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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
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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. Though this Report must inevitably represent mainly articulate opinion, it has been found in practice that the views of the less articulate do not substantially differ, though their range is smaller.

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 their 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
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No. 171, 13th January, 1944

(Covering period from 4th to 11th January, 1944)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General

There is little change in public spirits this week; they are maintained at a high level by the Russian successes, expectations of invasion, the naval victories, and our air offensive. At the same time, there is some uneasiness about Russo-Polish relations; also some dread of casualties when we do invade.

The conviction remains that this is the last year of the European war.

On the Home Front tiredness and war weariness are again widely reported. Other main topics are the reduction in the domestic coal allowance, the clothing coupon allotment for the next six months, and postwar prospects.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 passim)

2. Russia

The news of the Red Army's advance across the Polish border aroused widespread admiration and delight (Twelve Regions). People are amazed at the speed and magnitude of the achievement, and many hope the Russians will sweep right through into Germany. It is hoped Polish partisans will not hinder the Russian advance.

Russo-Polish relations : The crossing of the 1939 Polish frontier has aroused considerable concern over Russo-Polish relations (All Regions). Though opinion is divided most people appear to support the Russian point of view. It is felt that the Red Army is doing all the work, and that, but for Russia's entry into the war, Poland would now be part of the Reich. People consider Poland was not a democracy before the war, and there is some distrust of the Polish Government here, and dislike of their “stiff attitude”.

On the other hand, many sympathise with the Poles. They are apprehensive lest the U.S.S.R. should insist on holding on to the land she occupied in 1939; whatever the original merits of the Curzon line, they maintain that Britain went to war to guarantee Polish integrity.

Whichever side they take, everyone hopes a solution of the frontier problem may soon be found, and that nothing will occur to hamper the main issue - the defeat of Germany. Some think tension might be relieved if the Poles are offered an extension of boundaries westwards.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17)

3. The Second Front

Speculation, especially about place and time, remains widespread and varied. France or the Low Countries are favourite guesses; opinion as to time varies from a few days hence to next May.

Many regard the systematic air attacks on Germany and France as preliminaries, and hope they will mean reduced losses when it does take place. However, there is great concern at the thought of casualties; but confidence remains high.

A few believe the second front may not be necessary in view of Russian successes and the allied air offensive. A small number think the second front talk is all bluff.

The commanders : There is still much comment, but it is on almost exactly the same lines as last week. However, two reports mention minority criticism of General Montgomery, on the grounds that he has too much press publicity.

The Eighth Army : Expectation that returned Eighth Army men will bear the brunt of the early fighting has increased; relatives especially do not like the idea. “Our 25 per cent are sure to go in first.”

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 twelve provincial P.Cs.)

4. The air war

Allied air offensive : Continued satisfaction, particularly with the Berlin raids - though some now take big raids for granted. Most people are pleased with the systematic destruction of Berlin, and want it kept up “for practical and psychological reasons” (Seven Regions). A number, however, regard it regretfully “as a job which just has to be done”, while a few feel that the Allies are sinking to the level of the enemy and that the raids are terror raids. A minority still express sympathy for German women and children (Three Regions).

Our losses continue to cause comment and some concern. However, most people think that, considering the size of the raids and the damage done, they are not excessive.

Reprisal raids : Many think there will be heavy raiding here immediately the invasion of Europe starts (Six Regions); some think it will be as heavy as anything previously experienced, especially in the South. The bombing of Merseyside is expected by people in the North West, in view of its importance as an intake port. Some nervousness is reported in London and the South East, chiefly among women.

A considerable number, however, do not expect large scale reprisals, believing that the Germans either have not the planes, or that they will need them for dealing with our attacks.

There continues to be a little speculation about the rocket gun (Three Regions).

The jet-propelled fighter is the subject of widespread interest and speculation. In at least two areas, the news came as no surprise, however. There is great admiration for Group Captain Whittle's ingenuity and p[Text Missing]ance. On the whole, though people are delighted that we have stolen a march on the Germans, few expect that there will be time to use the new plane on any considerable scale against Germany. Some anxiety is reported among aircraft workers as to whether it will adversely affect production of other types and, therefore, their own future.

