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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 238

The aim of this Report is to present an impartial assessment of public feeling about the war and the war effort. It is not a record of fact , except in so far as public opinion is itself a fact. The public is sometimes ill-informed, prejudiced, or inconsistent. The recording of such feelings without comment implies no endorsement of them.

The public is more prone to criticise than to praise. Good work or efficiency is usually taken for granted. An accurate record of expressed feeling will, therefore, tend to be critical rather than laudatory.

The method of compiling the Report is such that the amount of space devoted to each subject, and the order in which subjects are placed, are roughly indicative of the amount of public interest each is arousing. The omission of a subject from the Report means that it is not a matter of widespread comment.

In assessing the state of public feeling there are no absolutes. Findings can only be comparative. Each issue of this Report must therefore be read as part of a continuous series. Unless the series is seen as a whole, the significance of fluctuations in feeling cannot be appreciated

The figures in brackets at the end of each section refer to sources of information, a list of which is given on the next page. The weekly reports from Regional Information Officers (R.I.Os.) are compiled by the Regional Intelligence Officers from a large number of sources. Details of the methods of compilation and cross-checking are contained in a paper on “How the Home Intelligence Weekly Report is made”. This will be supplied on request to the Home Intelligence Division of the Ministry of Information.

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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE DIVISION WEEKLY REPORT NO. 93
SECRET

16th July, 1942

(Covering the period from 7th to 14th July, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

While the continued check to Rommel's forces in Egypt has steadied public feeling, any note of hopefulness on this account appears to have been “neutralised” by varying degrees of anxiety - in some cases going as far as apprehension - about the following:-

At the same time, decreased discussion and interest in the war are reported from five Regions; there is a turning away from “being keyed up and let down alternately by the day to day war news”, towards, personal concerns. There are further references to complacency, particularly amongst “many people without relatives in the Forces”.

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

2. Russia

Events in Russia are being watched with growing anxiety; confidence in her ability to withstand the German forces, though still strong, is no longer universal.

Admiration for the Russians and Russian generalship remains unabated.

A Second Front : There appears to be a profound desire “to relieve some of the terrible weight pressing upon Russia”, by direct action on our part, and a renewed demand for a second front in Europe is reported. This is, however, to some extent offset by “doubts as to our ability to create and maintain one”, due to the following factors:-

Japan : The possibility of a Japanese attack on Russia is referred to by some few people. In London Region this is associated with a wish that “we should get in first for once” with a second front.

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

3. The Middle East

Spirits have improved since the check to Rommel's Egyptian advance and there are suppressed hopes that “perhaps the tide may have turned” or “at least we may escape the worst” and satisfaction is reported at our air strength. Anxiety is, however, reported about the following:-

Libya and Tobruk : Questioning and dissatisfaction over the fall of Tobruk are reported from six Regions, and talk of treachery persists. The latter is variously attributed to fifth columnists in:-

There is less criticism this week about reverses, but blame continues to be attached to:-

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

4. Shipping losses

There appears to be a growing realisation of “the seriousness of the situation”, and there is some tendency “to interpret the decision to discuss the position in secret session as evidence of the Government's reluctance to let the people know how bad things are”. Reasons given as to why the figures should be published are as follows:-

On the whole, however, people seem to be willing for the figures to be withheld “if national safety demands it”.

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

5. The Government

The vague belief that “there is something wrong somewhere” persists and, although criticism of the central direction of the war has to some extent died down, “anything which suggests failure to contribute 100% effort or efficiency towards the prosecution and winning of the war” causes indignation. Examples quoted are as follows:-

As after Singapore, there appears to be a renewed demand for austerity, and for orders from the Government rather than “requests”.

(2, 6, 7, 10, 12)

6. The Prime Minister

Loyalty to the Prime Minister, faith in him, and his maintained popularity are specifically referred to this week.

(1, 8, 9, 10, 11)

7. R.A.F. Offensive

The daylight raid on Danzig, though admired, has not been much commented on; the public appear to take only a mild interest in any raid involving less than 1,000 bombers. One question most frequently asked is “when are we going to give the Germans another dose?” “After all, Churchill promised that German cities would be laid low one after another” is quoted as a “frequent remark” in Scotland.

