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. 188. 11th May, 1944
(Covering period from 2nd to 9th May, 1944)
I. GENERAL COMMENTS
1. General
The public is said to be thinking, talking and reading invasion, and comment on any other war topic is almost at a standstill. Tension and impatience are more marked even than last week. Despite apprehension over casualties and awareness of the difficulties ahead, the majority long for it to start, to get the strain of waiting over and to hasten the end of the war with “all its restrictions and difficulties”. Some are pessimistic at the possibility of another blackout winter.
War weariness is widely reported. Tiredness and irritability continue.
Russia and Italy cause little comment, but it is fairly generally expected that the lull on these fronts will give way to a terrific onslaught to coincide with the second front.
Home Front : Housing continues the chief topic, considerable interest being taken in prefabricated houses.
Opposition to 1AA is more widely reported this week, particularly among the working classes.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
2. The second front
Apart from the increased tension and impatience referred to above, reactions differ little - either in intensity or detail - from those summarised last week.
Though confidence in the success of invasion is general, anxiety over casualties is strong and widespread. Continued waiting is said to be causing increasing doubts and misgivings, particularly among those whose relatives are likely to be engaged at the outset; the nerve war is thought to be as hard on British wives and parents as on the Germans. In particular, press descriptions of German preparations to resist invasion cause some uneasiness. There is, in fact, some feeling that invasion talk has been overdone by press and wireless.... “It's been zero hour, and five to twelve, for months now”.
While the majority expect to wake up any morning to find invasion has started, the minority who think it will never take place is growing.
On the whole, it is thought that people are being very good about careless talk.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
3. Allied air offensive
Though some take it almost for granted, and there is little detailed comment, praise for the round-the-clock offensive and the crews who make it possible continues widespread. Most people think the intensified bombardment is a softening-up preliminary to invasion, though a small minority say it is the second front, and a substitute for invasion.
Speculation about the effect of bombing on German morale continues (Eight Regions) and a few express sympathy for the civilians involved. Doubts about the general effectiveness of bombing also persist (Four Regions).
The precision bombing of the house at the Hague (Five Regions) has surprised and pleased people. Knowledge that we pin-point our objectives has relieved anxiety about the bombing of objectives in France. It is thought that area bombing is reserved for German towns.
The bombing of the Pescara dam : Preliminary reports mention satisfaction and the hope that it indicates the start of an offensive.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
3a. Raids on this country
Very little comment. Reprisals are not now generally expected when invasion starts, as it is thought the enemy will not have the planes to spare.
From Scotland comes the following: “Stories of an enemy plane flying at roof-top level over Edinburgh fifteen minutes before the sirens went off last Friday have caused a good deal of talk. The authorities are being blamed for their dilatory behaviour and for failing to confirm that it was an enemy plane. Some now believe the plane to have been British or American, in the hands of an irresponsible pilot.”
(2. 5. 9. 11. 12)
4. The forecast of a rise in the cost of living
Anxiety continues - particularly among people with fixed and small incomes, and workers earning less because of reduced hours (Eight Regions).
Increases in Service dependants' allowances, and in wages will, it is also felt, be cancelled out (Seven Regions). Workers consider (One Region each) that:
-
“The design to increase the cost of living is evidence of Tory determination to keep down real wages” ... “If it is increased, we shall all want more money”. (Others, however, approve the forecast as a warning which may check the spiral of inflation.)
-
“It is an unfortunate coincidence that miners' wages for four years were fixed a few days before”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)
5. Empire Conference
People are interested, think that nothing but good can come of the Conference, and hope it will bring about closer co-operation within the Empire both now and after the war. Such meetings are felt to be one of the best methods of bringing the members of the Commonwealth together - people therefore want more in the future, and regret their absence in the past.
Detailed comment is mainly of the significance of the presence here of the Dominion Premiers on the eve of the second front; “they are here to have the plans explained to them”, or “to be in at the death”.
There is some desire for more information about the subjects discussed.
Mr. Curtin's speech and broadcast have been well received. People approve his attitude, and are pleased that there is less likelihood of America “getting Australia into her pocket”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 12. 13)
6. Russia
Comment is again less, and differs little from that of last week.
