A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46
Wt 19398 10M 7/43 H J R & L
SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
No. 157 7th October, 1943
(Covering period, from 26th September to 5th October, 1943)
I. GENERAL COMMENTS
1. General state of confidence and reaction to news
People are pleased with the way the fighting is going in Italy and Russia, and confidence in Allied arms remains high. Uneasiness is, however, reported about:
(a) The attitude of the Allied Governments to the political situation in Italy and, to a lesser extent, in Yugoslavia and Greece.
(b) What the Russians will do when they reach their pre-war frontiers.
(c) The position on the home front as regards:
(i) Recent strikes. Grave and widespread concern continues.
(ii) Postwar conditions. Doubt about the Government's intentions is said to be increasing. (A four weekly summary on public feeling about post-war conditions will appear in next week's report)
Footwear is again the main domestic difficulty, and a slight increase in transport problems is reported.
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.5.10.11.13. 17)
2. Italy
Politics : Dislike and distrust of Badoglio, his Government and the King continue; so does uneasiness about “our present compromise with ex-Fascist elements” - “We haven't forgotten Darlan”. An Italian Government with Badoglio at the head “would be very unpopular, once the Germans have been cleared out of Italy".
People are wondering whether Italy is now “an Ally, a. belligerent ex-enemy, a non-belligerent or a co-belligerent” and whether the Italian Fleet did or did not surrender. It is felt that the Italians were our enemies, and should be treated as such; “We should not be too ready to trust them - we may get a stab in the back.”
The 5th and 8th Armies: Satisfaction continues with their progress, “although slower than the Russian” - but after the difficulties at Salerno people expect progress to be slow. The capture of [Text Missing]at and Foggia, though anticipated, gave pleasure.
Concern at the German destruction of Naples and speculation and anxiety as to what will happen to Rome are again reported.
British prisoners of war in Italy (Five Regions): Anxiety continues about the fate of those still in German occupied Italy.
Casualties at Salerno (Four Regions): As people believed there were more American troops than British at the landings, they were surprised at the number of British casualties: “Did the Americans give the British lads the worst positions to hold?”
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13. 17)
Russia
In addition to the reactions reported last week there is some speculation about:
(a) What will happen to Poland (Seven Regions) and the Baltic States (Two Regions), if Russia drives the Germans beyond her own prewar frontiers?
(b) Russo-Japanese relations (Three Regions). It is variously asked (One Region each) whether:
(i) Russia will declare war on Germany.
(ii) Russia is exchanging commodities with Japan - for instance, munitions for rubber.
(iii) Japanese propaganda is driving a wedge between the Russians and her English-speaking Allies.
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13. 17)
4. Allied air offensive
Satisfaction at the renewal of heavy bombing of enemy targets is reported from ten Regions. Many people feel that by destroying war production and morale, this is doing more to win the war than is apparent on the surface.
Heavy air losses are again mentioned with regret and some doubt was expressed whether the previous “lull” might not have been due to this, but the Prime Minister's statement about the percentage of losses is thought to have reassured people on this point.
In Scotland the B.B.C. is greatly praised for the feature programme of the bombing of Berlin, which gave the public “some consciousness of the strain and dangers of these raids”.
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6,7.8.9.10.11)
5. The Balkans
There is some satisfaction at the part Balkan patriots are playing, particularly the Yugoslav guerillas on the Adriatic; but anger (in London) that we have not done more to help them. They are it is felt, giving us an opportunity for landing there and it is hoped we will make good use of the Italian airfields for this purpose.
Politics : The uneasiness about the political situation in Italy is felt, to a lesser extent, about Greece and Yugoslavia (Three Regions). It is feared that the Allied Governments propose to set up the monarchies again in these countries “before the peoples can have their say”.
Food (Two Regions) : People hope that we will relieve the food situation in Greece at the earliest possible moment, while realising that to send food to occupied countries is indirectly feeding Germany.
(3.4.5.8.10.13.)
6. Corsica
Its fall is welcomed and people are pleased at the part played by the French. There is, however, some comment at the resumption of the quarrels between Generals Giraud and de Gaulle.
(1.3.4.6.8.)
7. The next move
Talk and speculation are much less
(1.3.5.5SE.6.7)
8. The Prime Minister's review of the war in the House of Commons
Praise continues on the same lines as last week.
(1.3.4.5.6.7.8. 17)
9. Far East
There is little comment on the war in the Pacific this week, but some satisfaction with our “slow but steady advance” against the Japanese (Seven Regions). An intensification of the war in the near future is hoped for.
Famine in Bengal : Concern continues (Seven Regions). It is considered “shameful” that such a serious famine should arise, in the British Empire, from profiteering and “black market”. An immediate investigation, it is suggested, should be made into the cause of the famine, and the person, or persons, responsible be punished severely - “be they European or Indian”. The British administration is criticised (Two Regions) : “If this is one of the results, we should abandon our rule in India.”
