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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 278

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. 131 8th April, 1943

(Covering period 30th March to 6th April, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

(No reactions have yet been reported to the Eighth Army's attack on 5th April).

The prevailing mood of the week again appears to be one of confidence and “optimism tempered with common sense”. Interest is mainly centred on the fighting in Tunisia, which overshadows Russia, “other war fronts”, and the R.A.F. offensive - although our raids, particularly on Berlin, continue to be praised.

Satisfaction is still expressed at the capture of the Mareth Line, but it is felt that, “as the enemy will fight like cornered rats, there is bound to be some ebb and flow of success until the Axis forces can be cleared out of North Africa”. On the other hand, there is increased expectation of an early Allied offensive in Europe, “dependent though this may be on the rapid conclusion of the Tunisian campaign”.

Reports from five Regions refer to “tiredness” of war weariness, and workers are said to long for their Easter holiday, “which comes late this year”. There is also said to be “fairly persistent” comment on the Prime Minister's “gloomy but necessary warning on the duration of the war”, and people are now inclined to regard the end “as a long way off”.

On the Home Front, clothes rationing again appears to be “the greatest problem”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. 21 all provincial P.Cs. No report from Region 11 this week).

2. North Africa

The North African campaign is once more “the main interest of the week”. Although the Eighth Army's recent achievements on the Mareth Line are still “vigorously praised”, the elation following its capture is reported “to have considerably subsided”, and the public are now “eagerly watching for the next definite news”.

The majority fully appreciate that “there will be heavy fighting before the Axis are finally cleared out of Africa”, but the result is not questioned; in fact a minority “firmly believe that Rommel is finished, and North Africa will be cleared in the next few weeks”. Concern only arises over the possibility that “the slow nature of the Tunisian affair may delay the opening of the second front”.

Though the Eighth Army remains “the object of national pride”, and General Montgomery is described as “Public Hero No. 2”, there is said to be growing “appreciation of the meaning of the moves of the American and French forces and our First Army”.

The proposed meeting between Generale de Gaulle and Giraud : No reactions have yet been received to the postponement of their meeting. Up till then, “the improvement in the relations between the French leaders” had been widely commented on, and it was hoped that at “the forthcoming meeting between them a real union would be effected”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 13. 21 seven provincial P.Cs. 22 nine P.D.R)

3. The second front

Comment about the second front appears to have increased. Expectation outweighs all other reactions, and among factors interpreted as signs that “something big will happen very soon” are the coastal ban on visitors (Six Regions); and (from One Region each), (i) our heavy air offensive; (ii) rumours of road transport convoys, of R.A.F. and Army leave being stopped, of embarkation leave being given, and of troop movements near the South Coast; (iii) “the increasingly expectant note” in the European News Service.

Other reactions to our expected “invasion of the continent” include:

The desire to help Russia : With “the better news from Russia” there appears to be less urgency in the demand for a second front. It is also felt that “our Government have definite plans which must be allowed to mature”.

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

4. Russia

There is again comparatively little comment about Russia. People are said to have been “somewhat reassured by the steadying of the Donetz line”, and admiration for the Russians - particularly as their resistance in this sector - continues.

There is a good deal of speculation “as to whether the Russians or the Germans will be the first to mount a new Spring offensive”. A minority are said to wonder if Russia “will be able to hold out indefinitely”, but many are confident of her ability to resist any German attack. At the same time, it is hoped that before the summer is through we shall be able to relieve the pressure on Russia by opening a front in the West.

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

5. The Far East

Very little comment is reported on the war in the Pacific. Mr. Churchill's references in his broadcast speech (21st March) to its possible continuation after Hitler's defeat appears to have stimulated a little discussion, and there is reported to be a “realisation that it will take a long time, and much determination to see the matter through, and teach the dirty little Japs a lesson”.

China : Some fears are expressed in three reports that China “is not getting a square deal”; it is felt that “she should be given all possible help in food and war materials”, and should be “brought more into conferences”. A visit from Madame Chiang Kai-Shek would be welcomed.

(1. 2. 4. 7. 8. 9. 10)

6. The war at sea

Anxiety about the Allies' shipping is reported from eight Regions this week. From five of these a demand is made for a definite statement about the situation. It is felt that, although people are inclined to discount German claims of U-boat successes, they cause some uneasiness in the absence of information from Allied sources. “A general statement from the combined authorities would be sounder policy than conflicting statements from Government spokesmen and separate announcements from America.”