There is some surprise that so many details are published at the present time. Criticism is reported from a Royal Aircraft Establishment in one Region, at the published claim that the tests were carried out without a single accident, “because workers know this is untrue”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 six provincial P.Cs.)

5. Italy

Disappointment continues at our slow progress (Nine Regions). There is, however, some gratification at the local successes of the Fifth Army. Greater appreciation of the bad conditions and difficulties which our men have to face is reported (Eight Regions), though comparison is again made with the Red Army, which can advance in any weather. It is still felt that something went wrong with the Italian campaign at the outset.

There is praise for General Montgomery's farewell speech to the Eighth Army (Two Regions). It is thought to have moved civilians as much as his own men.

Surprise at the appointment of General Maitland Wilson continues (Three Regions). General Leese's appointment has excited little comment.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 one provincial P.C.)

6. War at sea

General delight with the victories over the Scharnhorst and the German destroyers continues on familiar lines.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 13. 17 thirteen P.Cs.)

7. The Balkans

Interest in Yugo-Slavia and admiration for the people's resistance continues, stimulated by press rumours of Allied landings there.

People want more help for Tito and vaguely criticise Allied policy towards Yugo-Slavia and Greece; but they remain mystified at the “eternal intricacies” in both countries.

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

8. The Skipton by-election

So far, this is mentioned in three reports only. People appear pleased at the return of the Common Wealth candidate. His success is variously thought to be due to his party's “definite” programme, to dissatisfaction among farmers, and to the Government's handling of postwar affairs.

(2. 10. 14 South Western Region)

9. Broadcasting and presentation of news

This week there is criticism of the tendency to “soft pedal” Allied reverses while giving great prominence to successes, and of “harping too long on our victories”. People also complain that American and Dominion troops get much more publicity than those from this country.

Programmes generally (Six Regions) are criticised as too Americanised, dull and monotonous. People would like better variety and more light music.

Plays (Five Regions) are liked and more are asked for, but “Appointment with Fear” is thought “unduly gruesome”.

Brains Trust (Five Regions): The attack on Professor Joad by another member of the Brains Trust (January 4) is criticised as childish and rude.

Howard Thomas (Three Regions): The breach between the B.B.C. and Howard Thomas has aroused comment, and some feeling that there are uneasy relations between the B.B.C. and their staff.

Praise for : ITMA (Five Regions); Alistair Cooke, January 8 (Three Regions); Thursday evening War Commentaries (Two Regions); “Can I Help You?” (Two Regions).

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

SHORT WEEKLY REVIEW

10. Postwar

Postwar problems continue to be very widely discussed. The Government's “dilly-dallying” is criticised; concrete plans and the implementing of promises are urgently wanted, particularly in relation to housing (Nine Regions), employment (Five Regions), social security (Five Regions), and education (Three Regions).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. 17 four provincial P.Cs.)

11. Agriculture

Dissatisfaction with the revised prices is again widely reported from farming circles (Ten Regions). The Minister of Agriculture's attitude is felt to be a “red light in regard to postwar prospects”, and his broadcast is not thought to have eased matters. While some of the general public appear to feel the farmers have done very well, others are sympathetic.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 17)

12. Domestic Fuel

Grumbles and concern continue at the reduction in the coal allowance, particularly:

Non-mining families in mining areas in the North Midland Region consider it unfair that the ordinary householder should be restricted to 5 cwt. of coal per month, while a miner's family is still able to have a ton.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 10. 13)

13. Miners and mining

The reduction in the domestic coal allowance seems to have overshadowed the mining situation - which, however, continues to be discussed on familiar lines.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 17)

14. Clothing

The announcement of the clothing coupon allowance for the next six months has had a mixed reception. While some are relieved that the ration has been maintained, others are disappointed that it has not been raised. All, however, continue to complain of the insufficiency of the present allowance.

Some misunderstanding of the announcement seems to exist, for in the Eastern and South Western Regions, pleasure is expressed that coupons have been “slightly increased”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 17 five provincial P.Cs.)

