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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Weekly Report by Home Intelligence - No. 61
Copy No. 142

3rd December, 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.

347 348 2 350 4 351 5 352 6 353 7 355 9 356 10

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT NO. 61

3rd December, 1941

(Covering period from 24th November to 1st December, 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

Libya

Spirits still appear to be high, although there has been a considerable decline from the “general elation” of last week over the opening of the Libyan campaign. This remains the centre of public interest. The main causes of the drop in confidence are:-

“It had never been expected that we should gain an easy victory in North Africa, but the lack of precise news, and the confused nature of the battle, have given rise to speculation as to whether all is going well. The public does not find it easy to form any mental picture of a tank battle: operations are hard to follow, and strategic moves difficult to appreciate”.

There seems to be general agreement (and irritation) throughout the country that “we blew the trumpets too soon”. It is said that the B.B.C., the Press, and even the Prime Minister, have “hit the news too high, thus running the risk of a slump in morale if hopes do not materialise”; but the chief condemnation has been reserved for “official spokesmen in Cairo”, who are held responsible for “the shock to public confidence given during the week by the news of strong German counter-thrusts, following so closely on the barrage of bombastic optimism put out from Cairo”. On the whole, however, the public remains convinced that we shall gain our ends in this campaign, whatever the cost. In connection with the campaign, it is stated that there is growing public interest in the subjects of tank design and tank warfare.

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

Russia

Widespread relief and satisfaction have been caused by the Russian recapture of Rostov. Great significance is attached to this news, which is hailed as “the first major military set-back the Germans have suffered”. Remarks such as “the tide is turning at last” are being generally reported.

The word “gratitude” appears more often now than hitherto in statements expressing the British public's increasing admiration for Russian endurance and fighting skill. Thankfulness, indeed, seems to be the keynote of the present attitude, as outlined by several R.I.Os. “Belief continues that so long as Russia fights, we shall be comparatively immune from heavy raids, and this faith contributes in no small extent to public gratitude to Russia”. Although there is still grave concern for Moscow, and appreciation of the Germans' desperate determination to capture it before the worst of the winter, so great is the trust now placed in the strength and spirit of our ally that it is even said in some quarters, “the fall of Moscow is thought to be more likely to upset complacency at home than to cause a Russian collapse”.

Anxiety continues to be expressed that all possible aid should be given to Russia with the utmost speed, and, as mentioned in last week's Report, the public appears to resent any suspected slight to our Ally. As a result there is some tendency for small derogatory incidents to be magnified out of all proportion: it is recorded that “there are signs of annoyance at Captain Balfour's statement that he ‘abhors the political doctrines of communism’, in the course of his tribute to Russian arms; and it is asked why he need dwell on this now, any more than on his political differences with Socialist members of the Government he serves?”

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

Japan and America

“The persistent feeling that Japan is bluffing is thought to have been weakened by recent developments”. Many people are said to be returning to the belief, widely held some time ago, that war in the Far East is inevitable. There is still, however, very little public anxiety on this score - “It is America's business” is a typical comment. The only concern expressed has centred round the possibility that America might “try appeasement by making concessions”; there is no longer thought to be any danger of this, and whole-hearted approval is given to her firmness.

(2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

Sir Roger Keyes on Commandos

Sir Roger Keyes' speech in the House of Commons has been described as “disturbing to many”, and as giving “informed support for the critics who have drawn attention to the failure to carry out persistent raids on the enemy's long and exposed coast line”. Mr. Greenwood's reply was thought to be “rather pompous, and not convincing”, and to have “revived the chronic distrust felt for the Army Command, whose rigidity of outlook has cost us so dear in the past”. At the same time, the removal of Sir Roger Keyes “to make way for younger blood” is viewed not unfavourably.

(2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11, 21 Bristol P.C.)

General Conscription

All reports so far received have been similar in tone to that of the R.I.O. Southern Region, who writes: “The proposal to introduce conscription for men and women alike has been heartily welcomed, in the hope that at last the whole nation will be put on a footing of total war. Critics of the proposal are to be found mainly among these who doubt whether efficient machinery has yet been devised to eliminate at least the more obvious inequalities in sacrifice, which at present cause so many heart-burnings”. “Mr. Bevin gets little credit for this move, however, as it is felt to have been forced upon him”; it is also said that he has been too slow in going so far, as public opinion has long been ready to support him in the matter.

(2, 3, 6, 7, 10)

Germany's ‘Puppet Conference’

Little attention seems to have been given to “the Quisling Parade in Berlin”. The reactions appear to have been mainly “scorn or amusement, and a reiteration of the view that Nazi peace talk must always be a waste of words”.

