852

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.

75183-1

P.T.O.

854 856 3 858 5 862 9

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE DIVISION WEEKLY REPORT NO. 94
SECRET

23rd JULY, 1942 .

(Covering the period from 14th to 21st July, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

A “slightly greater hopefulness” as to our ability to hold Egypt appears to be counterbalanced by growing concern about the situation in Russia. From seven Regions comes an increased demand for offensive action in aid of Russia now, either by “risking all” on a second front in Europe, or if this is not feasible, by “concentrated all out bombing of German cities”.

Anxiety continues to be reported about “the threatening shadow” of our shipping losses.

There appears, in fact, to be “a sober and rather grim realisation of the dangers on different fronts”. Yet side by side with this, a slight “drift from the war” continues to be reported, in the sense of there being “too many who don't know there's a war on”, or, according to the Midland Region report, who “are only concerned with making as much money out of the war as they can”.

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

2. Russia

Considerable, and in some cases, grave anxiety is reported about the situation in Russia, particularly at the increasing threat to the Caucasus. Although people are “fully aware of the seriousness of the position the majority cling to their hopes of the Russian Command”, and there is still “widespread if somewhat decreased confidence in the ability of our Allies to hold the enemy and stage a successful counter blow”.

The second front : An urgent desire to relieve Russia from “the enormous weight of the German attack” continues to be reported and the call for a second front - “even if great risks have to be taken” - comes with renewed vigour this week. There is “increasing impatience at our delay in attacking the Germans from the West, which has led to some suspicion (reported from five Regions) of “the sincerity or our professed attitude to Russia”, or at least of our “not assisting Russia to the full”; among “extreme left wingers” in Scotland, however, this attitude goes so far as “suspicion that the Government refuse to open a second front because that would help the Russians to earlier victory”.

On the other hand there is some belief that a decision on the matter has already been taken and that “something is shaping for this year”.

There is a tendency to feel that the second front must be opened “now or never”; the reasons advanced for the view that “our opportunity will pass” are:-

Nevertheless, the more cautious attitude referred to in previous reports persists to some extent, but this is accompanied by “considerable irritation at our apparent inability to convert potential Allied resources into actual striking power”.

Reasons given against a second front are as follows:

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

3. North Africa

Egypt : Our continued stand at El Alamein and our “limited advances” have given rise to “a tendency to be hopeful”, and relief is expressed that Rommel has been checked. Confidence in General Auchinleck appears to be considerable. People realise, however, that “time is not on our side”, and are anxiously awaiting further developments, with “neither optimism nor pessimism”.

The French battleships at Alexandria : Reactions to Vichy's rejection of President Roosevelt's proposal are:-

(1) At all costs the French vessels must not be allowed to fall into Axis hands.

(2) “We should take them and, no Queensberry rules nonsense about it, use them against the enemy”.

(3) Impatience that there has been no open breach between us and Vichy, which is regarded as an enemy Government.

(4) Criticism of the U.S. for not breaking off relations with Vichy.

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

4. Shipping losses

Reports do not agree on the extent to which the “seriousness of the situation is realised”, but although anxiety is not universal it appears to be very widespread and, in the Midland Region, goes as far as “fear that our losses must be terrible”.

There appears to be rather less demand this week for the publication of figures, but disappointment is reported that no “cautious”, or in some cases, “full” statement has been made on the subject. The following conflicting reasons are given why the Government should indicate “the seriousness of the position”:

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

5. R.A.F. raids

Continued disappointment at “our failure to maintain the ‘city by city’ thousand bomber raids on Germany - as promised” is reported from seven Regions this week. There appears to be some questioning among a certain section of the public as to “whether it would not be more effective to concentrate our bomber force on the battlefield which would lead to quick and decisive results”. But our “proved ability to organise large raids, and the urgency of the Russian situation”, are reported from the North Eastern Region “to have caused a demand for a non-stop, all embracing and merciless air offensive from the West”.

Other raids seem to be taken “as a matter of course”; specific mention is, however, made of:-

(1) Raids “designed to dislocate the building of German submarines”. The importance of these raids is said to be appreciated, but it is suggested that “they have been delayed so long that Germany was given time to build up a large U-boat fleet”.

(2) Fighter sweeps. “The loss of Acting Wing Commander Finucane has revived questioning as to whether the results of such sweeps in any way justify the risk to skilled personnel”.

