A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46

294

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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P.T.O.

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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
SECRET

No. 133 22nd April, 1943

(Covering period 13th to 20th April, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

Public spirits remain high, and interest is again focused on events in Tunisia. Optimism about the final outcome of the campaign is widely reported, but “estimates vary as to how long it'll take to clear the Axis out”. The most general opinion appears to be that “we shall have a stiff fight yet, but the end cannot be long delayed”. Eager speculation continues as to “what our next step will be then - When will we invade Europe?”

Satisfaction is also reported with the bombing offensive on Germany and occupied Europe.

On the other hand, “any tendency to elation is balanced by concern about the heavy losses of Bomber Command; the U-boat menace; expected casualties in Tunisia and in the anticipated European offensive; and “the colossal task ahead of winning the war”.

Reports from seven Regions refer to fatigue which is again attributed to shopping and transport difficulties, long hours of work, Civil Defence duties, and “wartime food”.

Further reports confirm that the Budget is felt “to be generally fair all round”, and that the increased tax on tobacco and beer - particularly as it affects old age pensioners - are the points that have aroused most comment.

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

2. North Africa

The news from Tunisia continues “to dominate the public mind”, and “everyone is eagerly awaiting the next move”. Speculation continues as to:

  1. When we shall clear the Axis out of Tunisia. On this time factor, it is felt, depends the launching of our European offensive (Eleven Regions). Estimates vary between the end of this month and the middle of June. It seems to be generally thought that “the last bit will be tough”, and there is some expectation of heavy casualties.

  2. Rommel's policy (Four Regions).

    1. Will he “try a Dunkirk?” If so, some feel “the Navy will give his troops good bathing”, but others believe “he'll be able to evacuate a considerable number of his own men and will leave the Italians behind”.

    2. Will he fight to a finish? According to one report, “the public are gloating at the possibility of a Stalingrad annihilation of the enemy”.

    3. Will he surrender?

General Montgomery and the Eighth Army continue to evoke great pride, praise and admiration: “They are a great scrapping lot and know their stuff”. The First Army and the French and U.S. Forces are also praised. There is, however, still some feeling that “the Americans have done little land fighting yet”, and that “they spoilt our plans of encircling Rommel's army”.

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

3. The second front

It is fairly generally expected that “we shall invade the Continent when the Axis have been thrown out of Africa and the Mediterranean has been completely opened”. Only a minority fear that the delay in Tunisia may mean that “nothing at all will happen this year”. Speculation as to where the second front will be includes Sicily, Sardinia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Norway, and France. It is hoped that we shall be able to open it soon, and so help Russia, possibly “before the Germans launch a summer offensive”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 7. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 seven provincial P.Cs.)

4. Russia

In the absence of any “comment evoking news”, interest in Russia still appears to be at a very low ebb, but speculation on coming events there is said to continue. Some anxiety is reported about the Russians' ability to withstand “the expected powerful German offensive”, and it is hoped that Russia's “needs will receive attention at the close of the African campaign”.

A desire is reported from three Regions “to hear from Stalin what Russian plans are concerning after the war”; it is suggested that “Russia is not necessarily fighting the same war as we are”. Two reports from other Regions mention “signs that the emotional regard for her may be burning itself out”, and that in some quarters people are now able to “review the events of the past nine months in their proper perspective”. It is not suggested, however, that this objective scrutiny diminishes the public's sympathy for Russia.

The “German propaganda story” of the “Polish graveyard” at Smolensk is said to be disbelieved, though in Scotland it is reported to have caused “bitter discussion” and “much ill-feeling”.

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

5. The Far East

Events in the Far East - of which, it is said, “the public knows little and cares less” - appear to have aroused slightly more interest this week, and there is said to be some concern “at the renewed threat to Australia”. But the majority of people seem “content to let the Japanese problem wait until the Axis has been defeated”. References are made to the need for “judicious propaganda to bring home to them the importance of defeating the Japanese”.