Some mention is made of the following views: (i) Confidence can be placed in the Government's ability to handle the situation. (ii) On the other hand, it is suggested that “the Admiralty is not doing all it should” or “could have been less obstructive in dealing with new ideas and possible inventions”. (iii) The U-boat menace should be concentrated on, possibly by building faster ships, rather than the simple replacement of losses. (iv) A wider use should be made of aircraft, both for spotting and attacking enemy submarines.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 22 thirty P.D.Rs.)

7. The war in the air

R.A.F. raids : Great satisfaction with the air raids over enemy territory is expressed in eight reports. “People get a special kick out of news of raids on Berlin.” The loss of thirty-three bombers in one night is said to have caused some concern and “as the numbers engaged are not revealed, the public finds difficulty in assessing the proportionate loss”. Although it is “thought that the raids must be having a strong effect on German morale, people wonder how decisive they are, in view of the effects of the German air offensive on this country”.

The work of the U.S. Army Air Force is said to be followed with great interest and approval (Two Regions).

The R.A.F's twenty-fifth anniversary (Four Regions) : The broadcast programmes to celebrate the occasion are said to have been listened to with “great interest and pride in the Force”, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Philip Joubert's speech was appreciated. “People would like to hear more of him.”

Raids on this country : It is thought that reprisal raids on London may be expected (Three Regions), but only as “propaganda efforts”. In the Northern Region the local air raids are said to have “had the salutary effect of making people more war minded” and to have increased confidence on the grounds that they are due to the “desire of German leaders to convince their people that they are giving blow for blow”. Sympathy is expressed for the raided towns, and there is some criticism of the inability of the defences to deal with ‘sneak’ raiders.

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

8. The Prime Minister's broadcast (21st March)

Interest in Mr. Churchill's broadcast, and praise for it, are still mentioned, but comment is dying down. Although favourable opinions predominate, reactions to the main points of discussion are said to range between the following extremes:

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 21 all provincial P.Cs. 22 seventy P.D.Rs)

9. The Beveridge Reports and post-war reconstruction

Although there seems to be somewhat less comment on the Beveridge Report than there was last week, discussion of the Plan, and of post-war conditions still continues on familiar lines, particularly about the “shelving” of the Plan, (five Regions) and fear of unemployment after the war (three Regions). The first of these subjects is said to be causing great disappointment, particularly among the working classes. To quote from Postal Censorship: “The millions of men and women in the Forces and factories, putting their very last ounce of energy into the war effort, would like to see something more substantial done than just promises for the future”. On the other hand, it is suggested that people are more reassured since the Prime Minister's broadcast.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 10. 21 eight provincial P.Cs. 22 one P.D.R.)

10. Mr. Eden's visit to the United States

There is again some reference to Mr. Eden's visit, but “only mild interest” is said to have been shown in it, “probably because no spectacular results or changes were expected”. His speeches have pleased people, and it is believed they may help to clear up possible misunderstandings between the Allies and “smooth the future”. Some hope is expressed that “the refugee problem was satisfactorily dealt with”. Mr. Eden himself is referred to as “a good solid bloke”, “a fine orator and a fine chap”.

(2. 4. 5. 7. 10. 13. 21 two provincial P.Cs.)

11. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Although there is little comment on news presentation, criticism is made of the repetition and “padding out” of news (two Regions), and of boastful and injudicious optimism - “this blare of trumpets at unconsolidated successes breeds cyncism and definitely leads to a slackening of the war effort”. It is suggested that a “weekly B.B.C. review indicating the effect of the latest events on various points” would have an excellent effect on production and would “replace opinions based on sensational headlines and guesswork”. There is said to be a “demand for more knowledge of the shipping position” and information which would “enable people to appreciate the difficulties which our armies face in Tunisia”.

Sunday Postscripts : These are thought to be not “up to the standard of earlier days”, but Sir Archibald Sinclair's Postscript (28th March), and the description of the underground press in Europe (4th April) were both liked.

Alexander Werth's Russian commentaries are appreciated (three Regions). In the Northern Region they are said to have “caused considerable sadness and depression, but even so, people want comment of this kind as well as news”.

