48

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Weekly Report by Home Intelligence - No. 40
Copy No. 32

(From Wednesday, July 2nd to Wednesday, July 9th, 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.

49 52 4 53 5 54 6 56 8 57 9 58 10

HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
No. 40 - July 2nd to July 9th, 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 .

Public confidence appears to be even higher this week than last; this seems in the main to be due to Russia's continued resistance to German attacks, although the R.A.F. offensive and our relative freedom from heavy raids have also contributed to a feeling of optimism. However, problems arising from food control, and anxiety about the industrial position have detracted in some measure from the rise in general satisfaction.

“Confidence in the ability of the Russian Army to withstand the German onslaughts, and in the accuracy of Soviet communiques, have both increased slightly” during the week, particularly since Sunday. There is still little hope that Russia is going to win the war for us, but it is widely felt that “if Russia can bring the German offensive to a standstill, Germany will definitely be on the road to defeat”. Every day that Russia holds out is considered to be of help, and it is believed that “whatever the outcome, Germany is bound to lose masses of men and material”. In short, “the optimistic; continue to be optimistic; the pessimists have gained fresh hope”.

Although satisfaction about Russia is general, there is a considerable section of the public who “remembers the failure of the ‘Russian steam roller’ in the last war”, and who feels that the same thing might happen again. They realise that “the German offensive is only at the end of its second week, that the German High Command takes little account of heavy losses if its objective is achieved, and that the German armies are going forward”. General Wavell's new appointment has caused some people to wonder whether India may not be seriously threatened. On the subject of General Wavell's transfer, speculation was at first considerable, but it is now dying down. The obscurity of the position has apparently limited criticism, although “a clear pronouncement about his new appointment would be appreciated in view of the fact that he is something of a national hero”. People “want to know whether he has been cashiered (sic) or promoted”.

There is a considerable demand for more active measures in the West, both by air and sea, to create a more substantial diversion than is possible by air attack alone. The possibility of making a landing on the Continent, or at least a few raids like the one on Lofoten, is frequently mentioned; it is felt that “if time passes without anything being done, and any serious mis-adventure happens to Russia, there will be a great deal of criticism because we did not take action”. Many people seem to expect that land and sea action will actually take place at any moment.

Another large section of the public feels that “with Russia in the war there is less need for Britain to maintain strenuous efforts”. According to one “informal census of opinion among a cross-section of the community”, as many as 75% believe that they can “now relax their war effort, at least a little”. Complacency is spoken of as being widespread 50 in one Region; together with the feeling that “Hitler is unlikely to attack while we control the sea and air”.

The political aspect of having Russia as our ally appears to be arousing comparatively little apprehension, while the religious point of view is hardly over referred to, although it is pointed out that Hitler will now have “an opportunity of posing as the champion of Christianity”. It is being seriously asked why the ‘Red Flag! is not included in the Allied National Anthems.

Satisfaction at the bold initiative of the R.A.F., our continued freedom from air raids, and, to a lesser degree, the radiolocation announcement are tending to produce the feeling that there will not be any more heavy raids over this country; and there is evidence that evacuees are returning to target areas. It is suggested that in view of this growing belief resumption of heavy raids on this country would produce serious effects. A ministerial statement, to the effect that the time is not far distant when people will be as safe in their beds as they are now in the daytime, has evidently stuck in people's minds to the exclusion of less cheering prophesies.

The expression “cheerful tension” - used in this report last week - still describes the general atmosphere at the moment. In spite of the high degree of optimism which is everywhere apparent, there are several aspects of the war situation which are causing recurrent dissatisfaction:-

1. Complaints about the alleged waste of time in factories engaged on war work. There are signs that this feeling (frequently mentioned in these reports) is increasing (see below: “Some long-term trends”). Complaints of alleged mis-management and laxity come from many parts of the country; they are usually supported by what is believed to be first-hand evidence, and cause a great deal of public resentment and concern. The workers themselves are said to be “fed up with the position”, and one Ministry of Information speaker suggests that “here is the most likely genesis of any big break in public morale”. Appeals by Ministers for greater efforts are contrasted with the “Please yourself” atmosphere of the factories. Apathy generally follows exasperation.

2. Shortages and “muddle” in connection with food (see Special Comments), tobacco and transport.

3. Criticism of the conduct of the war. This comes under three heads:-

Interest in the Battle of the Atlantic, and in events in Africa is at a low level.