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.10)
10. War at sea
Satisfaction continues at our shipping position (Seven Regions) People are “happy in the knowledge that this country is now master of the seas”, and “fervent thanks” are felt for the Navy. News of the renewal of attacks on our convoys, and losses suffered, “does not appear to have decreased confidence that ‘all is well’“.
(2.3.4.5.5SE.10.11)
11. The death of Sir Kingsley Wood and the Cabinet changes
There are further expressions of regret at the death of Sir Kingsley Wood, but still little comment on the Cabinet changes, none of which seems to have aroused much interest or enthusiasm. Lord Beaverbrook's inclusion in particular is mentioned unfavourably, nor are the reasons for it understood.
(1.3.4.5.6.9.10)
12. Press speculation about General Marshall
People do not like the idea of General Marshall being appointed “C. in C. over everybody everywhere”. They would prefer “experienced British fighting Generals” like Montgomery and Alexander: “The Americans already supply commanders on two fronts.”
(1.5.6.7.8.10.13)
13. Broadcasting and presentation of news
There is less comment on news presentation this week, but general satisfaction is again reported. There are isolated criticisms, of news (e.g. of strikes) being sometimes presented in a one-sided manner; of misleading headlines and of repetition.
B.B.C. : The following are praised this week:
Sir Philip Joubert's war commentary, September 30 (Six Regions); Marching on, September 30 (Three Regions); Radio Doctor, Radio Padre, Into Battle, World Goes by (Two Regions each).
The return of the Brains Trust is again welcomed (Three Regions). The Postscript by a V.A.D . September 19, is still criticised (Eight Regions). It is said to have been particularly disliked by nursing staffs. some credit is again given to it, however disliked by nursing, as “sincere”. (See Part III, Appendix, A. for a B.B.C Listener Research Report on the V.A.D's Postscriptif).
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11. 17 two provincial P.Cs.)
II. SPECIAL COMMENTS
WEEKLY REVIEW
14. Strikes
Strikes are the main home front interest this week.
Considerable uneasiness is expressed at “the general unrest among workers” and concern, anger and disgust are again widely reported at the numerous strikes all over the country.
Particular indignation is expressed by the wives and families of men in the Forces and by middle-class and business people, and while working-class people are more sympathetic to the strikers, many are against strikes in wartime. What appears to disgust people most is that “men, safely at home, should use strike weapons while our lads are facing danger and death”, and there are many comparisons between the conditions, pay and freedom to strike of men in industry and those in the Forces.
Suggestions for dealing with strikers range from shooting to conscription. The Government is urged to to take strong action and is blamed both for not having dealt with the troubles at their source (e.g. in “failing to introduce equitable wage scales”) and for not dealing more firmly with the strikes when they occur. It is felt that no other nation would allow strikes at such a time, that the Governments should impose martial law, should treat strikers as though they were in the Forces or “treat them as the Russians would”. It is particularly thought that the Government should take drastic action when members of a Trade union refuse to accept the ruling of an arbitration tribunal, after this ruling has been accepted by the union leaders.
The strike at Vickers-Armstrong, Barrow-in-Furness , is the subject of particular interest and anger on the part of the public, many of whom, however, are said to know little about the award, or the reasons for the strike.
Some sympathy is expressed, nevertheless, particularly by workers, who say that “engineers have always been the worst paid and most highly skilled of workers” and that “if they don't fight for their rights now, they certainly won't get them after the war”.
The causes of industrial unrest and strikes are widely discussed. Some accept the reasons for strikes at their face value, particularly where they involve disparity in wages between skilled and unskilled, but there is a feeling that local labour grievances, often of a trivial nature, are only the superficial cause of strikes. There is an increasing belief that there is “something behind it, which the press is not revealing”. The following causes are suggested, the first in particular being regarded by many as the real one:
(a) “Government failure to deal with questions of postwar social security and unemployment” (Eight Regions). “The mismanagement of the Beveridge Plan” is said to have broken the faith of many working people who had looked upon it as our ideal to work and fight for. The fear of postwar unemployment is said to result in reluctance to bring to an end present comparative prosperity and in a feeling that now is the time for workers to “make sure of things while they can” (Three Regions). It is suggested that “a definite sign of determination to tackle social security problems now and to commit the Government to a definite policy or plan would do more than anything at the moment to counter unrest in industry”.
(b) The breakdown of Trade Union authority (Six Regions). People are concerned about this; the Trade Union movement is said to be “losing caste in the eyes of the public, because of the way in which their authority is being flouted”, as a result of which some people doubt if the Unions are now truly representative.
(c) Fatigue and war-weariness (Four Regions).
(d) Fifth column or fascist activities (Two Regions).
