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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 276

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.

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 the 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. 128. 18th March, 1943

(Covering period 9th to 16th March, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

Though confidence remains steady, a slight drop in the level of public spirits is almost everywhere reported this week; this is said to be due to:

Cheering factors, though less strong, include the continued R.A.F. raids - particularly those on Essen (Seven Regions), the good weather and the lengthening days (Seven Regions), and the Russian progress on the Central Front (Three Regions).

A spirit of expectancy is still widely reported, and, since the fall of Kharkov, there is said to be “a growing feeling that something must be done quickly, and that we cannot afford to wait”.

The apparent “lack of understanding, genuine friendliness and sympathy of motive between the U.S., Russia and ourselves” has been the subject of considerable comment this week (Ten Regions).

On the Home Front, there are again reports of people feeling tired - both mentally and physically - and suffering from epidemics of flu and colds (Six Regions).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

2. Russia

The anxiety caused by the German drive on Kharkov has given place to considerable disappointment, and some surprise, at its capture; this has quite overshadowed the Russian advances towards Smolensk. Many wonder “whether the Russians have not now reached the limit of their advance”, and may not “have to fall back again from some of their other recent gains”. But others “regard the Red Army's setback as of only a temporary nature”, and feel that “the Russian pace is bound to slow up now and again after such sweeping successes in so short a period”. Confidence and admiration remains very strong.

What seems chiefly to have impressed people is “the great strength of the German war machine”, which “after such tremendous losses is able to stage an offensive on this scale” (Six Regions). It is now feared that Germany has “vast reserves of power” still in hand, and this comes as an unpleasant surprise to those who thought German strength was on the decline.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 fourteen provincial P.Cs.)

3. North Africa

Not much detailed discussion is reported. Although there is “satisfaction with the restored military position”, there seems to have been a considerable increase in anxiety and impatience at our “incredibly slow” progress in Tunisia (Nine Regions). This, it is thought, may “throw our coming offensive out of gear”; and people are anxious that “the Tunisian sideshow should be brought to an end”. Some are surprised at “Rommel's ability to take the initiative”, and “wonder where he gets his supplies from”. The weather is not accepted by everyone as an excuse, since “it is the same for both sides”. Some criticism is also reported at “prognostications of the kind recently made, that Rommel is going to get a bloody nose” or is “like a rat in a trap”: it is felt that this “may be good propaganda for Montgomery's troops”, but that “results after the battle are preferred”.

There are continued references to (a) confidence in Generals Alexander and Montgomery and the Eighth Army; (b) lack of confidence in the abilities of General Eisenhower and U.S. troops, though this is now exciting less comment.

General Giraud's broadcast (14th March) : So far only preliminary reactions have been received, but the speech has been praised by many people and is said to have resulted already in “a more friendly feeling towards him”, particularly among “the more educated” and “politically minded”. Others regard it, more cautiously, as “a step in the right direction, as far as it goes”. Others, again, describe it as “a spate of words”, “five months too late” and “grudging in tone”. A good many seem to take the view: “Let's see what they do, before applauding what they say”. Some satisfaction is expressed at “his repudiation of Vichy laws”.

Speculation is reported as to “the position in which General de Gaulle now finds himself”. Many regard him as “the only Frenchman people really trust”, but “even those most critical of his abilities as a politician do not want to see him get a raw deal”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

4. Anticipation of the second front

Speculation about the opening of a European front continues to be reported - though perhaps rather less than last week. Some expect “our great attack to take place at any moment”, basing their belief on manoeuvres, troop movements, or “the great number of troops alleged to be on embarkation leave”.

The wish for a second front and impatience and “murmuring at our present inactivity” have, however, increased considerably this week - largely as a result of the fall of Kharkov - and the whole question tends once more to link up with the Russian situation. The demand appears to be stimulated by:

There is a revival of the talk that “we are deliberately holding back to allow Germany and Russia to exhaust themselves” (Four Regions).

