A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46
Wt 39944. 10M 11/43. W.R.R. & S. Ltd. GP 38. (14).
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
SECRET
No. 181. 23rd March, 1944
(Covering period from 14th to 21st March, 1944)
I. GENERAL COMMENTS
1. General
Spirits generally are on about the same rather low level as last week; in some Regions there has been a slight fall, but in Wales there is greater cheerfulness, thought to be due to the resumption of work in the collieries. The main factors mentioned are war weariness, and tension about the second front: “People wish the end were in sight.”
Disappointment about our slow progress in Italy is offset by the “stimulating” Russian advances - comparisons continue - and by the weight of the non-stop Allied air offensive.
The Eire situation is widely discussed; there is indignation with Eire, and approval of Anglo-American action.
Home Front topics have mainly been the mining and fuel situation, service pay and allowances, and postwar planning - particularly housing. Some general criticism of the Government continues. In London enemy air raids continue to be widely discussed.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
2. Russia
Military : Admiration and interest continue (All Regions). The crossing of the Dniester is thought magnificent. Some again hope the Russians will get into Germany first, as “we might be too easy” (Two Regions).
There are still some doubts about Russian figures of losses inflicted on the enemy (Two Regions).
A number of people feel the Russians are doing all the “war-winning”, and anxiously compare their successes - despite bad weather - with our efforts.
Political and postwar (Four Regions): Minority apprehension as to Russia's ultimate intentions is again reported, but appears to be declining.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
3. Russia and Finland
Comment continues on the same lines as last week, though there is a hardening of opinion against the Finns in view of their “foolish” procrastination in the face of what are generally considered reasonable terms. The Russians' patience is highly commended.
However, some express appreciation of Finland's difficulties (Five Regions); it is thought that she is a pawn, threatened on both sides, and that the presence of German troops adds greatly to her problems.
A few are concerned at the prospect of the principle of unconditional surrender apparently not applying to Finland (Two Regions).
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 13)
4. Russia and the Badoglio Government
Though comment has not been widespread, Russia's recognition of the Badoglio Government has caused some bewilderment and anxiety; but specific criticism comes only from Northern Ireland, where it is interpreted as an attempt to steal a march on Britain and the U.S.A. in order to secure the predominance of Russian influence in pos-war Italy.
Others think that: (a) it is a sign of Russian impatience with the Anglo-American handling of the political situation; (b) “Stalin is a realist and knows what he is doing”; (c) we shall not get genuine support in Italy until we do likewise (One Region each).
(2. 3. 8. 10. 11. 13)
5. Russia and Poland
There is still some concern though little comment.
(1. 2. 3. 9. 11)
6. Roumania
The entry of the Russians into Bessarabia has increased speculation as to the possibility of Roumania seeking armistice terms.
(2. 4. 5. 6. 13)
7. Allied air offensive
The U.S.A.A.F. day raids again cause most comment (Ten Regions); great admiration is expressed.
The Allied bombing policy and air offensive as a whole continue to be discussed on the same lines as those reported last week, though surprise that the Germans have stood it so long is increasingly mentioned (Five Regions).
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
8. Air raids on this country
Less discussion than last week, but on the same lines, with, in addition, some comment on:
February's air raid casualties (Four Regions): The announcement caused “awe”, “horrified surprise”, and sympathy for the people of London, where most of the casualties were thought to have occurred.
A.A. defences : Some disappointment is expressed (Three Regions, including London) at the few raiders brought down “when our defence system is supposed to be so perfect”. Some talk is reported in the Bushey area of U.S. troops having “left the A.A. guns they were manning to take cover”; criticism continues of the damage caused by A.A. shells to civilians and their property.
(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12)
9. Raid news
Allied air raids : Some people in London feel it is a mistake to over-stress the tonnage of bombs dropped on Germany; it is thought this increases fear of even heavier reprisals or alternatively increases sympathy for Germany. The naming of particular targets in Germany - e.g. ball-bearing factories - is again causing some anxiety in English counterparts.
The inclusion in news bulletins of an indication of the size of our attacking force is appreciated.
Air raids on this country : Continued belief that the B.B.C. has been playing down raids on this country, especially in view of the published casualties for February. Some Londoners feel that we “provoke the Germans to bomb us by always harping on the little damage they do”. A few, however, welcomed the fuller and more detailed statement given by the B.B.C. after the raid of March 14.
Press reports of people being killed in Morrison shelters have caused a little uneasiness in one area.
(3. 4. 5. 10)
10. Eire
With the exception of Eire workers in this country, there is unanimous approval of the Anglo-American demand and of the ban on travel - even among those affected by it. It is, however, felt that such steps should have been taken long ago.
Widespread condemnation of Eire's attitude is reported, with a desire for even more drastic action against her. It is suggested that, even if we cannot “take her over lock, stock and barrel”, we should at least stop all supplies: “Why should our seamen's lives be risked when so many have been lost because Eire would not let us use her ports?” ... “People will always remember the loss in men and ships Eire has caused us.”
