Counterpropaganda based upon a false information is not effective in opposing propaganda messages . This premise is best illustrated by the U.S. failed attempts to counter Germany 's claims of Soviet Union committed atrocities in Nemmersdorf , Prussia . When Germany forced the Soviet Union out of the city in October 1944 they found twenty-four dead including twelve women , two teenage girls , a baby , six old men and three school children . Several of the women and teenagers were raped . The Nazi propaganda unit , titled Skorpion , launched a leaflet campaign and sent a letter to General Eisenhower to expose the Soviet Union 's actions to its American allies . In response America also launched a leaflet campaign and published an article in the March 1 , 1945 , issue number 49 of its leaflet/newspaper Frontpost titled " Keine Rache " ( No Revenge ) which quoted Soviet denials of the wrongdoing . The false messages in American counterpropaganda failed to effectively oppose German propaganda and failed to change German 's perspectives toward the Soviet Union . The counterpropaganda campaign also did little to enforce America 's reputation for honesty among German soldiers . When revealed false counterpropaganda damages the reputation of the broadcaster and limits his/her ability to counter propaganda in the future
atrocities in Nemmersdorf
Nemmersdorf massacre
Counterpropaganda