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Wt 19398 10M 7/43 H.J.R. & L
SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT

No. 152 2nd September, 1943

(Covering period from 24th to 31st August, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

(No reports have been received since the Prime Minister’s speech of August 31)

1. Gereral state of confidence and reaction to news

Confidence remains high as a result of the Russian successes, the air offensive - particularly on Berlin, and the evidence of unrest in occupied countries. In spite of the good news, however, there appears to have been a slight drop in spirits since last week, showing itself in:-

(a) Widespread uneasiness over British and U.S. relations with Russia; this has increased since last week.

(b) Impatience at Allied inactivity, both in not invading the Continent “to give more concrete help to the Russians”, and in “not driving Italy out of the war”.

At the same time, there continues to be a good deal of expectation that “something big is brewing”, though speculation is less than a week ago.

Although there are still many optimists who think the war will be over by Christmas, there is an increasing tendency to put back the date of final victory to next year, and a minority say that it “the war is only beginning now”.

Home Front : The hope that this will be the last winter of the war appears to be reducing dread of the blackout, but dislike of it is very strong; people are asking whether blackout conditions could be modified and whether cycle and torch batteries will be in reasonable supply this year. The greatest home front worry still appears to be footwear.

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.10.11.13. 17 passim. No report from Region 9 this week.)

2. Russia and the other Allies

Suspicion and anxiety that all is not well between Russia and the English-speaking Allies, already widespread last week, have increased. Russia’s apparent lack of appreciation of our war effort and our help to her, the recall of MM. Maisky and Litvinov, and, above all, the absence of any Russian representative at Quebec, are “linked as evidence that friction exists between Russia on the one hand and U.S.A. and ourselves on the other”. Talk of the possibility of Russia making a separate peace with Germany is reported from six Regions.

On the causes of disagreement, two main viewpoints are apparent (apart from a minority who blame both sides or neither):

(a) Those who consider that Russia has every reason to be dissatisfied , because:

(i) We have not started a large-scale Continental landing to relieve German pressure. Even many who are “far from friendly to Russia” say we have had ample time to build up and plan a major offensive, and that “to offer Sicily as our contribution is an affront to Russia and a dishonour to ourselves”. They add that “if we don’t do something big soon to divert Axis forces from Russia, we shall have only ourselves to blame if she takes the view that we are hoping to win the war at her expense, finishing up fresh and powerful while she is exhausted and weak”.

(ii) There is little sympathy with Russia among “highly placed officials and influential people”, and still less appreciation of what she has done. This view is held by workers especially. There are “rumours of a whispering campaign against Russia”, and it is feared that “the reluctance of the high-ups - but not Mr. Churchill - to work with Russia will lead to a breach and actual war with her later on”. In Orkney, “it is firmly believed that the defences being constructed there are designed for future conflict with Russia rather than Germany”.

(b) Those who, while appreciating all Russia is doing, feel that she is unreasonable, because:

(i) The Russians have not given enough credit to the other Allies for their help - by providing supplies, sometimes to our own disadvantage, by our heavy bombing policy, and by holding troops in the West to meet the invasion threat. People particularly feel that the Russians don’t understand naval power, or “the difficulty of transporting troops and material by sea”.

(ii) Stalin is “cynically indifferent to everything but Russian ambitions”. It is pointed out that Russia left us alone in 1940 while she had a pact with Germany, and is still at peace with Japan while we have to fight her.

Whatever reasons are suggested to account for lack of co-operation, its possibility is almost universally deplored. It is widely hoped that:

(a) A conference between the three powers can be arranged to take place at an early date, to bring about “open and friendly co-operation and ensure peaceful European settlement hereafter”. (Nine Regions)

(b) Mr. Churchill would throw some light on the subject in his speech(Five Regions), and make it clear that “we are really one with Russia in the present struggle”.

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.10.11.13)

3. The Russian offensive

General pleasure is reported at the capture of Taganrog, following on that of Kharkov. Admiration for the Red Army, already great, is said to be increasing, and there is gratitude for “all she is saving us” and “restlessness that we are doing so little to help”.

Many expect further advances; some think “the Ukraine may be captured by the end of the summer campaign”, or even that, “during the next few months, the Russians may be able to free most of their country”.

There is also speculation as to what Russia will do then. Some think she may stop at her borders and negotiate a separate peace, others that she will march through Poland into Germany; it is asked “what will happen in this country if Russia gets to Berlin first?”

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.10.11.13. 17 two provincial P,Cs)

4. The next moves

Expectation that an Allied invasion of the continent is imminent continues, but there appears to be less certainty about it this week, and, in view of Russia’s need, more impatience.

Discussion is, however, not quite as widespread as it was, but the majority still find plenty of evidence to support their belief that it will take place before long, many thinking that “the balloon will go up when the Prime Minister returns”.