A less angry minority variously consider that: (a) do Valera's refusal was unrealistic. (b) The Anglo-American request was premature and should not have been made until a ban had been put on travel, and all other methods tried. “As it was, to agree would have been for Eire tantamount to declaring war on the Axis.” (c) Past history must be remembered.
Reference is also made to (a) Japan still having an embassy in Moscow, and (b) pleasure at the Australian and Canadian replies to de Valera.
In Northern Ireland , the state of tension reported last week continues. People have been expecting further security measures. Rumours of the closing of the border and the imposition of a drastic ban on telephone and telegraph communications continue unabated.
Eire workers in this country , never popular and usually mistrusted, are new bitterly resented (Three Regions) because of: (a) Their country's attitude; (b) The potential danger to our war effort of having them here; (c) The belief that “they are earning high wages while our lads are in the Forces, and are sending it all back to Eire”.
In Scotland, many of them are said to listen to Haw Haw nightly at 10.30 - and to nothing else; they hardly read a paper, regard atrocity stories as lies, and believe the German report of the Cassino Monastery being unoccupied by German soldiers.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
11. Italy
Disappointment continues general. The satisfaction and hopefulness at first aroused by the Cassino bombardment have now given way to surprise and puzzlement that enemy troops could survive it, and continue to hold us up.
A few, however, continue to make allowances, and to console themselves that we are holding German troops in Italy. Others think it is only a side-show, and that we are deliberately not going all out.
Otherwise, comment is on familiar lines: (a) Comparison with Russian advances (Twelve Regions); (b) Fears for the second front (Eight Regions); (c) Criticisms of our initial strategy (Six Regions); (d) Fear that our casualties are heavy (Two Regions).
Our air offensive : Disapproval continues for any attempts to save cultural monuments - including those in Rome - at the expense of soldiers' lives (Seven Regions). A few, however, still fear that some of the beauties of Rome or Florence may be destroyed (Two Regions).
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
12. Second front
Comment continues on similar lines to last week. Reports again speak of strain and impatience (Ten Regions), increased by the long wait, and of a feeling that the sooner the attack starts the better. Speculation is confined to “when”; many expect the attack between now and the end of April.
For the rest, comment follows familiar lines: (a) Fears for a second Cassino or Anzio (Eight Regions); (b) Expectation of heavy casualties and “grim” fighting (Seven Regions); (c) Speculation as to probable dislocation of civilian life, particularly of transport facilities (Five Regions) - some wonder how holiday travel will be affected; (d) Minority belief that we are relying on the air offensive and Russian victories, and will not invade (Four Regions); (e) Expectation of air raids when the second front opens (Southern and South Western Regions).
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
13. Far East
There is again slightly more interest in this theatre of war. Satisfaction continues with the American operations in the Pacific and with those on the Burma front.
Opinion is again divided as to whether Japan will prove an easy or difficult proposition after Germany has collapsed (Four Regions).
(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10)
14. The Pucheu trial
Little comment, a few think the death sentence was deserved. Others feel the trial was not altogether fair, as the evidence could not be complete, and that the death sentence was political rather than judicial.
(1. 2. 6. 11)
15. Broadcasting and presentation of news
General Forces Programme (Eleven Regions): Comment continues largely adverse.
Criticism is of: (a) “Bittiness” (Eight Regions), thought not to be conducive to restful listening, though “it may suit the Forces”; (b) Too much jazz; (c) The many gramophone records (Two Regions each). It is said again that home listeners feel they now have no alternative programme to the Home Service (Two Regions).
Praise for news headlines is reported (Five Regions), though a few dislike the women announcers and think the bulletins are over-frequent (One Region each).
Praise for : Polish officer's Postscript, March 12 (Five Regions); R.W. Robson's War Commentary, March 16; radio plays; “ITMA”; and Vera Lynn (Two Regions each).
Opinion is said to be divided about the talk on sex in the “To Start You Talking” series (Two Regions).
Brains Trust (Five Regions): General remarks are mostly critical (Three Regions), but Barbara Ward is praised, and also the session on March 14.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)
II. SPECIAL COMMENTS
BRIEF WEEKLY REVIEW
16. Miners and mining
Relief at the return to work of the majority of strikers (Three Regions) is somewhat tempered by the fear that the present settlement may be “only another temporary patch on the unsatisfactory organisation of the industry”.
Apart from this, however, reactions to the whole mining situation differ hardly at all from those fully summarised last week. There continues to be strong and widespread criticism of the miners for striking at such a time, and of the Government and Ministry of Fuel and Power for their “inefficient handling of the situation from the start”, and for not foreseeing the effects of the Porter Award.
The fuel shortage sharpens criticism of the mining situation.
Nationalisation of the industry is again the solution most widely advocated (Seven Regions). “No use asking miners to consider the national view-point in a non-national industry.”
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
17. Fuel
Complaints of the fuel situation continue (Eleven Regions), with particular reference to shortage (Ten Regions) and resultant hardship; poor quality (Five Regions), and high price (Three Regions).