The lull is increasingly considered to be due to preparation for a new offensive which will synchronise with the second front (Eight Regions).
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
7. Far East
Burma (Eleven Regions): Anxiety and puzzlement are again reported (Eight Regions), and are said to have been increased among some by the evacuation of Buthidaung; others are less concerned as a result of the 14th Army's recent activities.
Some criticism of our leadership in the Burma campaign is reported (Two Regions), and also rumours of dissension among Allied commanders (Two Regions).
Scarcity of news is again complained of (Four Regions); a few still feel that the full story is being “intentionally” withheld. Exception was taken to “a recent Press report about the dead bodies of soldiers in Burma being eaten by eagles, as this caused distress among people with relatives there”.
Pacific (Ten Regions): Advances in this theatre are thought very satisfactory and encouraging; people feel the Australians and Americans are making real progress.
Mail (One Region): It is suggested that troops in the Far East should have a bigger issue of air mail letter cards, as they are said to complain that the present allowance is insufficient.
Gandhi's release (Three Regions) has aroused very little comment - he is now considered “a burnt out squib”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
8. Prisoners of war in the Far East and Germany
During the past two weeks anxiety and speculation about the treatment of our prisoners in Japanese hands have continued; real news is longed for.
Relatives of prisoners of war in Germany want assurance that, after the war in Europe is over, these prisoners will not be required to serve in the East until those who have not served abroad have taken their turn. It is also thought that the conditions under which they have been confined are likely to jeopardise their future careers (One Region).
(3. 5. 9. 10. 12)
9. Italy
Comment has again declined; many have lost interest in the campaign. Disappointment is again the main reaction to the stalemate, and fears continue that an initial strategic blunder was made.
A minority, however, think that the inaction is intentional, for reasons known only to the leaders; some interpret it as the lull before the general second front storm.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
10. Neutral countries
Spain : There is widespread satisfaction with the agreement ... “another spanner in Germany's works”. Some however continue to criticise it as long overdue, and we are still thought to be “too meek and mild”. Spain is still distrusted, and some fear that oil supplies will now be passed on to Germany.
Turkey's action is also a source of satisfaction, but some still look upon her as “running with the hare and hunting with the hounds”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 12)
11. The Polish Forces
Condemnation of and concern at the accounts of anti-Semitism in the Polish Forces continue. It is asked whether our Government cannot do more. In the Midland Region, however, it is suggested that the Jewish soldiers have made mountains out of molehills.
In Scotland, anti-Polish sentiments are said to be becoming increasingly strong.
(1. 3. 4. 8. 9. 10. 11)
12. The Balkans
Admiration for the guerillas - particularly in Yugoslavia - and the desire to give them more help continue, but the “political squabbles” are condemned. Some are far from clear as to where we stand, between the Partisans and the exiled Governments.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 8)
13. U.S.A.
During the past two weeks comment has been on:
-
The need for maintenance of good relations between the Allies both now and in the postwar period (Five Regions). Though speeches by Mr. Cordell Hull (April 9) and Mr. Dewey (April 27) were appreciated, there is still some fear that recent statements made by “certain U.S. spokesmen” indicate ‘an attempt to dominate world affairs’. Some are afraid, too, that the British Government is inclined to surrender to American pressure.
-
The suggestion that naval bases leased by Great Britain should be ceded to the U.S.A. (Two Regions), which has caused some resentment; there is corresponding satisfaction at Mr. Churchill's statement that there is no question of any cession of British territory.
(See III, Monthly Review: U.S. troops in this country).
(1. 2. 4. 6. 8. 12. 13)
14. Broadcasting and presentation of news
This week there are more complaints of too much repetition and padding (Seven Regions), and of the withholding of news (Four Regions) ... “If you want to know anything, go to the U.S. or German wavelength”. The General Forces news is however increasingly popular.
The press is criticised for sensational headlines and misleading statements, based on rumours. Radio news is thought more reliable.
General Forces Programme is again criticised for scrappiness (Eight Regions); but there is also appreciative comment (Three Regions).