(2, 5, 9, 10, 11)

8. U.S.A. Troops in Britain

Some apprehension is said to be felt in districts to which American troops are thought to be-coming: in areas where they have already arrived, hard-feeling is said to be caused by:-

On the other hand a desire to give hospitality is reported from one Region: “Don't let us fail to do for these folk what we neglected to do for the Dominion troops, and so create ill-feeling”. Praise for the U.S. soldiers is mentioned in several Postal Censorship reports.

The lack of Anglo-American Friendship Committees is commented on in the North Western Region; and there is a demand for information about marriage allowances and eligibility for U.S.A. citizenship for local girls from the North Midland Region.

(2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 21 Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading P.C.s)

9. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Criticism of news presentation continues to take a variety of forms, some of them contradictory, but most of them appear to arise from a “demand for straight news as quickly as possible”.

“What is official news?” There appears to be a good deal of misunderstanding on this subject, especially among “less well educated people”. It is said that “in general, anything in newspapers, or broadcast, is regarded as officially on the grounds that anything evading a rigid censorship is officially approved”, and that “no such distinction as ‘official’ and ‘semi-official’ exists”. It is, however, suggested that “the B.B.C. news is looked upon as more ‘official’ than that appearing in the Press, and is therefore more generally held to blame for what is felt to be misrepresentation of the facts”.

Press headlines : There is some blame of the Press for “sensational” or “misleading” headlines, an example being quoted in which a “Daily Mirror” headline of July 8th - “R.A.F. is not under Auk's orders” - is contrasted with the “Daily Sketch” leading article of the same date, which stated that the R.A.F. in the Middle East were “at the complete disposal - in effect, under the command - of the Army ...” There is thought to be some increase in the reading of headlines only, “either because people have less time or because they prefer to listen to the news”. The Press is also blamed for “making a hero of Rommel”.

Listening to enemy broadcasts : The tendency to listen to German broadcasts is reported from five Regions, and “opinion is said to be growing that German claims are far more truthful than the Press or B.B.C. admit; it is remarked that we are forced to confirm them, sometimes within a few days, sometimes after a considerable interval”.

Sir Norman Birkett's (“Onlooker”) Postscript (Sunday, 12th July) : Praise for this comes from two Regions: in Scotland, where people are said to be particularly enthusiastic, it was considered “the most inspiring news of the week”. In the Southern Region, however, his appeal to English people to offer hospitality is said to have been greeted with ridicule by housewives, “since food restrictions make it impossible for most small households to offer any hospitality even to their own friends”.

(1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21 Manchester, Edinburgh P.C.s)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

10. Industry

No reactions have yet been received to the debate on Production.

The public's feeling about industry this week may be summed up in the words of the report from the Midland Region: “Not much talk from any direction.....it seems to be the general feeling that, apart from bad patches here and there, production has now settled down to a steady rhythm”.

Some uneasiness is, however, reported over the following:-

Alleged idleness in war factories : “Rumours of enforced idleness” have been reported in connection with Standard Motors at Kendal Cammell Lairds at Birkenhead, Vickers at Barrow, and at R.O.F.s in the Northern, North Eastern, and North Western Regions, those at Risley, and Thorp Arch being particularly mentioned. Women in Standard Telephones at Southgate (London Region) are said to be “sitting about with nothing to do, waiting for material”, and are reported as saying that “they don't want to leave ordinary commercial jobs, where they are doing useful work, for that sort of thing”. There are also “tales of unsatisfactory production at the Bristol Aeroplane Co, at Accrington and at Vickers Armstrong, Blackpool”. It is pointed out that none of these stories appears to be widespread, but that they may indicate a reaction from “too rosy pictures of production”.

Factories in Northern Ireland : Many of the war factories have closed down for a week's holiday, the explanation - in the case of the two largest - being that, “whereas in Great Britain the policy of staggering holidays has been adopted, it was thought better to close down for a week and make a job of it”. A good deal of adverse comment is reported, nevertheless, and “the view is expressed that production should have been kept going in view of the war situation and the urgent need for munitions and supplies”.

