A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46
SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Weekly Report by Home Intelligence - No. 62
Copy No. 139
10th 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.
SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT NO. 62
10th December, 1941
(Covering period from 1st December to 8th December, 1941)
No reports have been received since the Prime Minister's speech.
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 Far East
The general reaction to Japan's aggression in the Far East seems to be “relief that things have come to a head, and that at last we know where we are”. Although great interest is reported everywhere, the latest developments seem to be “generally accepted without excitement and as a foregone conclusion”. To a section of the public, however, which thought Japan was bluffing, the declaration of war has come as a shock. There is some despondency on the part of a few, but no alarm is reported, nor any feeling of immediate danger. Although preliminary reports speak of “exhilaration” and of an “undercurrent of excitement with a general tonic effect”, no signs have yet been reported of any stimulus to our war effort.
Japan : There is a good deal of speculation on Japan's strength. The general opinion appears to be that, “her army is already fairly fully employed, that her air force is not a serious factor, but that her navy is dangerous”. That she should “feel herself strong enough, while still engaged in China, to take on the U.S.A. and this country too” is interpreted as meaning either that she dare not wait any longer because of the growing strength of America, or that she is acting in obedience to Hitler's instructions.
U.S.A. : There is great satisfaction and relief that America is “at last in with us”. This satisfaction appears to result largely from:
-
A widespread feeling that America's war potentialities are by no means fully developed, and that she will now realise the necessity for a much greater production effort, and will have to exert herself fully to get on a real war footing.
-
“Underlying irritation with America”, which is reported by several R.I.Os. There appears to be a feeling in some quarters that she will now do, “for selfish reasons, what she would not do to co-operate in fighting for democracy”; and there is a certain “malicious delight” in comments such as - “Americans will now have a taste of war - and about time too”, and “Bombing will wake them out of their complacency and end labour troubles”. On the other hand, a strong hope is reported from several Regions that America will bomb Tokyo, and surprise has been expressed that she should not have already done so. It is urged that she should “give the Japs a taste of what they gave the Chinese women and children”.
Supplies
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Arms . There is a good deal of speculation about the question of supplies from America. Although some people anticipate that Lease-Lend material will increase in volume, owing to U.S. production being henceforth on a war footing, the majority fear that it must now inevitably decrease, as she will need it for her own use.
-
Supply Lines . There is some fear that our supply lines (especially across the Atlantic) will be jeopardised by America being forced to withdraw some of her protection for our convoys. Germany, it is felt, has “got away with a magnificent piece of timing; at a crucial stage of the Battle of Libya, Japan enters the war and complicates our supply position.
-
Food . Many people, women especially, are concerned at the possible effect on the food position. In some cases the idea “that American supplies of food for this country will be cut apparently impresses the public, especially the working class, more than the possibility of a reduction in our imports of armaments.
The Length of the War
There is said to be much speculation as to whether the war will now be shorter or longer. Some expect a “shorter but intensified war, with heavier casualties”; others fear that it will be lengthened by twelve months.
(4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, North Eastern, North Midland, London, South Western, Wales, North Western, South Eastern, Scotland, North Eastern, Northern Ireland)
2. Russia
“The strength and vigour of Timoshenko's thrust from Rostov, which has supplied a much-needed corrective to public disquiet over Libya”, has been enthusiastically praised, and has created a “fresh thrill of hope”. The recapture of Rostov, and the subsequent Russian advance, constitute a victory which can easily be understood; it is described as “the only major victory of the war for the allies so far”, and as “Hitler's first real defeat on land”. Although the position round Moscow is still regarded with anxiety, it is thought to be increasingly unlikely that the Germans will penetrate to the Caucasus this winter.
Admiration for the Russians is said to have risen even further as a result of their latest successes. “There was never greater evidence of complete solidarity with Russia” and there is an “increased desire to give her every possible aid”. The news that British-built tanks took part in the fighting has been received with satisfaction, and has in some measure increased public confidence in the extent of our aid to Russia.