B.B.C. programmes : There is both praise and criticism of entertainment programmes, and of the Brains Trust - “some people think it is time they had a rest”.

Praise is reported for Major Lewis Hastings' war commentary, for the talks on biology, and for Victor Silvester's Hour.

Criticism is made of Howard Marshall's commentaries; Jack Minster, who is “not very clear and does not inspire confidence”; Mary Ferguson's “Calling the Factory Front”; “Bomber Taking Off” (27th March); and there is disappointment at the ending of “Monday Night at Eight”.

Films : Comment on “Desert Victory” comes from five Regions. It is praised as a “tonic which should be shown to all war workers to prevent strikes” and to make people “realise the price of Victory in North Africa”. “Nine Men” is also liked (Two Regions). In the London Region it is said that civil defence films are received with interest and appreciation.

Speeches : Mr. Morrison's speech at Leeds (3rd April) is reported to have been well received (Two Regions) and “his stock is said to have gone up”. Sir Stafford Cripps' speech at Hull (4th April) was “welcomed by industrial workers”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 21 four provincial P.Cs.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

12. Industry

Comment on industrial questions is generally similar to that reported last week, though there appears to be rather less criticism of the effects of long working hours and of the wages of skilled workers.

(a) Enforced idleness (Five Regions): Specific criticisms concern Fairey Aviation and Express Motor Bodies (Carter Paterson) where women workers are said to “sit around knitting”. Slackness during night shifts at the “Royal Enfield Fire Arms Factory” is also mentioned.

Dissatisfaction is reported from two Regions at the standing-off of workers because of reduced or changed production. There are said to be rumours in Leicester “that hosiery firms producing clothing for the Services have been informed that contracts due for June are not to be delivered until December.... and that we are over-produced on many goods”.

Another rumour from Leicester is that a nearby ordnance factory is to close on May 1st. “The factory, which has only been in production for about twelve months, is said to have cost nineteen million pounds, and yet is unsuitable for further use”.

(b) Strikes (Four Regions): These continue to be criticised. In Northern Ireland the public's reaction to the unofficial strike of Belfast carters is said to be “intense irritation” with the strikers.

(c) Engineers' wage award (Two Regions): Some dissatisfaction is reported from Barrow concerning Vickers Armstrong's interpretation of the recent wage award. In a London report it is said that press and radio statements had suggested that the 6/- a week rise would apply to all engineers and that “a tremendous amount of harm was caused by this forward publicity”.

Increased government control (Five Regions): Comment still does not seem to be widespread. Approval predominates but this week there is said to be some criticism. Doubts are expressed about the “honesty of taking over aircraft companies. This, it is thought, might be “a means of covering Government mistakes of the past”.

Some favourable comment is reported from Barrow on the acquisition of the steel works there by the Ministry of Supply.

(3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 13. 21 five provincial P.Cs.)

13. Manpower

The transfer of labour is mentioned in reports from four Regions. There is criticism of:

(5. 8. 9. 10)

14. The Call-up

Comment is similar to that mentioned last week, but is on a reduced scale. The same criticisms continue and are directed at:

This position is said to be “contrasted with the restrictions imposed by the Manpower Board on industry”.

Shortage of domestic help (Four Regions) : The difficulties arising from this, particularly for old people, invalids and mothers with young children, are again stressed. It is said, too, that the schooling of older children suffers because they are kept at home to do domestic work.

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

15. Clothing

Coupons : Complaints of coupon difficulties are reported from nine Regions; seven reports refer to the need for a separate household allowance, and six to the difficulty of clothing growing children. It is suggested that consideration should be given to the need for extra coupons “while a child is growing, rather than when a certain height and weight are attained”. The Midland Region reports that children are being kept away from school through lack of suitable clothes, the excuse being that their coupons have been used by other members of the household. It is urged that the “B.O.T. should be asked to reconsider their decision not to have children's coupons marked, so that juvenile clothing only could be purchased with them”.

Utility goods : The poor quality of utility clothing and footwear is mentioned in five Reports; “At first people were prepared to trust the utility mark - now they fight shy of it”. On the other hand, the Wales Regional report expresses the “wish that a similiar standard of household linen, towels, etc. should obtain after the war” as the utility goods are found to “last longer than stock qualities”.