But on the whole, greatly as people seem to want the opening of a western offensive, there appears to be “no desire to risk defeat, through lack of preparation”, and very little sympathy with “second front agitators”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)

5. The “United” Nations

The belief that “relations between Russia, the U.S. and Britain are not as cordial as might be wished” comes, in one form or another, from ten Regions, and is said to be the subject of “great uneasiness”. It is linked with a number of incidents, and these are arranged in the order of interest which they have aroused:

Admiral Standley's statement (8th March) on the lack of publicity given in Russia to war supplies from America has caused a good deal of discussion (Eight Regions). The majority believe the statement “unwise and ill-timed”, and it is regarded “as a gift for Goebbels”. Criticism is particularly strong in Scotland, where some consider it “another example of American childishness - ‘They want to be thanked for guns and planes: surely the Russians should be asking for thanks for their flesh and blood’”. A few “believe the statement was inspired by big business to sow dissension”. Fears that friction might result were “dispelled by the Russian response in immediately making a full acknowledgment”. Quite a large minority, however, “approve Admiral Standley's forthright statement, especially those who have long felt that Russia has shown little gratitude for the supplies convoyed to her at terrible risk”.

Mr. Wallace's “World War No. 3” speech (8th March) : This has aroused less interest than Admiral Standley's, but rather more praise than blame (Seven Regions). Though people “appreciate the idealism of the President and his friends”, they fear it may be “nullified by the American imperialism of other prominent Americans”. Many are disturbed by the suggestion that Russia and Germany might combine in a third World War, and some fear it “may create hostile feelings in Russia”: others welcomed it as “a timely effort to check anti-Soviet feeling”. People are not pleased at “the possibility of a third World War being mentioned in the middle of a Second”.

Mr. Eden's visit to U.S. : This has caused great pleasure (Seven Regions) as he is “felt to be really internationally minded and anxious for co-operation”. He is variously thought to have gone: (i) because of the possibilities of a rift between the U.S. and Britain; (ii) to speed things up in North Africa; (iii) as a sign that the Government “have begun in earnest to lay their post-war plans and work out with the Allies a united and long-term policy”; (iv) to “bridge the difficulties which exist between the U.S. and Russia”.

Russia's intentions in the post-war world remain a matter for speculation and apprehension (Seven Regions). People want to know if “the policy of political interference in the internal affairs of other nations has been finally abandoned”. Particular reference is made to the Russo-Polish frontier dispute (in which both sides are blamed as “stiff-necked and bitter”), to “her religious policy”, and to “possible plans for Bolshevising the world”. Two reports refer to comment on the activities of the British Communist Party. There is concern at “their continued boosting of the Russian system”, and people want to know “where the money is coming from?”

“Too much boosting of Russia” is referred to in three reports. There is said to be “a certain revulsion of feeling about the ‘praise the Soviet’ campaign”. “What about our Eighth Army, Merchant Navy and R.A.F.?”

Suspicion or criticism of U.S. are mentioned (One Region) on account of:

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

6. Beveridge Report and the post-war world

Discussion on the Beveridge Report, especially amongst working-class people, continues to be reported - this week from thirteen Regions. Comment follows the lines described in the last two Weekly Reports. Demands for more information about the Plan are again reported; in particular, “practical talks giving the main points” on the lines of Miss Dunbar's broadcasts (28th February, 7th, and 14th March), and an official statement “clarifying the Government's position”. The majority and minority views remain unchanged:

The majority , chiefly working-class people, “look on the Report as the ‘People's Charter’”, and condemn the Government attitude, which is said to have “broken any confidence there might have been in a new and better Britain, and made a farce of the Atlantic Charter”.

The minority support the Government. Some of these criticise the Report for the following reasons:

Others “regard the Report as a maximum at which we should aim, rather than a minimum on which we should build”, and believe that the Report has not been “shelved”, since “many of the suggestions have been accepted in principle by the Government”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 one special, six provincial P.Cs.)

7. The war in the air

R.A.F. raids : Reports from all Regions again refer to the great satisfaction caused by our sustained and “smashing” air offensive. The raids on Essen and the last raid on Berlin are “widely discussed and enthused over”. Other reactions to the R.A.F. raids are:

Sir Archibald Sinclair's Air Review (11th March) : The details given by him are said to have made a deep impression on the public. His statement was followed with interest and satisfaction.

Raids on this country : Although the recent raids are said “not to have affected morale”, some “anxiousness” is reported from five Regions. In the Northern Region, women in one district are referred to as “rushing about apparently scared stiff after the siren had gone”; and in London “there is again mention of a dislike of bombing Berlin as we'll only get it in London if we do”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 twelve provincial P.Cs.)

