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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Weekly report by Home Intelligence - No. 55
Copy No. 33

22nd October, 1941

In reading this report, it is important to bear in mind that it is not meant to be a record of facts , except in so far as public opinion is itself a fact. It is a statement and reflection of the public's views and feelings about the war in general. Therefore, in matters on which public opinion is ill-informed, prejudiced or inconsistent, the report does not imply any endorsement of the views which are expressed in it.

It may be convenient to remind all recipients of this report that it is a confidential document, and therefore should not be disclosed to anyone else except by special authority of the Director of the Home Division of the Ministry of Information.

443 445 6 448 6 449 7 452 10 453 11

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT NO. 55

22nd October, 1941

(Covering the period from 13th October to 20th October, 1941)

Note:- The figures in brackets refer to sources of information, a list of which is given at the end of this report.

I GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

The Russian situation is still the dominating influence on public feeling; among contributory factors are Lord Gort's despatches, and the change of Government in Japan. Feeling about Russia ranges between two extremes. On one hand, there is still some complacency and “certainty that Russia will never be beaten”; on the other, some people think that with the present position on the Russian front, and the gathering clouds on the Pacific, the situation is becoming “as serious as in the days when France went out of the war”. On the whole, however, the general level of anxiety appears unchanged since last week.

Most reports agree that “no one will be surprised if Moscow falls,” but the possible consequences of its fall are not clearly envisaged, except for a fairly widespread belief that this might be “the signal for the renewal of large scale air raids here”. Many believe that the Germans would still be faced with a stiff winter campaign, and there now appears a tendency to think that “much depends on the Caucasus where it is hoped that British and Imperial forces will figure in defence campaigns”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 20 Manchester P.C.)

2. Aid for Russia

“Sympathy and admiration for the Russian people remain as high as ever”, and find expression in the intensified demand that we should do everything possible to help our Ally. People's consciences are becoming uneasy”, and public disquiet about Russia is partly attributed to a “feeling of guilt that we are getting off so lightly while the Russians are suffering so severely”. There is an exasperated feeling that we are “waiting on events”, and are “impotent spectators to a mighty struggle”. Generally speaking, however, “the threat to Moscow has not shaken people's confidence that Russia will go on fighting”, and it is “stoutly asserted that Russia is not France, and that Russian morale is shockproof”.

Desire for offensive action . The desire for some spectacular diversion in the West appears to be even stronger than it was last week. This feeling is now reported on the part of many people who are “normally supporters of the Government”. Although it is fairly widely understood that an invasion of the Continent is at present impracticable, there is considerable exasperation that this should be so. What is described as a feeling of “anger and frustration” is expressed by the comment: “Surely we are not utterly incapable of creating some diversion somewhere?” The explanation that our Army must be reserved for the defence of this country does not seem to have found wide acceptance, as there is “general disbelief that the Germans have sufficient divisions suitably placed for invasion, or that their air force is sufficiently strong to support it”.

Although the demands for offensive action are widespread, they are seldom accompanied by any practical suggestions. “Sorties in force” and “raids on the Lofoten model” are mentioned, as well as “further action against Italy, designed to clear the Mediterranean for our supplies”. Others favour an advance from Iran, the invasion of Brittany, or “collaboration by the United States and ourselves in guaranteeing Vladivostok”. But whatever the form of these suggestions, the public are said to be “united in deploring the effect which they fear upon both Russian and American opinion if we continue to appear unable or unwilling to act vigorously”.

Desire for increased material aid . The news that British planes and tanks are helping to defend Moscow has been received with pleasure, but there is “an increased demand for more immediate and visible aid for Russia”, and for us to make “greater efforts to get guns, tanks and planes there, even if we cripple ourselves”; there is also some uneasiness lest we should again be too late. It is suggested that there should be more detailed publicity for what has already been sent.

Criticism of the Government . In many quarters the desire for more aid for Russia is deflected into “severe criticism of the Government”. It is felt that, “apart from the Prime Minister, the Government is still weak”. Postal Censorship quotes a writer (one of several) as saying “The trouble is that Churchill himself is about the only man in the Government worth his salt”. A few voices have again been raised against the Prime Minister because of his “tolerance of certain statesmen who are thought to be a brake on help to Russia”; the “Moore-Brabazon incident” still appears to cause uneasiness, “especially among the working population”. According to one R.I.O., “the feeling seems to be gaining ground that our capitalists will hold up help to Russia in the hope that both Germany and Russia will exhaust themselves”. It is feared that “any major Russian collapse would have very serious political repercussions in this country”.

