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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 288

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
SECRET

No. 173, 27th January, 1944

(Covering period from 18th to 25th January, 1944)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General

Spirits remain about the same as last week, with, in the main, the same contributing factors. The Nettuno landings have given widespread satisfaction, and reawakened interest in the Italian campaign.

Widespread expectation of European invasion continues, as does anxiety about casualties.

The Russo-Polish dispute still causes uneasiness and bewilderment; as also did the Pravda story of peace negotiations - not because it was believed but because of Russia's motives in publishing it.

On the Home Front , postwar prospects, housing, domestic fuel supplies, the conscription of the “Bevin Boys”, clothing and, in rural areas, agricultural prices, are the chief topics. Tiredness and war weariness persist.

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

2. Italy

Interest in the Italian campaign has violently reawakened at the news of the landings at Nettuno. The move is universally welcomed; many ask why we did not do it long ago, or assert it is what they have been saying we ought to do for a long time.... “It is obviously cheaper to sail up the side of Italy than climb along the mountains in the middle”. Surprise and pleasure that the Germans were apparently taken unawares, though some feel we should beware of being too hopeful. One report mentions the view that the ease of our landing is a good augury for the Western invasion.

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

3. Russia

Admiration and amazement continue at the successes of the Red Army at Leningrad and elsewhere.

Some would like us to follow the example of the Americans, and publish the figures of war material sent to Russia.

There is speculation about the accuracy of Russian claims of enemy killed and booty captured.

Russo-Polish relations : Widespread concern, and a growing realisation of the difficulties of the situation. Sympathy, though everywhere still chiefly with the Russians, appears more evenly divided than last week. Russia's supporters variously say that since Russia is doing all the fighting in Poland, she must be allowed to decide; that we must face facts and adopt a realistic view; that the Polish Government is reactionary, undemocratic, and unrepresentative; and that the Curzon line is a reasonable frontier.

Poland's supporters point out that the war is being fought for the rights of small nations. They fear that Russia has really no intention of discussing matters.

A number of people, including those who were doubtful about Russia but were converted by the Moscow and Tehran conferences, have become increasingly critical as a result of Russia's latest rebuff to the Polish Government.

Some hope Anglo-American intervention may help matters. Others hold that the business should be left for settlement at the Peace Conference.

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

4. Pravda's rumour of negotiations for a separate peace

Pravda's publication of the story of secret peace negotiations between British representatives and Ribbentrop has caused bewilderment and uneasiness. Almost everyone regards the story itself as ridiculous - or German propaganda “any Government trying for a separate peace would be thrown out”. The only exceptions are a few pro-Russian Communists still on the lookout for hidden Fascists at home.

The question is rather: What was the Russians' reason for publishing it? Many are hurt or annoyed that Russia should appear to believe the story and publish it without consulting us; again pre-Tehran distrust of Russia is reawakened ... “Is mutual understanding less complete than we had been led to believe?” Some are convinced there is a diplomatic trick behind it all; are the Russians using it as an excuse for possible separate peace negotiations of their own, - or to force us into line on the Polish question - or to goad us into invasion activity?

The British Government's prompt denial was much approved, and there is some satisfaction with the publicity given to it in the Russian press and radio; though it is thought that this will not have removed all the harm done.

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

5. The second front

Much widespread speculation: February or March are now favourite dates. Movements and concentrations of men and materials, the audience given by the King to General Eisenhower and other invasion leaders, and Mr. Churchill's return have increased the belief that invasion is imminent. As to location, France or Norway remain the most popular guesses.

Many rumours of suspicious happenings - most of them detailed and circumstantial - are reported.

People are described as keyed up ... “The present period is like waiting at the dentist's”.

In six Regional reports small minorities are mentioned who think the whole business is a bluff.

Many regard the present air offensive as part of the strategy of the second front; a few think that by noting which places are bombed they can tell where the landings will be made.

Some still think there has been too much talk, official and otherwise (Three Regions).

Expectation of heavy casualties, with consequent apprehension, continues (Eight Regions). There is still anxiety lest our men who have returned from the Middle East have to bear the brunt of the attack.

Many people, especially in the London area and the South Coast, expect heavy raids when the invasion starts (Seven Regions).

A number are speculating as to the part the Home Guard will play. Others wonder what will be the repercussions on civilian life - such as evacuation, or the disorganisation of transport and food and coal supplies. An article on this subject in the “Sunday Post” of January 23, is said to have aroused alarm and despondency in Scotland.

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

6. The war in the air

Allied air offensive : There continue to be:

The jet-propelled fighter : Continued comment on familiar lines, particularly as to the advisability of publicity about it ... “Did we give it out to oblige the Americans?” A belief that the Germans also have a jet-propelled plane is mentioned in two reports; and it is rumoured that a squadron of jet-propelled German planes recently flew at a great height over this country.

The raids on London and South East England (January 21/22) caused little anxiety; there is much praise for the “absolutely superb” barrage. Some remark approvingly that the raid has “woken people up a bit”. It is said that dud A.A. shells are a greater danger to the public than the bombs.

The bomb on the London cinema (January 16): Continued comment on the absence of an Alert, and belief that it was not a bomb at all, but a rocket.