Burma : Some disappointment is reported from seven Regions at our set-back in Burma and “further difficulties” there are anticipated.

China : Brief references to China are made in reports from five Regions. These mention sympathy for her, and concern “that she is still left very much alone”. The difficulties of giving her assistance, however, are said to be realised. Some criticism of the lack of news is reported, as it is thought “something must surely be taking place there”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 one provincial P.C.)

6. Allied air offensive

Comment on the Allied bombing offensive is referred to by all Regions and Postal Censorship, and may be summarised thus:

  1. Great interest in and admiration for the Allied air attacks (All Regions). “The week's record is regarded as impressive” and “a grand job of technical efficiency”.

  2. Anxiety concerning losses of aircraft and crews (Ten Regions) Many people would welcome a statement of percentages rather than of absolute losses, “which often seem very large and are viewed with consternation”, although they may not be “disproportionate to the magnitude of the attacks” (Three Regions). There is, also, often “little appreciation of the number of men who land alive in enemy territory”.

  3. The bombing of bases in occupied countries and of industrial centres is regarded with satisfaction as a prelude to Continental invasion (Four Regions). It is thought that “Goebbels must have been hard pressed in his effort to convince the Essenites of the impotence of the R.A.F.”.

  4. Heavy bombing of German cities must be playing a big part in helping to shorten the war by “tending to undermine the morale of the German people” (Three Regions).

  5. “The havoc in some of the German cities strikes some people as very terrible”, and there is sympathy for the sufferings of the civilian population (Two Regions). One Region reports a minority opinion that “bombing won't win the war for anyone - whether Allies or Axis”.

  6. “Particular pleasure” is expressed in the North Eastern Region at the Russian air attacks on East Prussia, resulting in “raids from both sides of the Reich”, which “must have made Hitler see even more plainly the writing on the wall”.

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

7. The war at sea

Concern over the shipping situation is reported from nine Regions and Postal Censorship this week. Anxiety does not seem to be acute, however, except in some coastal towns and villages; but “the danger to men's lives and the threat to our food and supplies remain fairly constantly at the back of people's minds and can be called forth readily”. There is “much praise for the men of the Navy and merchant ships, and confidence in their ability”. In some Scottish left-wing industrial quarters “mention of the battle of the Atlantic is regarded not as a serious argument, but as a sheer excuse for not getting on with the second front”.

More information is asked for: “the German claim to have sunk thirty-five ships in a convoy of thirty-seven has caused uneasiness and discussion, with a tendency to believe the claim in the absence of any official announcement”.

Irritation is still expressed at “conflicting statements” about our shipping position. It is asked “why the British and U.S. Governments have not evolved some arrangement for making joint statements, and why our press has to quote figures from U.S. papers?”

“The difference in pay between merchant seamen and the gunner who sails to protect them receives adverse comment” in the Northern Region.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. 21 four provincial P.Cs.)

8. The Budget

The preliminary reactions referred to last week are now confirmed in further reports.

  1. Approval: “It might have been worse. Somebody's got to pay for giving Adolf a walloping”.

  2. Relief that direct taxation was not increased.

  3. “A good deal of grousing” about the increased tax on tobacco and beer. Resolutions “to pack up smoking” have been made and broken. Though most of the grumbling is good-natured, some people are said to be resentful and, according to one report, are “proposing to discontinue war savings and to withdraw what they have”. Non-smokers and non-drinkers are felt “to have got off too lightly: it's a pity they are only caught in income tax”.

  4. Sympathy with old age pensioners, who “will be hard hit”, particularly by the tobacco tax. It is felt that some kind of concession should be made to enable them to buy tobacco and beer at pre-Budget prices.

  5. Approval for the increased purchase tax on luxuries and its removal from utility goods, and for the improved allowance for dependants and housekeepers.

  6. A feeling that “it would be better if income tax were made payable on current earnings”.

Suggestions of goods on which taxes could have been increased - some say “instead of tobacco” - include wireless and dog licences. It is also suggested that a tax could have been put on cycles, cats, posters, advertisements, books, periodicals, and betting.