There is considerable disappointment that “We have reached September without any large European front being opened”. People are impatient that “the Sicilian success was not followed by a quick attack on Italy”, and fear that our delay is allowing the enemy to strengthen his defences. There is impatience at the apparent lull after each new move we make. some suspect that the U.S.A. is more interested in the Far Eastern than the European war, and may “insist on the second front being against the Japanese”.

At the same time, most people, whether confident or disappointed, seem “content to leave it to our leaders”, feeling that “further preparations are worth waiting for if these are essential to a more complete success”.

Speculation as to “where” is on exactly the same lines as last week.

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.10.11.13. 17 two provincial P.Cs.)

5. The Allied air offensive

(No reports have been received since the Berlin raid of August 31/September 1.

Satisfaction with our “massive raids” on enemy territory continues, and so does praise for, and pride in, the men of the R.A.F. It is felt that our “terrific pounding” of Germany must be having its effect on German morale, and it is thought that “signs of demoralisation and defeatism are already beginning to appear”. Demands for harder and heavier blows are again reported, and people are particularly anxious to see Italy “hammered into submission”. Some believe that the R.A.F. blows, particularly on Southern Italy and the French aerodromes, are a prelude to invasion. (Four Regions)

The Berlin raid (August 23/24) was greeted with great satisfaction (Eight Regions), though “pleasure was modified at first by surprise and regret at the high losses”. However, it is felt they were probably not disproportionate to the numbers of planes involved or “the effect achieved, and insignificant compared with those of a land offensive”. Demands for more and heavier bombing of Berlin continue... “let them go night after night - give ‘em all we’ve got”.

U.S.A.A.F. : Comparison is made between the bomber losses of the U.S.A.A.F., their claims of fighters shot down, and our own losses. People doubt if our own bombers are as well defended, and there are demands for their better equipment (Two Regions).

Rome : The general view is still that we should reject the proposal to make Rome an open city, and that we should put no faith in Italian claims. “Badoglic cannot be relied on to clear out military objectives.” People would like to see the bombing continued; and the Pope is criticised for his “squeamishness” about possible damage to religious buildings. It is again pointed out that appeal to the Germans to refrain from bombing London Churches”.

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.10.11.13. 17 three provincial P.Ss.)

7. Germany’s difficulties

Although a few people are “reluctant to be optimistic about it”, many consider Himmler’s appointment as “a clear indication that German morale is getting shaky”. Some go to far as to hope that the bad news from the war fronts and our terrible air onslaught “may break it more suddenly than appearances suggest”.

The unrest “all over occupied Europe” - “which must be increasing Germany’s difficulties” - is watched with interest; as is also “the changing attitude of neutral countries”. All this is felt to show that “confidence in, and fear of, Germany are fading”. Specific reference is made to:

(a) Denmark : There is admiration for the courage of the Danes in revolting against Nazi oppression, and people hope that “we may be able to help them very soon”. There is a tendency to interpret trouble here as a sign either that we intend to invade Denmark or that the Germans fear we will do so.

(b) Death of King Boris : Little is known about Balkan politics and people cannot tell whether “his removal will improve matters or not”. There is no sympathy for King Boris, but a good deal of speculation about how he died: “Most people are convinced it was not a natural death.”

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.7.8.10.11.13)

8. The Quebec Conference

Speculation and comment about the Quebec Conference are less this week; some people are described as “indifferent”. Decline in interest is variously attributed to lack of information, to people being “tired of talk” and anxious for action, and to disappointment that the war against Japan was the principle subject of discussion. Nevertheless many welcomed the Conference as “foreshadowing a more active West Front offensive” and are “hoping for big announcements”.

The lack of Russian representation continues to be the cause of widespread regret and much anxiety (Sec section 2).

Mrs. and Miss Churchill : Comment continues (Six Regions and Postal Censorship).

The Prime Minister’s speech (to which no public reactions have yet been received) was eagerly awaited by most people, many of whom hoped it would shed light on the various questions that are exercising their minds. Its postponement caused disappointment, and much speculation as to the reason. Some thought it indicated “political awkwardness” and a failure to “make up their minds”; but most people thought it implied some new development, such as the end of Italian resistance, which Mr. Churchill was to announce.

President Roosevelt’s speech at Ottawa (AUGUSt 25) is said to have aroused some “mildly favourable” comment but not a great deal of interest.

The revelations about Hess have been criticised (Five Regions) on two grounds:

(a) Scouts and their parents are indignant, in spite of the explanation. As a Welshman observes: we greet news in a matter-of-fact way, while one remark out of place causes widespread discussion - we truly are a mad people”.

(b) “The answer to the Hess mystery” was “refused to the House of Commons”, but was given in Canada.