Praise for : Talks and War Commentaries (Four Regions), those by Major Lewis Hastings and Squadron Leader John Strachey being highly praised; ITMA (Four Regions); Plays (Three Regions); Mr. Curtin's Postscript, May 7 (Two Regions); Palm Court Orchestra (Two Regions).
Criticism of crooning and the quality of jazz music.
Demand for more light music and more plays and informative talks. Really good music is said often to be put on too late in the evening.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
II. SPECIAL COMMENTS
BRIEF WEEKLY REVIEW
15. Prefabrication
Keen interest, particularly among young people, and a widespread wish to see a prefabricated house. People in the Midlands and North are anxious that one should be erected where they can see it, and more in London are asked for. A number of Londoners wanting to see the house find they are unable to do so, and complain that the allocation of so few tickets is ridiculous after the press had given the impression that young wives who wished to see the house would be able to do so.
Though the idea of prefabrication is not generally popular, many accept it as the answer to the demand for immediate accommodation for the postwar homeless, and Lord Portal is praised for “actually producing something more than promises”. The main objection to temporary houses is that they may end by being permanent and degenerating into slums.
The price of the houses is thought high, and there is much speculation as to what the rents will be and some fear that they may be too high. Some suspect that steel houses may be a way of subsidising the steel industry after the war.
Discussion of the houses themselves is almost entirely based on photographs and articles in the press; unfavourable comments appear to outnumber favourable.
Unfavourable : The outside appearance is disliked (Three Regions) ... “Looks like a boot box” ... “Roof looks as though it wouldn't stand up to anything”. People fear that the houses will be damp from condensation in winter, and excessively hot in summer. It is variously objected that the windows and rooms - particularly the bathroom and kitchen - are too small, the ceilings are too low, two bedrooms are insufficient, there is no storage space for trunks and no back door, and finally that the vegetable rack should not be next to the copper.
Favourable : The “up-to-date fittings and cupboards”, the labour-saving devices, the electric points and refrigerators are all liked.
Questions asked include: Are the houses to be set up in non-industrial towns and in the country? Will they be available only to ex-members of the Forces, or are the wives of men in industry and “spinsters who have worked very hard” to have a chance? Will they be decorated to suit the tenants? How will they stand up to the weather? What will happen in a thunderstorm, as they are all steel? Where are sites to be found? (it is hoped, not on allotments.) And finally, will plans be published in the press?
The Tarran House is also the subject of some interest (Two Regions). In Hull, where it is on view, it is thought to be much superior to the Portal house.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)
16. Defence Regulation 1AA
Satisfaction among the general public (Seven Regions) and among non-industrial and middle-class people (Two Regions) are again reported. Some thought Mr. Bevin's speech in the House in defence of the regulation “admirable”, though a few felt he only got such a big majority because of the imminence of the second front.
However, this week there is a great increase in the disapproval and antagonism reported. This seems almost entirely confined to working-class people (Eight Regions), Trade Union circles (Three Regions), and Socialists (Two Regions).
Among the reasons given for disapproval are the following beliefs, i.e. that
-
Such a regulation is unnecessary (Three Regions), because it is thought the Government has adequate powers already, that other methods could have been devised, or that trouble will cease in any case when the second front starts.
-
The regulation is an insult to the great majority of workers who have loyally supported the war effort (Two Regions).
-
The regulation is “anti-working class” (Two Regions). The idea that employees can be sentenced, but not employers, rankles; and workers are now saying that “while they have been threatened and punished by the Essential Work Order there is no case of any employer having been sent to prison”. Some, too, are encouraged in their view that the National Service Officer is “hand in glove with employers”.
-
It will be difficult to get rid of the regulation after the war; it can be applied so arbitrarily that it may “net the wrong fish”; it is based on a wrong supposition, i.e. that strikes are caused by outside agitators instead of genuine grievances (One Region each).
The Bevin-Bevan controversy (Three Regions). Some support for Mr. Bevan is reported, mostly among workers.
