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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
SECRET

No. 176, 17th February, 1944

(Covering period from 8th to 15th February, 1944)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General

Spirits have dropped considerably this week. The Anzio beachhead has been the main preoccupation and the Prime Minister's statement has only partially allayed anxiety. This setback, and to a lesser extent the hold-up in Italy generally, have led to (a) Contrasts being made with Russian successes; (b) Fear that “if this is the best we can do in such a small area, it's a poor outlook for our invasion of Western Europe”, and (c) Less belief that the war against Germany will end this year.

The Bishop of Chichester's bombing policy speech in the House of Lords is widely condemned.

Home Front : There appears to be a wave of dissatisfaction with home affairs, manifest to some extent in all Regions. In particular, the Government and Parliament are criticised; the latter especially in connection with M.Ps. who take on jobs which remove them from their constituencies.

War weariness is again reported from ten Regions, complacency from five (Seven last week).

Most discussed topics are mining and domestic fuel, postwar prospects and clothing; in Derbyshire, the coming by-election.

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

2. Italy

Military : The Italian campaign, and particularly the position on the Anzio-Nettuno bridgehead, has this week caused widespread uneasiness and disappointment. A few consider the whole Italian campaign has misfired, and a few have been fearing “another Dunkirk” from the bridgehead.

Mr. Churchill's statement has reassured some; others still feel very anxious, thinking things must be in a bad way for such an announcement to be made.

Comment is largely on the following lines:

(a) Russia (Eleven Regions): Many bitter comparisons are made with Russian progress; “they must be viewing our doings with ridicule”.

(b) Our strategy (Ten Regions) is thought to “lack the Monty touch”. Many criticise our “failure to exploit the initial surprise”, thus giving the Germans time to consolidate their positions. It is thought our commanders adhered too rigidly to schedule, and underrated German strength. They are strongly criticised (Eight Regions) both generally and individually.

(c) The second front (Nine Regions). Many feel that events in Italy do not augur too well for the Western offensive.

Some suggest that the campaign is a “red herring” and that we are holding back for the second front (Four Regions).

(d) The Abbey of Monte Cassino (Nine Regions): Prior to the news of the attack by Flying Fortresses, the great majority were saying that no Allied lives must be wasted for the sake of this or any other historic building - “if the Germans are using it, it should be blown to hell”.

(e) News presentation (Seven Regions): A number fear we have suffered reverses not yet announced; they suggest that news has been “coloured”. Contradictory official statements are also complained of; Mr. Mackenzie King's being contrasted with those of other Allied leaders.

(f) American troops (Five Regions) are blamed by some for the setback.

Political : Some consternation is reported at “the conqueror of Abyssinia” being made the ruler of ten million Italians. The lack of Italian support for the Allies is noted.

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

3. The Allied air offensive and the debate in the House of Lords

Widespread condemnation and disapproval have greeted the Bishop of Chichester's speech (Eleven Regions). People approve both the necessity and success of our raids (Eleven Regions), though many sympathise with enemy civilians (Nine Regions), and dislike any form of “gloating”. Only very small minorities (Three Regions), support the view that “pattern” bombing is too ruthless.

Some approval has been expressed for Lord Cranborne's reply (Four Regions).

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

4. Russia

Military : Admiration and satisfaction with Russian successes continue. Some doubts are again expressed, however, as to the accuracy of Russian communiqués and figures of German losses (Four Regions).

The changes in the Constitution (Ten Regions) continue to puzzle people. There is slightly more inclination to approve of them, but there is still suspicion (Four Regions) that they may be meant either to ease the absorption of neighbouring countries, or to be a means of “packing” the peace conference.

Fears of Russia dictating the peace settlement and of her postwar position have slightly increased this week (Eight Regions).

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

5. The second front

A marked decrease in comment is reported, though there are still widespread speculation and rumours on familiar lines.

A number still believe the second front is a bluff, or that it will be unnecessary because of the successes of the R.A.F. and the Russians.