The press handling of the Conference is criticised (Two Regions). It is thought to have been “singularly contradictory and confusing” and is also blamed for giving prominence to “the holiday atmosphere at a time when people are anxious about Russia and want decisive action”.

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.10.11.13. 17/five provincial P.Cs.)

9. Italy

There is less talk this week about the political situation. A growing conviction that “only military pressure will [Text missing] into submission” is allied to restlessness at our delay in invading it. People wonder if this delay is “yet another example of our being too kind to the Wops” - “like the mistake we made laying off giving it to them when Musso fell”.

While the majority are in favour of “nothing but unconditional surrender”, a minority feel “such severe terms are likely to make them fight on”.

British Prisoners of War : Anxiety continues at reports of their transfer from Italian to German hands.

(1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.10.11. 17 one Special, seven provincial P.Cs.)

10. Spain

There continues to be some speculation about the reasons for the Hoare-Franco talks: “Does it mean better relations with Spain, or has Franco been acting on behalf of Italy?”

(2.4.6.7.13)

11. Amgot

Some distrust of Amgot continues to be reported. It is described as “an undemocratic body”; people wonder why it is necessary, and where in the future “the exiled Allied Governments and their peoples will come in”.

(5.5SE.6.11)

12. The French Committee for National Liberation

There has been satisfaction but very little comment at the recognition of the French Committee for National Liberation: “There is not much interest in the French at present.”

“The lukewarm declaration by America” has caused comment, and she is also blamed for having caused the delay in giving this recognition.

(2.3.5.8)

13. Far East

There continues to be little interest in the Far East. although some people wonder whether “there is to be a new offensive as a result of the Quebec Conference”.

“The Appointment of Lord Louis Mountbatten to the post of Supreme Allied Commander in South-East Asia, is generally thought a good one (Four Regions): “People expect fireworks when he gets going”. A minority doubt his being the right man for the post, however. (Two Regions)

The appointment has been taken to show that we may be about to make a definite move, possibly towards the recovery of Burma and Malaya. Some “puzzled” comment is recorded, however, that “such leaders are needed against Germany, before bothering with the Far East”.

China : Sympathy for China and the desire to help her are reported from six Regions this week.

Prisoners of war in Japanese hands : Names of missing relatives continue to be welcomed but it is asked whether “Geneva cannot do more to get information?” Gratitude is expressed for the broadcast about prisoners of war in the Far East given on August 24th.

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.10.11)

14. War at Sea

There is again little comment on this subject, but satisfaction and pleasure continue at the successes against the U-boat menace.

The fine work of the Royal Navy, especially during the Sicilian campaign, is praised and there is great confidence “in its ability to deal with any situation”.

(1.3.5.5SE.7.10)

15. Holidays

There is less talk of holidays this week. People continue to believe in “the necessity of holiday travel”; they feel that those workers who have gone away have been wise to do so. “Those who did not go away, wish they had.” Some criticism of the “Government’s weakness and lack of foresight” and of the policy of holidays at home is again reported on familiar lines.

(1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8)

16. The coastal area ban

Interest and speculation continue as to the significance of the ban imposed on the South and South East coast, it is still believed that preparations for invasion are being made in the area (Seven Regions). It is again suggested that it may be a bluff designed to cover activity elsewhere - or even a double bluff.

Uncertainty as to the exact areas banned to visitors has been the cause of much telegraphing and telephoning. In the Southern Region, it is said that “the restriction notices are so worded as to be incomprehensible to the general public”.

Rumours of troop movements come from the Regions involved in the ban.

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.10)

17. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Satisfaction with news presentation by the B.B.C. and in the press is reported from four Regions. “People appear content to accept such official news as can be given at the moment.”

Sensational press headlines are criticised in two Regions. Although qualified by the following news paragraphs, “they remain in the reader’s mind” thus conveying the wrong impression. People are, however, said to be “on guard against press misrepresentation”.

The B.B.C. is again criticised for the repetition of news (Two Regions).

European News Service ; praise is again reported (Two Regions): “It is given with more colour than the Home News”.

Praise this week for: Commander Kimmins’ Postscript on the King’s visit to the Fleet, August 22 (Three Regions); the Russian commentary by Alexander Werth, August 21 (Two Regions); the “Into Battle” series (Two Regions); War Commentaries (Two Regions); The talk describing the construction of Mosquito planes, August 24 (One Region).

Dr. J.J. Mallon’s Postscript (August 29) is criticised in three regional reports. It is thought to have been an “irritating pro-American advertisement” and “too sloppy”. In one Region however, it is thought “likely too arouse real interest in American troops here”.