Evidence of a certain weariness, reported last week under several headings, continues to be received, though this tends to be temporarily eclipsed by the current optimism. There is also a feeling, among a more intelligent section of the population, that as yet there is an insufficient realisation among the mass of the people as to what is at stake in this war. Remarks overheard in shops and streets are frequently quoted with some distress, to the effect “What have I got to lose, anyway? Hitler wouldn't bother about small people like me ”. It is thought that many people still do not realise what we are fighting for, and that such ignorance and apathy are a national danger. It is suggested that an intensive drive is needed, by press and radio, to bring home to the most unimaginative what would be the result, in their personal, private lives, of a German victory. This point is confirmed by the results of investigations reported in Section 2 of this report.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 20 Manchester, South Wales, Edinburgh P.C.s, 21 Glasgow T.C., 23, 34).

2. Some long-term trends .

The following results of surveys by the British Institute of Public Opinion have been received. They were carried out on samples of about 2,200 people, some three weeks ago (June 15th, 1941):

(a) “Do you think we are producing in our factories the greatest possible amount of war materials?”

It will be seen that the majority's view is that the country is not working “all out”. The view is most strongly held among men, among the upper and middle income groups, and among workers in factories and heavy industries. An analysis of spontaneous comments offered, gave the following results:-

25% considered that management and organisation were inefficient.

20% considered that the country as a whole was “not putting its back into it”, and that too many people still did not realise the full meaning of being at war.

9% considered that the workers were slack.

17% considered that we were doing all we could under the circumstances.

13% felt they did not know enough to offer an opinion.

(b) On the subject of reprisals, the following question was designed as an oblique test of public feeling, to exclude as far as possible the effects of social pressure in favour of reprisals:-

“Would you approve or disapprove of an agreement between England and Germany to stop night bombing?”

These figures show a high degree of civilian “toughness”. At the same time, it will be seen that there is a large section of the population which would not be averse from a mutual bombing truce, and that this view is most popular among women, the middle income groups, and in the heavily raided areas. The strongest feeling against a night-bombing truce is among men, the higher income groups and in the unbombed provincial areas.

(c) The two following questions reflect public opinion on the subject of the U.S.A.:-

“Do you think America will come into the war?”

“Do you think we can win without her?”

A comparison between the two questions showed that the groups who were most confident that America would come in were the same groups who were most confident that we could win without her. The “provisos” in the second column were of the type: “provided she continues to give us the tools”.

Spontaneous comments were of the following varieties:-

27% suggested that we should lose, or that the war would end in a stale-mate if we did not receive the help of American manpower.

13% thought America could help us most by continuing to do what she is doing at present.

13% thought that, in her own interest, America must do everything she can to help us.

14% thought she was virtually in the war already, or would be soon, so as to shorten the war.

(d) A question asked three months ago was repeated:-

“Do you think that Germany could win the war by defeating Great Britain in the Mediterranean and the Near East?”

In spite of the fact that this question was asked immediately after the evacuation of Crete, there was an increase of 4% in those who thought that Germany could not win the war in the Mediterranean. It is noticeable that in this question and in the question about the possibility of a bombing truce, the middle income groups are least confident.

3. Broadcasting and the presentation of news .

The usual complaints about news presentation continue, but are less numerous, and there has been praise for our news bulletins, particularly for an account of the raid on Bremen in the 9 o'clock news of July 4th. There are two chief topics of complaint. There is said to be an insufficient amount of definite news from the Russian front, and that it is presented in such a way that listening to it is like a “guessing competition”. There are requests for more details about the size and strength of the Russian fighting forces. People are also complaining of insufficient information about the R.A.F. raids. They want to know the number of planes employed, the duration of the raids, and what damage is inflicted, with photographs if possible. People cannot generally tell if they are “tip-and-run affairs” or sustained bombings like the German blitzes here.

Quentin Reynold's postscript continues to be extravagantly praised.

(3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 23)

4. U.S.A .

This week there is said to have been a “slump in American stock”, though it is still too early for any reactions to the American occupation of Iceland to have been reported. The President's July 4th broadcast has been unfavourably contrasted with his other utterances, and it aroused “some disappointment after Colonel Knox's fighting speech”. The old cry of “America talks too much and does too little” is heard once more, coupled with a recrudescence of disappointment at the apparent slowness with which supplies arrive.

(1, 2, 6, 8,).

