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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 283

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. 139 3rd June, 1943

(Covering period 25th May to 1st June, 1943)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

The level of public confidence remains high. People are expecting “big things” to happen at any moment, and the Allied non-stop bombing offensive - which gives satisfaction in itself - is regarded as preparing the way for our invasion of Europe. Other feelings making for optimism are “the recollection of the African victory”, and “high hopes of the practical results of the Washington Conference”.

A number of people appear to think that the war may be over this year, but there are many who are “not quite so cock-a-hoop and are afraid it will be a long and hard business yet”.

Comment on the Home Front is again slight, though criticism continues about the distribution of ration books and the shortage or poor quality of children's shoes. Many workers say they want a good holiday this summer - adding that they intend to travel; “fatigue and the fine weather have made them long for a change of scene from the industrial set-up”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 one Special, all provincial P.Cs. 22 passim.)

2. The Allied air offensive

The Allied air offensive seems to be “the main topic of conversation in most quarters”. “The round-the-clock bombing of Germany, the mighty raids on the Ruhr and the persistent heavy attacks in the Mediterranean command the admiration and the wholehearted approval of the great majority of people”. It is felt that “every bomb delivered is shortening the war”. People are delighted at “the proof given every day that our air strength is constantly growing”, and at “the inability of the enemy to check us or retaliate effectively”.

There is overwhelming approval for speeches by Mr. Attlee, Mr. Eden, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, in which they make it clear that the Allies will not be diverted from their bombing policy. “The Government is just beginning to talk the only language that Hitler can understand.” Particular pleasure is expressed at the “unequivocal answer” to Spanish suggestions for the restriction of aerial attacks - General France, it is thought, “should be the last one to squawk; Nazi propaganda through Spain deceives nobody”.

The purpose and effect of our bombing : “The main feeling seems to be that the heavy bombing everywhere is a prelude to something bigger”, and “will be followed at a fairly early date by the landing of troops”. There are fewer reports this week of the feeling that the air offensive may be a substitute for a land invasion, but people are beginning to wonder whether “increased and incessant attacks may render it unnecessary”.

There is reported to be great speculation as to whether “the morale of Germans and Italians will soon show signs of cracking”. Those who doubtingly point out that German bombing in 1940-41 did not make our morale crack, meet with the reply: “We in this country cannot imagine what an R.A.F. raid is like: they are terrifyingly heavier than any we have experienced”. A few, however, persist in “raising serious doubts of the efficacy of our raids”: they say that “the fact that the last raid on Dusseldorf was the fifty-second proves that previous damage inflicted could not have been as high as we had been led to believe - otherwise it would have been totally unnecessary to visit that city again”. Much the same is said about Essen.

The public's attitude to “relentless” bombing : Unqualified approval of relentless air bombing, with little or no thought of enemy civilian casualties, appears to be the attitude of the majority, some of whom “say freely that it is a good thing to kill the Germans, not so much from vindictiveness as from policy”. It is felt that “none too soon are Germany and Italy being given the same battering which, in the past, they have given other countries”.

What appear to be a large minority, however, regard the bombing as “horrible but necessary”. They “don't enjoy the news because they realise the suffering produced”, but they “warmly approve the policy as a right means towards winning and ending the war” and “have no wish to see the raids reduced in number and intensity”.

R.A.F. losses : Comments are reported on the loss of planes, and “considerable sorrow is expressed for the loss of the gallant young airmen”. Reference is made to “a feeling that the sons of widows should not be used as air crew personnel”.

The bombing of the dams continues to be much discussed. There is great praise for “the audacity of its conception and execution” (“Gibson V.C. is Hero No. 1 at present”), and the great majority agree that “it was perfectly justified and may mean the shortening of the war by several months”. As a writer quoted by Postal Censorship says: “I feel that this one episode has done more to shorten the war than any single effort to date”.

There are still, however, a considerable number - by no means only women - who “express sympathy with the German civilian victims, even while they regard the raid as a valuable step towards victory”. “Many people do not like to probe into their minds too deeply to discover their attitude to the drowning of civilians by floods” - “Were not the people living around the path of the floods farm folk, not taking an active part in the war?” A small minority regard the bombing of Dortmund, so soon after the floods, as an instance of “unnecessary brutality”, or as at any rate “unsporting”. The question is raised as to whether it was “a breach of international law to bomb the people's water supply”. It is also still asked “whether British Prisoner of War Camps would suffer from floods from the burst dams”.

Intense adverse criticism continues to be reported of the story that the attack on the dams was inspired by a Jewish refugee. Reprisals on Jews in occupied countries are still expected, in spite of the official contradictions of the Jew story.