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

3. Lord Gort's Despatches

The publication of Lord Gort's despatches has aroused great interest, and the public's reactions may be summarised thus:-

There has been considerable surprise and some regret that “this moment of crisis” should have been chosen for the release of “material which, by its nature, was bound to give rise to controversy and recrimination”. A minority feels, however, that the Government may have decided to publish the despatches now partly to stimulate war production, but chiefly “to discourage Western Front invasion theorists”.

There is “bitter comment about the amazing unpreparedness” which the despatches reveal, and the question is asked: “What became of all that money supposed to have been spent on National defence?” The lack of equipment appears to have produced misgiving about official statements, among people who recall that, at the time, the B.E.F. was described in the Press as a “marvel of equipment and mechanisation”. Apropos of this, there is some speculation as to whether “our present confidence talk may not be ‘eye-wash’”.

Though it is felt that the publication of the despatches has “re-established Lord Gort's reputation as a loyal and efficient Commander”, a minority suggests that he should have resigned his command as a protest against the unpreparedness of his army. Suspicion is now said to be confirmed that “the War Office is not yet awake to the full requirements of modern warfare”, and that there was “too much interference by the British Government with the Commander-in-chief”.

In some quarters publication has “increased the disgust which most people already feel for the French”.

(2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13)

4. America and Japan

These two countries seem at present to be closely connected in the public mind. The popular sequence of thought is said to be:- “German Armies approach Moscow: Japan puts in an extremist pro-Axis Cabinet: America tunes up for war”. It seems to be generally anticipated that, if things go badly for Russia, “Japan will do the Italian trick, and stab her in the back”; this, it is thought, would bring America into the war. It is believed in some quarters that she could dispose of Japan in a few weeks.

Any action likely to bring America into more active participation is welcomed. Improved understanding of her point of view is maintained, but there is still “irritation at numerous war-like statements from important Americans, without resultant action”.

According to one report, “the opinion that ‘after the war we shall be one of the United States of America’, formerly found only in academic circles, now finds some expression among the working class”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10)

5. News presentation and broadcasting

Interest, amusement and contempt seem to be the common reactions to the voice which interrupts the B.B.C. news. It is significant of the general attitude that his quacking has already earned him the popular name of “Von Donald”. Alternatively he is known as Funf (with the Italian variant of Funfo). There are, however, a few who “foresee increasing chaos in broadcasting if such methods are further developed”.

There is a continued demand for more news of the exploits of the R.A.F. in Russia. The published photographs do not appear to have satisfied people. An article in the Daily Express, which stated that the Russians are broadcasting accounts of such exploits to the Russian public, has led people to ask “why the British public cannot be given information at least comparable with that given to the Russians”.

Many cynical comments are reported about the “overweighting of unimportant news, such as the recent description of the capture of a whole garrison in Libya, which turned out to consist of fourteen men”.

There has also been some criticism of the broadcast commentaries on Invasion Exercises, by which most people appear to have been bored. They “would much rather have heard of preparations for some offensive move on our part”. “For the B.B.C. to speak of the tremendous slaughter of Russian and German soldiers, and then, in the same news, to describe exercises by the British Army, seems to be asking too much of the public”.

In connection with the proposed exchange of prisoners, there has been a good deal of criticism of the B.B.C. for filling in the intervals between the reports of the negotiations with anti-Nazi propaganda. This has been unfavourably contrasted with the German radio, which filled the intervals with music.

(1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13)

6. Lord Beaverbrook

Further reports testify to the great interest taken in Lord Beaverbrook's broadcast speech, which has been praised “because it was direct and had a bit of a kick in it”. Though this sentiment is typical of the appreciation of his words, comment on his delivery was more critical. Yet on the whole, the balance is thought to have been favourable, “especially among ordinary people”.

(1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13)

7. Lord Halifax

There has again been some outspoken comment on Lord Halifax (described as “always unpopular”), for his remarks about the present impossibility of invading the Continent. This statement was “strongly criticised, and not only among those who regard him as one of the ‘appeasers’ whom they would like to see removed from the Government”. It is objected that “every time he says anything, he's dead wrong”, and it is felt that he “plays into the enemy's hands by telling them we can't do anything”.