15. Miscellanea

Water supply : A serious water shortage in rural areas is reported from two Regions. Some springs and wells are very low or quite dry. Though it is realised that the shortage is primarily due to the long drought, it is thought to be aggravated by the opening of aerodromes and camps in the vicinity (North Midland Region), and by the large amount of draining carried out lately (Southern Region).

German survivors interned in Eire : News that 162 German naval officers and men have been landed in Eire and interned caused some mild excitement in Northern Ireland, where it is asked what would happen if a batch managed to escape. It is believed they could easily contact I.R.A. leaders, penetrate into Ulster, gather valuable military information and communicate it to German diplomatic representatives in Dublin.

Price of whisky : In Scotland, dissatisfaction and resentment at the prices charged for whisky continue strong. People do not accept assurances that there is no black market in the trade. They know what they are being asked to pay for their bottle or their ‘half’ and see little difference between black market and gross profiteering. They consider that the man who takes a ‘half’ is entitled to get it without being robbed, and it is not understood why the authorities do not fix a maximum price. It is stated that the price of whisky ranks with housing as the chief morale problem with working-class men.(Scotland)

Thefts of ammunition : Recent court cases, showing that explosives have been stolen and used (e.g. in efforts to wreck the I.C.I. offices in Glasgow), are causing anxiety. People ask why Home Guard and army ammunition stores are not better guarded. (Scotland)

Sleep for the night shift : Night workers ask for further propaganda to make the general public show more consideration for those who have to sleep by day. They are not only disturbed by the radio, but by general noisiness. They ask for more messages on the B.B.C., at times when everyone is listening.(North Western Region)

(3. 6. 10. 11. 13)

III. PERIODICAL REVIEW

16. Youth

During the past four weeks there has been rather less talk about the behaviour of young people; but there is still serious concern about the following:

Factors largely responsible for the above are thought to be:

Youth organisations (Three Regions). Some feel these should be further encouraged and developed, to counteract bad influences and teach young people their responsibilities. The need to get leaders of the right type, with a genuine understanding of young people, is stressed. A few feel the older organisations are suffering at the expense of the pre-service corps.

The Essential Work Order is criticised for preventing young people from advancing in their careers, and also for sometimes operating against parental control (One Region each).

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

IV. APPENDIX

THE BRAINS TRUST

A B.B.C. Listener Research investigation made during November 1943 showed public reactions to the Brains Trust to be as follows:

(a) General

The Brains Trust civilian audiences are almost identical in size with those of a year ago (36.5% in 1943, as against 37.7% in 1942), but among more intelligent listeners, 14% say they are listening more than a year ago, and 27% say they are listening less. Factors tending to lessen its attraction for some are its alleged avoidance of controversial topics, its long-windedness, apparent evasion, and perhaps chiefly the fact that the novelty has worn off. On the other hand, factors which tend to draw listeners to it are its wider choice of speakers and changes in its Question Master. The policy of varying the Question Master is endorsed by listeners, though Donald McCullough was, at the time of the enquiry, still liked the best. Of the three others, Geoffrey Crowther seemed to be emerging as the most popular, followed by the Marquess of Donegal, with John Betjeman the least popular. Crowther is commended for his decisiveness, clear-headedness, and for the efficiency of his summings up.

(b) Questions

Most listeners are prepared to say that the Brains Trust questions are fairly well selected. Their criticisms are on the grounds that there is a tendency for controversial questions to be avoided, and a tendency for old questions to reappear from time to time in different words. In general, the idea of including a question set by the previous Brains Trust is liked, though some feel the ones the Brains Trust has suggested so far have tended to be highly academic or mere traps for those who have to answer them.

(c) Individual Brains Trusters

Of the 40 Brains Trusters who have appeared in the first eleven sessions, Huxley, Sargent, and Joad were most popular, with Gould a close runner-up. The fifth place was occupied by Vernon Bartlett, a “non-regular” who had only appeared once in the present session. His popularity exceeded that of Campbell who was sixth. Only one Brains Truster was conspicuously unpopular - Yvonne Arnoud; though a number appear to have made very little impression on listeners one way or the other. Dr. Summerskill was the most popular woman Brains Truster.

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