263

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Weekly Report by Home Intelligence - No. 18.
Copy No. 111

(From Wednesday 29th January to Wednesday 5th February, 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 .

There is little change to report since last week.

The successes in Libya continue to give satisfaction, but “people are inclined to take them for granted” (1, 2, 7, 11, 22 Inverness, Glasgow P.C.s).

The lull in raids still causes relatively little speculation (5x, 6, 7, 12).

Owing to the vigorous press campaign there is more awareness of the possibilities of invasion, but most people have not considered seriously what they will do when it comes; many have forgotten the previous Government instructions; some wonder if these still hold good; and a few speculate about whether the Government is as unprepared for gas attack as it appeared to be for the blitz (1, 6, 7, 8, 11, 22 Glasgow, Cardiff, Inverness, Bristol P.C.s, 26, 27, 39)

Boredom with the war is reported (16, 27, 39). Local and domestic problems are bulking larger in people's minds than national ones (5x, 9, 16, 39).

Confidence, even over-confidence, and complacency about the issue of the war are marked (27, 39).

2. Rumour

Few rumours are reported, and Haw Haw's alleged sayings are also rare (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 22 Cardiff, Inverness P.C.s) Tales of costly invasion failures are once more starting to crop up (12, 22 Cardiff P.C., 39).

II SPECIAL COMMENTS

3. Air Raids

The press continue to give warning of the probable use of gas. Though there is no evidence that the public is seriously alarmed, gas mask carrying has appreciably increased. There is, however, considerable ignorance about the whole subject of gas.

Fire-watching arrangements are much discussed. In most areas these seem to be progressing satisfactorily, though the smooth working of the scheme is said to be hampered in some places by the unco-operative attitude of business and office staffs (4, 5x, 6, 10, 14 Scotland, 18, 19 Northern, N. Eastern, N. Midlands, Eastern, Midlands, 22 Glasgow P.C., 39.).

4. Shelters .

Shelter conditions in London continue to improve.

There are still complaints from the Provinces, though criticism in most cases is less severe than it was (4, 5x, 10, 16, 18, 19 N. Midlands, Eastern, Southern, 39).

5. Evacuation

Though the situation remains fundamentally unchanged, discussion of evacuation problems has declined. Small numbers of evacuees are still returning to their homes (5x, 18, 19, Northern, N Western).

6. Food

Comments on this subject are much the same as in recent weeks.

Shortages are “accepted philosophically”: distribution arrangements are still the subject of complaint, particularly the way in which these operate in favour of restaurant habituees: wastage of food in the Army is again reported from various sources.

Ministry of Food advertisements and B.B.C. “Kitchen Front” talks are criticised for suggesting the use of foods which, in some areas, are unobtainable, e.g. frying fats, oats, and oatmeal (1, 3, 5x, 6, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19 N. Midlands, Eastern, Midlands 22 Leeds P.C. 23 Portsmouth T.C.).

7. Industry .

Comment on industrial matters is confined almost entirely to the press. There is general approval of the Government's manpower plans, though it is anticipated that there will be some delays in putting them into full or immediate operation (2, 5x, 6, 18, 19 N. Western).

8. Agriculture

The Provincial and also the London press reflects the serious apprehension of farmers about the calling up of “key men”. The “disastrous effects” which their absence may have on the food situation is repeatedly emphasised (18, 19 Northern, N. Western, Eastern, N. Eastern, Southern, S. Western, Scotland).

HOME INTELLIGENCE.

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REFERENCES