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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Weekly report by Home Intelligence - No. 60
Copy No. 138

26th November, 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.

374 375 2 377 4 379 6 381 6 382 9

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT NO. 59

26th November, 1941

(Covering period from 17th November to 24th November, 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

(a) Libya

Spirits have risen sharply this week with the opening of the Libyan campaign. For the first time for several months, there has been no mention in any report of apathy or war-weariness. The point around which most comment has centred is the Prime Minister's extreme confidence in the outcome of this offensive, as expressed by him in the House of Commons. His reference to meeting the enemy on equal terms at last is thought to “commit us to victory” so thoroughly that we are believed to have reason for very considerable optimism in this theatre of war; and “the public is in a state of elated expectancy”. It is pointed out that “Britain's War Asset No. 1”, as Mr. Churchill is now called, has never been given to boasting, and would not have spoken as he did if there were serious doubts about the issue. “But even those who have claimed to detect, in his recent utterances, an undercurrent of special optimism, have been surprised by the completeness of our preparations, and the sweeping character of the attack”. There is thought, however, to be little “expectation of the rapid successes of the former campaign; chasing Italians last winter was one thing, but this is a different matter - the first real trial of strength between German and British troops”. Several R.I.Os have commented on the “general satisfaction” expressed by the public that it is the Germans we are now meeting, and that “Britain is in the war again. We have been out of the fighting too long”.

Two aspects of the campaign which are giving much pleasure are:-

This offensive is taken as answering that question satisfactorily, although in some quarters it is emphasised that “there is no tendency to regard the desert campaign as opening the Second Front to which M. Stalin referred”; it is still assumed, apparently, that this must be in Europe.

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

(b) Russia

Although it is widely said that the war on the Eastern front has been overshadowed for the moment by the North African offensive, “this in no way implies a lessening of interest or of anxiety” about the situation in Russia. There is said to be “no disposition to minimise the seriousness of our Ally's position, and the desire that we should rush all aid to her remains unabated. The news that British tanks have been in action on the Eastern front was welcomed”. But despite grave concern over the threat to Moscow and the situation at Rostov, the absence of further “spectacular German gains in Russia causes growing confidence in the ability of our Ally to hold the Nazi onslaught. Hitler's hopes are felt to have received a serious set-back” by Moscow and Leningrad being still in Russian hands, though winter has already begun. It is said that “his disregard of losses, his renewed ferocity in attack, and the uncertain tone of his propaganda are all taken as indications that the Germans are beginning to get desperate”. There is “much discussion” (although, apparently, few definite opinions) as to whether the Libyan campaign will have the effect of relieving pressure on the Russians by diverting some of Germany's air-strength.

The great admiration felt by the public for Russia's courage and endurance continues to grow with every week of her resistance: the present attitude may be summed up by the phrase: “People realise that every Russian killed is one Englishman less to die, and they are not only thankful, they are deeply grateful”. For this reason, matters of apparently small importance tend to be somewhat magnified in the public estimation, if they suggest that we are lukewarm in our co-operation with Russia. The recent “discourtesy” shown to M. Litvinov in excluding him from one of our planes, although accepted as accidental, has aroused “some perturbation lest such stupidity by our officials should jeopardise our good relations with Russia”. There are still suspicions that there is “less enthusiasm in Government circles” for helping Russia to the utmost of our ability than there is among the workers and the people in general.

(c) Army changes

On the whole, little interest has been aroused by the recent changes in the High Command. Such comments as have been reported are, on the whole, favourable, “the principle of having younger men in command being generally accepted as good”. A minority view is that the sending of Sir John Dill to India indicates some kind of unspecified action in that quarter in the near future.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 21, Bristol, Cambridge P.C's, 22)

2. Vichy

There are reports of “more and more impatience with the Government's alleged tenderness towards Vichy”. The dismissal of General Weygand is widely accepted as heralding much closer co-operation in North Africa between the French and the Nazis. “There is no indication that much trust has been placed in Weygand, but his presence there was regarded as at least a hindrance to Hitler”, and fears have been revived of the French fleet being handed over to Germany.

Concern is also reported over a common belief that “German and Italian submarines are already operating freely from Dakar”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13)

3. America

Considerable impatience and even depression is reported over “the latest evidence of United States disunity” - the coal strike, and the threat of other strikes seriously affecting war production. “The most generally expressed opinion is one of surprise and doubt as to whether this country can ever rely upon consistent aid from the U.S.A”. (No comments have been received since the announcement that work had been resumed in the American mines). President Roosevelt, however, is thought to have demonstrated that his control is “pretty strong at home”: while in foreign affairs his firm policy in relation to Japan has led to his description as “our best friend after Churchill”.

(2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13)

4. Japan

Opinion on the likelihood of Japan's entry into the war has changed little since last week, when there was a strong expectation of hostilities at any moment. There is now felt to be slightly less probability that Japan will commit herself to a fight from which she has, it seems, apparently, so little to gain. Belief that she may be bluffing seems to be gaining ground, and apparently rests on the idea that if she really intended action, she would have taken it by now. A typical comment, however, is still that “America will look after her”.