8. Aerial defence

Criticism of anti-aircraft defences is reported from the Northern Region, following recent raids. The efficacy of the balloon barrage is questioned, as the raiders are believed to have crossed the coast through a gap in the balloon screen. The belatedness of the siren, and the fact that, although the barrage was very heavy, few planes were brought down, are also mentioned.

Dissatisfaction at sneak raiders is leading to suggestions that a dispersed balloon barrage along the South Coast might prevent such attacks. In the South Eastern Region, opinion in a raided coast town is said to be divided; half the people want more protection, while the other half say: “If more protection interferes with our offensive, leave us alone and get on with the job”. Some misunderstanding about the methods of dealing with raiders - either by ground defences or ‘fighters’ but not by both simultaneously - is reported. Satisfaction at the proposed installation of a local warning system is expressed, and the recent publicity about the difficulty of giving longer warning of the approach of tip-and-run raiders has had “a salutary effect”.

(1. 3. 4. 12)

9. The London shelter tragedy

Interest has declined sharply and, except in London, has almost died away: “People will be content if full information is given after the inquiry, and if all necessary steps are taken to avoid a repetition”. Reports from four Regions suggest that it has stimulated officials and others to look at local shelters from the point of view of accidents.

There continue to be some references to:

Mr. Herbert Morrison's statement on the inquiry (10th March) aroused limited interest. On the whole, it was “well received”, but there is some feeling that the inquiry is being held in secret “to hush up incompetence”. This is apparently due to public misunderstanding; it is thought that the main reason given for the secrecy is the danger of leakage to the enemy - and people fail to understand “how Civil Defence matters can be regarded as a military secret”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 21 two provincial P.Cs.)

10. Anti-personnel bombs

The publication in the press of pictures of the new German anti-personnel bomb are said to have been welcomed. Farmers at Thurrock, near Grays, are said to be concerned about harvesting, because many anti-personnel bombs may have fallen in their fields in a recent raid.

(2. 5)

11. The war at sea

There is much less comment this week (four Regions) as against eight last week. Anxiety is only “acute” in the coastal areas, where it is “regarded as the most depressing feature of the war at present”.

(1. 3. 6. 10. 21 one provincial P.C.)

12. The Far East

Interest has declined once more. The attack on the second Japanese convoy arouses only mild interest. It is thought that “few people realise the strength of the enemy or the vastness of this front”. In the North Eastern Region, “many people consider the Japanese to be a United States job”, and think “it would be difficult to switch interest to the Eastern fighting once Germany was beaten”. The women, it is said, “will want their men home”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 three provincial P.Cs.)

13. Where is Hitler ?

Rumour and speculation as to Hitler's whereabouts are reported from ten Regions this week - as against four Regions last week. This increase is said to be due to “press interest and speculation”. It is suggested that he is either “dead, daft or broken down in health”. Some people feel “it will be a great blow to us if he gives up his command”.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 one provincial P.C.)

14. Broadcasting and presentation of news

There is very little comment on news presentation. References are again made to the popularity of the European News Service, and its convenient time for those who return home too late for the six o'clock news, must “report for secondary duties” by nine o'clock and be in bed by midnight.

B.B.C. programmes

Feature programmes : Comment on the following programmes have been reported during the past two weeks:

Entertainment programmes : The following comments have been received during the past two weeks:

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 12. 21 one special, two provincial P.Cs.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

15. Production

There is again little reference to production; points mentioned include: “some vague complaints of enforced idleness in factories” (Three Regions); complaints of absenteeism among young miners and labourers on aerodrome construction, and “slackness of workers in factories” (Three Regions); impatience with “the readiness of workers to strike” (Two Regions); and “despondency among workers paid off” (Two Regions).

(2. 3. 6. 7. 10. 21 one provincial P.C.)

16. Manpower

The shortage of domestic help (Five Regions and Postal Censorship) is an increasingly frequent topic, and there are references to “cases of extreme difficulties and hardships” caused by it. Busy housewives with children - remembering the case of the C.O. directing a W.A.A.F. to report for duty as a domestic servant - “compare their lot with that of men and women officers in the services who have their batwomen”.

