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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT

No. 153 9th September, 1943

(Covering period from 31st August to 7th September, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

(No reports have been received since the surrender of Italy)

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

The invasion of Italy - while “taken for granted as the obvious next step after Sicily” - has cheered people; and satisfaction continues at Russian successes and our air offensive, particularly the bombing of Berlin. Confidence remains high, therefore, in spite of:

(a) Continued uneasiness over our relations with Russia. Though this has been partly allayed by the Prime Minister ‘s speech, “only the promised Conference with Stalin can prove we are in complete agreement”.

(b) A feeling that our landing in Italy “is not an adequate contribution to Russia”. There is still considerable speculation as to where “the real second front” will be.

(c) Disappointment that Mr. Churchill did not make “a really big announcement” in his Quebec speech.

The majority continue to expect the war to be over “sometime in 1944”, and an optimistic minority, by Christmas. People in any case “do so hope this'll be the last blackout; it's like being buried alive”.

Footwear is again the main home front grumble.

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13. 17 passim. No report from Region 1 this week.)

2. Italy

“The invasion of Italy, though a foregone conclusion after Sicily”, gave people “quite a thrill”. This has now given place to quiet satisfaction, to relief that “our delays about Italy are over”, and to interest in our progress.

People are expecting the Allies - most probably the Americans - to invade at another point further North in the next few days, and cut off the Axis armies in the South. Some, indeed, are disappointed we have not already done so; and there is a slight fear “we may have to work up the whole length of Italy”.

Many are wondering how long Italy will last, and most think “not long”. A minority continue to feel that our insistence on unconditional surrender has prolonged matters, as “it gave the option but to carry on”. At the same time, there is some questioning as to whether we want her to collapse: “it wouldn't be much good, as she'd become a liability just as she is now to the Germans”.

The Eighth Army : A feeling that the Eighth always get the [illegible] and dangerous jobs, is again reported; but there is also satisfaction that it is the Eighth, as they can be relied on for a successful campaign. The absence of the Americans has led to some cynical comment, as well as speculation as to what they are going to do.

Badoglio's Government : People “aren't too sure” that Fascism is really dead in Italy. This suspicion was increased by Badoglio's appointment of a new Ambassador to Berlin (September 1).

British Prisoners of War : Much anxiety, particularly among relatives, continues at their transfer from Italy to Germany; “Some people have already received news from men so transferred”. It is asked “why can't the Government do something about it?”

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13)

3. The Prime Minister's speech (August 31)

Disappointment is widely reported, because:

(a) His own voice could not be heard. “People missed his personality.”

(b) “We were not told anything new.” The postponement of his speech, and “the false lead from the press” are blamed for making people expect striking news, such as Italy's capitulation or the start of our invasion of the Continent.

There was, however, great interest in, and satisfaction with, Mr. Churchill's statement on Russia, particularly with:

(a) His explanation of why Russia was not represented at the Quebec Conference. Many thought it wise to remind us that Russia and Japan are not at war, and agree it would have been tactless and embarrassing to invite Marshal Stalin. Some, however, are uneasy that the war against Japan was a major topic at the Conference: “Is our policy of dealing with Germany first being whittled down?”

(b) His wish for a threefold conference between President Roosevelt, Marshal Stalin and himself. This was much appreciated, and people hope “it will be speedily fulfilled”.

(c) His tribute to Russia.

Some adverse comment is reported from Wales and Scotland on Mr. Churchill's praise of France: “So unnecessary after their miserable record”.

Mr. Churchill : There is anxiety for his safe return; and it is felt that “he ought to be tethered at home for the sake of his own safety”.

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13)

4. Russia, the other Allies, and the second front

Although Mr. Churchill's speech has helped to clear the air, uneasiness still continues about the relations between Russia and the English-speaking Allies, Blame for the disagreement is again placed on:

A belief that there is anti-Russian feeling in the U.S.A. and also in high places in this country (but not Mr. Churchill or [illegible] Mr. Eden).

[illegible] “Russia's lack of appreciation of all we are doing.”

The cure is felt to be:

(a) “The promised meeting” between the heads of the three powers.

(b) “A proper second front which will divert sufficient German divisions from Russia”. Many do not accept the landing in Italy as a second front, and are ashamed we are not doing more for Russia.

The second front : Though “more and more fear we will have to wait for 1944 for our big move”, many still expect that we shall invade either Western Europe or somewhere in the Eastern Mediterranean this autumn.

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13. 17)

5. The Russian offensive

Admiration for the Russian advances increases. Some hope they will get to Germany first... “Russia will deal more effectively with war criminals”. Others think the Germans are carrying out a “well-conducted withdrawal, directed now by military leaders and not by Hitler's intuition”; they fear the Germans may be able to get a firm hold on a shorter line before we can divert any large part of their forces.