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

9. The Beveridge Report and the post-war world

Increasing interest is reported this week in post-war problems, and it is suggested that planning, “which at first seemed tiresome and premature, now tends to be looked on as essential”. Discussion follows familiar lines, and the main points of comment are:

  1. Fear of unemployment.

  2. Fear that the Beveridge Plan has been “shelved”. Some people are said “to be determined that the Report must go through at all costs”.

  3. Interest in housing, particularly among young married couples, who “want small self-contained houses with gardens, plenty of cupboards and labour-saving devices - not flats”.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 7. 10. 11. 21 one special, one provincial P.C.)

10. H.M. The Queen's broadcast

All Regions and Postal Censorship report the appreciation and pleasure with which Her Majesty's broadcast was heard. Although there is still some speculation as to its significance, it was felt to be a talk from “woman to woman” rather than from “Queen to subject”, and was considered a “gracious ‘thank-you’ for what women are doing in all branches of the war effort”.

Her Majesty's reference to the “need for cherishing family life on a spiritual basis” was appreciated by many people: “I like someone with the courage to take up the religion question”. Two Regions comment on Her Majesty's reference to “The King and I”. It is pointed out that King George V when broadcasting referred to Queen Mary as his “wife”.

The North Eastern Region reports that the newsreel of Her Majesty's broadcast was “received with spontaneous applause”.

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

11. Prisoners of war

Repatriation of prisoners from Italy : Pleasure is expressed in reports from two Regions at the announcement of this proposal. There is, however, “some surprise that able-bodied men should be exchanged”.

Shackling of prisoners : Before Mr. Eden's statement in Parliament (21st. April) there were reports from two Regions referring to “concern that no progress seems to have been made towards the unshackling of our men in Germany”.

Prisoners in Japanese hands : In the Eastern Region there is said to be “astonishment that, after twelve months, it is impossible for the Government to inform relatives of what has happened to our men in the Far East”. News received of them through the Red Cross is “greatly appreciated”.

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

12. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Little comment is reported on news presentation, but there is some criticism of “repetition of news” (Three Regions); of the inclusion of so many special commentaries “which are thought to verge almost on the monotonous”, and of “the almost complete exclusion of news from China”. The wish is expressed that the “Home News bulletin should be presented like the European News”. The reading of the summary at the beginning and end of the bulletins is liked.

Mr. Brendan Bracken and the B.B.C. : “The recent attack on the B.B.C. in the House of Commons is said to have caused some resentment”, and “the sweeping complaints voiced by some M.Ps.” appear to have little public support. “The defence was welcomed and well deserved” (Three Regions).

Mr. Bracken's “ticking off of Captain Cunningham Reid is said to have delighted the public generally” (Three Regions).

Programmes : Captain Hugh Cudlipp's Postscript (15th April) on the Eighth Army's advance is said to have given great pleasure (Three Regions) and to have “hit the nail straight on the head”.

Programmes are criticised as being “weak”, “still too heavy”, and “very poor stuff” (Three Regions), although another report states that, “with the exception of certain items, they are the best bargain for cheap entertainment available”. It is thought that “good talks are listened to attentively nowadays”, but “they are sometimes spoilt by the voice and manner of the speaker”.

The Press : The need for good war maps in the daily press is again stressed (Two Regions); those in the Manchester Guardian and the Sunday Express are praised as examples of what is wanted.

Two Regions refer to the recent newspaper picture of a famous Berlin church burning; this is described as “only helping Goebbels' propaganda”.

Though some feel that the newspapers are doing a difficult job well, others “stigmatise them as mere echoes of B.B.C. news”.