Other references follow familiar lines: (a) Young men in industry, agriculture, or in the N.F.S. should be in the Services (Four Regions); (b) Inequality of treatment of individual cases in the call-up of women, the attitude of Labour Exchange interviewers and “the heartlessness” of Local Appeal Boards (Four Regions); (c) The transfer of workers, “who are less fully or less usefully employed after transfer” (Two Regions); it is suggested that “more explanation should be given to transferred workers as to why they are needed in another locality, as this would make them more satisfied that they are not puppets juggled about by officialdom”; (d) “Camp-follower officers' wives”, and other young women evading the call-up (Two Regions).

(1. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 10. 11. 12. 21 six provincial P.Cs. 32.)

17. Clothing and household linen

Coupons : Complaints of the difficulty of making the allotted coupons suffice for all needs are reported this week from nine Regions and are thought to be increasing. The most hardly pressed are those who previously “could only afford day to day necessities” or who have growing children. Mr. Dalton's remarks about not having spent his coupons continue to “enrage the housewife”. The news that the present allotment must last until the end of August has been received with “groans, mingled with resignation”, although some people appear to have expected it.

Footwear : The shortage of children's boots and shoes is reported from five Regions, boys' boots “which are thought to save socks to some extent” being particularly mentioned. Complaint of quality is also made (Four Regions): “bad quality is said to be consistent through all the price ranges”.

Stockings : The quality of stockings is still said to be a source of great complaint (Five Regions) and there is some demand for lisle stockings to replace poor quality silk.

Household goods : The shortage and high prices of household linen and towels are also commented on, also the high price of materials sold by the yard. It is considered a hardship to have to “surrender coupons for the cheaper curtain materials when the more expensive can often be bought uncouponed”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 three provincial, one special P.Cs.)

18. Food

Some appreciation of the reduction in the points value of tinned milk and of the increase in the fresh milk ration are the only new reactions referred to this week. In fact, there has been little change in public feeling about the food situation in the last six weeks, and a special Postal Censorship report of 15th March, although based on letters written during February, still summarises it adequately. This report shows that out of 3,231 comments, there is 79% satisfaction and appreciation - which is the Postal Censorship average monthly percentage of satisfaction over the last six months.

The main causes of complaint or criticism are given in order of weight:

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 fourteen provincial, one special P.Cs.)

19. Agriculture

The following points have arisen in the last three weeks:

Housing : Doubts about the adequacy of the plan for homes for farm workers continue. “In Rutland it is asked: ‘Where will they put the twelve houses allocated in a county of fifty-two villages?’” The high rentals are criticised, and it is suggested that “if half the money were spent in restoring condemned houses, the supply would be nearly sufficient”.

Labour : There is apprehension in agricultural areas about “the prospective shortage of manpower”. It is pointed out that “all jobs on farms are skilled to some extent” and that “part-time unskilled people are inadequate for the farmer”, also that town workers are not capable of strenuous physical exertion.

Flowers : The worst evaders of the ban on the transport of flowers are said to be strangers to the trade, and it is suggested that price control would have been more desirable. It is pointed out that “if the Government permitted 25% of the former output to be produced, growers should have been warned of the ban on any but local sales”. Another report suggests that many nurserymen may have to “go out of business altogether as their small plots are useless for the cultivation of vegetables”.

Potatoes : It is thought that in spite of the Government suggestion, many allotment holders will grow potatoes as usual. The suggestion is felt by some to have been a mistake “because next season's crop may not be so good”. People also ask why this advice could not have been given in the autumn, before the seed potatoes were ordered.

(1. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 10. 21 one provincial P.C.)

20. Health

There are again this week references to the prevalence of colds and flu (Two Regions and Postal Censorship), and the inability of people to throw these off. The quality of food is again blamed.

Venereal disease : The campaign against venereal disease is mentioned in seven reports this week. It is generally approved and considered “timely”, though it is thought it should be more vigorous. The press advertising is praised, though it is pointed out that (a) the second press advertisement is too like the first in layout and people think it has the same wording, and (b) the language is “not simple enough and is not understood by ignorant people”. It is felt that the scope of the campaign should include films, lectures, broadcasts and educational instructions; and the various youth movements should be covered. It is suggested that an analysis should be taken of the age range and occupations of infected persons, to see if they are more or less of a type and then try to get at the potential victims more particularly.