(2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12)

5. Rumania, Hungary and Finland

“Whether we declare war on Rumania and Hungary” is said to be a matter of indifference to some sections of the public, though others are urging that it should be done at once, as a sign of our whole-hearted support for Russia: there appears, however, to be no public feeling against such a declaration. Over Finland, there seems to be a rather wider division of opinion. Although in some quarters there is a demand that we should be openly at war with her, “some of the goodwill towards her, which reached a climax during the winter war, undoubtedly remains, and it is with regret that many people noted her failure to respond to the message from the United States”. In general, however, “opinion is stiffening against Finland, on the ground that those who are not with us are against us, and that Finland has chosen her part and is now subject to German dictation. People who feel most warmly about Russia are impatient with the apparent reluctance of our Government to break with Finland, and regard it as further evidence that some members of the Government are not all-out in their support of Russia”.

(1, 8, 32)

6. Broadcasting and presentation of news

There is renewed criticism of the importance given to trivial items in the B.B.C. news bulletins; “too many minor speeches” are said to be included. Again it is alleged that “every Russian retreat or withdrawal is presented in such a way as to suggest that little or nothing has been lost”.

In marked contrast to the reception given to the A.T.S. broadcast, “Four Smart Girls”, Chief Controller Knox's postscript was said to show “sincerity and ideals”. Raymond Gram Swing's elucidation of the vote on the Neutrality Act “has been received with gratitude by many people. It is suggested that this broadcast should be made available in pamphlet form”.

(1, 2, 3, 5)

7. Rumours

The rumour that raids are being made by us on the Continental coasts has again been met. It is said that there are many flat-bottomed barges on the East Coast which are used in these raids.

A story is reported that two military convoys were sent (from the South West, via Trowbridge) to the East Coast to repel imminent invasion, expected by the Government “because the army fighting in Russia were just Czechs, Hungarians, Italians and Rumanians. The German army, intact, was waiting on the West Coast of France, ready to invade us”.

Rumours of enemy bombing of Aldershot, Basingstoke, and Newbury circulated in Reading during the week.

The rumour of the sinking of H.M.S. “Malaya” has been reported in the Southern Region.

It is reported that roundsmen are suggesting that their customers should take homogenised milk - at 9½d per quart as compared with 9d per quart for ordinary milk - “as this is classed as priority, and not subject to any cut”.

(3, 4, 6, 7, 32)

II SPECIAL COMMENTS

8. Industry

Complaints of slackness and muddle in munition factories are less numerous this week. There is still criticism, however, of the cost plus 10% system, founded on the belief that it is the basis of all Government contracts, and that it inevitably leads to waste.

Strikes . Though last week's “token” strike on Clydeside is said to have been regarded “as a bit of a farce”, it is reported to have caused much public indignation and a feeling that Glasgow shipyard workers will “sacrifice national needs for personal cupidity”. There has been strong approval for the policy of using the Military to break the Glasgow bus strike.

Coal miners . There is still much comment on the amount of absenteeism among miners. But, in the opinion of a speaker who has been addressing them during the Coal Production Campaign in the Northern Region, even if absenteeism were eliminated, the short supply would not be remedied. At most places, he says, “there is no understanding between the miners and the managements. The men feel that the appeal for increased output is only a stunt, because they see obstructions to it over which they have no control”. The managements “evidently do not believe output to be urgent if it involves expenditure” to provide new facilities for the men. The same speaker reports that “managements appear to expect speakers to lecture the men, as though the fault were only due to absenteeism”.

Government Inspectors There are complaints of the workers' time being wasted in waiting for Inspectors to “pass” jobs, with the result that in some cases skilled men are held up at their work for two or three days. Apparently when the Inspector finally comes to a job, it is sometimes “passed” in five minutes; it is therefore felt that in such cases skilled men should be allowed to use their own initiative.

(2, 3, 7, 11, 16)

9. Registration of women

Public feeling on this subject continues on the same lines as those referred to in our previous reports. The desire for compulsion is still widely reported, and there is now a feeling that sooner or later the Government will use compulsory powers. This, it is said, would make it easier for women who are willing to do war work but who are reluctant or unable to volunteer. The following examples are given:-

Mr. Bevin's appeal . Reactions to the Minister of Labour's appeal to married women have, on the whole, been unfavourable, and it is described as having raised a “storm of disapproval and resentment”. It is felt that he should (a) first apply his compulsory powers to the “many women without household responsibilities who are felt to be still avoiding service”; (b) “get on with the job of calling up and placing those already registered”. The suggestion is made that he should first ensure that “no privileged unmarried women are sheltering in inessential jobs at Government offices”. It is also stressed that any appeal to married women will fail unless there is adequate provision for day nurseries and communal feeding, and some arrangement to facilitate shopping.