Fall of Gondar

“Surprisingly little elation” has been recorded over the capture of this last Italian stronghold, which was regarded as “all in the day's work”. The consensus of opinion appears to be that “the Abyssinian campaign has been very long drawn out”.

(2, 4, 7)

Escape of Nazi Prisoners By Plane

“A considerable volume of scathing criticism” is said to have been caused by this incident, which has revived stories of ill-defended aerodromes, current some time ago, and of other instances of carelessness in high places (officers leaving important documents in taxis, etc). Unattended planes dispersed on aerodromes near main roads are thought to be “tempting the devil”.

(3, 4, 11)

Post-War Reconstruction

Two R.I.Os mention an increase in discussions of post-war conditions. There is evidence of interest being taken “both by men in the fighting forces, and by civilians, in the problems of reconstruction. The argument that we must concentrate upon winning the war before considering these problems cuts little ice, particularly with the remnants of the generation that fought in the last war; they remember the chaos that faced them when they returned home. These men are determined that their sons shall not suffer as they did, and many young men seem to have taken to heart the lessons of that period”.

(6, 8)

2. Broadcasting and Presentation of News

The B.B.C. has been criticised for its alleged lack of balance and proper caution in the treatment of our early Libyan successes. (See section on Libya ).

The reading of the news by Mr. Wilfred Pickles seems to have met with fairly general approval, and has been welcomed by the man in the street as a move in the right direction by the B.B.C. There has, however, been some criticism of what has been called his “spurious” accent-“pure-bred B.B.C. with short a's grafted on”. It has also been suggested that his voice bears some resemblance to Lord Haw Haw's.

The “Brains Trust” continues to be much appreciated.

One R.I.O. mentions that publication of the fact that 364 aliens are employed by the B.B.C. has led to “considerable misinformed talk and critical discussion”.

Two recent incidents appear to have strengthened a persistent belief in the connection between enemy air raids and the mention of towns in the B.B.C. news. There was “adverse comment when an announcement that the Prime Minister had been visiting a shipyard in North Shields was followed by an attack on this area the same night”; and, “resentment has been expressed by workmen in Hall Russell's Yard, Aberdeen, over the announcement that the U-boat which sank the Ark Royal was destroyed by an Aberdeen-built corvette. The fact that the yard was bombed the following day was immediately ascribed to this statement”.

(2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 22)

3. Rumours

The rumour of the sinking of H.M.S. “Malaya”, reported last week, has again been heard, this time in Portsmouth.

The story of an attempted invasion of the Kentish coast on Sunday, November 23rd, has circulated in the South Western Region.

R.A.F. aerodromes are said to pour away large quantities of petrol rather than show a surplus - which would have to be explained - at the end of the accounting period.

(6, 7, 10)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

4. Industry

There are still comments on waste of time and manpower in factories engaged on war production, but there appears to be less general criticism on this subject than at any time during the past few months. There is, however, a tendency for workers to feel that unless they are making a tank, they are not doing essential work; and it is suggested that there is need for publicity to tell them that “what they are doing may be important to the war effort even if it does not appear to be”. Although general criticisms have died down, there have been comments on a number of points:-

Workers and Income Tax . Workers and potential recruits are reported to have very little idea of what their income tax obligations will be, and factory managers report that the prospect of paying the tax is causing a good deal of absenteeism. There is said to be a growing demand that husbands and wives shall be taxed separately. War workers seem to think that “income tax is some new kind of penalisation instituted especially for them”, and apparently do not always realise that “black-coated workers” have been paying it for years on the same wages as those the better paid war-workers are now earning.

Wages . There is said to be “increased dissatisfaction with war-time wage inequalities” (frequently mentioned in our weekly reports). “On every hand there are stories of unskilled workers earning huge wages, while skilled workers receive increases which barely cover extra living costs”, according to one R.I.O.; and people are urging that “the Government should make a genuine attempt to regularise wages before the situation gets completely out of hand”. The high wages of juveniles are again criticised.

Employment Exchanges . In addition to complaints of rudeness, there are comments about “discrimination and unfairness in interviews at Employment Exchanges”. Discontent is said to be aggravated by “the apparent ease with which a good many youths get into sheltered occupations, and thus avoid military service”. It is frequently pointed out that some of the girl interviewers are younger than the women they interview, and could presumably have been classed as mobile. Regret is still expressed that interviews are not always held in private. There are reports of women who have been repeatedly to the Exchange, only to be told to come again; they complain of the difficulty of obtaining any definite information.