Maternity problems : Three Regions report concern over the lack of staff and accommodation for maternity cases. It is suggested that the staff of hospitals and maternity homes should be “frozen”, and that midwives and trained nurses should be directed to hospitals from factories. Many would-be mothers are said to be discouraged by the domestic difficulties of child-bearing at home and by the inadequacy of accommodation in hospitals.

(1. 2. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 12. 21 three provincial P.Cs. 32.)

21. National Savings

“Wings for Victory” weeks : The London “week” is referred to in three reports. It is said to have been appreciated and is considered a good lead; it is hoped that some of the exhibits will be shown in other towns. Some people are said to wonder where the money comes from, and feel that “it's all the big companies and the banks”.

Criticism of the use of labour and materials in connection with these campaigns is reported from London. There are stories of men being taken off “important building work” to erect scaffolding, and indignation is reported at the use of buses “to take R.A.F. bands round London wasting men's time and petrol that might have been used to take bombs to Germany”.

(4. 5. 10)

22. Transport and petrol

Transport difficulties for war workers are reported from eight Regions this week, as opposed to ten Regions last week. Complaints, which follow familiar lines, are chiefly: (a) “Consistent over-crowding of public vehicles to the exclusion of travelling workers” (Three Regions) and, (b) “The nine o'clock bus curfew which restricts attendance at meetings and the visits of rural workers to the pictures” (Three Regions).

Petrol wastage , especially by officials, business people and farmers, either in their own cars, or in taxis, is reported from four Regions this week.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 21 one provincial P.C.)

23. Fuel

People are still reported to be doing their best to economise, though the fuel position is thought to have worked out owing to the mildness of the weather and the restricted coal deliveries. The poor quality and high price of coal is again criticised. Householders in the North Midland Region are said to be worrying about next winter's coal, and are suggesting that present restrictions should be relaxed in order that they may accumulate some stocks during the summer.

(1. 3. 4. 7. 10. 21 two provincial P.Cs.)

24. Salvage

Although comment on this subject is less this week, there is still criticism of the delay in collecting metal from dumps, and “feeling about the removal of railings from private buildings before these dumps are cleared”. It is also suggested that the public is less careful in the collection of household waste (Two Regions) and that in some places “salvage dumps are being used as rubbish dumps”. The old complaint is also made that dustmen sometimes “dump the whole lot into their vans together” when given carefully separated salvage.

(1. 2. 3. 7)

25. Young people

The bad behaviour of young people appears to be giving rise to increased comment, and the following summary of a report from the North Western Region includes many points which have also been raised in other Regions.

There has been a fair amount of comment from the public on juvenile delinquency, chiefly with regard to (a) damage to property (particularly air raid shelters and water tanks); (b) increased drinking habits; and (c) the “promiscuous behaviour” of young girls, “usually with troops”.

Factors which are thought to contribute to this state of things are:

1. Wartime school difficulties: (a) “The serious blow dealt to education” by evacuation; (b) lack of discipline in schools owing to large classes; (c) absence from school through “shopping difficulties” of mothers, and even shortage of clothing, such as shoes.

2. Lack of parental control through the absence of fathers and brothers from home, and of mothers on war work.

3. High wages offered for juvenile labour; the short supply has encouraged children to leave school, and has put them in a “position of considerable power”, and given them more money to spend than usual.

4. The “limited field open for increased expenditure” has led to increased drinking.

5. Many of the girls are sent away from home for the first time and are not properly looked after. Transferred labour is said to be a “particular problem in this connection”.

Some suggested solutions of the problem are:

1. “Better education of both parents and children”, and more severe punishment of offenders who are not now made to realise the seriousness of their offences. Some people advise the treatment of juvenile delinquents as “naughty boys”, and advocate a greater use of the birch. It is also thought that the “raising of the school age to sixteen would largely cure the evil”.

2. Stricter police action, particularly regarding licensing regulations.

3. Increased compulsory saving through the medium of employers.

4. “More sympathetic approach by the Ministry of Labour and National Service to providing for transferred female labour”, particularly when it is a question of transferring very young girls. It is said that “some young girls in factories are forced to borrow money off men owing to their inadequate pay or delayed allowances”.

5. More publicity for the Service of Youth Scheme, which is welcomed, though public interest is not widespread. It is thought that “some degree of compulsion though no regimentation” is needed.

(3. 11. 14 North Western Region)

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REFERENCES

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