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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 288

The aim of this Report is to present an impartial assessment of public feeling about the war and the war effort. It is not a record of fact , except in so far as public opinion is itself a fact. The public is sometimes ill-informed, prejudiced, or inconsistent. The recording of such feelings without comment implies no endorsement of them.

The public is more prone to criticise than to praise. Good work or efficiency is usually taken for granted. An accurate record of expressed feeling will, therefore, tend to be critical rather than laudatory. Though this Report must inevitably represent mainly articulate opinion, it has been found in practice that the views of the less articulate do not substantially differ, though their range is smaller.

The method of compiling the Report is such that the amount of space devoted to each subject, and the order in which subjects are placed, are roughly indicative of the amount of public interest each is arousing. The omission of a subject from the Report means that it is not a matter of widespread comment.

In assessing the state of public feeling there are no absolutes. Findings can only be comparative. Each issue of this Report must therefore be read as part of a continuous series. Unless the series is seen as a whole, the significance of fluctuations in feeling cannot be appreciated.

The figures in brackets at the end of each section refer to sources of information, a list of which is given on the next page. The weekly reports from Regional Information Officers (R.I.Os.) are compiled by their Regional Intelligence Officers from a large number of sources. Details of the methods of compilation and cross-checking are contained in a paper on “How the Home Intelligence Weekly Report is made”. This will be supplied on request to the Home Intelligence Division of the Ministry of Information.

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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
SECRET

No. 168. 23rd December, 1943

(Covering period from 14th to 21st December, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General

No change in spirits since last week. The first news of Mr. Churchill's illness caused widespread anxiety and some alarm, but the latest bulletins have reassured the public and it is now expected he will make a satisfactory recovery.

Apart from this, interest in the war has been slight and attention has been mainly focused on domestic matters:

Christmas : The break is looked forward to by workers, but there is much grumbling about the scarcity, high price and rubbishy quality of presents - toys especially. Anxiety over the Christmas dinner continues.

It is generally hoped and believed that this is the last Christmas of the war.

Illness and weariness : Apart from widespread complaints of flu and ill-health generally, there is much talk of war weariness, tiredness, strain and frayed nerves, the situation being aggravate for many people by lack of help in the home.

Other home front topics are uncertain postwar prospects, clothing problems - particularly footwear and shortage of coupons - and, in some Regions, the housing shortage.

The ballot for the mines is much discussed.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17)

2. The Prime Minister

Widespread anxiety and sympathy followed the report of Mr. Churchill's illness, which put all other topics in the background. The news came as a shock after Mr. Eden's statement that he had left the Prime Minister in good health, though tired, and people remember with concern the previous attack of pneumonia earlier in the year. Bulletins were eagerly awaited and the later news brought profound relief.

All classes, including even Communists, are stated to realise the great debt the country owes to Mr. Churchill; and it is universally felt there is no one who could follow him on the same grand scale. People feel strongly that he does far too much, and exposes himself to too many severe risks; now his mission to M. Stalin is completed, they suggest that any further conferences should be held in London, which, it is thought, is as good a centre as any. Alternatively, someone else should go abroad in Mr. Churchill's place.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17)

3. Christmas

There is widespread comment about:

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 13. 17 fourteen provincial P.Cs.)

4. Italy

There is again disappointment at our slow progress, in spite of allowances for the weather (Ten Regions). Some feel that something went wrong at the outset of the campaign and that possibly it has been a mistake; others suggest that it is part of future strategy, and we are simply marking time until the final onslaught is launched. A minority point out that the Germans had only a few weeks to prepare strong points in Italy, and wonder what will happen in the West when we tackle positions prepared over years. Praise for our fighting-men and distrust of Italian soldiers continue.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11)

5. Allied air offensive

Great satisfaction continues (Six Regions), especially with our raids on Berlin. There is, however, some irritation at unfulfilled official promises of non-stop bombing of Germany.

Many feel the air offensive is shortening the war; some believe the Germans cannot stand it much longer; others, again, are surprised at German toughness.

Minority sympathy with civilians continues, though it appears to have decreased slightly (Five Regions). Dislike of “gloating” by the Press continues.

U.S.A.A.F. (Four Regions). Great appreciation of the work of the U.S.A.A.F. is reported, but some still do not believe American claims of enemy fighters destroyed.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 13. 17 passim)

6. Russia

Admiration continues widespread.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 five provincial P.Cs.)