Films Two Regions and Postal Censorship report continued praise of “Desert Victory”, and there is “satisfaction at its reception in Russia”. “One Day of War” is mentioned as showing what the Russians have had to put up with.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 seven provincial P.Cs.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

13. Industry

Enforced idleness is again the most frequently discussed subject on the industrial front, and is alleged in reports from six Regions and Postal Censorship. The old rumour of “cigarette lighters manufactured in working time” is reported from two Regions. Suggested reasons for idle time are “lack of ready material”, “prolonged delay in machine repairs”, and “cost-plus work”, which is said to result in an attitude of “it's not the production but the hours that matter”.

Increased Government control (Six Regions): The Government's action in taking over various firms and collieries seems to have caused considerably more approval than resentment, but a minority is said to be critical, particularly of the “taking over of shares”. Four reports indicate that “the public is anxious for the full reasons to be published for the Government's action in taking over Shorts. It is suggested that a full explanation would be much more satisfactory than bits of information extracted as the result of questions in Parliament”. People are wondering “whether Government control will be extended into the post-war world or not, and whether Shorts' shares will be handed back”.

Strikes : (Five Regions) The public are said to be critical of strikers; “it is usually suggested that a ‘bung 'em in the Forces’ policy would quickly bring about an improvement”. The “spineless attitude of the Government towards strikers” is “strongly condemned”. It is felt that “the general public would give unqualified support to a firmer stand”.

Long hours of work are criticised in reports from four Regions. It is said that “extra hours fail to increase production”, “make for inefficiency”, and “tell on women workers particularly”.

Transfer of labour is still a subject of comment (Three Regions). Transferred workers complain of “the unfair treatment in not giving cheap travel permits to enable us to visit our homes at Easter”. There is again “criticism of expert workers in really necessary jobs (such as postal clerks) being taken away, as it usually takes two or three untrained other people to learn these duties, while the person withdrawn has to learn an entirely new task”.

Scottish miners : According to the Scottish report, “increasing interest in the coal situation has resulted from statements by the Minister of Fuel and Power and resolutions passed by the annual conference of the National Union of Scottish Mineworkers at Dunoon. Discrepancies in statements from these two sources are being noted. For example, people are asking, ‘Are there more or fewer men in the industry? Has Government control worsened the situation? Are the miners or the owners to blame for lessened production?’ Considerable resentment is reported from the Forces, especially about the miners' call for a second front. Soldiers say: ‘How dare they mention a second front? They can't produce the coal. They can't even prevent unofficial strikes’. On the other hand a contact among the miners says: ‘They have had very hard times in the past. They view all fresh moves with suspicion, and it will take a long time and understanding to get the best out of these men’.”

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

14. The call-up

Evasion of the call-up continues to be alleged - on the part of women in five Regions, of men in one. Particular complaint is made of camp-follower wives (especially in the Inverness area and at Richmond, York) and of “the number of young women of conscription age in safe jobs in banks and offices”. There is some feeling that “Labour Exchange methods regarding the employment of married women could be tightened up”. It is thought that “many people have failed to register for National Service, and that others give false information about their age. People who are doing their bit are getting rather tired of seeing people get away with flagrant breaches of the regulations”.

Shortage of domestic help is complained of in reports from five Regions this week (as against four last week). One report refers to women having had to give up war work and return to housework, as a result.

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

15. Transport and petrol

Transport difficulties are reported from seven Regions this week. The main complaints are still the overcrowding of buses and trains (Four Regions) - schoolchildren and pleasure-seekers are especially mentioned in this connection; and inadequate bus services (Two Regions). In the Midland Region the fine weather is said to “have brought up a fresh crop of grumbles about the early hours at which public transport ceases and the inability to get about and take advantage of the light evenings”. It is thought that this “will probably have a bad effect on production as workers are complaining that their means of recreation are limited”.

Petrol : Waste and misuse of petrol are reported from eight Regions. The main complaints continue to be of (i) the use of taxis for nonessential journeys; (ii) the use of petrol allowances for shopping; (iii) the “unfairness” of petrol allocations.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 three provincial P.Cs.)

16. Health

Complaints of fatigue, general debility and minor ailments are reported from seven Regions and Postal Censorship this week. These are attributed in four Regions to the wartime diet, and in two to long working hours.

