black haired woman, and from her to a blond male.

The poster is well-framed within a 13¾ x 18¼” frame. The poster is in fantastic condition and displays very well. A great example, ready for further research and display.