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Wt 39944. 10M 11/43. W.R.R. & S. Ltd. GP 38. (14).
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
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No. 187. 4th May, 1944

(Covering period from 25th April to 2nd May, 1944)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General

No marked change since last week. The second front continues the overwhelming topic of conversation, with expectancy, tension and impatience stronger than ever. War weariness, tiredness and edginess continue.

The Budget has been a pleasant surprise and the Service increases have been widely welcomed.

Home Front : Recent strikes and anti-strike measures continue to be discussed; despite some misgivings, there is general support for 1AA as a wartime measure.

Housing still seems the major home front worry.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

2. The second front

Increased expectancy, tension and impatience, and an almost unanimous desire for invasion to start, in order to end the strain of waiting. Some people are growing tired of all the invasion talk in the papers and elsewhere. It is widely thought that the sooner the second front starts, the sooner the European war will be over; there is a feeling that the war is dragging on indefinitely.

Though confident in the outcome, the majority are said to realise the seriousness of the undertaking and to expect severe trials and losses. Fear of casualties is widely reported, and some depression and anxiety among women and Forces' relatives. Some people dread the start of the offensive in the expectation of “a terrible massacre following zero hour”; a few remember the story that when German troops set off to invade we poured oil on the sea and set fire to it, so that thousands of Germans were burned, and they fear a similar fate awaits the Allied forces. A few people even ask if we can succeed, where Germany has failed.

Talk mostly centres round the following:

“When?” It is variously thought invasion will start:

It has started already , “but we are being kept in the dark”, is a view persisted in by a few.

Expected repercussions in this country , particularly in connection with:

Security measures : Continued approval for the various security measures imposed. They are believed to have been successful, and, “if a date has been fixed, the secret is thought to have been extremely well kept”. Some are uneasy, however, and mention the amount of loose talk in public houses. It is suggested that some people do not regard as careless talk comment made about local military events to people they think they can trust.

Service mail

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

3. Allied air offensive

Great satisfaction with the Allied air offensive continues (All Regions). Most people now feel this to be an integral part of the second front (Eight Regions), and appreciate the increased weight of bombing “especially when targets are disclosed and reasons for raids given”. Some, however, still remain sceptical of the actual effectiveness of raids (Six Regions), and while the loss to enemy air strength and industry is thought to be heavy, some believe the Luftwaffe will be able to put up a formidable opposition when the second front opens.

Admiration for the courage of Allied air crews and concern over losses are reported (Eight Regions). While some think losses are high, others feel the percentage losses are relatively small in the aggregate.

Speculation about German morale continues (Eight Regions). People wonder how they can stand up to this tremendous hammering. While realising the “horrible necessity”, some sympathise with the civilian population, particularly of occupied countries (Three Regions).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

3a. Raids on this country

Little comment or worry about raids, though some increased tiredness in localities affected is reported.

Enemy air activity, particularly at night when no bombs are dropped, causes speculation.

(2. 5. 6. 7. 9)

4. The Budget

The Budget has been received with relief and satisfaction. People are particularly pleased that the anticipated increase in tax on drinks and tobacco did not materialise. However, fear among working men that beer will be weaker than ever, is reported from Scotland.

There is a good deal of praise for Sir John Anderson - his Budget, his speech, and his broadcast.

The forecast of a rise in the cost of living figure (Twelve Regions) has been the subject of most detailed comment. While the Chancellor's references to this were above the heads of many people, few believe it has advanced only 29% since the war: “Many unrationed and uncontrolled goods are 100% or more above pre-war prices; e.g. green vegetables, non-utility footwear and clothing”.

There is anxiety - in some cases, alarm - about the effect of the increase on:

Some middle and upper class people approve the warning of the effect on the cost of living of the constant drive for higher wages. On the other hand, some workers fear that the raised level of the cost of living figure will simply offset their increased earnings.

E.P.T. (Six Regions): Businessmen, manufacturers and farmers are pleased and encouraged by the E.P.T. concessions for their postwar plant and research. The present concessions to small business people are also welcomed.