(5, 6, 7, 12)

8. Reactions to German barbarity

There are indications that the public is stimulated, and roused from any tendency to apathy, by accounts of German atrocities in occupied countries. Publicity given to the executions of hostages is said to have done much to make people realise the true nature of the enemy. Mr. Attlee's recent speech was favourably received and the statements of the Greek Prime Minister about atrocities in Greece are described as having had “a stiffening effect”. People say “Why don't we get down to it, and treat the Germans as they treat others?” It is suggested that it would be good propaganda to broadcast what action we intend to take when we lay hands on the men who are perpetrating such cruelties.

(2, 5, 21)

9. Rumours

The chief rumour about the war overseas is that the Canary Islands have been occupied by the Germans.

Concerning the war in the air, it is said that “hundreds of people were killed in recent raids on North and South Shields”; that “a thousand people were killed in a raid on the South Coast”; that parachute mines dropped in the sea off Bournemouth “were from a former British 'plane in German possession”; and that “many corpses and quantities of food are buried in the ruins in Plymouth, where there is a plague of rats, and that children are for this reason being evacuated to St. Ives”. The North Western Regional Commissioner's tour of emergency food centres is alleged to have “incited the recent air raid on Oldham”.

A rumour originally heard two months ago, of a German-built channel tunnel, which will emerge “well inside our coastal defences”, has cropped up again. This time it is said to have four tank tracks.

In the Reigate area it is bruited about that “the Germans are frequently coming over to our South Coast capturing men on guard duties. These men are reported by us as deserters but eventually turn out to be in a prison camp”.

It is said that at the conclusion of certain military exercises soldiers were ordered to dig a hole and bury stocks of bully beef, bread, and butter.

Other miscellaneous rumours are:

“Such is the shortage of skilled labour that deserters who have gone into industry are not very ardently pursued by the Army authorities”.

Lord Halifax's statement that we would not attack in the West was a ‘blind’ to mislead the enemy.

Soap is to be rationed.

(1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 23, 32)

II SPECIAL COMMENTS

10. Industry

The realisation of Russia's urgent need has given impetus to the desire for a stronger Governmental handling of all production problems. Still more impatience and dissatisfaction is now shown by the public whenever there is discussion of alleged slackness on the part of the workers, incompetence among managements, or half-heartedness imputed to the Government. “The people's main concern is that equal sacrifice should be demanded of all, and that there should be the minimum wastage of human potential”. In this spirit, “Mr. Bevin's hints that the principal of block reservation may be abandoned”, though causing some apprehension, have met, on the whole, “with an uncritical, even approving acceptance”. From Scotland and Northern Ireland come reports that “public reactions to strikes and other symptoms of industrial unrest have been indignation and bitter comment” - mainly to the effect that those who dislocate the war effort “for extra pay or personal grievances” would be the better for a taste of Army discipline. On the other hand, it is said that many workers, “while admitting that strikes in war-time are wrong, are saying: ‘What else can we do to get conditions improved?’” There is a “desire for the establishment of a body with powers to enquire into disputes and dictate the terms of agreement”. In connection with the proposed setting-up in the Midland Region of Joint Production Enquiry Committees (referred to in our Report last week), it is stated that “Less has been heard of complaints of alleged slackness in war-work factories since the announcement of this recommendation. It seems to be recognised by all that these Committees, composed of equal numbers of representatives of employers and employed, will do much to remove misunderstandings and promote efficiency of production”.

There remains “considerable anxiety” as to whether the best possible use is made of technicians called to the Forces. “Mechanics and key men are still said to be doing nothing for months on end after calling-up”, and it is felt that the needs of industry should be considered “with a more elastic mind” by the Service chiefs. Many complaints hinge on the transference of workers from one job to another: instances are constantly quoted of wasteful mismanagement, such as refusal to give workers jobs in their own locality, while bringing in labour from outside; and stories are still told of trainees, ready for skilled jobs, being wasted on semi-skilled or even manual labour, to the discouragement of themselves and other workers.