In more than one Region, however, there is still said to be talk of “persons in high position who are not one hundred per cent in favour of assisting the Russians”, and of others who refuse to sit on the same platform with communists.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Manchester, Bristol P.C.s. 29)
3. Libya
Even before the outbreak of hostilities in the Far East, the campaign in Libya was said to be arousing less comment and no longer to be the centre of public interest. There appears to be considerable difficulty in understanding the progress of the fighting, with the result that some people express anxiety and concern, while others feel “satisfaction over our successes”. The feeling of the great majority, however, seems to be disappointment at the slowing down of our progress. Reports mention criticism of our Intelligence and also of our equipment; and disappointment is expressed at the “performance and capabilities” of the British and American tanks, as compared with the German tanks, “whose fire-power is said to be superior”. There is said to be more “confidence, however, in our Eighth Army”, than is felt for the British Army as a whole. “It is regarded as young, vigorous and well commanded, and strengthened with the finest overseas troops”. Anxiety is felt about the heavy casualties, particularly among New Zealand and South African troops, and some concern is expressed as to how this news will be received in the Dominions”.
Cairo military spokesman : The optimistic and apparently unwarranted statements of this gentleman have again caused a howl of annoyance. He is mentioned by eight R.I.Os as the target for bitter criticism, on account of complacency, and particularly for representing serious reverses like the Axis breakthrough in Tobruk corridor as a minor incident. “This spokesman, by his pronouncements, is said to have performed the greatest single harmful act against this country of the whole war”.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 28, 32)
4. Finland, Hungary and Rumania
“British warnings to Finland, Hungary and Rumania, followed by declarations of war, have been accepted as inevitable, and as part of the welcome clearing-up process”, though some people are asking how we intend to wage war on these countries. Even those who admired the “Finns' resistance to Russian aggression are said to have seen no reason for our remarkable tenderness towards them after their line-up with the Axis”.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11)
5. Attitude to the Government and the War Effort
Increased confidence in the Government is reported to have been the public's first reaction to the latest conscription proposals, which are welcomed as “a new sign of vigour and determination”. According to two R.I.Os, however, “the Labour Amendment, calling for the nationalisation of the central industries, appears to find much more general support than the final vote would indicate, and this is by no means only among members of the Labour Party or the working class”. There is said to be a feeling that “far too much concealed profiteering is going on, particularly among contractors on Government work”.
(3, 6, 7)
6. Rumours
The alleged use of certain ports on the South West coast for the embarkation of reinforcements for Libya is said to account for Nazi raids on South Western districts.
H.M.S. “Sydney” is said in one report to have been sunk “by the Japanese”, and in another by the “Tirpitz”.
During the recent exercises near Bletchley “the greatest help secured by the Home Guard, who represented a hostile force, came from questioning children”.
In the South Western Region there is a rumour that “it is unwise to put money into National Savings because the Government is unlikely to be able to repay in full”.
(4, 5, 7, 10)
II SPECIAL COMMENTS
7. Extension of conscription
Two R.I.Os state that until the week-end, the new plans for mobilising man and woman-power were causing “more interest and discussion than the actual war news”; all speak of it as a measure which, on the whole, has been welcomed as fundamentally sound and equitable. Two typical comments are: “It was felt that firmer direction was long overdue”, and “at last we are getting down to it, with equal sacrifice all round.”
The main point of discussion appears to be, not the necessity for the changes, but their individual application. “Much confusion and anxiety” is reported on all sides by people “uncertain where they stand - what will, and what will not be considered essential work?” This is said to be especially the case with young women. “Girls with home responsibilities are reported to be worrying considerably about the possibilities of being sent away; this is apparently because many of them have little or no idea of what constitutes a mobile worker, nor of their rights of appeal”.
The A.T.S. : There is evidence of widespread anxiety at the idea of being forced into the A.T.S., and “tales of the low type of girl in this Service are frequently told”. Marriages are said to be taking place hurriedly in order that girls may be “saved” from this fate, and directed into industry instead. It is again stressed that though the idea of conscription for the A.T.S. is unpopular with the young women themselves, it is the parents, particularly of the upper class, who are the more vocal objectors, mainly on account of the alleged reputation for immorality in this Service.