Venereal Disease Campaign : Less comment is reported on the Campaign this week. Opinion appears to be divided; three Regions report interest and satisfaction, and three that it has attracted little attention. A doctor in the North Western Region says that the campaign “is undoubtedly doing good: more cases and enquiries have been reported since the start of the campaign”, and he considers this to be “due to the positive assurance of the possibility of cure in the advertisements”. One report describes the moral approach as “useless”; but it is thought that the medical angle in the advertisements will be successful “if complete secrecy can be afforded to patients”.

Doctors : Complaints about the shortage of doctors are reported from two Regions. In one town in the Southern Region, it is said “there is very strong feeling about the long waits in doctors' waiting-rooms. There may be twenty to thirty people waiting at a time ‘all sneezing over each other’ and they may have to wait for two to two and a half hours”.

Maternity accommodation : The shortage of maternity accommodation in hospitals and nursing homes is also reported from two Regions this week.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 10. 21 four provincial P.Cs. 32.)

17. Clothing

Coupons : Complaints concerning the inadequacy of the coupon allowance for household and personal use follow familiar lines (Nine Regions). Housewives who “loyally economised in the early days of the war” feel that if they had spent their money three years ago they would not now have to surrender coupons to replenish stocks, while people who then bought heavily are “sitting pretty”. Two reports criticise Miss Ellen Wilkinson (whose stock of clothes is assumed to be “considerable”) for boasting that she has used no coupons. The difficulties of clothing growing children, and of young wives setting up house, are again emphasised.

In the Northern Region and in a Special Postal Censorship report it is said that “petty crime and black-marketing” in connection with clothes, rationing is “greatly on the increase; almost everywhere one can hear whispers of it”. It is also thought there is a good deal of traffic in the buying and selling of coupons.

Footwear : The shortage and poor quality of children's shoes is again reported (Three Regions) and there is a demand for well made and properly cut footwear. It is pointed out that “passing-on schemes” do not solve the problem, as the shoes are often “injurious to the children's feet”.

Stockings : Stockings are said to be “rubbishy” and it is hoped the promised better quality will not be long delayed. Women would “gladly pay more for good quality, fully fashioned stockings which would last longer” (Three Regions).

Men's utility suits : It is said that the “poor quality and ungenerous cut” of these suits cause many complaints, and that the lack of turn-ups makes trousers unmendable when they are frayed” (Two Regions).

Outsize garments : Shortage of these is reported. It is said that manufacturers no longer supply them and that they have to be specially made; this involves “a greater expenditure of coupons than if they could be got ready made” (Two Regions).

Corsets : There is still criticism of the unsuitability of the utility corsets. It is said that “doctors are sick of giving women workers certificates for special corsets”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 9. 10. 21 three provincial P.Cs.)

18. Shopping difficulties

The shopping difficulties of war workers are reported from nine Regions this week. The lunch hour and early closing of shops is again the chief complaint. Queues for cakes and fish are again reported and it is asked whether “some other method for their distribution could not be devised”.

Easter closing : Criticism of variations in the closing of shops over Easter is reported from an area in the Southern Region. Some shops are to close from Thursday to Tuesday, others are to open on Easter Saturday. It is thought this will make it very difficult for country people to do their shopping.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9. 10. 13)

19. Food

Satisfaction over the food situation appears to be fairly general, but there seems to be an increasing tendency to attribute “the general debility from which so many people are suffering” to “the poor food or lack of nourishment” (Four Regions).

Fish : Comments are reported this week on:

Shortage or unequal distribution (Eight Regions),

Improved supplies (Five Regions,

Poor quality (Two Regions),

The need for “some rationing scheme” (Two Regions),

Preferential treatment of favoured customers, and high prices (One Region each).