‘Save fuel’ propaganda is thought to make little impression in view of “the Government's failure to maintain production” - except, of course, where shortage of supplies enforces economy.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11)
18. Service pay and allowances
There is strong and widespread feeling in favour of increased allowances for servicemen's wives - particularly those with children. At present many are said to have either the humiliation of appealing for relief to charitable organisations, or to have to work, and neglect the family. A flat rate for children is advocated, as “the larger the family, the greater the difficulties”.
Only slightly less widespread is the demand for an increase in servicemen's pay as well; their pay and the position of their dependants are again compared with those of U.S. and Dominion troops and of industrial workers.
The debate (March 2): Criticism of the Government's stand continues ... “It says that to raise servicemen's pay will cause inflation, yet it gives way to miners and others who strike.”
“Salute the Soldier” weeks are described as “ironic under the circumstances”; people say, “Salute the Soldier with increased pay”.
War Service Grant reductions, on an increase in pay, are thought hard. The rise brings either no benefit to the men, or hardship to the wife. It is said that some servicemen are unwilling to accept promotion because of this.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
19. Postwar
Concern about postwar matters and criticism of the Government's “lack of policy” continue widespread. Some, however, continue to feel that too much time is being given to planning at the expense of the war effort (Five Regions).
Housing and employment are again the main topics. The Government's postwar housing scheme has caused some disappointment. The proposals are felt to be inadequate.
The Education Bill continues to be approved by those interested. There is some criticism of its slow progress.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)
20. Housing
Housing continues a “sore subject”, both as regards shortage of accommodation and high rents.
In London there are again complaints of increased difficulties as a result of recent raids.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)
21. White Paper on National Health Service
Again little comment, but interest has been slightly increased by the debate in the House. While welcoming the proposals in the main, people feel more publicity is needed both in the press and on the radio to help a better understanding of the scheme. Specific points raised differ little from those mentioned last week.
(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11.)
22. Industry
Production : Again this week there has been talk (Seven Regions) of factories slacking off, reducing working hours, or closing down; of workers being paid off, and of over-production of war material, including aircraft. Some of this comment is unspecific, some refers to particular places. People cannot understand why factories should be closing down “when the second front is about to break”; some uneasiness is also reported with regard to postwar employment prospects.
Unemployment in the Northern Region : The upset caused by the closing down of certain blast-furnaces on Teesside is said to have quietened down. Ministry of Labour officials are praised for their goodwill and understanding. There are still, however, many rumours that further furnaces will cease production. Speculation continues as to the cause of the stoppage; some guess it is due to the need for keeping main lines clear for troop movements in invasion.
The Belfast strikes : “Public sentiment regarding the strike situation in Harland and Wolff's shipyard and in Short and Harland's aircraft factory has changed from more irritation to deep concern, in consequence of the stubborn refusal of the strikers to return to work”, according to the report from Northern Ireland.
“There is a widespread belief that the shop stewards are exercising a malign influence in unsettling the workers and prolonging the strike.
“In order to influence the strikers and public opinion generally, a new movement, organised by a number of public-spirited women, has been started. Publicity for the movement has been secured in the Belfast papers and the strikers are being urged in the name of ‘the wives, sweethearts and mothers of men in the fighting Services and Merchant Navy to see that our men are not let down’. A number of letters to the press, apparently inspired by the organisers of the movement, have appeared during the week under various pseudonyms; these have impressed the public, but have been completely disregarded by the strikers.”
The organisation of entertainments in public halls for the strikers has been criticised by the public on the grounds that this indicates “a deplorable spirit of irresponsibility on the part of the industrial workers involved in the stoppage”.
(1. 3. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 13)
23. Food
This week comment has been chiefly about:
Oranges (Six Regions): Supplies of oranges have given pleasure but there are again complaints of uneven distribution. In the Northern Region there is criticism of the waste of Seville oranges which are now reported to have fallen in price to 3d. per 1b. as people have no sugar to spare for marmalade making.
Fish : Shortage of fish is reported from five Regions and improved supplies from three.
Cheese (Four Regions): There is again disappointment about the cut in the cheese ration, particularly among manual workers and small farmers who are not entitled to the extra ration.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 12)
24. The Newcastle enquiry
This continues to be widely discussed in the Northern Region - “Newcastle and district are still agog”. Considerable interest is also reported in the North Midland Region.
According to the Northern report: “as the disclosures grow, people are becoming more shocked and disgusted by the gross carelessness and lack of principle among public officials. There are, however, those who say the irregularities are due more to foolishness, excessive vanity, and the times, than to criminal intent. It is strongly held in Newcastle that a certain individual should be prosecuted and it is thought that ‘if he's not, there'll be a riot’; it is also thought that some of the witnesses should be prosecuted for perjury. The opinion is also current that local government officials should not be allowed to hold C.D. appointments.
“More than anything else Newcastle people resent the dirty opinion that the rest of the country will have of their city. The only bright note is the flood of jokes and quips; these are widespread all over the Region.”
There continues to be considerable disquiet about the undermining of the public's confidence in local government and cynical comment is reported from other Regions besides the Northern to the effect that “the only difference between Newcastle and other Councils is that Newcastle has been found out”.
(1. 2. 3. 10)