R.O.F., Dalmuir : Workers at this factory are said to be “wild about the proposed removal of machinery from their factory to Lithgow's at Linwood, and to America”. The men are said to believe that “Lithgow's wish this for their own profit”, nor can they “see any reason for transferring machinery across the river or to America, when the guns, etc., can be produced by the R.O.F.”.

Women in industry : The following points are made, in each case from one Region only:

(a) Women in heavy industry : “Opinion in the heavy industries” is said to indicate that those women already employed were easy to train, and that more could be used. There is, however, reported to be “marked conservatism in the men's attitude in some quarters”, in which “fear that they may lose their own livelihood plays some part”. (Northern Region)

(b) Women workers and their children's holidays : The London Region report mentions “the difficulty for women of keeping on a job and looking after children during their school holidays”. With reference to the Board of Education's request that schools shall be kept open and adequately staffed during the holidays, a teacher's attitude is expressed in a letter quoted by Postal Censorship (Manchester unit); “We are furious at the idea of having to mind the kids, while their mothers earn £5 a week to spend in the pubs”.

(c) Sheffield recruiting campaign : An M.O.I. Staff Speaker, engaged on the recent campaign for recruiting women war workers at Sheffield, has made the following observations:-

i) Part-time work was much more popular than full-time, a six hour day being frequently suggested. Full-time work was objected to on account of shopping difficulties and household responsibilities. Many preferred the two shift system, and most refused night shift work.

ii) The nursery problem caused a good deal of concern. Many women expressed a desire for neighbours to follow each other on different shifts at the same factory, so that they could look after each other's children.

iii) Middle-aged women appeared shy of accepting any work other than labouring, feeling that at their age they were unable to “take in” the necessary training for more skilled work.

iv) Recruiting was adversely affected by “an unofficial statement” that one large firm was shortly to discharge a hundred employees because of lack of work.

(1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 21 Manchester P.C.)

11. Wages and disparities in pay

The high wages of juveniles and particularly of “young men of military age in munitions”, are the subject of unfavourable comment from three Regions. Unfavourable comparisons are reported between the pay received by:-

(3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12)

12. Holiday travel

“The Don't Travel campaign flounders on”; this sums up the feeling reported, which is at present stronger on this subject than any other domestic topic. There is said to be “widespread anger and disgust” at the Government's “weak stand”, and “lack of coordination and indecision” in allowing the advertising and running of excursion trains. The local authorities' efforts to provide special amenities for “Stay at home” holiday makers are thought to have received a “final stab in the back”, although in northern towns, open-air amusements in town parks are said to have attracted large crowds of holiday makers.

While there are complaints that the “holiday at home appeal has not been listened to”, travellers are not blamed for “accepting the invitation offered by the special trains”. Many people “are now said to be contemplating holidays who had not previously done so”.

Travelling discomforts, and difficulties of procuring food and accommodation at holiday resorts, are regarded as strong reasons for keeping people at home - apart altogether from the question of the fuel wasted by the holiday trains.

Complaints from residents in holiday resorts include the following:-

Holiday makers complain that rich visitors can go to hotels and get all the food they want, while poor ones go to lodgings and have to queue to get what is left when the residents have been served.

(2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 21 Carlisle, Manchester P.C.s)

13. Food

Praise for the general food situation continues and the rationing scheme is described as the “finest achievement of the war”. It is even suggested that “if there were less food about, we might get on with the war a bit quicker”.

Poultry Restrictions : Widespread complaints and confusion about the present position of backyard poultry keepers persists on the same lines as last week. A further point raised is that small poultry keepers who have persons in the family entitled to extra egg rations are at a disadvantage. While hens are not laying, they must either get their fresh egg rations from their grocer and forego the balancer meal for the hens, or vice versa. In the North Midland Region it is said that National Bread will be fed to the hens when feeding stuffs run out.

National Bread : “Digestive disorders” and “stomach troubles” (in one area “an epidemic”) continue to be attributed to the National Bread.

There is some apprehension this week since the warning that rye might be introduced into the national loaf: “what is the National Bread going to be like?” it is asked.