The statement by M. Jan Masaryk on 18th July that he is “all for bombing open towns” is referred to by only two Regions. In the North Eastern, and among “many people” in Northern Ireland, it is said to have met with approval; but others in Northern Ireland, “contend that the deliberate killing of women and children is unjustified on humanitarian grounds”.

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

6. U.S. troops

Four Regions report that the arrival of U.S. troops has been received with apprehension, and many people are said to be anticipating trouble because of their high pay, alleged lavish spending and “success with the girls”, and because of their boasting and disparaging remarks. Two Regions report however, that in “places where people have actually come in contact with them” the U.S. soldiers are said to be “jolly good chaps”, and in Northern Ireland their relations with the civilian population is reported to be of a “most friendly and cordial nature”. Satisfactory progress with arrangements for hospitality is reported from three Regions, but though it is realised that people are not expected to give them food, it is felt that difficulties will arise “in any working-class home if an American soldier is there and the family meal time arrives”.

Coloured troops : Coloured troops arriving in the South Western Region are said to have been well received, and Postal Censorship reports indicate that they are very popular. But some trouble is reported from the Midland Region where coloured troops, though invited, were afraid to enter a Y.M.C.A. canteen where there were American soldiers of lighter hue. The U.S. troops in this district are said to be “incensed at the behaviour of local girls who are making themselves cheap with coloured troops”.

An incident is reported from the Eastern Region where British soldiers were taken to task by those from America for fraternising with the negroes. The British replied that as both black and white troops had come 3,000 miles to help us win the war they saw no reason to draw distinctions between one type of American and another.

(2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 21 Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Reading P.C.s)

7. The Government

Criticism is on lines similar to those reported last week. The public are again said to be “prepared for any restrictions as long as they are fairly applied and the Government does not shilly-shally over them”.

The Prime Minister : Although reports from three Regions refer to some criticism of the Prime Minister, two of these also refer to him as “the only leader”: “Whatever mistakes he may have made, people feel he is the only man to lead us, because he is the only man who will never give way to peace feelers and will fight and crush the enemy to the last”.

(2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10)

8. India

The attitude of Gandhi is reported from three Regions to be regarded with hostility. It is felt that “the sternest measures should be taken against the Gandhi movement”.

(2, 10, 13)

9. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Such criticism as there is of news presentation - and comparatively little is reported this week - again springs mainly from a desire for prompt and unvarnished information. In one form or another this is reported from four Regions. Delay in confirming enemy claims, particularly if they are to our disadvantage, is said to encourage listening to, and belief in, news from Axis sources. Reports from two Regions also mention the complaint that our minor successes are exaggerated “out of all proportion to their importance”. On the other hand, a report from the Eastern Region says: “The recent subdued tone of the news reports has been commended by the more educated”.

Two Regions report on the continued popularity of the B.B.C. European News.

It is said to be felt in the Northern Region that the B.B.C. should give more publicity to British shipyard workers. “We are continually regaled with stories of the figures of American shipyard workers and their output but no indication is given of the difference in the numbers employed. British workers feel that this reflects unsatisfactorily on their efforts”.

Further appreciation is reported in three Regions of “Onlooker's” postscript on 12th July.

(1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

10. Industry

No outstanding topic appears to disturb the industrial front this week; comments continue along much the same lines as those mentioned in our last Report. Frustration among war workers over “the worthwhileness of their effort” is still reported (from three Regions) and is confirmed by Postal Censorship in an extract deploring the effect of “the blow of Libya on those who have been working so hard turning out tanks, guns and planes”.

The following subjects have aroused some comment and complaint:

Production debate : Comparatively little interest has been reported over this debate. In two Regions it is thought to have been satisfactory “in so far as it revealed considerable help for Russia and an increase in total output”. But it is also felt to have been destructive in giving rise to “serious questionings over the statements that we have sacrificed quality to ensure quantity in war weapons”. The feeling persists that “we are not properly organised on our industrial front,” and from two Regions the establishment of more Production Committees is recommended, “the man on the job being felt to be in a position to indicate ways in which inefficiency can be overcome”. (Five Regions)