Servicemen's wives : The new call-up is chiefly criticised because of the exemption of Servicemen's wives, concerning whom the public is said to feel “a considerable sense of grievance”. Though it is appreciated that many of them have volunteered, “those who have not done so, and who are without children, tend to be regarded as the most noticeable parasite group of the present day”. Other women, who will now be forced to give up their homes and their jobs under the new regulations, are expected “bitterly to resent the freedom of the camp-follower wives”. There is a feeling that even those Servicemen's wives who have homes to look after, could more easily go into industry, with their husbands away in the Forces, than many of the civilian wives who will now have to do so. Adherents to the view that it might be inexpedient “to conscript Servicemen's wives at present” appear to include more men than women.
Small traders : The extension of the Service age for men is thought to fall heaviest on the small trader, particularly the owner of the one-man business, who must shut up shop if he is called-up and is likely to be too old to start again when the war is over.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 29)
8. Industry
Reports of slackness in munition factories are said to have reached “alarming proportions in some Regions, since the stimulus of the debate on manpower in the House of Commons”. Workers are alleged to be asking: “What is the use of bringing in more people to join us in standing easy?” and also to be saying that better organisation is required more urgently than any increase in industrial personnel. For this reason, “appeals for increased production are becoming outstandingly unpopular among the workers: their response tends to be bitter talk of the wastefulness, inefficiency, muddle, etc. of the managements”. It is also said that in some war factories, “work is speeded up for the benefit of inspectors”, and that “such incidents are increasing the workers' distrust of their executives”. In two of the main centres of recent unrest, however - Scotland and Northern Ireland - the situation is thought to have improved, and the workers to be less discontented.
Wages : “Bad feeling about the discrepancy in wages increases” especially in cases where “unskilled boys now earn more than their fathers, who are skilled operatives”. The inequalities of Service and industrial pay is mentioned again as a source of much dissatisfaction. Alleged attempts “to profit by the employment of women at cheaper rates has led to a renewed call for “equal pay for equal work”.
Target system of contract : “The target system of contract, now used extensively in the building trade, is thought to be little better than the cost plus 10%, as, although no profit is made beyond the target figure, the total costs are still met. Even though some attempt appears to have been made to encourage contractors to spend less than the target figure, by offering them a generous percentage of what they save between cost and target, the whole system is condemned by many people as uneconomic”.
Interviewers : Mr. Bevin's defence of his interviewers “has encouraged rather than decreased criticism, which continues to be very bitter”. Older women are said to be exceedingly angry when their difficulties in leaving home, husband or children “are brusquely waved aside by young girls”, obviously much more mobile than themselves. There are still fears that women are being told at the Labour Exchanges of industrial amenities such as crèches for their children, and arrangements by which they can surmount their shopping difficulties, when, in fact, such amenities remain “all too rare” in connection with war factories.
Women workers difficulties : These are still -
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the urgent need of part-time work,
-
day nurseries, and
-
shopping facilities, all of which are the source of much impatient comment this week.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 21 Cambridge, Inverness P.Cs.)
9. Service Dependants' Allowances
The increased intake into the Services which will result from the new call-up has brought dependants' allowances into prominence again. Older men in good jobs are reported to be wondering “how they can possibly meet their civilian commitments”, and many women are said to be in the same position. It is asked once more why there can be no general increase in family allowances; “the argument that the country could not afford it is not accepted, in view of our other immense commitments, which we somehow meet”.
There are still complaints of “interminable form-filling”, delays entailing hardship, and of difficulty in understanding the new legislation.
(3, 5, 6, 7, 12)
10. Transport
The desire for war-workers' priority passes appears to be growing. As bus services are curtailed the situation deteriorates, especially for the long-distance traveller, and some scheme is demanded by which short-distance travellers could be prevented from “wasting” the available space.
(2, 3, 6, 9)
Lifts for Pedestrians : Special reports from R.I.Os on this subject suggest that, although members of the Forces seem to have no difficulty in getting lifts, the average motorist does not usually offer them to civilians. Among reasons given for refusing to offer lifts are:-
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Waste of petrol in stopping and starting.
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Fear of offers being refused.
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Mistrust of strangers.
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Uncertainty about questions of insurance.
(c) and (d) are also quoted as reasons for pedestrians refusing to accept lifts.
Some men are diffident about giving lifts to women in case their intentions should be misunderstood; and some women drivers are apprehensive of “amorous advances”, or assault (particularly after dark) from men passengers.