Many factories are said to prefer to advertise their own labour requirements, as this produces more successful results. Some factories who have sent out recruiting officers are reported to be confident that they could obtain all their requirements, while the workers themselves are said to feel more satisfied when they know for whom they will be working.

Sunday Work . Serious dissatisfaction is reported among workmen at R.A.F. building sites, because they are not allowed to work on Sundays to make up the time lost each morning and night owing to the black-out; this results in “real hardship for many workers who have to maintain two homes on reduced earnings”. According to an M.O.I. speaker, it is very difficult to appeal to the men to speed up work, while this Sunday ban is in force.

(1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 16, 21 Manchester P.C.)

Conscription of men and women

Public approval at the prospects of greatly extended conscription is referred to in the first part of this report. While there is no mention of any opposition to the proposals - so far as they are known, there is said to be some anxiety on the part of:-

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 21 Manchester P.C.)

Registration of women

Younger Women . It is “ardently hoped” that the forthcoming extension of the call-up will involve a real degree of conscription for some classes of young women. People seem to be “greatly concerned about the extent to which the ‘bright young things’ and ‘camp-follower wives’ are dodging the column”. Although there is reported to be heart-felt comment from the wives of men in the Forces, that they would resent conscription, on the grounds that they “have already had to sacrifice enough”, this view does not seem to be entirely shared by the general public, at least in so far as it applies to those young wives with neither children nor homes to look after.

Married women . It is generally felt that married women cannot take their full share of war work, unless the following facilities are provided:-

Several R.I.Os stress the fact that “every day the cry for day nurseries becomes more insistent”, and that this is preventing many willing part-time workers from offering their services. There are comments from various towns on “the failure of the Government to tackle the need for nurseries on a sufficiently large scale”. It is believed that “even the limited number under discussion are in many cases held up by arguments between Government Departments and Local Authorities as to responsibility and financial support”.

Wet canteens . The installation of “wet canteens”, first for the women's Services and now in munition factories, with free access for women, is reported by three R.I.Os to be “deplored” by certain sections of the public, particularly in the West Country and in Wales.

Shopping hours . The present shop-closing hours are reported by several R.I.Os to “constitute a grievous hardship to women war workers”. Lunch hour closing is specially unpopular, as is the early closing of shops in industrial areas; it is felt that many factories have helped as much as they can by staggering hours of work, but that, unless shops can remain open longer at night, there will be considerable absenteeism among the married workers. In cases where factories have opened shops on their own premises, they are said to be very popular.

(2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 21 Manchester P.C.)

A Scottish Munition Factory

Following a recent visit to a war production factory in the West of Scotland, the Intelligence Officer there has made a report on the women employees' attitude to their jobs, and on the difficulties experienced by some of them in their new work. Reports from other sources indicate that the same problems are being encountered elsewhere.

The factory has roughly 6,000 women and 5,000 men workers. Some of the women's work is heavy, dirty or dangerous; yet, with few exceptions, it is enjoyed, in spite of easier and cleaner jobs having been done previously.

The only serious criticism in connection with actual working conditions is a dislike of standing-by where shortages occur; for these the management is blamed. The only criticism of individuals is of foremen, - some of whom are accused of favouritism. Absenteeism seems to be increasing, and the workers are showing less interest in their jobs than hitherto. Few remarks are heard about the progress of the war or the relationship of the girls' work to the war effort. Almost the only enthusiasm which has been shown for the war effort, was after a showing of the films “Soviet Women” and “Salute to the Soviet”, under the auspices of the M.O.I. On the whole, their work seemed to be regarded as a personal rather than a national effort, and a back-ache, an ailing child or a cross husband are thought to be just as important as they might appear under peace-time conditions. The welfare services in this factory seem to be generally appreciated, and particularly the efforts made by the executive and welfare staff to meet such needs as factory clothing, provision of meals and rest room facilities, etc. Although the canteens do not provide cooked meals, the workers are provided with soup, milk, tea or Horlicks.

Home ties are recognised within the factory as the biggest source of worry to women workers. Married women especially have become accustomed to a fixed mode of life, and the substitution of a completely new set of habits entails a major readjustment which many are finding painful and difficult. Most of the women still wish to keep up their former standard of house-keeping and so, after a hard day in the factory, several hours are spent each evening cleaning and scrubbing. Additional problems (of washing and mending, and discipline) arise where there are children. Workers spoke highly and appreciatively of the school meal system; in some schools, however, lack of cooking or serving facilities is restricting the provision of meals, and in one district priority is given to children from a distance over those whose mothers are on full-time war work.