Repairs and cleaning : Delay in getting shoes repaired is reported from three Regions. This is said to be affecting school attendance and in some cases the “time taken is as much as a month”. The Northern Region reports a growing difficulty in getting clothes cleaned as “cleaners have frequently taken by Monday morning all the articles they can deal with in the week”.

Uniforms for G.T.C., etc . A report from the North Midland Region suggests that in order to stimulate membership of these organisations it is “necessary that uniforms should be coupon free, as for pre-Service units”. Many girls are thought to be in need of parental control and are “roaming the streets”; to the suggestion that they might join the G.T.C. their answer is they have “no coupons for uniform”.

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

16. Food

Satisfaction with the food situation, praise for Lord Woolton, and gratitude to the Merchant Navy are again expressed.

There are, however, complaints about the shortage and bad distribution of:

Complaints of the high price of green vegetables are again mentioned, those used for salads being specially referred to in three reports. It is said that “control means that more stalk can be bought”, and it is again alleged that farmers are “ploughing in” vegetables.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 21 fifteen provincial P.Cs.)

17. Health

Complaints of tiredness, nervous debility and minor ailments continue to be reported.

V.D. campaign : The campaign continues to meet with approval; the latest advertisement is praised and is said to be appreciated by the less educated. Opinion appears to be divided, however, between those who think that sterner methods are needed and those who feel there is a great danger of arousing fears in the wrong quarters and causing unnecessary unhappiness. Other reactions reported (each from one Region) are: (i) a belief that the Forces do not read newspapers and that likely offenders “would not read the Government advertisements”; (ii) a need for fuller description of the symptoms of the diseases and pictures of the later stages; (iii) a desire for more information on the risk of infection from lavatories, and cups in restaurants “as there is considerable fear about the possibilities of infection from such sources”; (iv) the suggestion that talks by Ministry of Health speakers would help, and also that the Brains Trust might discuss “some aspect of the subject”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 21 one provincial P.C. 32.)

18. Shopping difficulties

These are referred to in eight reports this week. In one Region they are said to be a main topic of conversation. Particular difficulty is said to be experienced by women workers in obtaining unrationed goods.

It is suggested that queues could be reduced by shops allotting small quantities of unrationed goods to their regular customers.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 21 one provincial P.C. 32.)

19. Transport

Transport difficulties for war workers are reported from nine Regions (from six last week). From six of these, as against two last week, come complaints of the overcrowding of buses.

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

20. “Wings for Victory” week

Satisfaction with War Savings campaigns is still reported. People are said to hope that the example given by London will be followed elsewhere. On the other hand, criticism is again reported that “most of the money is contributed by the big companies”, and two reports refer to “the small investor's reluctance” to take part in the campaigns.

(3. 4. 8. 10. 13. 21 four provincial P.Cs.)

21. Fuel economy

Some confusion is reported over the announcement that coal allowances are to be increased (1st April); some people believed that the whole increased allowance was to be in addition to the present “ration”, and there is a request for “clearer publicity” on the matter. The Ministry of Fuel's advice “to start stocking up for next winter now”, though described as “premature” in one report, is welcomed in others “for giving the householders a chance to build up adequate stocks during the summer months”.

(2. 3. 4. 10)

22. Salvage

There are again complaints about non-collection of salvage by local authorities (Four Regions) and of the removal of iron railings “while scrap heaps are left idle” (Three Regions). It is thought that uncollected scrap in rural districts has “brought discredit on appeals to save rubber, scrap metal, etc.”

A report from Wales referring to the Government advertisement, “What do I do with waste kitchen scraps?” states that the “public knows what to do, but cannot hold kitchen scraps for an indefinite period, merely because local councils make no attempt to collect them”.

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

23. The Budget

Speculation over the forthcoming budget is mentioned in three Reports. A tax on bicycles and an increase in those on income, tobacco and whiskey is anticipated. One report mentions “very real concern among working-class people that there may be an increase in the number of articles subject to purchase tax”; though the necessity to curtail purchasing power is appreciated, it is felt that this tax, imposes a proportionately heavier burden on the lower income groups.

(2. 3. 10)

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REFERENCES

D 34653-1 6,000 1/43 R P W