Among civilians, lifts appear to be generally welcome, although seldom asked for, and there is some resentment against motorists who do not offer them. In general, it appears that fewer lifts are offered than was the case a year ago. R.I.Os differ on the need for a general appeal to motorists; five feel this to be necessary, and two do not; the remainder appear to have no opinions either way.
(3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13)
11. Food
The food situation continues to be generally regarded as satisfactory except for the shortage of milk, the “severe rationing” of which appears to cause “more bitterness than any other regulation up to date”. Inequalities of distribution still seem to provide the main grounds for complaint, but there appears to be little understanding - and growing criticism - of the system by which surplus milk in one district is sometimes distributed in another where supplies are short.
Factory welfare workers and doctors are said to be inundated with applications for milk on the grounds of health. Many doctors consider that priority should be extended to include certain illnesses not already covered by the scheme.
Tinned Foods : The points rationing scheme appears to be “most acceptable” and the first week to have “gone off well” with customers. Small traders, however, still seem to dislike the scheme. Salmon, sardines and tongues are said to have been “quickly snapped up” in preference to American canned meats but “those who have overcome their reluctance to try ‘newfangled foods’” seem to find Spam, etc. “highly palatable”. It has been suggested that other foodstuffs, such as chicken and game, should be rationed in a similar manner and that the price should be controlled in order to share out stocks available.
Dried Fruits : Complaints of shortages for Christmas.
Cost of living : There have been some complaints of the high cost of living, and maximum controlled prices of vegetables “are thought to be much too high”.
Rural Areas : One R.I.O. reports continued complaints from workers in isolated places, such as those working on aerodromes, who are unable to supplement their rations like town workers. It is said that “housewives are reluctant to billet men who need packed lunches, because of the strain on the rations”.
Much bad feeling is said to be caused by the present rules permitting only Servicemen to be fed from Service Canteens. There is frequently no other provision for scattered Civil Defence Workers.
(2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 21)
12. Clothes rationing
There has been very little comment on this subject this week.
Navy and coupons : It is reported from the London Region that difficulties have been caused by the Board of Trade's withdrawal of the arrangement permitting men on leave to buy clothes on a note from their commanding officers. It is felt that this arrangement should not have ceased before the new scheme, now under consideration, had come into force.
Issuing of clothes coupons : Allegations of delay in issuing clothes coupons to people coming from institutions, hospitals and prisons, has caused some dissatisfaction.
(5, 10)
13. Constant Topics and Complaints
Reports concerning shopping difficulties encountered by women workers continue to come in from most Regions. The feeling persists that shops are restricting their hours unnecessarily: lunch-time closing is “intensely unpopular”. It is suggested that “if shops must shut, they should arrange to do so, say, from two till three”, and that “a couple of hours opening on Sunday morning would help war-workers enormously”.
There is renewed comment on waste of paper by Government and Local Authorities - duplication of forms in connection with Fire Prevention (Business Premises) Order being quoted as an example. The form and leaflet sent out by the Fuel Companies gave annoyance, as did Christmas circular from some of the big shops. It is also thought that booklets and leaflets issued by the M.O.I. in this country are unnecessary, and that “it would be better to concentrate on propaganda abroad, where they need it”.
It is suggested that scrap iron might be offered freely if it could be collected, especially as “the price offered for scrap does not make it worth while taking it to centres”.
Allegations of waste of petrol , by the Army, and by private motorists, are again a cause of complaint.
Resentment is reported over the incivility of ‘bus conductors and conductresses, and of shop assistants.
Constant complaints are made about the high cost of living ; “cost plus 10%”; of milk rationing , (particularly that “priority supplies are re-sold”); and - among women workers - of “coupons for overalls” .
The demand for more British Restaurants and for day nurseries increases
Retailers and public alike are said to be “bewildered at further cuts in the supply of matches ”. Explanatory publicity would be welcomed.
The chief shortages are of cigarettes and tobacco, lighters and flints, chocolate and confectionery, wines and spirits, boots, shoes (particularly children's), Wellingtons, paraffin, wireless batteries and valves, kitchen equipment and cheap crockery, fresh fish (“very severe”), and eggs.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12)