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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 129. 25th March, 1943

(Covering period 16th to 23rd March, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

The level of public spirits remain the same as last week, and the general mood is one of “sober confidence tinged with expectancy”. During the earlier part of the week there was some lack of interest in the news due to “the absence of action”, and people were described as rather bored, and impatient with “our general inactivity”. The news that the Eighth Army was on the move, however, cheered people.

The Prime Minister's broadcast aroused much diverse comment - ranging from praise at “his greatest ever”, to disappointment because “he barely touched on the war,” and did not refer to the second front - a subject uppermost in many people's minds. His speech also combined with the fall of Kharkov to “shatter much of the easy optimism that everything is in the bag for 1943”.

The apparent lack of unity between the Allied Nations continues to be a subject of comment (Nine Regions).

On the Home Front, the fine weather and “relief that winter is past and was no worse” appear to have “done much to combat feelings of minor irritation arising from the shortages and inadequacies of wartime life”, but the “tiredness of workers of all kinds” is again referred to.

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

2. The Prime Minister's speech

“The return of the Prime Minister to the political scene” has been widely welcomed, and many reports refer to “the eagerness with which the public awaited an address from him”. The speech, when it came, produced more diverse comment than any of his previous war speeches. Many less intelligent people, who never normally listen to serious radio talks, but who habitually listen to the Prime Minister, were “overwhelmed” and “confused”. They turned on their sets expecting to hear a war review on a familiar pattern. At first, they were disappointed at the unfamiliar theme, then at times “the speech got quite beyond them”, and they are “still assimilating its ideas piecemeal”. Among the more intelligent, it appears to have pleased and satisfied “the majority who like the middle of the road”, while giving those on the extreme right or left “plenty to shoot at”. What follows is a preliminary review only.

Favourable comment : The majority, who welcome the speech, praised its “wisdom and statesmanlike quality”, and admired the “fresh and stimulating tones of Mr. Churchill's delivery, and his quiet confidence”. The objects of his speech are believed to be:

1) “To give a sense of proportion to all post-war planning schemes.” His warning that “we still have to win the war first” is applauded as necessary “to bring wishful thinkers down to earth”. “A timely speech which never ought to have been necessary”. It will “bring Parliament and the nation back to the more practical frame of mind, of concentrating on winning the war rather than bickering over the Beveridge proposals” (Nine Regions).

2) “To undermine the propaganda dividing national unity”, and “to rebuke the malcontents of all parties”; “there is no general wish for party strife, yet small groups are doing all they can to stir it up”. “He was having a shot at dealing with post-war planning troubles in Parliament and he cleared the air considerably.” It is reported that those on the Left believed that he was “putting the Tories in their place”, while those on the Right believed that he “sat on the Labour Party” (Five Regions).

The speech was particularly praised for:

1) The Prime Minister's “sound attitude in refusing to be rushed into commitments, which a post-war government might not be able to honour” (Five Regions).

2) His “assurance that post-war reconstruction is receiving attention”. People are encouraged “that the Prime Minister is taking such an interest in home matters”, and it is pointed out that this is “the first speech he has devoted to the subject” (Six Regions).

3) His “European reconstruction plan”; especially the foreshadowing of a “European federation” with the “grouping of the smaller states round a central council” (Six Regions).

4) His outlining of a Four Year Plan, which is “welcomed as providing a firm foundation for the future of the post-war world” (Four Regions).

5) Appreciation of his “scorn for idlers of all classes” and for his declaration that there must be “no drones” (Three Regions).

6) His references to post-war finance, which are praised among business men for being “astonishingly penetrating and timely” and “for reassuring the small man”. In one report, however, they are said to have raised suspicions “that there will be an economy drive like there was after the last war” (Four Regions).

7) His view that “we must move from a class to a national foundation” is praised as “a real blow to the old school tie” (One Region).

Unfavourable comment : Opinion can be divided into:

1) Those who were “disappointed at the vagueness and lack of real hope which he inspired regarding post-war aims”. Working-class people are reported to be particularly sorry that he “failed to give more precise indications of the Government's intentions”, and some describe the speech as “a further instalment of the ‘land fit for heroes stuff’”. “Beveridge fans” feel that the “Plan has been killed” - “we have got as much of it as we shall ever get” (Nine Regions).

2) Those who expected “a stirring war review” were disappointed, and there was “particular regret at the lack of reference to a second front”; a few people were said to be “so disappointed that he had nothing to say about the war”, that they switched off the radio half way through his speech. (Eight Regions).

3) Those “whose expectation of an early victory has died away” - “It came as a shock that the war may last till 1944 or even 1945”, and acted as a “cold douche” to “premature optimism” (Six Regions).

4) “Strong Right and Left Wing elements”, who both blame the Prime Minister for “giving in to the other side”. It was “a Party and not a National speech” (Five Regions).