5. Rumour

A belief that billeting allowances will have to be paid back after the war is said to be causing considerable concern. Another rumour - that Brighton is to be evacuated at 24 hours' notice - is reported by the R.I.O., South Eastern Region, to have brought “something approaching panic” to the town. It has been traced to a house-to-house visitation by air raid wardens, asking “What preparations have you made to evacuate if the order is given?” This is thought to have been instigated by the Military Authorities, who gave the job to the police, who in turn passed it on to the wardens. A rumour that German raiding parties have recently appeared on our coasts, in particular at Norman's Bay in Sussex, has local currency; while tales of “our impending invasion of France” are stated to have an extensive circulation, particularly among troops. Queues are once more mentioned as hot-beds of careless talk.

(5, 12, 34).

6. The Parliamentary Debate on the Ministry of Information .

Only two Regional Information Officers' reports mention the debate; its effect seems to have been to increase understanding of the difficulties of the Ministry. There is reported to be “an almost complete lack of sympathy with Sir John Anderson's arguments in favour of excluding the Minister of Information from membership of the War Cabinet”. An “intelligent minority” is said to “see yet another sign 55 of our lack of up-to-dateness and our neglect of the human aspects of war”.

(4, 6, 23)

7. The public and astrology .

A special investigation by Mass Observation has recently been made on this subject, particularly with a view to finding its effects on morale. The full results of this enquiry may be briefly summarised thus:

Since 1930, when Naylor started in the “Sunday Express”, astrology has become an extensive, if superficial, popular interest. As far as women readers are concerned, it is now as important in the popular papers as the editorial column. Its greatest influence comes through the Sunday press, but certain daily papers, women's journals, monthly periodicals, “almanacs” (One of these sells 3,000,000 copies annually) and booklet predictions have followings which run into hundreds of thousands.

About two-thirds of the adult population probably glance at or read some astrological feature regularly or occasionally, and about four out of ten have some degree of belief or interest in them. There are indications that this belief or interest has increased since the war. Among possible reasons for this increase, the following appear particularly important:-

1. Astrology provides simple explanations of what is happening, and “some degree of forewarning” of what may be expected to happen.

2. It tends feverishly to emphasize “the bright side” (both personal and national).

3. It provides the excitement of “coincidence” and “luck” when predictions come right.

4. It is regarded as a crude code for day-to-day behaviour, and a crude focus on the better aspects of the future.

Those who make astrology a major element in their daily conduct are few, but those who are influenced in smaller ways, or in their general outlook on the turn of events, are many. People want to believe in something which at least appears to interpret events and trends in our complex and dangerous civilisation - a civilisation by which a great many people are confused and worried, and in which many of their certainties are destroyed. The boom in astrology may be regarded as a symptom, rather than a cause, of the decline in Christian belief (as opposed to conduct) among working people, of the absence of any fully satisfying social code, and of the absence of any satisfactory external standard against which to measure current events. To feelings of worry and insecurity, it offers immediate, though temporary, antidotes and sedatives which are continually renewed.

The long-term effect of belief in astrology is probably more to stress false confidences than real ones, to emphasise personal interests rather than the common interest, and economic rather than moral or spiritual issues. In the absence of official alternatives, the immediate effects may even be considered favourable to morale and the war effort, “since it often acts as a temporarily steadying influence, particularly on women”.

The rapid and wide-scale development of astrology in recent years is significant not merely as a social or emotional phenomenon; it means that certain psychological needs are now being catered for through the initiative of enterprising journalists, newspaper proprietors and enthusiastic mystics, who are not necessarily concerned with the long-term interests or spiritual health of the community at large.

(23)

II SPECIAL COMMENTS

8. Food

As has invariably been the case in the past, increase in confidence (or decline in anxiety) about the major events of the war is once again associated with an increase in grumbling about domestic matters. At present, the grumbles are directed mainly at the food situation.

Scarcity after control : This week, even more than last, there is “widespread indignation, rising to real anger” over the disappearance of commodities as soon as the price is controlled. The “ferocious tomato grumbling” (described in similar terms by several R.I.O.'s) still continues, and to it is added an outcry over the fact that “No potatoes” notices in shops have coincided with official statements that prices are to be lowered by about fifty per cent. The potato shortage is the more strongly criticised in view of the previous Ministry of Food encouragement to make potatoes a staple item of food. There is a rising tide of ill-feeling that “somebody is making a profit” out of shortages. It is believed that nothing but mismanagement of distribution, or the selfishness of the trade, can explain the suddenness with which any type of food-stuff becomes unobtainable “as soon as there is nothing in it for the middle-man”. There is now such general acceptance of the connection between control and disappearance that from Oxford there are reports of “surprise at finding that fish actually remained quite copiously available after the control was applied”.