The bombing of Italy : Particular satisfaction is expressed at “the air onslaught on the Italians”. Many seem to think that Italy “may be forced into submission by bombing alone”. Some people are “surprised that no ultimatum, coupled with a terrible threat, has been sent to that country - as, for example, that 1000 bombers will go for Rome if total surrender does not come within a definite time”. There is much talk of possible raids on Rome, of which many people are said to be in favour (Five Regions). People say “Italian planes helped the Germans to bomb us and our King in 1940; why should we not bomb the Pope?” On the whole, the majority feeling is said to be that “Rome should be bombed, if it is necessary for the war effort”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 twelve provincial P.Cs. 22 twenty-three P.D.Rs.)

3. The next move

Many people expect “to wake up one morning soon and find a landing has been made on European shores”, while others think “it may take some time yet” either because “it'll take so much organising”, or because “we may be waiting for Mr. Churchill's return”. The majority are patient, however, and confidently leave the decision as to how, when and where, to “those in command”; yet it is hoped that our offensive “will be timed in co-operation with Russia”.

Realisation is very general that “the battle is bound to be hard, and casualties heavy, but people are grimly determined we must go through with it”.

Only a small minority feel that “we may be leaving things too late”, and much less comment is reported this week about “the air offensive being all we shall see this year”.

Speculation : (a) The most commonly held theory now is that Italy will be invaded, probably via Sicily and Sardinia. She is, it is fairly widely felt, on the verge of collapse, and people wonder whether the pounding she is getting from the air “will do the trick by itself” - or whether “she will wait until she's attacked before throwing up the sponge”. On the other hand, one report suggests “this is an under-estimation of Italian fighting qualities; she may put up a stiff resistance for a short while”.

(b) Other theories . It is again suggested that the next moves “will probably be at a number of points simultaneously”, and the Balkans - perhaps through Turkey - are in some cases coupled with Italy.

Far behind these possibles come France, Norway, Holland and Belgium, and, according to two reports, “people are wondering what help we will get from the subjugated countries”.

Every theory has its rumour or rumours “to back it up”: “Troops and war material are leaving from all African ports”.....“A British raiding party dropped by parachute in France found feeling overwhelmingly in favour of the Allies”.....“Flat-bottomed boats have gone North, it is rumoured on Teeside, which indicates Norway will be attacked”.

Criticism of Mr. Lyttelton's “I know” pronouncement continues to be reported (Five Regions). Opinions about it include: (i) “I don't believe he knows at all.” (ii) “Even if he does, he shouldn't say so; it's not a good example of keeping silent.” (iii) “Several men in the Government”, it is felt, “must know but they do not appear in public like schoolchildren saying ‘I've got a secret but I'm not going to tell you’”.

4. The Prime Minister's visit to Washington

Whole-hearted approval continues to be reported, and is confirmed in a Special Postal Censorship report where every one of over three hundred writers mentioning Mr. Churchill's visit echoes the sentiment: “Our Winnie is away again to arrange final Victory”. Although his presence in America is thought to be having “a tonic effect on Anglo-American relations”, people will be glad to hear of his safe return, as “they're anxious till be gets back”. There is some speculation as to his present or future whereabouts: “Is he in Gibraltar, as the Axis say, or is that only a ‘kite’?” “Will he visit Stalin after Washington?”

The Conference : It is felt that “big things are being brewed”, and the public “await with full confidence either news of the decisions reached, or, if that is not possible, their results”. Two Regional reports mention some regret that M. Stalin was not present.

The speech to Congress is again praised as masterly - some say “his best yet” - and warm appreciation is unanimous. Its reception by the Americans has also given pleasure.

“The chief value of the speech is felt to lie in Mr. Churchill's assurances to the Americans that Britain has no intention of quitting, as far as Japan is concerned”. Comment on the fact that this part of the speech aroused the greatest applause in America - greater than that for Russia - is that “the war nearest home concerns one most”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 one Special, thirteen provincial P.Cs. 22 twenty-three P.D.Rs.)

5. Tunisia

Talk is dying down, but deep satisfaction at “a splendid job well done” continues; one of the effects of “the great victory” is to have “inspired confidence in our war direction, our generalship, our men and our arms”.

The publication of photographs of the 51st Highland Division entering Tunisia has given great pleasure to Scottish people; “They were cut out and pasted up in shipyards and factories and many admiring comments were passed on the proud bearing of the soldiers”. In Cornwall, “the recently arrived air mail which has brought Cornish families great news of the Cornish regiments' part in enabling the armour to go through in the final campaign” has had a heartening effect.