5) Those who felt that the speech was “too long” (Four Regions).

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

3. The Beveridge report

Discussion on the Report, up to the time of the Prime Minister's speech, continues along familiar lines. While the majority still support the Plan, and many hope “for its early adoption”, there is reported to be some “cynicism and apathy” particularly among “older wage earners and old age pensioners”, who “no longer believe in the changing of the world when peace comes”. The minority criticism of the Report continues on the same lines as before.

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

4. The second front

Public comments again fall into two main categories - desires and anticipations:

(a) The wish for a second front to help Russia has grown more vocal since the fall of Kharkov, which is itself “attributed by some to the absence of a second front in Europe”. A good deal of comment is reported on the transfer of twenty-two German divisions from the west to the Donetz front, and also on Stalin's statement (23rd February) that Russia is fighting practically alone. Many fear that “the moment for action is passing”, and that “Russia may become so exhausted that the second front will come too late”. The revolt in Savoie and the fine weather are other reasons given for not delaying. Reference is again made (Three Regions) to people in high places who want “to fight to the last Russian”, and “to see Russia worn out before helping, so that she won't be able to have a say after the war”. Others, however, feel that the best way to avoid that is for us to go to her help at once.

At the same time, there is not the same demand for a second front at all costs as there was last October. There are many who, though greatly desiring it, feel that “we mustn't hurry the Government”. “Left wing clamour” is said to get little response, and some resentment is reported at “huge posters on the lines: ‘Kharkov has fallen.... open a second front now’”.

(b) Anticipation of a European offensive continues to be widely reported, and so does speculation as to “when, where and how”. All kinds of happenings are interpreted as signs that “it won't be long now”; just as the intensified R.A.F. offensive was regarded as preparatory to the second front, so the absence of R.A.F. attacks is now “thought by shrewd observers to be a sign of preparation for something else”.

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

5. North Africa

During the first part of the week there is said to have been a mood of expectancy, mixed with impatience at our slow advances and “the weather excuses”. The Eighth Army's move - “anticipated even before the Prime Minister's reference” - has caused great delight. “There is everywhere supreme confidence in General Montgomery and his forces. No one doubts but that they will sweep Rommel into the sea”.

No public reactions have yet been received to the breaching of the Mareth Line, or to the partial closure of the breach.

General Giraud : Later reactions to his broadcast (14th March) are more favourable than those reported last week. His speech is now said to have caused considerable satisfaction and is thought to have “cleared away many doubts”; but there is still a fairly strong feeling that “something much more than announcements is necessary before Giraud will be accepted as being in sympathy with the Allies”. Some continue to believe him to be “manoeuvring for political power”.

His “decisions to abolish Vichy decrees and racial distinctions” gave great pleasure, but it is hoped that anti-fascist prisoners will also be released. People are anxious that Generals Giraud and de Gaulle shall meet without delay, as it is felt that “a wide gulf still exists between the French factions and between the two Generals”.

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

6. Russia

Interest in the Russian fighting is rather less. Attention is fixed on the Southern sector where things are going badly, rather than in the centre where the enemy still retreats; great disappointment is still reported over the fall of Kharkov. The publicity given to the winter successes led some people to believe that “the whole of the Axis armies would be routed”, and “the power of German counter-attacks” continues to be an unpleasant surprise. Some speculate whether “the finer weather and renewed German attacks may lead to further losses for the Russians”, but many regard the German success as only temporary. Admiration and long-term confidence in the Red Armies remain general.

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

7. The “United” Nations

Uneasy discussion of the possible disunity between the Allies - both now and after the war - continues to be reported, mainly stimulated by the same factors as last week - Mr. Eden's visit to the U.S.A., Admiral Standley's statement and Mr. Wallace's “World War No. 3” speech. Goebbels' “Bolshevik Bogey” is thought, too, to be having some effect.

The chief anxieties - some of them mutually exclusive - are as follows:

Mr. Eden's visit to the U.S.A. has ceased to cause much comment, but such as there is, is favourable. Many suggestions are made as to the purpose of his trip, and it is hoped that he may be able to put right some of the matters mentioned above.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 13. 21 two provincial P.Cs.)

8. The war in the air

R.A.F. raids : General satisfaction continues to be reported at “the socks German cities have been getting from our chaps in recent weeks” - the raids on Essen and Berlin are again specified. People have, however, “noticed the present lull”, and though some attribute it to the weather and others to “invasion preparations”, there is disappointment at our failure to maintain continuous bombing. This is allied to a demand for “a still more vigorous and ruthless policy”. Other reactions to the R.A.F. raids are:

Raids on this country : Speculation continues as to “whether or when the German bombers in the West will be used against this country”. While some people “only expect raids of a light nature”, others “feel sure Hitler will raid us from end to end when his day is done”.