Strikes (Five Regions). Comment has greatly decreased, but is on familiar lines.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
17. Fuel
Complaints continue of inadequate allowance of coal (Four Regions); poor quality coal (Four Regions); shortage of coal (Three Regions); and bad distribution and delayed deliveries (Two Regions).
Heating ban (Seven Regions): Before the lifting of the ban, people in the Northern, North Eastern, North Western and North Midland Regions were reported to be “savagely” indignant. There was said to be much sickness and absence from work, and the loss of work and efficiency were thought to outweigh the saving in fuel. Sedentary workers complained particularly strongly; in Wales and the Midland Region they continue to complain.
Some felt that the ban should be regulated according to the weather and thermometer and not by the calendar (Three Regions).
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10)
18. Pay-as-you-earn
Favourable comment has increased. There are still complaints of increased tax having to be paid, of tax that is being paid for the first time, and of the difficulties experienced by employers; but on the whole the scheme is thought to be getting over its teething troubles. “Short-week” rebates, particularly, have come as a pleasant surprise.
The scheme, however, is still thought not to be understood (Eight Regions), “in spite of all the Government's attempts to explain”. People cannot check their deductions, and, finding that they are greater than before the scheme or that they vary from week to week, fear that their employers are making mistakes or robbing them. More explanations, preferably through talks in simple language, are thought necessary.
There are also increased complaints of workers refusing to work overtime (Five Regions) “as they get so little out of it”, and absenteeism continues to be feared. Some workers are said to be computing the number of days they can miss “and be no worse off”. It is also feared that savings are being adversely affected.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11)
19. Increases in Service pay and allowances
People continue pleased that something has been done at last; but some - particularly servicemen's wives - say that the increases will amount to very little since the war Service Grants will be decreased. (See also “The forecast of a rise in the cost of living” Section 4).
Widows' children (Five Regions) should not, it is still felt, receive less than children whose fathers are living.
(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 11. 12)
20. Industry
A feeling of frustration and apathy among workers is reported (Three Regions); this is thought to be due partly to changes in production and to stories that our output has passed requirements.
Reports continue of wasted time and manpower; and lack of work in war factories (Two Regions each); shortened hours; staff cuts; changeovers from war to peace production; unemployment (One Region each).
The continued “ca canny” policy of riveters in Tyneside shipyards is said still to cause considerable concern and bitterness. Men are alleged to be putting in only 8 to 10 rivets an hour instead of 40, though getting a full day's pay; even important Admiralty work is being affected. It is felt that even if the men's demands were satisfied, they would not work properly; and that such a wage increase in a semi-skilled trade would upset all the other skilled trades in ship building, and destroy the nation's power to compete in world markets after the war.
(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 11)
21. Second-hand furniture prices
Complaints have been bitter about the “ramp” in second-hand furniture, and satisfaction is reported at the Government's proposal to control prices.
(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 11. 13)
22. Food
Increased milk allowance (Six Regions): This has been widely welcomed, and is described as “a great relief”.
Beer and spirits (Four Regions): During the past two weeks there have been some references to a shortage, especially of beer. People tend to blame U.S. troops for this; countrymen in Dorset, particularly, resent them coming from other villages when one village receives a supply. In the Eastern Region there are complaints of some publicans putting “Closed” on the front door and letting their favoured customers in at the back.
In the Kidderminster area it is asked “whether the Government will give an early assurance that there will be an adequate supply of beer and food for public parks” during the holidays, as last year “one out of every three licensed houses was closed on August Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday”.
(2. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11)
23. Miscellanea
Newcastle Enquiry Report : According to the report from the Northern Region, the Commissioner's report is felt to be very fair, though there is some surprise at its mild tone. “People are now awaiting the forthcoming meeting of the City Council with great interest. Many will not be satisfied unless the two principal persons implicated in the Enquiry are asked to resign and further changes are effected in the City Council procedure. There is considerable surprise that the Deputy A.R.P. Controller has not already resigned, and much condemnation of this attitude. It is also held that the Chief Constable should resign. It is wondered why the Home Secretary has given no indication yet as to whether he intends to prosecute ... ‘Is he giving the City Council a chance to clean up?’”