Milk : Complaints of the rationalised distribution of milk come from five Regions. It is alleged that Sheffield housewives now find it difficult to get fresh milk; that “the Co-operative Societies can still operate over their old areas” (“another instance of preferential treatment of large combines”); that “people resent official interference with their choice of milkman” and believe that “the scheme will not result in economy”.

Cheese : The “cheese cut” has now caused some regretful comment (Five Regions), particularly from “areas lacking canteen facilities or where packed lunches are common”.

Packed lunches : The difficulty of providing these is again reported (Five Regions), especially now that the cheese ration has been cut. Workers (e.g., in the building trade) who need packed lunches, complain that “the farm workers' cheese ration is needed as much by other trades”.

Bread : Complaints continue (Four Regions) of the quality and effects of National Bread and flour. The bread is said to cause spots and stomach disorders, and the flour to be “no good for making sauces”.

High price of vegetables : There are complaints of the high price of rhubarb (“11d a lb for a few sticks of very dry rhubarb with useless leaves”); of watercress (“at 3/4d a lb”), and of cabbages (“it's not very satisfactory to pay for 4 - 5 ozs of stump”).

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

20. Fire Guards

Women are said to “complain that they cannot firewatch as well as do full-time work and look after their homes” (Two Regions). Some are “aggrieved because single women with apparently fewer responsibilities, are exempted”. There is said to be strong feeling in Huddersfield against “girls who are wangling exemption”. The practice is said to be that they do not undertake duties while their application for exemption on medical grounds is under consideration, and as a result “girls can remain free from obligation for some time”. Complaints are also made that “too many people are evading their duty by paying others to do it for them”.

Some confusion is said to have been caused by “the many alterations that have been made” in the Fire Guard organisation. “A lot has been said and written about the new scheme but no new regulations have been issued and people are wondering what it is all about and when the proposed new schemes come into operation.”

(1. 2. 6. 7. 9)

21. Agriculture

Volunteer labour for the coming harvest is referred to in three reports this week. The publicity is thought in one Region “to be ahead of organisation as the scheme is said not to be ready for the volunteers”. In another Region it is asked what arrangements have been made to billet them, and if it is true “that they are going to have extra rations”. In connection with the coming harvest, it is suggested that Home Guard duties for land workers should be lightened”.

(1. 4. 6. 10)

22. Registration of nurses

Little comment is reported on the registration of nurses. The following points are mentioned, each in a different report: (i) Some people thought that “not enough publicity was given” and were in doubt as to whether they had to register; (ii) Hospital nurses could have been saved much time if their registration forms had been collected where they worked and sent on to the Employment Exchange; (iii) In Rutland “people living in out-of-the-way places made fruitless journeys to the registration centres because insufficient forms were available, supplies having run out”.

Speculation as to the reason for registration is reported from two Regions; in both cases it is suggested that it is “in expectation of second front casualties”.

(3. 5. 6)

295

REFERENCES

1. Northern Region (Newcastle) Weekly Reports from R.I.Os.
2. North Eastern Region (Leeds)
3. North Midland Region (Nottingham)
4. Eastern Region (Cambridge)
5. London Region (London)
6. Southern Region (Reading)
7. South Western Region (Bristol)
8. Wales (Cardiff)
9. Midland (Birmingham)
10. North Western Region (Manchester)
11. Scotland (Edinburgh)
12. South Eastern Region (Tunbridge Wells)
13. Northern Ireland (Belfast)
14. Special Reports from R.I.Os.
15. Regions Adviser's Reports
16. M.O.I. Speakers' Reports
17. Local Information Committees' Reports
18. Home Press Summaries M.O.I.
19. Regional Press Summaries
20. Hansard
21. Postal Censorship
22. Police Duty Room Reports
23. Wartime Social Survey Reports
24. B.B.C. Listener Research Papers
25. B.B.C. Special Papers
26. Citizens' Advice Bureaux Reports
27. W.V.S. Reports
28. Scottish Unionist Whips' Reports
29. Liberal Party's Reports
30. Economic League's Reports
31. War Office Post Bag Summaries
32. Primary Sources

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

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