Though comment on the Bethnal Green shelter tragedy has now almost ceased, two Regional reports mention a rumour that it was caused by panic deliberately started by a gang of pickpockets.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 12. 13. 21 nine provincial P.Cs.)

9. The Far East

Comment on this theatre of war is again slight, but interest in Burma is reported from four Regions. There is anxiety concerning the “slow progress” of the campaign, but it is “hoped that we shall soon free the Burma Road”. One Region reports satisfaction at the launching of the “Aid to China” campaign - “as we have done so little to help her so far”.

Reference is again made to fear of reprisals following the publicity given to the destruction of lifeboats and rafts after the attack on the Japanese convoy (Two Regions), and in connection with the New Zealand P.O.W. camp incident (One Region).

(2. 3. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. 21 three provincial P.Cs.)

10. Hitler's broadcast speech

This has not entirely dispelled the rumours that Hitler is dead, because many of those who heard it question whether it really was Hitler speaking. Others believe that he had been “drugged and dragged to the microphone”, being now “a puppet in the hands of the High Command”. Everyone seems to have felt that at all events it was “not the old Hitler”, and his “feeble shambling effort - the speech of a broken man” is contrasted with Mr. Churchill's “confident, healthy tones”. But Hitler's speech was thought “much more encouraging - as regards the length of the war - than the Prime Minister's”. Many ask: “Why didn't we hear the whole of it? After all it only lasted twelve minutes, and it was such a pleasure to hear Hitler's voice so broken and defeated-like.”

There is much discussion as to whether Hitler is now a help or a hindrance to the German war-machine. It is generally felt that the German armies are still strong, and if the military leadership has been handed back to the generals, the position may become harder for the Allies.

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

11. Lieutenant-Colonel Gates

Reports from six Regions refer to unfavourable comment about “the Hi-de-hi Colonel”. There is indignation that, “in a country fighting for democracy, he was given a staff appointment because of pull at the War Office”. He ought, it is thought, instead, “to have been given his bowler hat and a walking stick”. It is hoped that “the House will not let the matter rest”, and that Colonel Gates will be severely dealt with. American troops are reported to be saying that the incident shows the strength of the old school tie in Britain.

(2. 3. 5. 6. 10. 12)

12. France

With the news of French resistance in Haute Savoie, there are signs both of “pro-French feeling rising to the surface again” and of belief that France “will play quite a large part when the big attack comes”.

(6. 7. 10. 11. 13)

13. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Little comment has been reported on news presentation this week. There is however, some reference to the B.B.C. and press “being guilty of careless talk” and specific examples given are the mention of “Westlands of Yeovil as the home of Whirlwind bombers”; “Bath as housing the Admiralty and possessing airfields”, and reference to “the name of the factory in Workers' Playtime”.

B.B.C. :

Praise for the European News Service; for recent War Commentaries by Major Lewis Hastings, Squadron-Leader John Strachey, and Sir William James; for Into Battle and Marching On; for Music while you work, “we'd die of boredom without it”; and for Children's Hour.

Both praise and criticism of the Brains Trust, Mary Ferguson's talks Calling the Factory Front, and the revived Happidrome.

Desert Victory : This film of the Eighth Army “giving the Germans a hell of a beating” is said to be received with thunderous applause, and to be “a grand tonic”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 21 six provincial P.Cs.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

14. Production

There is a greater volume of comment on production this week than there has been for some time past. The main criticisms reported are:

Miners : A report from Wales suggests that “when conveyors cease working the miners continue to cut the coal and thus increase the yardage on which they are paid, and the allegation is that this extra coal is thrown into the ‘gob’; the incoming shift will not remove it as they are also paid on the yardage system and the removal of the coal would not benefit them financially”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 one provincial P.C.)

15. The Call-up

Comment follows familiar lines: (i) “too many young men and women in soft jobs” in industry and Government Departments (Five Regions); (ii) lack of consideration by Labour Exchange officials (Two Regions). Women are said “not to understand that they have a right of appeal before a tribunal against call-up when this would involve domestic hardship”; (iii) difficulties of replacing men called up. There are rumours in the North Midland Region that “such men as publicans and bar tenders are left undisturbed while one-man business owners are called up immediately, or given only a short deferment”.

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

16. Clothing and household linen

Coupons : Complaints of coupon difficulties are reported from ten Regions and follow familiar lines. Although the extension of the present coupon period to 31st August is accepted as inevitable, Mr. Dalton's statement that the number of coupons may be reduced to forty-eight or even less has been received with some dismay especially by mothers of growing children. The need for a separate household allowance is still strongly urged, and, in this connection, it is suggested that the “Board of Trade should make it clear to the public just which household articles are on the clothing ration, because there appears to be some confusion”.