Leave (Four Regions): There is again reference to hope, and in some cases belief, that “our lads who have been fighting in Africa will be given home leave as soon as possible”.

Honours (Two Regions): It is hoped that our Generals will not be forgotten; otherwise it would be considered “rather a shame to award G.C.Bs. to Generals MacArthur and Eisenhower and nothing to reward Generals Alexander and Montgomery”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 10. 11. 21 one Special, seven provincial P.Cs. 22 twenty-four P.D.Rs.)

6. North African politics

Full reports of reactions to the meeting between Generals Giraud and de Gaulle have not yet been received, but the first stages of the negotiations do not appear to have aroused a great deal of comment. Since the Allied victory in Tunisia, feeling about French political differences has been much reduced.

Satisfaction is recorded, however, that matters seem “well on the way to being settled”, although mingled with this is the feeling that it's “about time too”. There is still some criticism of ‘French politics’, at which “people throw up their hands in horror”, and some suspicion of the French in general. In one Regional report the fear is mentioned that “we shall probably have more trouble with the French than with the Germans after the war”.

Some sympathy is expressed for General de Gaulle; “after all he was first to make the effort to free the French”, ... “he has been rather badly treated by the Allies”. But there is a division of opinion about him: he is thought to “have made a lot of fuss about the Algerian visit”.

The French fleet at Alexandria : Mild pleasure appears to be the main reaction to the “coming over” of the French ships. The tonnage of the ships gained is looked on as of “secondary importance to the knowledge that more of France is behind us”.

In one Region there is said to have been some amusement at the “few old crocks”, while in another the incident has served as “a rude reminder” that the fleet had refrained from joining our cause for so long.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 11. 21 one Special, one provincial P.C.)

7. The Far East

Although it is universally agreed that “Hitler is public enemy No. 1” and our first concern is Germany, Mr. Churchill's renewed assurances that we are “in to the hilt with the U.S.A. in the war in the Pacific” have increased interest in the Far Eastern war and given much satisfaction. It is hoped that the Japanese may soon be “bombed on their homeland.... Tokyo as heavily as London” - and that the Americans may be able to use the Aleutian Islands as a base for this purpose. It is said that “Japan is no longer looked on as an enemy that will be easily defeated”.... some think “a tougher nut even than Germany”, and “people want full vengeance”. On the other hand, one Regional report says there is still a tendency to “leave it to the Americans”; and some people do not yet realise that the Far East war will not end with the collapse of Germany.

Prisoners of war : Relatives of prisoners take the war against Japan very seriously. It is thought that the “withholding of names by Japan for nearly a year and a half was the most pronounced cruelty that man could devise”. It is feared that should the Allies bomb cities under Japanese control “prisoners will be put in places more vulnerable to attack”. There is also some concern among the relatives of serving men who may have to fight the Japanese.

Burma : It is hoped that we shall soon make progress in this area, both in order to help China and to remove the danger to India. The work of the Commandos in Burma is spoken of with admiration.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 22 five P.D.Rs.)

8. Russia

Again comparatively little comment is reported on the Russian military situation. There is some speculation about “developments expected shortly”, and many hope that “Russia and the Allies have planned to strike simultaneously”. Confidence in the Red Army remains high, and those who anticipate a German move feel that Russia will be “able to deal with the blow”, but “we must do something to take the strain from her shoulders”.

Disbandment of the Comintern : Satisfaction is again expressed at the decision to dissolve the Comintern. But a “right wing minority” think “Stalin has simply removed a ‘propaganda front’ to his shop, business inside being unchanged”; and “it will be unfortunate if people here believe too open-mindedly that the Russian leopard is changing his spots”. Some interest is reported in the religious aspect, and a possible “closer unity between the Eastern and Western Churches”.

There is speculation about the attitude of the Labour Party towards affiliation with the Communists. It is thought that “the responsible men” will not want any truck with the Communists “who are definitely undemocratic in outlook”; although some ‘left’ opinion suggests that there is “now no real bar to affiliation”.

The Russo-Polish dispute now arouses little interest. A special Postal Censorship Report suggests that “blame is about equally divided”. Poland appears to be losing some sympathy; workers describe it as a “capitalist stronghold with reactionary tendencies”. This feeling appears to have been stimulated by the belief that the “Polish press has too much freedom in Britain to publish anti-Semitic and anti-democratic papers” which are “against the ideals we are fighting for”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 one Special, eight provincial P.Cs. 22 twelve P.D.Rs.)

9. Air Raids on this country

Recent raids on this country, though not apparently affecting morale, have resulted in criticism of our defences and rumours of exaggerated damage and casualties.