Doubt continues of figures given in Russian communiqués. “Anyone taking the trouble to keep totals will realise their impossibility.”

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13. 17 seven provincial P.Cs.)

6. The Allied air offensive

Satisfaction continues, as does praise for the R.A.F. and U.S.A.A.F. While people hope for even greater and more frequent raids in future, there is concern at our losses; although many accept them as inevitable, it is felt “an occasional reference to percentage losses might alleviate anxiety”.

Comment, some of it sceptical, is again made on the disparity between the number of fighters shot down by our own planes, and by American bombers.

Though no adverse comment is made, there is some tendency to believe that R.A.F. targets “are not all military now”, and that the aim is to “wipe out whole cities”. This view is based on the continual re-visiting of bombed cities, and the alleged lack of reference in the press to damage done to military objectives (Two Regions).

Special mention is made of.

(a) The Berlin raids (Eight Regions). These have given special satisfaction, as do all raids on the German capital.

(b) The Brenner-Bologna raid (Three Regions). This has also been greatly admired, though there is some feeling that this area should have been attacked before.

Rome (Six Regions): People still hope that we will “bomb Rome and then bomb her again”, disregarding all suggestions of making her an open city.

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10. 17 eleven provincial P.Cs.)

7. Germany's difficulties

People hope that the “recent outbursts in occupied Europe, the internal difficulties in Germany (partly it is hoped due to our heavy raids), and the “stiffened attitude of Sweden”, are seriously weakening German morale; some feel that “we should take advantage of the situation to make the vital diversion”.

Countries specifically mentioned are:

(a) Denmark (Seven Regions): People are full of admiration for the resistance of the Danes - particularly the actions of the Danish Navy - but there is some fear that they “acted prematurely”. People wonder whether the outbreak was engineered by the Allies, invasion plan.

(b) Bulgaria (Six Regions): Interest in King Boris’ death continues, as does the assumption that he died “unnaturally” - either at the hands of a “patriot”, or of German agents. Some hoped that his death might “improve the situation”, and there is regret that it does not appear to have done so.

(c) Sweden (Five Regions): As a result of the recent friction between Sweden and Germany, people are wondering if “she will be drawn into the war”, or whether we shall invade Scandinavia.

(2.3.5.5SE.6.7.10.11.13. 17 four provincial P.Cs.)

8. The Far East

Interest remains limited (except for those with relatives out there). Nevertheless news of Japanese air losses and of U.S. Forces “paving their way through territory held by the enemy” gives great satisfaction.

The appointment of Lord Louis Mountbatten as Supreme Allied Commander in South-East Asia is again mentioned with pleasure (Four Regions). He is thought to be “efficient and a good man for the job”. It is hoped an intensified attack on Japan will result from his appointment, bringing substantial relief to China.

Prisoners in Japanese hands ; Concern continues over Japanese treatment of prisoners and their refusal to admit representatives of the International Red Cross.

China : People ask for more news of China, and think she is not sufficiently acknowledged by Britain and the U.S.A. “The country which made the first stand seems to be last on our books.”

(2.3.4.5.7.8.9.10. 17 one provincial P.C.)

9. Amgot

Criticism of Amgot is reported from two Regions. It is accused of “suppressing democracy in Sicily”, and people fear that if introduced into the liberated European countries, “we shall see our military forces used to stabilise the Fascist administrations we are setting out to destroy”.

(4.11)

[illegible] Hess

There is still some criticism that the Hess story was told in America first.

Attempts in the press to “write Hess off as insane” are looked upon as possible excuses for avoiding punishing him.

The “boy Scout” discussion continues; a minority hold the view that it is “much ado about nothing”...”an obviously unintentional slip of the tongue”.

(3.5.6.10)

11. National Day of Prayer

Reports from six Regions give news of services “well attended”. There were queues outside a Manchester church where “services were held every twenty minutes during the day”, and enthusiasm at Cheltenham where, on the previous day, General Dobbie had spoken to packed audiences.

(3.4.5.5SE.7.10)

12. Mr. Learie Constantine

Strong indignation has been reported at the refusal of a London hotel to accommodate Mr. Constantine and his party (Five Regions). Discrimination against any coloured men, but “especially against those from the Dominions” (sic) is deplored: “If they are good enough to fight for us, they are good enough to live with us.” In the Southern Region, people are said to feel that the matter cannot be left where it is, and in Scotland “a number suggest that Mr. Constantine should be invited to lunch with the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace”.

Mr. Constantine's broadcast was appreciated, and is said to have been very sympathetically received.

(2.5.6.10.11)

13. Holidays

Comment goes on along familiar lines. It is believed the press and B.B.C. exaggerated stories of crowded stations so as to make people stay at home.

(4.5.7.9)

14. Broadcasting and news presentation

Satisfaction with news presentation by press and radio continues (Four Regions).