A complaint comes from the North Eastern Region of the “discrimination between the junior Services in the matter of uniform”. A.T.C. uniforms can be bought coupon free, but those for the J.A.C. and G.T.C. cannot. It is said that because of this “some girls are resigning from the movements or withdrawing applications for membership”.

Utility clothing and stockings : The poor quality of stockings and of children's clothing and footwear continues to be reported and there is criticism of the unpractical way in which utility underwear for children is made, there not being enough material left for the enlargement of garments.

Men's utility suits : These are criticised in three reports. It is pointed out that “when the new type trousers fray at the bottom there are no ‘cuffs’ which can be turned up” and the life of the trousers is reduced; it is also suggested that the trousers should be made a little fuller because with bending and stooping they wear very quickly: - “Utility trousers, - real bloodsuckers, I am afraid to bend in them”.

Mend and make do : The North Midland Region reports that Mrs Churchill recently visited Nottingham in connection with the “Mend and make do” campaign, when an exhibition of clothing made from scraps or old clothes was opened. The work is said to have been greatly admired and given rise to a number of ideas.

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

17. Agriculture

Housing scheme for farm workers : The “few houses to be allocated to each area” is again the subject of comment (Three Regions) and it is thought that the local authorities will have difficulty in deciding where the “allocated few are to be sited”.

Labour : Farmers are reported to be “doubtful whether their labour difficulties will be properly met” as “April brings on one of the peak busy periods of the farmer”.

Women's Land Army : The Eastern Region reports criticism of the system for recruitment of the Women's Land Army: (1) The appeal for recruits at a time when local offices are refusing to accept more names; (2) The refusal of some offices to enrol a recruit although neighbouring offices are continuing to accept. It is felt there ought to be “greater elasticity in the rules, as at present it means that those who do not want to go to the Land Army may be forced to do so, while those who do, are not allowed”. The North Midland Region reports that “feeling has been aroused” by requests for voluntary billets for Land Army girls. It is pointed out that while these girls cause some extra expense with laundry, baths and “enormous appetites”, only one guinea a week is offered for them in a neighbourhood where men and women Army officers are billeted at about £3 a week.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 10)

18. Food

General satisfaction with the food situation continues, and Lord Woolton and the Ministry of Food are praised for having brought us through the fourth winter of the war so comfortably”.

There are still complaints of:

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 21 eleven provincial P.Cs.)

19. Health

Five Regions report concern at the low state of health of the population at the moment. There is said to be a prevalence of minor complaints, such as flu, colds, bronchitis, jaundice and general debility. People are reported to be finding it more difficult to pull up again after they have been ill. Doctors are said to be overworked, and in short supply.

Venereal Disease campaign : Approval of this campaign is reported from five Regions, though it is thought that its scope should be extended, as too much publicity cannot be given to these diseases. The advertisements are said to be generally welcomed, and it is thought that frankness should not be sacrificed to prudery. Alcohol is commonly thought to be one of the main causes for the spread of venereal disease, and it is asked why the Government does not seem able or willing to restrict its sale or ration it.

Scabies : From two Regions come reports of the prevalence of scabies or “something that looks very like it”. It is suggested that it should be given some publicity by the Ministry of Health in order to check it being spread by sufferers who are unaware of its contagiousness.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 one provincial P.C. 32.)

20. Transport and petrol

Transport difficulties for war workers are reported from eight Regions again this week. Complaints, which are on familiar lines, are chiefly: (a) the overcrowding of buses and trains by shoppers and pleasure seekers (Three Regions); (b) the increased train fares (Two Regions).

Waste of petrol especially the use of cars for shopping and conveying people to dog races, is reported from five Regions this week.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 13)

21. “Wings for Victory” weeks

The astounding success of the London “week” is said to have been followed eagerly, and it is expected to give impetus to provincial weeks. Some factors which, it is thought, may affect receipts adversely are: (a) the demands of the Inland revenue; (b) the feeling that “if the Government won't give me Beveridge I won't lend”; (c) the “old rumour” that there will be no unconditional post-war repayment.

Two Regions report some scepticism about the results of the London “week”; people would like to know how much was due to real savings and how much to the shifting of money from one account to another. It is thought more attention was paid to the “show” than to the collecting arrangements.

(2. 6. 8. 10. 12. 21 two provincial P.Cs.)

22. Jews

Anti-Semitism : During the past two weeks, nine Regions have referred to the prevalence of anti-Semitic feeling. There is reported to be resentment at the influence Jews have in financial and trade circles and at the number of young Jews not in the Army. “They are getting everything into their hands - building, land, tobacco, food, catering trades, etc.” The number of prosecutions against them for various offences is also said to give rise to comment.

Sympathy for European Jews : Five Regions report sympathy for the Jews in Europe, and it is generally thought that something should be done to help them, though it is often added “we don't want any more in this country”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 12. 21 two provincial P.Cs.)

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REFERENCES

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