The new appreciation of the task ahead, resulting from the setbacks in Italy, has both stimulated and damped impatience: some feel the sooner we start the better, to prevent yet further German preparations; others find that Italy has “taken the edge off their appetites”.

The following expectations continue :

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

6. Japanese atrocities

Widespread distress and anger continue on the lines reported last week. Although opinion is divided, the great majority consider the release of the news unwise, as simply increasing anxiety and unhappiness, particularly among relatives. There is again speculation as to whether the disclosures were made to whip up hatred against the Japanese, to bolster American production, or - less specifically - “merely as propaganda”. Whatever the reason, people have been greatly stirred and strengthened in the resolve to fight Japan to the end.

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

7. Far East

Although there continues to be little general comment, some increased interest in the Far East (Six Regions) and growing consciousness of the extent of the Asiatic struggle, are reported (Five Regions).

Satisfaction continues with the American successes in the Marshall Islands.

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

8. Finland

There appears to be little anti-Finnish feeling; it is hoped that if Finland sues for peace, she will be given decent terms. Some people, however, say “we must remember the aid she has given Germany”.

(2. 3. 5. 7. 8. 11. 13)

9. Spain

The desire for the strongest possible action against Spain continues (Five Regions), and the Government's “appeasement policy” is criticised (Four Regions) ... “This kid glove policy won't do; we are fed up with diplomatic protests ... everyone knows where Franco stands”. In the Southern Region, however, there is satisfaction with the Government's firmer attitude.

(3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 10. 17 two provincial P.Cs.)

10. Raids on this country

Raids continue to be expected (Six Regions), either when the second front opens or as reprisals for our bombing offensive.

Recent raids on London and the South East are thought to have shown people to be a little more “nervy” than during the “blitz”. In London there is some disappointment at the small number of planes brought down, and concern at shell casualties.

The belief that we have been “playing down” raids on this country is again reported (Wales and Scotland).

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

11. War at sea

Confidence and pride continue, with particular satisfaction at the January joint statement on U-boat warfare. The Merchant Navy is singled out for special praise.

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

12. Electoral reform

Some reform is thought necessary, though the problems are not generally understood. People are pleased that the Speaker's Conference has been set up, and hope that anomalies will be removed.

(2. 3. 5. 5SE. 9)

13. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Criticism continues this week of repetition by both press and radio (Three Regions).

Entertainment programmes (Four Regions): Criticism continues.

The Brains Trust (Six Regions): Opinion is divided between praise (Four Regions), particularly of Margaret Rawlings and Francis Meynell on February 8, and criticism (Three Regions).

Praise for : ITMA (Four Regions); Postscript by a Dutch Officer, February 13 (Three Regions); Radio Doctor (Three Regions); and R.W. Robson's War Commentary, February 10; Grand Hotel, Saturday Night Theatre, “The Air is Our Concern”, George Formby's Postscript, January 23, (Two Regions each).

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

SHORT WEEKLY SUMMARY

14. Miners and mining

The drop in coal production has increased concern about the mining situation. People are bewildered that a wage increase should have led to this. They are sick of the present internal strife; housewives, particularly, being irritated at the increase in price and the reduced allowance of domestic coal. People blame:

The Porter Award : Men in the mining industry cannot understand the failure to realise that an increase to lower paid men and not to higher was bound to lead to trouble.

The ballot and the Bevin boys continue to be discussed on familiar lines.

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

15. Domestic fuel

Complaints continue of (a) the inadequacy of the allowance - particularly for people with no alternative source of heat; (b) irregular and unfair distribution; (c) high price and poor quality.

There is relief at the continued mild weather.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 5SE. 6. 9. 11. 17)

16. Postwar

Lord Portal's House of Lords statement on housing (February 3) has been well received: “it has given rather more hope about the postwar housing situation”.

The “ten years temporary houses” are the only specific point discussed. While some consider this “the first practicable plan”, others fear it will offer “no inducement to making a settled home”, or that “it will lead to new slums”.