7. Kharkov trials

Much interest in the Kharkov trials of war criminals is reported. There is satisfaction that Russia should have instituted the trials at this stage of the war. The promptness is taken as an example worthy for us to follow, as some fear we shall not be firm enough in punishing those responsible for atrocities.

The candid confessions of the accused have caused surprise, and opinion is divided on their genuineness. Those who doubt recall previous Russian trials. On the other hand, some who had been inclined to dismiss stories of Nazi inhumanity as propaganda are now prepared to trust the veracity of Soviet accounts.

There is some fear that the Germans will take reprisals on our prisoners of war, or on the Russian people (One Region each - this was before stories of German threats had appeared).

(1. 2. 3. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13)

8. The Allied Conferences and Turkey

Comment is dying down, but satisfaction continues, particularly at the idea that co-operation is to go on after the war.

Turkey : Much speculation as to what Turkey will do, and continued discussion of the Churchill-Roosevelt-Ineunu talks. Many are disappointed, however, that no results of this Conference are yet apparent.

Mr. Eden's statement in the House (December 14) has caused great satisfaction but not much comment. There is approval for his “realistic” statement on Greece and Yugo-Slavia, and a few were pleased with his expression of good-will towards France - “a counter to Smuts' opinion”. His speech has, however, damped some people's hopes of Turkey's armed intervention.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 17 nine provincial P.Cs.)

9. The Mosley release

Comment, though considerable (Ten Regions), continues to decrease. Many feel it is high time it stopped altogether. Workers and relatives of servicemen are still bitter; a growing number of other people “on maturer reflection” understand and appreciate Mr. Morrison's action.

Reasons suggested for the outcry include: (a) “Healthy” fascist hatred; (b) Communist agitation; (c) A readiness to take the Government's treatment of Mosley as an indication of its postwar attitude - at a time of great anxiety about postwar conditions; (d) Press over-emphasis.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 9. 10. 17)

10. Next move

The arrival home of the 50th and 51st Divisions, and the Allied Conferences have stimulated speculation. The Allies will, it is variously thought, invade the Balkans, France or the Low Countries any time between now and next Spring.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10)

11. Reprisals and Secret Weapons

Comment has increased.

Some speculation and expectation of reprisal raids is reported (Six Regions). People in Southampton and Scotland are said to be growing apprehensive about raids when “the great offensive” is launched. Londoners are not taking reprisal threats very seriously, though their reaction to such raids as do occur is described as “disproportionate”.

Discussion about the “secret weapon” continues slight, though some apprehension is reported from parts of the Southern Region.

(3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 9. 11. 17 six provincial P.Cs.)

12. General Smuts' address (November 25)

This is still discussed, on the lines reported last week.

(1. 2. 3. 5SE. 6. 7. 10)

13. War at sea

General satisfaction continues with the campaign against the U-boats. One Regional report mentions that some people are disturbed about Allied losses in Bari harbour, and wonder how it was we were caught napping.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 17 one provincial P.C.)

14. The Balkans

Yugoslavia (Five Regions): General Tito and his army are capturing the public imagination, and people are pleased the British and Russian Governments have recognised him.

Bulgaria (Four Regions), it is hoped, will soon desert Germany.

(1. 3. 5. 6. 11)

15. The Far East

The landings in New Britain have been welcomed, and some are now expecting a large scale attack on the Japanese. At the same time, many continue never to cast their minds on the Far East at all.

At Alnwick (Northern Region) a rumour that parachutists had landed in the South of England is thought to have been due to a misunderstanding of B.B.C. news about landings in New Britain.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 11. 13)

16. Prisoners of war in Japanese hands

During the past six weeks there have been reports of:

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 7. 8. 9)

17. Broadcasting and presentation of news

There is very little comment this week on news presentation.

B.B.C. entertainment programmes are again criticised, but broadcast plays continue to be praised.

General : Praise for Squadron Leader John Strachey's war commentary, December 16 (Three Regions); “The Air is Our Concern”; Radio Doctor; Fuel Flash, December 20; ITMA (Two Regions each): Helen Kirkpatrick's Postscript, December 19 (One Region).

Brains Trust : This is adversely criticised in three Regional reports. The original team is said to be preferred.