Some socialists, however, believe that “the Chancellor's proposals presuppose a return to the pre-war industrial set-up” (Scotland).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

5. Service increases

These have been generally welcomed (All Regions), “even if long overdue”. In Scotland, many are surprised at “the generous advances”.

Some people, however, consider that this is only a step in the right direction (Eight Regions) and would like to see further increases - an increase in the basic rate of pay is specified.

Widows with children (Four Regions): People ask why a serving man's child should receive 12/6d a week and the child of a man killed only 11/-.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

6. Russia

There has been a decline in comment this week, but admiration and praise continue.

There is some speculation about the lull in the fighting. Chiefly it is thought to be due to Russian preparation for a new offensive (Six Regions) which, it is believed, will coincide with the second front. Some regard it as only to be expected after so much progress. A few think it is due to increased German resistance.

Political : Fears of Russia's position in the postwar world and of her “imperialistic tendencies” continue.

Finland : There is now very little sympathy for her: “she must take the consequences”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

7. Neutral countries

(No reports received since the announcement of the agreement with Spain).

Some are satisfied at Turkey and Spain reducing supplies to Germany and are pleased at the Government's “firm stand”.

Others, however, still criticise the Government's attitude as too conciliatory - particularly to Spain. It is asked why we are not willing to take as firm a line as America wishes.

Turkey : In spite of pleasure at her recent moves, there is still criticism that she is not “playing a clean game”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 9. 12)

8. The Polish Forces

There has been some concern at the accounts of anti-Semitism in the Polish Forces (Five Regions) and some criticism of the sentences on the deserters (Two Regions).

Sympathy for the Poles is said, in some cases, to have suffered.

(2. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 12)

9. Italy

Military : Comment has again decreased. Disappointment and some concern continue at the slow progress. Some still hold that we do not intend to advance and the present stalemate is a tactical move to tie down a considerable force of Nazis. Others, however, think that things have not gone according to schedule and that our plans have been frustrated. Comparisons are again drawn with Russia; though a few derive comfort from the fact that the Russians appear to advance more slowly when faced with hill defences as in the Carpathians and at Sebastopol.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 12. 13)

10. Far East

General : Although it seems that most people still regard the Japanese war as remote, and are very vague about military operations in the Far East, interest is increasing. A number complain that newspaper maps are bad and insufficient in number.

Burma (Eight Regions): Anxiety and perplexity are again reported, though people are relieved by more recent news. There are again fears that we are not told the full facts, and that the “seriousness of the position” is being glossed over by both press and radio. The recent censorship dispute is said to have enhanced these fears.

South West Pacific (Six Regions): People are pleased with the news from this area, particularly of the landings in New Guinea.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12)

11. The British Empire

Empire Conference : There is interest - intense in Northern Ireland - at the arrival of the Dominion Premiers in London. Some think they are here to see the opening of the second front.

It is hoped that decisions will be reached ensuring the united action of the whole Commonwealth in postwar settlement and international problems.

In Northern Ireland, “people have also reiterated the point that Eire's position, now so anomalous, should be clarified, so that all the Commonwealth Governments should know whether Eire is for the Empire or against it”.

Debate on Imperial Unity (April 20): Praise continues to be reported for the speeches of Mr. Churchill and Mr. Shinwell.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 12. 13)

12. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Increased interest in news headlines and bulletins owing to the possibility of invasion announcements. Some complain of “dullness” and think that news is being withheld ... “Americans are often told about events before we are”. There is also complaint of sensational headlines in the press based only on rumours or reports from neutral countries.

General Forces Programme (Seven Regions): Criticism still outweighs praise, though dislike is thought to be dying down a little.

Praise for : War Commentaries (Four Regions), particularly by Commander Kimmins; “ITMA” (Four Regions) ... “helps to keep the public cheerful”; Sunday evening Postscripts, talks generally, and light music (Three Regions each); Saturday Night Theatre, and plays (Two Regions).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

13. Strikes

Indignation at and condemnation of strikes, especially at this critical stage of the war, continue on familiar lines (Twelve Regions). A few still criticise the Government for weakness in the past.