Reconstruction plans generally continue to be discussed on familiar lines, as does anxiety that “lack of concrete information may mean it's all bluff”. Housing, employment and social security are again main topics.

While the considerable minority interested in the Education Bill welcome it, a few fear too much compromise with the Roman Catholics.

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

17. Housing

The shortage continues a serious problem in many areas; a desperate one in Scotland.

(1. 3. 5. 5SE. 6. 9. 11. 17)

18. “Pay-as-you-earn” income tax

Although praise for the system continues generally, some are waiting to see how it will work in practice, and a small minority tend to distrust it. A good deal of confusion about code numbers is reported (Six Regions); the following comments are made (One Region each):

Explanations and help given by income tax officials when visiting factories have been much appreciated.

Some farmers complain about “working harder to pay more income tax”, and in a mining community it is thought that “men will not be encouraged to work six days a week when they can work five days without paying income tax” (One Region each).

Postwar credits (Two Regions): Some scepticism about their repayment continues.

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

19. Food

The distribution of oranges : Satisfaction continues to be expressed by those who have received oranges (Seven Regions). There are again complaints, however, of:

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

20. Clothing

Coupons (Nine Regions): Complaints continue widespread of the difficulty of clothing growing children and replacing household needs on the present coupon allowance. People feel that in the fifth year of war the time is ripe for some concession to allow for replacements.

Men's austerity suits (Six Regions): Satisfaction with the removal of austerity regulations is again reported, but traders continue to complain of stocks of suits which will have to be reduced both in coupons and price.

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

21. Miscellanea

The Home Office enquiry into the affairs of the Newcastle Watch Committee and C.D. Services : Speculation is rife in Newcastle as to the identity and number - some say as many as 40 - of the persons implicated. Some wonder whether certain high officials, commonly thought to be involved, will retain their position while the enquiry is on, and are afraid that the second front will be launched before the enquiry is finished and while they are still in office. There is some confusion among the less educated about the powers of such an enquiry, some thinking that the officials concerned will be prosecuted during the proceedings. Some in Middlesbrough say it is about time Newcastle was cleared up; on the other hand it is said to be hard luck on the city, in that a similar state of affairs must prevail in every large town in the country (Northern Region).

Sea erosion : On the Lincolnshire coast one of the main causes of anxiety is the effect of sea erosion. Recently, high tides have almost caused a breakthrough, owing to lack of repairs to previous damage. The population fears that not only is land likely to be ruined by salt water, but also people may be washed from their homes (North Midland Region).

(1. 3)

III. PERIODICAL REVIEW

22. U.S. troops in this country

During the past four weeks a further slight increase in favourable comment has been reported (Seven Regions). It is thought that the Americans are now settling down and that relations between them and British civilians are generally good. Their “way with children” is again particularly praised. People who have entertained them at home, appreciate them and find them very “helpful in the house”.

Some feel more should be done to provide for their leisure time, especially on Sundays, and to counter the bad impression they make by “lounging about the streets”.

Criticism is large on familiar lines:

Coloured troops : Although there is some concern about girls associating with them, they are singled out for particular praise in four Regional reports. Resentment is felt at the attitude of white Americans to their black compatriots; this is particularly strong in the Midland Region.

British and American servicemen (Four Regions): Considerable anxiety is reported at the failure “to get together”. Stories brought back from Italy by Eighth Army men, and, as before, the difference in rates of pay, are thought partly to account for this. Some civilians are reported to be sceptical of reports of fraternisation on the battlefronts.

A number feel American troops are accorded too much publicity, often at our men's expense.

Billeting (Two Regions): Some feeling that the allowance is inadequate; 10d a night is thought particularly so by housewives in Glamorgan who feel “they should provide not only a bedroom, but also a room downstairs with a fire, and light and linen”.

U.S. troops and the second front (South Western Region): Several reports from this Region mention talk of a diffident attitude among U.S. officers and men regarding the second front, and of their voicing doubts of their own capabilities “without the British beside them”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. 17. 18)