Registration of Women : In accordance with the desire the stronger direction of the national effort, the demand the “outright conscription of women” has again increased this week. No adverse view has been received for some time. Very little sympathy is shown throughout the country for what is considered Mr. Bevin's “fear” of announcing penalties for women who will not co-operate. It is now felt that the threat of compulsion, without its application, has spoilt recruiting “in both ways” - women will not come forward voluntarily while others await compulsion, while those who do not intend to work suspect more and more that they will not be made to do so. Reasons for refusing to volunteer, put forward recently by women interviewed in the Eastern Region, include:- shopping and transport difficulties, and (among married women) lack of part-time factory work, and of day nurseries; also failure to adjust shift hours to household hours. But the “major impediment”, according to the R.I.O., “appears to lie in the outlook of the young women themselves.” Here there is:-

(1, 2, 3, 4 Special, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 26)

11. Food

Satisfaction with the food situation continues to be expressed in almost lyrical terms: R.I.Os' reports include: “Bouquets for Lord Woolton, especially on account of his oranges-for-children scheme”. “The fact that biscuits, fruit, more cooked meat and small extras can now be bought is also noted with gratitude.” “Complaints continue to dwindle”, and “on the whole, it is felt that we are wonderfully well fed, at this stage of the war”. One Postal Censorship report mentions a proportion as high as sixteen to five in favour of contentment, among the unusually small number of writers whose letters contain any reference to food. (This probably indicates a higher level of general contentment than the actual figures may suggest, as it has been noticed that correspondents rarely refer to food except when they are displeased. In other Postal Censorship analyses, though the balance is more even, the bias is still towards satisfaction.)

Heavy Workers :

The main exception to public satisfaction continues to be the case of the heavy worker. From the South Eastern Region it is reported that “Strong complaints have been received from quarrymen because they are not given an extra ration of cheese. This is their only complaint, but it is a subject on which feeling runs very high - the grievance is serious. The argument is that they are engaged upon key work of a heavy kind, and cannot exert and maintain their full effort” unless their rations are augmented in this way. They consider that “if workers on the land, and miners, are entitled to an extra ration, they too qualify, and have better grounds than many for their contention.” This complaint is backed up by the management of a quarry works.

The Egg Scheme :

This is still thought to be “a muddle”, and in egg-producing districts there is resentment of what is considered “incompetent distribution” “through this, English new-laid eggs grow stale before use”.

Milk Rationing :

“It appears that numbers of people have had their milk supply cut in half in spite of assurances that the reduction would be gradual.” From several districts come complaints that rationing has, in fact, been introduced: “some are getting as little as a quarter of a pint per day a head, and no tinned or dried milk has been offered as a substitute.”

Home Baked Bread :

North country housewives who bake their own bread are said to be “intensely indignant” at the rise in the price of flour which has coincided with a reduction in the cost of bakers' loaves. “If the Government thinks that fuel will be saved by the discouragement of home baking, it is making a stupid mistake: baking is done on coal ranges which would be burning in any case.”

Disposal of Surplus Oranges :

Confusion is said to have been created “by the absence of written instructions to retailers, who have been afraid to act in the disposal of oranges left in stock after the week during which they were reserved for children under six. This has been a source of irritation both to shopkeepers and the general public.” (It is reported from one district that enterprising children have been found selling their oranges for 3d and 4d a time.)

Seamen's Leave - rations :

It is complained that when sailors return on leave, their wives frequently have difficulty in getting the men's leave-rations. From South Shields it is reported that “the women often have to go all over the town before finding a shop willing to accept their coupons, as the shop-keepers say they only receive regular rations.”

(1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 15, 20 Carlisle Manchester P.C.s)

12. Evacuation

The stream of children returning to the target areas shows no sign of slackening. One London report speaks of “surprise, from the number of children to be seen in the streets of this and other cities, that there can be any evacuees left in the reception areas”. On the subject of what constitutes a reception area, it is said that “The Government's whole policy in recent months has not been well understood” - children from defence areas are still being received in coastal districts, “where, it is felt, they will be no safer than in the towns from which they have been moved”. Some increase in the expectation of winter raids (and consequently of a return of evacuees to the country) has once more focused attention in rural areas on “the subject of the big houses which are left alone, while middle-class and poor people bear the brunt. The feeling has been expressed that before anyone who has already borne with evacuees is asked to receive another, steps should be taken to see that people who have never had evacuees should receive them, unless there is a sound reason against their doing so”. In one town, which is being asked to take more evacuees, “people are said to be feeling sore because the billeting officer has none himself”. In view of the very great difficulty of finding accommodation in the country for townsfolk, it is urged that “no undue strain should be put on the sympathy of reception areas”; indignation has been reported in connection with the alleged dispatch from London recently of a batch of children suffering from scabies, “some of them diagnosed before they came, and some not”.