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13)
15. Miners and Mining
There is less comment on the disturbances in the coalfields, but it is on the same lines as last week. People generally condemn the action of the miners in “taking advantage of the situation and placing themselves above the law”. On the other hand, there is sympathy with their grievances; a small minority think: “They have been treated badly in the past, this is their opportunity to improve conditions”.
The Minister of Fuel and Power is thought by some to have acted “weakly” and many people ask for an uncompromising stand by the Government to prevent strikes in war time. Some feel that firmer action should be taken with both owners and men.
Manpower in mines : Little faith continues to be placed in the appeal for volunteer labour, and familiar objections are raised against the direction of youths into the pits (Four Regions each).
While the main solution is still thought to be the release of minors from Forces and other occupations (Six Regions), another suggestion is state control of the mines (Three Regions). Some people think nationalisation to be “the only thing that make miners believe in their future”, and that “compulsory measures would be better received if pits were under state control”. The present dual control is thought to command no confidence and men complain that the Government has given no convincing postwar assurance. “Men obliged to work in mines object to increasing the profits of owners who gave them such a raw deal prior to the war.” There is again comment on reports that “poor seams are sometimes worked while richer ones are reserved for after the war” (Two Regions).
Other comments (from one Region each) are:
(a) The Porter award for juveniles is “scorned by the men.... The great thing is still missing - security”.
(b) The proposal that miners should work an extra shift on Saturdays and on one Sunday a month has been passed over without comment “as so altogether unlikely to come into operation”.
(c) Miners feel that production has been speeded up “beyond all reasonable power of endurance, that mechanisation is not as successful as expected, and that after long shifts, firewatching and Home Guard parades are often exasperating to the point of desperation”.
(d) Criticism of the failure of Parliament to sit an extra day to consider the coal position.
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.11.13. 17 two provincial P.Cs.)
16. The registration of older women
Comment continues on familiar lines. People still think that older women should not be called upon “until a thorough comb out has been made of younger people”. The following services are still thought to be over-staffed, or to contain young women who might be replaced by older: Government Departments (Five Regions); Women's Services (Four Regions); Civil Defence (Three Regions); Local Authorities (One Region). There is again unfavourable comment about “the many officers’ wives at present living idle lives in hotels” (Two Regions).
The women concerned : Once more those least opposed to the idea are said to be the women themselves (Four Regions), some of whom are “very indignant over all the fuss that is being made; they consider that the agitation is man-made, and feel themselves quite competent to take up work”. Some are “most pleased to think they are still useful”.
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.9.11)
17. “Pay-as-you-earn” income tax
Widespread praise is again reported for “a sensible and business-like reform”.
Criticisms, mainly from those who will not benefit, are made of:
(a) The exclusion of those paid on a monthly basis . (Eight Regions). Black-coated workers are said to feel strongly about it. It is pointed out that “a works electrician, who might earn as much as £20 a week, is paid weekly and therefore will benefit from the new scheme: whereas a minor clerk or teacher who is paid, say £15 a month, does not come under the scheme”.
(b) “The writing off of arrears” (Five Regions). “Blackcoats” are particularly critical about this and it is asked “why highly paid workers who may earn up to £20 a week should be forgiven payments over the stated periods when lower-paid salaried folk, farmers, etc., who work just as hard, obtain no relief”. There is some feeling that “one section has got away with it”.
Postwar credits : Some revival of discussion is reported (Three Regions). Those who have not yet received any indication of their postwar credits wonder why others have. Some are wondering when and how they will be able to reclaim them and scepticism about their value is also reported. It is asked whether the Government will use the tax-payers’ postwar credit to help pay for the weekly wage-earners’ remission of tax arrears.
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10)
18. The National Conference of Women
Opinion on this seems to be sharply divided between those who were not present and those who were.
Among the general public some adverse comment is reported on the following lines:
(a) Why all the secrecy? (Six Regions). The “secrecy surrounding it” is said to have been the cause of much derision on the part of those who were not there, some of whom describe it as “a lot fuss about nothing”.
(b) How were the women selected? (Five Regions). “Why were they entitled to priority over the rest of the country in receiving a Government statement?”
(c) Was the expense involved justified? (Four Regions).
(d) Did it justify adding to the pressure on the railways? (Two Regions).
(e) Why was the press excluded? (Two Regions). This caused regret to some, annoyance to others.
Those who were present , however, seem for the most part to have been pleased and impressed and some of them “came home greatly inspired and determined to work till they drop”. Mr. Churchill's and Mr. Bevin's speeches were praised, and. Mr. Bevin's stock is said particularly to have gone up. A number of women Civil Servants who had come from Northern Ireland, however, considered that “so far as the speeches generally were concerned, they told the audience very little that was not already known”.