The opening in the near future of a crèche in a neighbouring town, with arrangements for collecting the babies each morning, is highly commended.

Another problem is the provision of hot meals for husbands, and older children not at school. Where husband and wife are working on different shifts, and where the man is willing to do his share, a workable system is easily arrived at; but this is not always the case, and some education of husbands in co-operation would seem desirable.

Shopping difficulties were, however, those most frequently mentioned. Rationed goods are obtained fairly easily, but unrationed goods in short supply are almost unobtainable unless shopping can be done during the early morning. Several suggestions have already been made for dealing with the difficulties. The management have suggested a card system, for shift workers especially, which would ensure that shopkeepers kept back a proportion of scarce, unrationed goods so that workers might have equal opportunity with early morning shoppers. Another idea is that a “shopper service” might be started under W.V.S. or some other auspices. Shopping lists might be handed in at a fixed point the day before, or early in the morning, and the “shoppers service” would attempt to obtain the goods required.

(14, Scotland)

5. Food

General satisfaction with the food situation as a whole continues, with the exception of milk rationing, on which subject dissatisfaction appears to be increasing.

Milk : 9 R.I.Os mention widespread criticism of the rationing scheme, particularly as regards distribution. It is felt that there is no machinery for leveling out supplies of milk not required for the priority classes; what are said to be inexplicable disparities have given rise to “the old battle cries of ‘everything the Government touches disappears’, ‘another Government muddle’ or ‘a parallel to the egg muddle’”.

Other points raised are:-

Tinned Foods Order : The public's interest in this scheme is still slightly off-set by disappointment at the delay in starting it.

Heavy Workers : The recent concessions in cheese rationing made to certain quarrymen have only increased the ill-feeling amongst workers of Fullers' Earth Union Ltd., who feel that their heavier and much more arduous work entitles them to similar concessions. Their management endorses this claim.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21)

6. Agricultural Workers

There appears to be continued pleasure at the £3.0.0. minimum wage. Some doubt exists, however, as to how farmers are to meet the increased figure.

In Wales farmers are said to have already started demanding higher prices for their produce.

Reaction to Income Tax

There appear to be few marked reactions on the part of agricultural workers to their possible liability to income tax. This is thought to be due chiefly to the fact that comparatively few will be liable for tax even under the new scale, and that many of those who will be liable have not yet realised this. Though the majority who have realised their liabilities appear ready to pay up in the national interest, four Regions report some possible opposition; one Region states it will be “very much resented”, and two refer to the coincidence of higher wages and income tax, expressing the view that the Government “is giving money with one hand and taking it away with the other”. It is felt that there will be some reaction towards working fewer hours overtime. It is widely thought that a simplified income tax form for farm workers would be helpful, and that the reason for tax imposition and a clear and simple statement of their actual tax position (including a simple explanation of the post-war credit scheme) would be of great assistance.

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

7. Constant Topics and Complaints

“Long queues of workers waiting for buses” are still reported, and the “serious effect which lack of transport may have on morale” is pointed out. Poor travelling facilities mean in some cases that factory girls are sixteen hours a day, or more, away from home. There is continued irritation over the running of “Private” and “Special” buses, and “much feeling” concerning the use of petrol in private cars at race meetings. Food deliveries are reported to have been upset in perimeter areas, and there is criticism that laundry services should be so much curtailed through lack of petrol.

Waste of paper by Government Departments occasions “many caustic comments”. It is said that the Ministry of Information “daily sends batches of leaflets and circulars to be burnt”. The booklet “17 American Experts say Britain will win” is considered a waste of paper. The “urgent need” for better collection of household waste is again stressed.

Indignation has been expressed in Salisbury that iron railings round a local race course are not even scheduled while private garden rails are being pulled up. From other Regions come complaints that people are asked to surrender their railings although old iron contributed a year ago still lies on the local dump.

Service Dependants are said to find the various instructions and details too involved to grasp.

There are “many complaints” about postal delays and the rough handling of parcels, the slowness of shoe and watch repairs , the blackout , the inadequacy of railway train blackouts, and the high prices of fish and fresh vegetables (and scarcity of fish).

Shortage of spare parts for cars is said to be holding up firms on urgent work.

The demand for more British Restaurants continues.

The chief shortages reported are: wireless parts, Wellingtons for women and girls, flints and lighters, tobacco and cigarettes, second-hand bicycles, typewriters, kettles, saucepans, thermos flasks, cheap crockery, matches, eggs, chocolate and sweets, and vinegar.

Paraffin is still a difficulty in some rural areas.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 20)

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REFERENCES