(a) Criticism of defences :

Sunderland and neighbouring coastal towns : Indignation is reported at (i) the weakness of the A.A. fire, coupled with allegations that the Home Guard were not up to the mark (“now that the Home Guard have taken over, the fire has deteriorated”); (ii) the absence of night fighters, a smoke screen, and, in Sunderland itself, a balloon barrage. “Sunderland and South Shields have been sacrificed to Newcastle.” Sunderland people are now said to be “pleased that balloons have gone up though some would like even more”. Rumours of more A.A. guns also give satisfaction.

Cardiff : There are continued complaints about “inadequate defences during the raid”.... “a general remark is that, ‘if the defences were considered efficient, then Heaven help us in any future raids’”.

Bournemouth : The recent raid is “reported to have had some effect in Poole and Weymouth, where the question of fighter patrols over coastal towns has again been raised”. Some Weymouth people “feel that with the great expansion of the R.A.F. a few fighters might patrol to destroy the raiders before they drop their bombs, not after”.

South East Coast : “Inhabitants of Rye are apprehensive because the A.A. guns in their area have been reduced.” They find the situation difficult to understand “at a moment when this coast is nearest to the Hun of anywhere in the world”.

Aberdeen : “Bitter feelings are still reported regarding the alleged inadequate defences.”

(b) Rumours : There are rumours of:

The delay in giving news of local damage and casualties is said to give rise to discontent and anxiety, and to cause the “exaggerated and fantastic rumours”. It is “wondered whether more details could be given without their being of service to the enemy”.

(1. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 14 Wales 22 two P.D.Rs.)

10. War at sea

Comment remains slight. It is felt that the shipping position is improving, and the news of U-boat losses is said to have “gratified” people. Confidence is reported in our “ability to counter successfully the U-boat menace”. The improved shipping position in the Mediterranean is also “a cause of much satisfaction”.

People are reported to be full of admiration for the work of the Royal Navy in all waters, but especially for “the splendid support given to the Allied Armies in North Africa”, and for “the small craft that operate round our shores, particularly in the North Sea and Channel”.... “Dash, intrepid command, combined with superior seamanship and tactical skill, remain the characteristics of British naval forces, officers and men.”

(1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 9. 10. 21 one provincial P.C. 22 three P.D.Rs.)

11. Church bells

There is further appreciation this week of the removal of the ban on the ringing of the Church bells, particularly of the decision to raise the ban completely.

The ringing of the bells is said to “sound like peace-time”, and to bring an optimistic feeling that we are “over the worst”. It is also taken as “some indication” that there is now no fear of invasion.

(2. 6. 9. 13)

12. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Comment on the presentation of news is slight this week. Four Regions report that “the recent handling of the news has been satisfactory”, though it is said “the fact that the news has been good has saved the B.B.C. from it's previous habit of amplifying and glorifying minor incidents”.

It is thought by some that “too much gloating and unnecessary detail” about the bombing of the Ruhr dams was given by both press and B.B.C. There is again “condemnation of the stupidity of releasing the German Jewish refugee story”. “What is a censor for anyway?”

Praise is reported this week for the War Commentary by Major Lewis Hastings (May 20), for his joint War Commentary with Squadron Leader John Strachey (May 13) and for Mr. Edward Murrow's Postscript (May 9.) The Postscript by a Polish refugee has been both praised and criticised. It is said to have been considered “ill-timed and in bad style” - “just right to create a bad impression about the Poles”.

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

13. Industry

Strikes : Unrest among transport workers is still reported in the Northern, North Eastern, North Midland and North Western Regions; in the Sheffield area it is partly attributed to “unreasonable delay in arbitration proceedings”. There is said to be a good deal of sympathy for the employees “who are not as well paid as they should be”, but strike action is nevertheless strongly condemned (Six Regions), and it is felt that “strong measures should be taken to stamp it out”. In the North Midland and North Western Regions, miners are also criticised for using, or threatening to use, “the strike weapon”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 9. 10. 21.)

14. New ration book distribution

The difficulties of obtaining new ration books continue to be a major topic of discussion. Complaints, which follow the lines indicated last week, are chiefly of time wasted in obtaining the new books, and come from all Regions except Northern Ireland, where the distribution has only just begun. Employers and workers particularly resent the loss of working hours, and in the latter case loss of pay has been an added irritation. Time is said to have been chiefly wasted through:

(1) Transport difficulties (Eight Regions): Long distances and inadequate transport are the chief complaints of country dwellers, who also resent the money, sometimes as much as 2/-. or 2/6., spent on fares to the Food Office.