There is, however, criticism of speculation and guesswork by the news services (Five Regions). Specific instances quoted are the sensational expectations aroused about the Prime Minister's speech, and the speculation on the reason for the recall of M. Maisky and M. Litvinov.

Some think there is too much detail in reports of air raids on enemy countries. They are said to resemble the “Boche gloating of 1941”; people are “getting weary of hearing the pilot's story of his experiences during raids”.

Criticism of press photographs is reported from two Regions. “The press photographs of emergency feeding in Berlin have not convinced people that Berliners are worried and dejected”.

European News Service: Praise continues (Five Regions).

John Hilton's death: “Sincere regret” is expressed at the death of John Hilton (Five Regions and Postal Censorship). “After listening to a man for ten years it is a great loss. He was, I am cort[illegible] very popular.” (Postal Censorship)

Praise this week for: Dr. J.J. Mallon's Postscript, August 29 (Four Regions); Sir Philip Joubert's Postscript, September 2 (Three Regions).

The Changes in the directorate of the B.B.C. (Three Regions) have aroused very little comment, but some hope of improvement in programmes and News editing.

The effect of battery shortages on listening habits

A B.B.C. Listener Research Report, August 31, reveals the extent to which listeners are at present compelled to restrict their listening because of difficulty in getting batteries. The position for Great Britain as a whole and for urban and rural areas within Great Britain, is shown below.

In Great Britain as a whole more than 13% of the listening public is having to restrict its listening because of the shortage of dry batteries or the difficulty of getting wet batteries recharged. As will be seen, the position in country districts is very much more serious than in towns. Battery sets are relatively twice as frequently used in rural as in urban areas. In both types of area rationed listening is a majority practice by battery set users, but it is much more common in rural areas where three battery set owners in every four curtail their listening because of the shortage. (These figures may somewhat overstate the frequency of mains driven sets in Great Britain, but there is no reason to believe that the relative positions of urban and rural areas is seriously misrepresented.)

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10. 17 two provincial P.Cs. 20.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

15. Manpower

The proposed registration of older women (Seven Regions): There has been a further decline in comment, but criticism continues on similiar lines:

It would be unnecessary if manpower were not being wasted (Six Regions). Specific mention is made of:

(i) Younger women who are not pulling their weight in the Forces, - “they are openly boasting that they have nothing to do, and are having the time of their lives” - in Government and local authority offices, and in the retail trade.

(ii) Fit young men who are left in jobs which could be done by women. In the Midland Region it is felt to be a “disgrace for older women to be called up so long as there is a conscientious objector allowed to evade war service”.

(b) Many older women are already fully occupied by home cares: “Some long to be called up to be sure of a holiday.”

(c) They could not stand the strain of factory work

Some people feel that “the proposal will come to nothing”.

(3.5.5SE.6.7.9.10. 17)

16. Clothing

Clothing and footwear problems continue ad main topics on the home front.

Increased coupon allowance for children with large feet: The announcement of extra coupons for children with large feet has been welcomed (Seven Regions). It is, however, said that the increased allowance “doesn't promise the shoes will be there to buy”, and “doesn't solve the repair problem”. In the North Western Region, there have been large queues to collect the additional coupons; because, it is thought, publicity “has not been sufficiently clear and simple” and the general public are not aware that they have twelve months in which to collect them.

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11. 17 one provincial P.C.)

17. Food

General satisfaction with the food situation continues as do the following complaints of the shortage of fruit and tomatoes, and high prices of vegetables. While the “sugar instead of jam” scheme is again praised, it is asked “what is the good without fruit?”

The announcement of the removal of corned beef from the meat ration has been greeted with satisfaction (Four Regions). People in the South Western Region, however, “didn't mind a bit of corner beef; it was useful for sandwiches”.

(2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10. 17 ten provincial P.Cs.)

18. New Fireguard Orders

During the past two weeks there has been fairly widespread criticism of the Fireguard Orders, which are thought too complicated to be generally understood (Four Regions). There continues to be satisfaction with the concessions to women, and the “tightening of loopholes by which many escaped”. In the North Midland Region it is said “up to now few women have been released, and men appear hardly affected”.

(1.2.3.5.5SE.6)

19. Youth

During the past four weeks, references have again been made to concern about:

(a) The lack of home influence on young children, due to both parents being either at work or in the Forces. This is felt to result in much juvenile delinquency, including wanton damage and theft.

(b) The bad behaviour of adolescent girls “throwing themselves at the troops”, and the rowdy behaviour of adolescents of both sexes in public houses.

Youth organisations: Reference is again made to the importance of youth organisations in preventing the growth of juvenile delinquency and adolescent bad behaviour, and to the need for these organisations to find new methods of tackling these problems.

(2.3.5SE.6.8.9.10)

20. Rumour

In spite of denials, it is rumoured in three Regions that the basic petrol ration is to be reinstated.

(3.4.9)