(1. 2. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

SHORT WEEKLY REVIEW

18. Health

The influenza epidemic is again widely reported to be causing some concern (All Regions), though in some parts it is believed to be abating. Low resistance is again attributed to food deficiencies, lack of coupons to buy warm underclothing, poor quality coal and fuel economy, and over-tiredness. Some people criticise as misleading the Government statement of a “three-day flu of mild character”, while others feel that too much publicity is being given to the epidemic and that the “newspapers seem bent on scaring people”.

Medical and domestic difficulties are stressed (Seven Regions). It is asked when Mr. Bevin is going to create a pool of labour to help the sick in emergency.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17)

19. The ballot for the mines

The scheme continues to be widely discussed. While it is still approved as fair, there is an increase in critical comment this week. This is on familiar lines:

The release of miners from the Forces and industry (Six Regions), and nationalisation (Three Regions) are again suggested as alternatives.

The waste of training of Cadets continues to be deplored (Six Regions).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 17 one Special, two provincial P.Cs.)

20. Fuel

During the past two weeks some concern and depression have been reported about the “coal muddle” (Five Regions). The Government's “timorous” attitude is criticised (Three Regions), particularly as regards strikes (Two Regions).

The Fuel Economy Campaign is thought not to “cut much ice” at present (Four Regions). People are believed less ready to economise this winter than they were last. Reasons suggested for this are:

(1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 9. 10. 17 one Special P.C.)

21. Postwar

Scepticism continues to outweigh hope - in spite of confidence in Lord Woolton.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 8. 9. 10. 17)

22. Education Bill

Approval for the Education Bill seems very general - the only exception being Roman Catholics. Preliminary reports suggest that the raising of the school leaving age is the most discussed clause.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10)

23. Disabled Persons (Employment) Bill

There has been little comment. The proposals have been warmly welcomed (Four Regions), and are said to have been taken by some as a good sign for after the war.

In the Northern Region, business men are inclined to be critical; they say “it's obvious employers will not employ semi-fit men without compulsion and/or subsidy by the Government”.

(1. 2. 9. 10)

24. Clothing

The familiar complaints continue, with particular reference to: (a) The shortage of coupons for renewing exhausted stocks, both personal and household, and (b) footwear difficulties , specially the shortage and poor quality of children's shoes, and difficulties and delays over repairs.

The announcement of extra coupons for manual workers in agriculture and industry has been welcomed (Four Regions), but there is some disappointment that the extra coupons will not be available at once for use this winter.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 17 seven provincial P.Cs.)

25. Agriculture

The statement by the Minister of Agriculture about farm prices (December 16) has had a mixed reception. Many farmers are still very dissatisfied, and some are “even more sore” over the reasons given by Mr. Hudson. They view the future with dismay. On the other hand, some of the wealthier farmers in Northumberland and some people in non-farming communities regard the Minister's point of view as fair. Farmers in Dorset, also, are said on the whole to be satisfied.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 10)

26. Housing

The question of housing and accommodation continues an urgent problem - in London many people are said to have literally nowhere to live.

(1. 4. 5. 6. 9)

27. Lord's Day Observance Society

During the past three weeks , there have been reports of localised indignation at the activities of the Lord's Day Observance Society. Feeling has been strongest in areas where Sunday performances have been stopped, for example at Gosport, where a Nativity Play was not allowed to be given in a local cinema. It is asked how this squares with the wide variety of films which may be seen on Sundays.

(3. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 10)

III. PERIODICAL REVIEW

28. U.S. troops in this country

During the past four weeks criticism of U.S. troops has outweighed favourable comment. Nevertheless, reports from five Regions, particularly the Southern Region, show that a number of people like the Americans, including the coloured troops. They feel the Americans are “decent”, though “they need understanding”; their kindness to children is much appreciated and particular mention is made of their “wonderful generosity” in entertaining them (Three Regions).

Those who are adversely impressed are critical of the following:

Billeting and hospitality (Four Regions): Some concern is reported at the prospect of U.S. billetees, particularly where there is no man in the house. Others want to show friendliness and ask if, where an American is billeted without food, they could have extra rations so as to be able to ask them in occasionally. There are good reports of U.S. billetees from Bude. With regard to home hospitality some are said to be tired of trying - “they do not turn up and seldom send any apology” (Two Regions). Others feel the Americans would be bored with the “small, homely English way of entertaining”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 13. 17)

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