Part-time work . Would-be workers with home responsibilities are said to be held back by lack of part-time work, and also by the fact that the requirements of factories for part-time workers do not always coincide with the time of day when these women could work. In one factory an experiment has been successfully introduced whereby older women begin at 10 a.m. so that they can first do their shopping and housework.

Causes of Reluctance Several factors, though apparently not strong enough to operate in the case of women who are willing to take up war work, are quoted as having a disturbing effect on the more hesitant:-

Ministry of Labour Broadcast . The recent broadcast, with Miss Rathbone taking part, seems to have been much appreciated. It is considered to have been far more successful than the previous one, and the policy of giving such discussions is commended.

(3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 21, Bristol, Manchester P.C.s, 32)

10. Food

Except for milk rationing, satisfaction with the food situation continues. Postal Censorship quotes one writer as saying; “Sometimes it seems impossible to imagine how we can have so much, when we have been at war so long - its really a triumph of organisation”, and this reaction appears to be typical of many. Complaints about food come from people whose main grumble is lack of variety.

Milk A feeling of resentment about milk rationing is reported in many parts of the country, dissatisfaction being mentioned by eight R.I.Os. In one Region, for example, the public is described as being “up in arms”, while in Scotland there is said to have been a “greater storm over the milk cuts than over any other food restriction since the war broke out”. It is thought that in Scotland the milk shortage is felt more acutely than elsewhere, as porridge is so extensively eaten by all classes. It is suggested that a clear and direct statement is called for on the whole milk situation; “it is felt that if this subject is not handled carefully it might conceivably affect morale”. The following points are particularly mentioned:-

Tinned Foods Order . Favourable comment on the Points Rationing Scheme, though still freely expressed, now tends to be swamped by disappointment at the delay in starting it. There is some criticism of Lord Woolton for announcing the plan before “he was assured that it could be carried out at the appointed time”: but his reputation is said to stand so high at present that it is unlikely to be damaged by the postponement of the scheme.

Small shops v. chain stores . There is a persistent belief that chain stores are “favoured with supplies”, and that they are selling foods which they did not sell before the war.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 21, Manchester, Bristol P.C.s)

11. Agricultural Workers

The general reactions to the £3.0.0, minimum wage appears to be that agricultural workers have at last had a square deal, and that there will now be some encouragement for men to stay on the land after the war. The general pleasure is, however, slightly tempered by a fear that food prices will inevitably rise.

(2, 4, 10)

12. Clothes Rationing

A Welfare Supervisor reports “considerable ill-feeling” because coupons must be surrendered for overalls, particularly among workers doing dirty jobs. “It is suggested that an arrangement should be made to enable firms to give certificates for coupon-free overalls".

Women's Societies are said to be complaining that the W.V.S., from whom coupon-free wool must be obtained, “do not allow any of the credit to local knitting bodies”.

The “comparative ease with which it is possible to obtain coupons for clothes when the normal ration book is alleged to be lost” is reported to be causing “grave concern”. There is, also, “much derision at the loose coupon system through the post, and it is not understood what checks there are on fraud by this method”.

(3, 5)

13. Constant Topics and Complaints

Shopping difficulties of women war workers, such as the leaving and collection of laundry, etc. are still causing much annoyance.

Transport services “have now become a major issue on the Home Front”. Workers are finding their long hours of duty considerably added to by long waits for buses. It is again suggested that there should be a “system of priority passes for workers and especially those in Government Service”.

Cars seen at a recent race meeting have revived criticism of race-goers who “waste the country's petrol to serve their pleasure”.

The “stigma of charity” thought to attach to Service Dependants' Allowances is still reported, though other complaints on this subject have much declined.

Salvage : Owners of iron railings appear unconvinced by official explanations of the need for requisitioning, and ask why dumps of old iron are not cleared first. Other complaints concerning salvage come from housewives whose collections of bottles and jars have been refused by the refuse-collector.

There are more complaints of waste of paper by firms doing Government work, and by church authorities who send out questionnaires to clergymen. Retailers and shoppers, however, are reported to be “up in arms” against the prohibition on wrapping of certain goods.

Friction between shoppers and shop assistants continues, as does the demand for more British Restaurants , and complaints of the inadequacy of billeting allowances

Protests are “frequent” about the high wages paid to unskilled boys on war work. Farmers and tradesmen cannot afford to compete with contractors on Government work.

Shortages : Matches, crockery, and eggs continue to be scarce. (There are also complaints of stale eggs.) Other shortages are of: tobacco and cigarettes (the unequal distribution of which is also criticised), lighters and flints, kettles, firewood, wireless and small torch batteries, confectionery, fresh fish, offals, mustard, soap flakes, and typewriters.

Paraffin supplies seem to have improved, and the occasional reports of shortage come from rural districts; but there are now complaints of the quality of the paraffin available.

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

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REFERENCES