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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. 169. 31st December, 1943

(Covering period from 21st to 29th December, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General

Some rise in spirits is reported, as a result of the sinking of the Scharnhorst, the Christmas break, and Mr. Churchill's improvement in health. People would, it is thought, be even more cheerful, but for ill-health and tiredness, both of which are still widespread.

Christmas affairs have been the main topic. In spite of much grumbling at prices and shortages (particularly of toys and intoxicants), people appear to have been less dissatisfied with supplies than they expected. Shortages, too, were accepted more readily in the general expectation that this would be the last Christmas before victory over Germany.

The announcement of the Commanders for liberating Europe has caused much interest, and has stimulated speculation about the coming offensive. On the whole, the appointments have met with approval.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. No reports from the Eastern Region or the South Eastern District this week.)

2. The war at sea

The news of the sinking of the Scharnhorst has caused great delight and jubilation ... “the best Christmas present we have had”. The courage and skill of the Navy are highly commended, and the detailed account was eagerly awaited. It is thought the victory will greatly help our convoys in future.

Reactions to the Bay of Biscay success have so far been received only from the North Western Region. It is thought the loss of the Scharnhorst and three destroyers, and the heavy bombing will be “the beginning of the psychological end” for the Germans.

Satisfaction continues at the successes against the U-boats.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 17 two provincial P.Cs.)

3. Christmas

Christmas, though quiet, has been much enjoyed - but more as a rest than a celebration, thanks to illness, fatigue and the lack of so many “aids to festivity”. Nevertheless, the general expectation that this is the last blackout Christmas has been a great consolation for present shortages.

Christmas fare : Satisfaction, and some comment that supplies exceeded expectation, are reported. Otherwise the main topics of conversation are:

Northern Region : In contrast to former allegations of being victimised over supplies, people in the Northern Region are said to have been generally satisfied with their Christmas fare, surprised that there were so many turkeys, and pleased with the pre-Christmas distribution of Canadian apples.

Presents and toys are the subject of widespread complaint on exactly the same lines as last week; the high price of rubbishy articles generally continues to cause disgust and indignation.

H.M. the King's Christmas broadcast was much appreciated, according to preliminary reports.

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

4. The second front Commanders

The announcement of the Allied Supreme Commanders for the invasion of Europe has greatly stimulated discussion and speculation about the coming offensive. Dates mentioned range from the next week or so to March. Dread of casualties is mentioned in two reports.

Preliminary reactions to the appointments are mixed, but mainly favourable.

General Eisenhower : Many people wish a British general could have been in supreme command, but there is appreciation for the reasons given in the press, and “if it had to be an American, then Eisenhower was the best man”. A minority remain dissatisfied.

General Montgomery's is a popular appointment, except with those who would have liked him as Commander-in-Chief.

General Alexander : There is some disappointment that he has not been given a more important post and surprise at his “subordination” to General Maitland Wilson , who is little known, and at his separation from General Montgomery.

Air Chief Marshal Tedder is thought an excellent choice.

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

5. Allied air offensive

Great satisfaction continues, particularly with recent raids on Berlin, Frankfurt and South Germany. A factory manager in the Midland Region reports: “R.A.F. raids are definitely helping war-workers to keep up their output”.

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

6. Reprisal raids on this country and secret weapons

Speculation about secret weapons continues on a small scale (Four Regions); generally, comment is sceptical or ribald. However, it is reported from Scotland that fear of the secret weapon is given as a reason for unwillingness to visit London. Londoners ask for any factual information available. In the North East, it is rumoured rocket guns on the French coast have already shelled South Eastern towns.

A few expect more severe reprisal air raids, possibly with the use of gas, before Germany collapses (Two Regions).

(2. 3. 5. 7. 11. 17 one provincial P.C.)

7. Italy

Again disappointment at our slow advance (Six Regions); the weather is not generally thought sufficient explanation.

Some feel that we are “making a mess” in Italy; a few ask if it is worth while ... “Why waste men attacking for so little gain; isn't it better just to hang on till we attack in easier places?” Others already look on this front as a secondary affair.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 four provincial P.Cs.)

8. Russia

Admiration and satisfaction continue widespread.

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

9. Kharkov Trials

While people generally approve of the trials and the verdicts, there is concern at the German threat of reprisals on our men, particularly among relatives. The view is said to be growing that the Russian action was premature, and that the trials should not have been held till the Nazi armies were smashed.

There continues to be some doubt as to the genuineness of the confessions. Some suspect that the accused were compelled to confess their guilt by methods of which the average Englishman would not approve. A few think the trials were staged as propaganda.

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

10. The Balkans

Admiration for General Tito continues, as does pleasure at the Allied policy of helping him. People are, however, worried by Yugoslav and Greek political dissensions; and some feel their Governments in Cairo “ought to be made to understand this is a war for the rights of the common man”.

(2. 3. 5. 10)

11. The Mosley release

Comment has much decreased.

(3. 5. 7. 10. 17)

12. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Comment on news presentation continues slight. Some dissatisfaction is reported that the American press is able to announce news before us (Three Regions); particular reference is made to the Americans being first with the news of the serious losses we suffered in the enemy air raid on Bari.

Criticism of B.B.C. entertainment programmes continues (Two Regions).

Praise for Helen Kirkpatrick's Postscript, December 19 (Four Regions); the Brains Trust, December 21 (Three Regions); the Christmas Day feature programmes, especially “We are Advancing” (Three Regions); Ralph Wightman's Postscript, December 26 (Two Regions), which was considered sincere and straightforward.

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

SHORT WEEKLY REVIEW

13. The ballot for the mines

Comment continues widespread. The scheme is still approved as fair, but there is again slightly more criticism on familiar lines. The release of miners from the Forces and industry (Four Regions), and nationalisation (Three Regions) are again suggested as alternatives.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 17 two provincial P.Cs.)

14. Health

The influenza epidemic continues to be widely discussed though the situation is thought to have eased. Low resistance is again attributed to poor diet and overwork.

In London, the Ministry of Health's appeal for volunteers to help victims has been praised.

(1. 3. 5. 6. 7. 9. 11. 13)

15. Housing

Bitter comment continues about housing and accommodation difficulties - particularly shortage and high prices. People feel the Government should tackle this urgent problem now.

The Boyd Orr report (December 21) on infant mortality in Scotland has “greatly humiliated the Scottish national spirit”. Poor housing conditions are generally believed to be the main cause, and it is hoped that the report will encourage the Government to be really generous in the provision of houses.

(1. 3. 5. 6. 7. 9. 11)

16. Postwar

Scepticism about “the brave new world” continues - and will, it is thought, do so until concrete plans are made and announced. Housing, employment and social security are again the main preoccupations.

(1. 3. 5. 6. 9. 10)

17. The Education Bill

Interest and approval continue; Catholics, however, are resentful, and still demand an amendment of the financial proposals.

In rural areas some opposition is reported to the raising of the school leaving age - as “boys should start agricultural work as early as possible”.

(1. 2. 3. 6. 9. 10)

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REFERENCES

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