The pleasure over the extra sugar issue for private jam-making, reported last week, has largely disappeared owing to the shortage of soft fruit, and to the forebodings of housewives who are saying that now the price has been fixed, “the green-grocers will keep what they have for the favoured few, as usual”. The idea of the “favoured few”, who alone benefit from price-control and are thought to be able to get “anything they want in the food line, while ordinary people go without”, is creating discontent everywhere.

The same disappointment has followed the rather more reserved welcome which was given at first to the changes in the egg scheme. What satisfaction there was is alleged to have gone with the discovery that eggs, when available, are not infrequently stale. This is taken as an indication of “incompetent organisation”.

“Record queues” are reported from many parts of the country; in others, the police have taken action to prevent them from forming. Grocers are stated to be utilising “queue psychology” to get rid of old stocks.

Milk : Distribution is alleged in some places to be unnecessarily rigid. It is reported that households from which children have gone away to hospital, have been warned by milkmen that should the milk supply be cut down while the children are away, it could not be increased again on their return. The result is said to have been a daily waste of milk over a considerable period.

Jam Inspectors : “Disgust” is again reported at the idea of a supervisor being appointed at £5 a week, “to harass women in their kitchens, telling them how to make jam, when they have been making it all their lives”. Some preserving centres have already disassociated themselves from the communal scheme, giving this as their reason.

British Restaurants : The popularity of British Restaurants continues to increase, and there are requests for more of them.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 20 Reading, Leeds, Manchester P.C.s, 23, 30)

9. Labour Exchanges

Further instances of rudeness on the part of Labour Exchange officials, and of “the unsuitability of the clerks for their jobs”, continue to be reported, as one of the discouragements met with by people who are anxious to help on the war-effort by entering industry. One M.O.I. speaker writes:- “Young and middle-aged women came to the loud-speaker van to say that they had called at the local Exchanges in response to our appeal. The experience greatly curbed their enthusiasm, partly because of the lack of information forthcoming from the Exchange officials, and certainly from the spirit in which they were received”.

(5, 15)

10. Juvenile wages and delinquency

A considerable increase in juvenile crime is causing concern in many districts; the explanation given is generally the slackening of parental control, coupled with the unsettling effect of unprecedented high wages, which are now being paid to boys who take the place of men. A lad receiving £5 a week on demolition work is reported as saying, “Had a good day today - only moved about six bricks”. It is thought by social workers that lack of any incentive to save, plus the fact that there are few reasonable pleasures on which to spend this “easy money”, must create serious danger for young people, at a time when violence and destruction on a vast scale are inevitably held up as an admirable human activity.

A Liverpool schoolmaster alleges that in the city there are at least 200 “cellar clubs” where boys and girls indulge in “an orgy of gambling and drinking”.

(4, 5, 10, 27, 34)

11. Constant complaints

Petrol : There is “a definite demand for an overhaul of the whole system of supplementary and special licenses, and for more effective machinery to stop abuses”. It appears to be generally thought that Army petrol, in particular, is finding its way into civilian use, and “a semi-official statement that the abuse of army petrol can be checked, owing to its being of a different colour from commercial petrol, is sharply criticised as being either disingenuous or ignorant”, as it is generally believed that “the colour can be taken out of the army petrol by a little naphthaline”.

Difficulties of women workers : The need of day-nurseries where women can leave their children with confidence, and the lack of shopping facilities for factory workers, are mentioned constantly as the two main deterrents to women who would otherwise take on useful work outside their homes.

Coal : There is no lessening of anxiety over the winter's prospect of serious shortage, nor of indignation that the authorities should apparently have been so shortsighted in the matter.

Service men's families : Much hardship is reported from those who are living on widows' pensions. The amount allowed them is said to be sufficient only if the woman is able to take a job to augment it; if she has small children and is unable therefore to go out to work, it is thought to be “impossibly little”. Anomalies and inadequacies of separation allowances are reported, particularly in the case of men in good civilian jobs whose commitments could not be ended when they were conscripted. It is said that the whole subject of army dependents needs overhauling.

(1, 5, 6, 7, 18, 27, 30)

Home Intelligence.

59

REFERENCES .