Defence Regulation 1AA (Twelve Regions): The majority approve the new regulation (Ten Regions), and feel it should have been introduced long ago. At the same time, many feel it “a necessary evil, for wartime only”, some fearing a wide door has been opened, which could endanger the whole system of collective bargaining. Many Trade Unionists are said to be apprehensive (Four Regions), fearing the new powers may be a danger to Trade Union activities.

A few, mostly left-wing people or workers, oppose the regulation (Three Regions); some workers do so because they feel the Minister of Labour is “barking up the wrong tree” - “he should be dealing with real problems like industrial transfers”. Others feel the management and foremen “should be made to toe the line, as well as the rank and file”.

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

14. Pay-as-you-earn

Despite some general approval, first deductions made under the new scheme have been greeted with dismay (Seven Regions) ... “People are astonished at how much they have to pay”.

There is some belief that workers' willingness to work overtime is being affected (Three Regions) and absenteeism increased (Two Regions).

The scheme is thought to be working more smoothly than had been anticipated (Five Regions), but there are still complaints of the amount of work involved (Three Regions). Some workers are still much confused, particularly about variations in deductions from week to week; more explanation is still thought to be needed. In the Eastern Region, the demand for the booklet on the subject is said to exceed the supply.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

15. Industry

Production : Reports continue of shortened hours in factories and resultant loss of wages; work slacking off in war industries; workers being transferred unnecessarily; and dismissals of staff (Two Regions each); overstaffing; and factories closing down (One Region each). This all causes comment and restiveness.

The paying off of men who have recently been engaged in the construction of camps in South West Durham and were, before the war, unemployed for many years, and their alleged replacement by Italian prisoners of war is said to be bitterly resented locally.

Work is said to be slack in ship-building (Northern Region).

Unemployment (Three Regions): People in Ipswich are surprised at stories of out of work bricklayers signing on at Labour Exchanges, “when labour is supposed to be short”. From Scotland comes the comment - “Bevin's howling his head off for more workers and here I am unemployed for four months”. Teesside people are commenting on the number of unemployed locally.

(1. 3. 4. 6. 9. 10. 11)

16. Miners and mining

Comment has greatly decreased, though condemnation of strikes, on familiar grounds, is again reported (Six Regions).

Four Year Plan (Six Regions): The general public hope the agreement will lead to peace in the industry. A few wonder what its effect will be on the postwar retail price of coal.

Miners in Scotland feel it is essential that there should be adequate recognition of the difference between the actual coal-getters and on-cost workers. A coal-getter comments: “We're becoming extinct. There's no financial inducement for a drawer to become a coal-getter”.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9. 10. 11. 12)

17. Fuel

Complaints continue of shortage of coal (Six Regions); bad distribution and delayed deliveries (Four Regions); inadequate allowance (Three Regions); poor quality coal (Two Regions). Some people hope there will be an opportunity for building up stocks during the summer (Three Regions).

Heating ban (Six Regions): From the Northern, North Eastern, North Western and North Midland Regions protests and some bitterness have been reported. The ban is thought to have been imposed too early and people think it will mean sickness, particularly among sedentary workers. It is said to be ignored in many places in the North Western Region. People further south have apparently accepted the ban with little comment.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 12)

18. National Savings

Interest in forthcoming “Salute the Soldier” campaigns (Three Regions) and enthusiasm where weeks are in progress are reported (Two Regions). There is some criticism, however, of vast sums of money contributed in bulk by various organisations for “Salute the Soldier” weeks; these are not looked upon as genuine savings, but merely a transfer from one account to another for the purpose of achieving an impressive figure. In one Region, advertising expenditure is criticised.

(2. 3. 6. 7. 8. 10)

19. Food

The recently published comparisons between the food situation in the U.S.A., Canada and Great Britain are said to have been studied and to have evoked a certain grim satisfaction that our sacrifices have been greatest.

(2. 4)

III. PERIODICAL REVIEW

20. Youth

During the past four weeks concern at the behaviour of young people has continued widespread. Comment does not materially differ from that summarised in our reports of March 9 (No. 179) and April 6 (No. 183). Drinking and sexual immorality, especially on the part of girls in both cases, continue the main causes of concern (Eight and Seven Regions respectively).

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 12)