Bombing v shelling : People in the South Eastern district ask “why, if bombers can bomb with precision, it is necessary to open fire on enemy shipping with long range guns which are believed to be less efficient and merely draw the enemy's fire”. Dover “thinks it has been lucky” in the recent shelling but Deal people are said to be “very aggrieved that we should start the exchange and bring this trouble on them”.

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

7. Mr. Churchill's return

Universal delight and relief. His immediate appearance in the House of Commons especially pleased people, both because it showed him to be “fighting fit”, and because “it was just like him to get down to the job so quickly”. Events are expected to move more quickly now he is back.

It is hoped, however, that he will take better care of himself in future, both by refraining from any further journeys, and by “taking things easier”.

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

8. Spain and the oranges

Keen anti-Spanish feeling continues to be reported, as a result of the bombs among the oranges and the news of Spaniards still fighting against the Red Army. Many people feel that we should take strong action against the Spanish Government (Five Regions), and send no more notes, as General Franco is thought to be “steadfastly supporting Germany”. “Better to cease trade with Spain, even at the loss of the oranges, than risk shipping and lives through such incidents.” (Two Regions)

(1. 3. 6. 8. 10)

9. The Balkans

During the past two weeks speculation and interest have been reported, as well as mystification and some impatience with the dissensions in Yugo-Slavia and Greece. However, a number are anxious that more effective aid should be sent to Tito (Four Regions).

The political situation in Bulgaria and Roumania is watched with interest; some speculation about Turkey's intentions is reported.

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

10. War at sea

Little comment, but satisfaction with the U-boat situation and the recent sinkings continues. People are pleased there was no delay in giving honour to those who took part in the Scharnhorst action.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 5SE. 8)

11. Broadcasting and presentation of news

This week, people complain of repetition, padding and lack of real information in the news bulletins - also of “great newspaper headlines with nothing beneath them”. There is some criticism of the publication of news which might be helpful to the enemy.

Combination of Forces and General Overseas Programmes (Eight Regions): The poor quality of the present Forces Programme is criticised. People say that what really matters is an improvement in the service, and hope that the new combined programme will provide better entertainment for the Forces.

George Formby's Postscript, January 23 (Eight Regions) was thought very interesting and sincere, and most reassuring to wives and mothers of men in the Middle East and Italy.

Brains Trust (Eight Regions): Adverse criticism continues to outweigh praise.

Praise for War Commentaries (Six Regions), particularly those given by Major Lewis Hastings; Plays (Six Regions); Dr. Wen Yuan-Ning's Postscript, January 16 (Three Regions); and the Radio Doctor and ITMA (Two Regions each).

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

SHORT WEEKLY REVIEW

12. Postwar

Interest, anxiety and scepticism continue widespread, especially about housing (Nine Regions); employment (Six Regions); social security (Four Regions); agriculture, and postwar trade and industry (Three Regions each). People continue to demand concrete plans.

Lord Woolton's speech at Liverpool, January 14 (Five Regions) does not seem to have caused much discussion, though reported comment is now mainly favourable, chief interest being in his remarks about demobilisation and housing. People have faith in Lord Woolton's ability to “get something done”, though a few intend to “wait and see”.

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

13. Housing and accommodation

During the past week comment has increased both in volume and strength, though it is on familiar lines. Complaints are chiefly of shortage and high price of accommodation of all kinds, of over-crowding, of the Government's failure to initiate a housing scheme now, and of the Local Authorities not making fuller use of their requisitioning powers.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 7. 9. 10. 11. 17 three provincial P.Cs.)

14. Miners

“The Bevin boys” : The great majority sympathise with their situation ... “they should at least be as well off as if they had joined the Forces”. People are pleased that steps have now been taken to remedy their grievances, but blame official circles for not foreseeing the difficulties.

A few, however, condemn the boys' arrogance in threatening strike action.... “they are learning miners' ways already”.

Reference is also made to:

Wage increases to miners and boys are welcomed, according to preliminary reports.

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

15. Domestic fuel

The increased price of coal and coke is criticised as very hard on the poor, particularly old age pensioners.

(2. 4. 5. 5SE. 6. 8)

16. Agriculture

Dissatisfaction with the revised prices is again reported (Ten Regions). Farmers still maintain that the Government has broken its pledges. They remain anxious about the future, and fear a repetition of 1918 conditions. Some farmers are already said to be talking about how soon they will be able to get out of farming after the war. It is suggested that full examples of farmers' accounts should be published.

Opinion in non-farming circles is again about equally divided.

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

17. Clothing

Complaints of the insufficiency of the coupon allowance continue general, particularly among housewives wishing to replace household linen. Some disappointment is again reported that the allowance for the next period has not been increased.

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

18. Food

Butter ration (Three Regions): The possibility of a cut in the butter ration has caused concern.

Meat ration (Three Regions): Some concern continues at the possible reduction in the meat ration, and there is again some local irritation with the statement that fish should be eaten in place of meat - “How can you make up a deficiency with a deficiency?” (The shortage of fish is reported from nine Regions this week). Some housewives in the North Midland Region are upset to hear that, in spite of a threatened meat shortage, rabbits are being gassed.

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

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REFERENCES

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