Fresh fruit and vegetables : Complaints of the scarcity and uneven distribution of soft fruit and tomatoes, and the high price of some fruit and vegetables, continue to be reported from most Regions, though they are said to be decreasing in the North Eastern Region. Complaints of “under counter sales” and the “surreptitious disposal of soft fruit” are reported again from two Regions.

Increased cheese ration and reduction in Points : The extra cheese ration has been coldly received in three Regions; “not needed and not wanted” sums up the feeling, and there is a suggestion that “people who are not fond of cheese would have preferred the extra points”.

Little comment is reported on the reduction in points, though “misgivings” are said to have been aroused in one Region.

Black Market operators : “The inadequacy of penalties” is criticised in two Regions, though in one Region “satisfaction” is reported at the heavy penalties on big operators.

Food Rations for Manual Workers : There is some feeling in the North Western Region that “the manual worker still does not get enough” and “extra preserve rations are suggested”. In the South Eastern Region, bricklayers and carpenters working on an agricultural estate, eat three sandwich meals a day and complain of the extra rations received by agricultural labourers working alongside.

Some dissatisfaction with the distribution of meat pies under the Scheme continues to be reported from the Southern Region, at a time when farm work is at its “peak period”.

Satisfaction is expressed with:-

(1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cambridge, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading, York P.C.s)

14. Fuel

Voluntary fuel economy : Reports from three Regions indicate that “most people are trying and will continue to try and save fuel voluntarily”. There is, however, “a certain body of opinion holding that rationing will be the only way to overcome selfishness or thoughtlessness among some members of the community”. The public appear to think that “there could be a good deal more economy in industry”, and continue to suspect that “there is waste of electricity in first-aid posts, wardens' posts, Home Guard depots, Town Halls, Municipal Offices and works' premises”. It is pointed out that in some Government Offices the corridors and staircases are blacked out before 6.o'clock (when the person responsible for doing so leaves); this means that the lights are left burning unnecessarily during the ensuing hours of daylight. “Shortage of matches is also alleged to involve increased consumption of gas or electricity to enable fires, gas jets, etc., to be lit”.

Praise is reported for what are described as “the excellent fuel-saving advertisements now appearing in the Press”.

The increased price of coal : Suspicion is reported from two Regions that “part of the increase in the cost of coal is going to the coal owners”, and it is suggested that “if this is not the case, a clear statement of how the extra 3/- per ton is spent should be given”. Another report refers to the miners' regret that the increase should have been put to the consumer, on the grounds that “people will tend to blame ‘those miners again’”.

(1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)

15. Ex-Servicemen

Concern is reported from two Regions about the position of men discharged from the Forces. It is alleged that “even sick men are given no help and that it is possible for them to be destitute until they get another job”. There is said to be lack of “local cooperation between Labour Exchanges and branches of the British Legion”, and, apparently, between the Military Authorities who discharge the men and the Ministry of Labour; there is thought to be a need for an “Ex-Serviceman's Quiz, showing what help he may expect from the various official and voluntary bodies”. The comments of some of the discharged men are reported to be very bitter, and some apprehension is expressed about “the possible effect on morale” as a result of their treatment, which is said to be not as good in this war as in the last. In some cases, too, men discharged from the Forces are said to have considerable difficulty in getting their civilian clothing coupons.

(6, 8, 10)

16. Cables to men in the Far-and Middle East Forces

Complaints are reported from two Regions that cables sent to men in the Far and Middle East Forces are “accepted and never arrive”. People who “can ill afford ten shillings or a pound are said to be sending cables in their anxiety to communicate with their men, only to hear from them that they haven't heard from home for months”. Some even refer to it as “a ramp on the part of the Government to get money”, and it is asked “why the Government doesn't tell us in the papers whether we're wasting our money in sending cables to the East”.

(8, 9)

17. Constant topics and complaints

18. Rumours

The main rumours this week have been those already mentioned - of alleged 5th column activities (often making specific mention of the South Africans) at Tobruk, - and of alleged disparaging remarks by American soldiers in bars. Both were reported last week - and both are now much more widespread.

Other rumours include the following:-

(1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11)

Note : This week's report includes no material from the Eastern Region.

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REFERENCES

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