Even some of the women who attended have been critical of the method of selection and, according to the Scottish report, there have been “some bitter remarks about the apparently well-to-do and upper-class elements predominating - ‘the kind who go around in uniforms pretending they've a lot to do’“.
(2.3.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.11.13)
19. Clothing
Complaints continue on familiar lines, footwear difficulties again predominating. The increase in coupon value of shoes, particularly, is felt to be “all against the national health”.
The Ilford High School girl is mentioned in two reports. Sympathy is said to be with the parents, particularly among other parents who complain of the “unreasonable attitude of most schools to uniforms, special shoes and sports dress”.
(1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11. 17 three provincial P.Cs.)
20. Food
There is again general praise that “we are being so well looked after” (Eight Regions), though a few people feel that the food position is getting more difficult.
Appreciation of the extra jam ration is again reported (Six Regions), but some people ask: “Where are the unusual kinds promised?”
There is complaint of bad distribution causing local shortages of various commodities (Six Regions).
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10. 17 ten provincial P.Cs.)
21. Penalty imposed for over-charging
The sentence passed on a West of Scotland shopkeeper for overcharging - whereby he is compelled to close his 14 shops for a year - has been welcomed in Scotland, where “this firm policy has aroused favourable comment everywhere”. In Wales, too, it has been “loudly cheered by shoppers, for there are many instances of over-charging but people are too shy to complain”.
(8.11)
22. Youth
During the past four weeks widespread concern has been expressed about:
(a) Juvenile delinquency and misdemeanours (Nine Regions). Both the “number and character of cases in the courts”, and an alleged increase in lying and petty pilfering by children generally, are deplored. There is also comment on their “indifference to education”, as shown by their irregular and unpunctual attendance at school.
Lack of proper parental control is held responsible, and “bad handling by magistrates” is felt to add to the problem.
(b) Promiscuous behaviour and excessive drinking by adolescents (Seven Regions). The behaviour of young girls with soldiers - particularly with American coloured troops - causes special concern. Some form of compulsion to keep girls in their early teens away from camps is suggested.
Drastic restriction in the sale of alcohol to young people and some means of curtailing their “excessive” pocket money are also advocated.
The White Paper on “Youth Registration in 1942 “ has been “very well received’’ (Three Regions).
Youth Organisations are again praised (Two Regions) • It is suggested, however, that the organisation of youth needs “a strong national movement”, and that “small parochial efforts are not much use”.
(1.2.3.4.5.5SE.6.7.8.9.10.13)
23. ALarm clocks
During the past six weeks there have been isolated complaints of the distribution arrangements for imported alarm clocks. A “great demand for permits” is also reported.
Criticisms are:
(a) That railway workers and road passenger transport workers are the first favoured (Two Regions). Miners, particularly, feel “hard done by”, since “transport workers do not have to get up at 2 or 3 a.m.”.
(b) That Trade Unions have the dispensing of permits (Two Regions). Traders look upon it as “an insult and unfair”.
The shortage of alarm clocks continues to be complained of (Four Regions). Employers Complain of work being held up through employees oversleeping.
(1.2.3.4.5SE.6.8.9.10)
III. APPENDIX
A. Postscript by a young nurse (Sunday, September 19, 1943)
According to a B.B.C. Listener research report:
this Postscript excited the most violent reactions. Its Popularity Index, 46, was well below the recent average (75 out of a possible 100), but it has aroused a greater amount of interest according to Correspondents’ spontaneous remarks, than any Postscript since Laskier's. No one said they were bored by it and that it was “all right “, as they so often do in reporting on Postscripts, The minority who liked it welcomed it mainly as a change from the usual run of Postscripts, and also because they felt it was a sincere, moving story of a human experience, exceptionally well expressed. Many more disliked it because they found the speaker theatrical, and her story sentimental and unreal. It was considered an untrue picture of the actual experience of the average nurse, and putting off prospective V.A.Ds. There was considerable doubt [Text Missing] more were not. There was some evidence that the Postscript tended to appeal more to men than women.
B. Vulgarity in B.B.C. Variety Programmes
According to a. B.B.C. Listener Research report:
“In view of Lady Snowden's recent speech and the publicity given to it in the Press, steps have been taken once again to test the opinions of listeners on the control which the B.B.C. exercises over comedians in the matter of vulgarity. The form of the enquiry was identical with that employed on two previous occasions, February 1940 and January 1941. A cross-section of listeners, 5,300 in all, were asked to say whether they agreed with one of the following statements. The results were as follows:
“It will be seen that, as before, the vast majority of listeners do not consider that the Corporation is lax. Nevertheless, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of those who feel that more care should be taken, and this minority is now equivalent to one listener in five. It Is also worth noting the proportion of listeners who have no opinion on this issue has decreased since the last enquiry was made, while the proportion who think the B.B.C. is over-scrupulous remains fairly constant.”
(20)