(2.3.5.5SE.6.7.8.10)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

WEEKLY SUMMARY

18. Manpower

The proposed registration of women (Eight Regions) : There is a further decrease in comment, but opposition is still said to be very strong and on the lines previously reported:

(a) It would be unnecessary “if manpower were not being wasted” (Seven Regions and Postal Censorship). Specifically mentioned are the many young people, particularly girls:

(i) With little or nothing to do, in the Civil Service - including Labour Exchanges and Food Offices - factories, large businesses, and H.M. Forces.

(ii) Doing jobs which older women could do.

(iii) “Who wriggle out of doing anything at all.”

(b) Their call-up will serve no good purpose (Five Regions and Postal Censorship) because:

(i) “They won’t be able to stand factory work.” Labour, it is suggested, should be recruited from those physically more fit such as men and women discharged from the Forces, retired men in good health, and “the many men on the dole”.

(ii) “All the older ones who are good for anything did not need calling up and have been doing their bit for ages.”

(iii) “What will happen to the voluntary work they are doing?” Many have been looking after their grandchildren, thus freeing younger women for the factory. Also, “who’s going to get the men’s food and stand in queues for it?” Some of the work of the voluntary services, the W.V.S. and National Savings movement in particular, “will have to be curtailed”.

(c) “ Women are carrying more than their share of the burdens of war.” (Two Regions)

Recruitment to the Women’s Auxiliary Services and Land Army (Four Regions): There is some disappointment among girls that no more recruits are wanted for the Forces and that “they now have to go into munitions”.

In Dorset, farmers are said to be “very perturbed at the restriction on recruiting for the Women’s Land Army, especially as some of their male workers have only a short reservation”.

Changes of priority in men’s call-up (Three Regions): Little comment is reported except in some mining areas where miners “object to unskilled men being allowed to ‘opt’ for mines when it requires years of training to become a useful worker”.

(1.2.3.5.5SE.6.7.10. 17 one Special, five provincial P.Cs.)

19. Clothing

Clothing continues the subject of much concern - footwear problems, in particular, in view of the coming winter months.

Increased coupon values for leather-soled shoes : (No reactions have been received to the announcement of extra coupons for children with big feet.) During the past two weeks there has been widespread criticism and resentment at the increased coupon values for leather-soled shoes (Thirteen Regions). Parents of growing children who take adult sizes, and who are not tall enough to qualify for extra coupons, are especially upset (Six Regions): “Boy’s size 5 only require three coupons, but size 5½ now require nine coupons”.

People are said to have felt that even the old number was too high in view of the poor wearing qualities of present day shoes. It is claimed that a reduction rather than an increase in the coupon value of adult leather-soled shoes should have been made. (Three Regions)

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13. 17 four provincial P.Cs.)

20. Food

Satisfaction with the food situation continues, although there is again some grumbling about the distribution and prices of certain commodities. The shortage of fruit (Six Regions) and of tomatoes (Three Regions), and the high prices of vegetables (Three Regions) and of fruit (Two Regions) are particularly criticised. People are asking “where is the bumper crop of plums”.

From Scotland, it is reported that “public anger is strong concerning the dumping of herrings at Clydeside ports last week. Press reports of conferences on the subject only increase the anger. ‘It’s a pure scandal’ is one of the milder comments on the situation. People are talking about this everywhere.” From Co. Durham it is also reported: “There is a glut of fish, but here we have a famine”.

(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.10.11. 17 nine provincial P.Cs.)

21. Agriculture

The bumper harvest is praised this week in three Regional reports and Postal Censorship. In Wales, Devon and Cornwall, however[illegible] farmers complain that “the weather has been against them”.

Though some farmers still report shortage of labour, others speak of voluntary help “willingly and enthusiastically given”.

(1.3.5SE.7.8.10. 17 four provincial P.Cs.)

22. America

During the last four weeks, increasing appreciation for “the great effort made by our American ally” in providing us “with the food, the weapons, and the men” has been noted - though “Russia’s effort still overshadows them”.

“Doubts” still reported about America are as follows:

(a) America desires to dominate the world after the war (Four Regions). Some people ask “how much of the Empire has already been ceded to America, and will we ever get it back?”

(b) There is some resentment and distrust of American claims of losses inflicted on the enemy (Three Regions). “The Americans are assuming all the credit for present victories.”

American troops in this country : There has been little comment on American troops during the last four weeks. Some praise their “niceness“; but the following familiar criticisms continue to be reported:

(a) Their behaviour with women and especially with young girls (Three Regions). “Due to their efforts children of fourteen and fifteen are with child”; it is thought that “American troops are amenable only to American law”. The girls themselves are, however, much blamed.

(b) Their high pay (Three Regions) - as a result of which they are accused of ostentation, and of “buying up” everything available including labour. The “palatial premises” and “lavish provision” provided for them are also criticised.

(c) Their waste of food and of petrol, their dangerous driving, rowdy behaviour, and excessive drinking (One Region each).

In London, people are puzzled about the ribbons worn by American troops in this country.

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.10. 17)