(2) Queueing at the food offices (Seven Regions): Stories are reported of people queueing for three or four hours, of expectant mothers fainting, and of the difficulties of mothers with small children.

(3) The inaccurate filling in of applications for the new books (Two Regions).

The distribution is criticised as “one of the most badly organised schemes of the war - just another Civil Service muddle”, and in rural areas is alleged to have caused “much resentment and contempt for officialdom”. The grumbling is said to have been all the worse because “the Ministry of Food was regarded as one of the best managed Ministries, and Lord Woolton was very much looked up to before”. The headquarters of the Ministry is more blamed “for the mess” than the local offices “who should have been given more discretion in making local arrangements”. It is also asked why the help of the W.V.S. was not invoked at once, “as it has been on previous occasions”.

Good local organisation , resulting in no complaints of delay, is reported from many districts, chiefly urban areas (Six Regions). In one area this is attributed to good local publicity about times of attendance; in another, the unofficial help of the W.V.S. is highly praised. In the Southern Region where the “block collection” of books from factories has been undertaken, it is said to have worked well.

The advertisements in the National press are praised in two reports, but it is suggested that they may not have been understood by ignorant people.

Lord Woolton's broadcast (May 28) was welcomed: “it eased the situation when things were heading for a real mess”. His “frank admission of miscalculation” is praised, and his concessions are reported to have “removed a great deal of resentment”. “What a pity he didn't make it ten days ago” is the only critical comment.

Present position : Six Regions report that the situation is improving in many areas, and “though feeling is still strong and bitter in some places”, the improved organisation “is beginning to subdue criticism”.

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

15. Food

The only respects in which the food situation appears to differ from that reported last week are with regard to:

(a) The removal of home-produced tinned fruits from points (Nine Regions): This is reported to have given great pleasure to many housewives, and “almost a feeling of getting something for nothing”. For many, however, satisfaction was tempered by the fear that “these goods would now be unobtainable in the shops” or “resentment that they had already disappeared”. There are “allegations of large scale under-the counter sales”, and comments such as: “It'll all go to shop assistants and their friends”.

Housewives who bottle their own fruit are said, in one report, to be asking “why the Ministry of Food is telling the public that English canned plums and damsons should be eaten before the end of June, while home-bottled fruit can be kept for two or three years”.

(b) Fruit (Eight Regions): A “great and growing longing for fruit” is mentioned in three reports. Annoyance is expressed at “the disappearance of rhubarb, just when it should be plentiful”. People are anxious for “plenty of fruit to be released at reasonable prices for eating and bottling”. Some are asking “why we don't bring back lemons and oranges from Algiers”, instead of prisoners. “Why let our sailors risk their lives and use up valuable shipping space? - we're short enough of food here as it is.”

(c) Tomatoes (Four Regions): “The advent of tomatoes is eagerly awaited”. People are already asking where they are, and familiar comments are heard about commodities disappearing when the price is controlled.

(d) Bread (Four Regions): There are complaints that bread is “deteriorating in quality” and “drying more quickly than previously”; that “housewives on full-time work cannot obtain bread either at lunch time or in the evening”, and that “bakers are not making 1 lb loaves, with the result that much is wasted in small families who have to take the 2 lb loaf”.

(e) “A no-coupon holiday” is reported as “a new racket from Brighton and Worthing”. It is alleged that people stay at one hotel just long enough to escape giving up their ration books before moving on to the next.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 ten provincial P.Cs. 22 thirteen P.D.Rs.)

16. Fire Guards

Complaints about some aspect of fire-watching come from Seven Regions this week. The complaints, mostly from one Region each, are as follows:

Miss Ellen Wilkinson's address to representatives of Local Authorities in Leeds does not appear to have been very well received (Three Regions).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 9.)

17. Agriculture

Criticism of the Government scheme for rural housing continues along familiar lines.

Two reports this week refer to criticism of the publicity about harvest helpers, and to demands for a clear statement to prospective helpers about the work available and particularly the correct place at which to make application for holidays. Kent farmers are reported to be very worried about labour for the coming harvest; they also fear that petrol restrictions will make it difficult for holiday workers to reach the farms.

(2. 3. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 10.)

18. Rumours

The story of a woman dying of shock on discovering, on a visit to her husband in hospital, that he had lost both his arms and legs in Tunisia has again been in circulation - in Nottingham; this is apparently a rumour current in the last war. The old story of the salvaging of the Ark Royal is once more reported from Merseyside. Hess and von Arnim are said to be confined in a mansion near Abergavenny.

It is rumoured that 900 gallons of petrol were issued for the Newark bye-election.

(1. 3. 5SE. 6. 8. 10.)

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REFERENCES

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