In Aberdeen - where, in view of an impending court case, interest has been considerable - people feel that in Newcastle “the culprits got off lightly, and they are rather cynically expecting the local officials will also be whitewashed”.
A leader in a local Newcastle paper has had “overwhelming support” in its demand that more publicity should be given to the City Council affairs.
Discussion groups : Interest in discussion groups among C.D., N.F.S., and Women's Timber Corps units in Scotland is increasing. The men and women are asking for more and more information and, especially, more and more speakers
Coastal defences (Northern Region): “People in Seaton Sluice and district are strongly of the opinion that the time has now come to do away with the minefields along the coast in their area. Dogs and rabbits frequently set off mines, prognostications of serious accidents have been common, and now that these have occurred (people recently lost their lives) opinion has been fortified that the mines only constitute a serious menace to the public.”
Sir O. Mosley (Southern Region): People in Newbury are said not to be at all pleased that Sir O. Mosley has taken a house in the district. It is thought he will be too near aerodromes, and on the line of troop movements.
(1. 6. 11)
III. MONTHLY REVIEW
24. U.S. troops in this country
During the past four weeks it appears that comment has been very largely appreciative and favourable. “A more decided effort to understand” the Americans and less “prejudiced gossip” are reported, and those people especially who actually contact them are said nearly always to like them. The black troops are again singled out for special praise (Two Regions). Least favourable comment comes from the Northern Region, where American troops have only recently been stationed.
Qualities particularly liked in the Americans are their politeness, general “good behaviour”. Praise is accorded to :
-
The U.S.A.A.F. (Three Regions): “People realise they are taking their full share in the present air blitz.”
-
Help given in “Salute the Soldier” weeks and other British war efforts (Three Regions). Such assistance is said to make a very favourable impression.
Adverse comment has been reported,
-
On much the same lines as those indicated last month about:
-
Behaviour with women and girls (Eleven Regions). Public “cuddling” and love-making are said to arouse the ire of both civilians and soldiers (Two Regions).
-
High pay (Eight Regions). Many feel the Americans' high spending power puts prices up and is the reason for the infatuated behaviour of so many girls.
-
-
On exactly the same lines about (i) the white troops' attitude to the coloured (Four Regions); (ii) careless driving, brilliant headlights and waste of petrol (Three Regions); (iii) “sloppy”, untidy appearance (Three Regions); (iv) passing water in public places (Two Regions).
-
Anew about:
In addition, there is talk about:
Private hospitality for the Americans (Six Regions): Many people are anxious to do all they can for “those homesick men”, and wish conditions made it possible to do more. Where people have entertained Americans the great majority have been very pleased with their appreciative attitude and “their assistance in the food problem”. However, complaints continue of their “casual attitude towards keeping engagements” (Two Regions) and their turning up intoxicated (One Region).
Lack of fraternisation between British and U.S. troops (Four Regions): Strained relations and some awkwardness are suspected, and people fear this is due to the disparity in pay (Three Regions) and to Eighth Army criticism of American fighting qualities (One Region). However, troops are said to be mixing well in at least one club, and, in Northern Ireland, when they meet at dances and socials.
Billeting in private homes (Three Regions): Those people who have already had American troops billeted on them generally speak very well of them. However, it is suggested (North Western Region) that “it would be most helpful if the U.S. authorities issued a pamphlet containing “do's and don'ts” in the wartime British household, with its lack of domestic help, scarcity of everything, and inability to repair or replace damaged property. Americans hardly appreciate the position and most householders do not care to explain it, yet complain because it is not understood. It is expected, for instance, that these visitors should make their beds in the morning, clean their bedrooms, and be in bed before midnight, particularly in houses where there are young children.”
Exploitation of Americans (Three Regions): This is indignantly condemned; instances are given of “rooking” by hire-car proprietors, laundries, dry-cleaners and publicans - “he held out his hand full of coins and the barman took two half crowns” (for a glass of beer).
British children begging from Americans : “Got any gum, chum?” - irritates people and it is thought that something should be done, perhaps at the schools, to check it.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)