(4, 5, 7, 12)

13. Service Dependants' Allowances

Though there is relief that at last something is to be done to remedy what is described as “a disastrous state of affairs”, there has been great disappointment over the announcement of proposed increases in the allowances to servicemen's wives; the method of payment through special grants still “savours of charity, in the public view”. It is not understood why a simple general increase in the basic allowance for young children could not have taken the place of the additional powers given to the special allowance boards - “with all the form-filling, questioning, and means-test-resentment which this seems likely to involve for the servicemen's dependants”.

There is also “considerable doubt of the efficiency of the Army pay system in this respect”; it is asked, “with much anxiety”, how long it will be before each case of hardship can be considered on its merits? Before the new ruling was announced there were often said to be “months and months of delay” in the granting of relief. It is feared that now thousands of new cases will be added to the waiting lists.

(1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7)

14. Shortage of wireless batteries and spare parts

Three R.I.Os speak of the serious situation in their districts, where it is felt that lack of official news at a time of anxiety may be an important factor in lowering morale. It is again pointed out that the districts affected are mainly the rural ones, where newspaper distribution is more restricted than in the towns, so that people cannot suddenly switch over from radio to press as a main source of news. It has been suggested as a partial solution of the valve shortage, “that if those in R.A.F. plane sets are only used once, (as is believed) they should afterwards be distributed free to hospitals, camps, etc, so reducing the call which these organisations make on the general supplies”.

(5, 12, 13)

15. Income Tax

It is again urged that a clear, and above all simple, explanation should be given to “first-time payers”, of the uses to which their money is put, the reasons for the increased tax, and the percentage to be placed to their credit for repayment after the war. The suggestion is made that not enough connection has yet been established in the public mind between “the will to win” and the payment of war-time taxes. Postal Censorship still reports cases of workers who apparently regard it as a reasonable proceeding to limit their output “in order not to pay income tax”.

(2, 4, 5, 20 Inverness P.C.)

16. Clothes Rationing

“Dilatoriness” in connection with arrangements concerning lost Ration Books and supplementary coupons for growing children is widely criticised.

Reports come - not only from poorer districts - that “many people have used up all their coupons already”.

It is felt that “the coupon-value of babies' wear - and especially of children's shoes - should be reconsidered”.

Concern is expressed that there is only one style of woman's coat (a reefer coat with a belt, which is “not suitable for every woman”) in the standardised clothing scheme.

Indignation is felt that valuable shipping space should be wasted on shoes “just imported from U.S.”, and stockings “from Canada”: although from Scotland comes a Postal Censorship report that “crews of merchant ships are being implored to bring back stockings from their trips”, such is the “exceedingly high price” of poor-quality stocks in the country.

“There is an outcry from some retailers in the Chesterfield area” that the Board of Trade is using ‘agents provocateurs’ in order to obtain convictions for trading in loose coupons.

(3, 5, 8, 11)

17. Salvage

Reports of dissatisfaction with the working of salvage schemes are widespread. Feeling appears to be increasing that “scrap iron drives are only Governmental bluff”. The question is constantly asked: “Is it really necessary to pull up railings, while so much metal is lying idle at industrial undertakings, and in blitzed areas”.

(3, 5, 6, 7)

18. Constant Topics and Complaints

Faced with the prospect of fuel shortage, the public is reported to be “saying angrily: ‘It is a coal-mining country and we have had plenty of blitz-free time - you could understand it if coal had to be imported. Feeling will become very strong later on if it is very cold”. Many rural areas are short of paraffin.

Inadequate transport facilities are causing “much dissatisfaction”, and it is said that “many workers are losing hours per week waiting for a conveyance”.

Feeling has been aroused by the recent replacement - during Salvage Week - of large solid iron railings around a military academy, “where barbed wire would do instead”.

Postal delays in the London area and in the Middle East mail are a cause of “growing discontent”.

High wages earned by unskilled labour on aerodrome sites, and by unskilled juveniles, are contrasted with the low rates paid to tied workers (e.g. farm labourers).

Nine R.I.Os complain of the acute shortage of matches. Other shortages include: flints for cigarette lighters; secondhand cycles; beer and cigarettes.

The lack of nursery schools is also said to be “causing great difficulty”.

“Amazement” is reported at the quantity of paper wasted by Government Departments on circulars couched in incomprehensible phraseology “about trifles of no importance”.

Other complaints are:

Inadequacy of billeting allowances paid to foster parents. Inequality of grants made in connection with furniture for bombed-out families. Discourtesy of shop assistants. High price of fresh fruit. Eggs.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 28, 32)

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REFERENCES