Enforced idleness and slackness : There are fewer tales this week of enforced idleness, though from the South Western Region this is complained of at the Bristol Aeroplane Company, at Philips and Powis, Shortt's and the G.W.R. shops at Swindon. In Leeds and Yeadon slackness is reported “owing to shortage of materials” and because of the “attitude of both workers and managements”. At Vickers Armstrong at Barrow, and at Fords' at Eccles, there are stories of “inspection eye-wash” and of “looking busy and making a noise to deceive Government inspectors;” production time is also alleged to be wasted in cleaning up for visitors. (Four Regions)

“Vested interests” : Some recurrence of “the idea that the industries of the country are being monopolised” is reported; the hope is expressed that the Government will retain control both now and after the war”, and maintain things on a good footing”. (Three Regions)

(1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 21 Glasgow, Manchester P.C.s)

11. Fuel

Three Regions report a “co-operative spirit” toward fuel economy, although in five the possibility of coal shortage this winter is stated to be causing anxiety and in some cases a desire for rationing; lack of coal would, it is said, be “even more likely to affect morale than lack of food”.

Fuel assessment forms : Comments from seven Regions on these forms indicate that they have been “readily accepted as part of the ‘fair share-out plan’”. There is some criticism, however, of the waste of paper involved; poorer people are said to think it “rather unnecessary because coal is so dear; one fire per household is all they can afford anyway.” In two Regions “the feeling that the issue of the forms is the prelude to rationing” is reported, “but criticism is mainly suspended until something more definite is known”. In the London Region complications appear to have arisen:-

In the same Region fear is reported of “the snooping business in connection with fuel wastage as the beginning of Gestapo methods”.

Shift workers : Some displeasure over the assessment form is reported by shift workers in the South Eastern Region. It is pointed out that “they necessarily use fuel for lighting and cooking at queer hours, often when other members of the household are in bed”. They are said to be in doubt as to whether special consideration for these irregular hours will be given, and the position is considered to be aggravated in households where there is more than one shift worker.

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

12. Transport

The increasing number of camps and aerodromes in rural districts is felt in one Region to warrant a request for the provision of transport for Service personnel. In villages between Bicester and Oxford, for instance, residents complain that buses are often crowded with Servicemen before their own villages are reached.

From Monmouthshire great discontent is reported over the recent sudden increased prices of bus season tickets: “it is strongly felt that if the Government desire to reduce bus traffic much more effective methods might have been adopted without undue interference with workers, who are by far the principal users of season tickets”.

(2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12)

13. The call up .

A fairly widespread feeling of dissatisfaction over the number of young men and women still not called up is reported from six Regions.

“The demand for a comb-out of young men persists strongly”. They are alleged to be wasted in Government departments; publicans and butchers are mentioned as “people who only put in a few hours and could do useful work in their spare time”.

In the Northern Region attention is drawn to the increased demand on domestic workers, whose call up “will mean the loss of women workers in responsible posts concerned with the war effort” who are unable to carry on a full-time job if they cannot get assistance at home.

In the London Region women over forty who have been receiving calling up notices are said to be wondering at this “when there are still so many young married women in the twenties and thirties with no ties who are still to be seen carrying on as usual”.

(1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10)

14. Food

Praise for the general situation continues though two Regions report feelings that “we are too well fed” and “that people would put up with more restrictions if it was brought home to them how much actual shipping space was used.”

Poultry restrictions : “Dissatisfaction with the new proposals continues” on the same lines as mentioned in earlier Home Intelligence reports. Poultry keepers “protest” against foodstuffs going to horses and greyhounds when “surely hens are more important”. It is pointed out that for small families:-

One Region reports “fears that the same kind of action will be taken over rabbit-keeping”.

Fresh fruit and vegetables . Complaints of the scarcity and uneven distribution of fresh fruit and tomatoes and the high prices of fresh fruit and vegetables continue to be reported from most Regions and also from Postal Censorship. Cherries sold at the controlled price are specially mentioned, “since there appears to be a bumper crop”; in Leeds “fresh fruit is said to be rotting because dealers will not reduce prices from the controlled maximum”.

Wastage of crops : Wastage of new potato and cabbage crops is reported from the South Western Region, “owing to Government orders and because of the new Regional distribution scheme”. Reports that potato clamps “are lying rotting in the ground, or being fed to cattle” come from the Eastern Region.

Increased cheese ration : From three Regions come criticisms of the increased cheese ration, a preference being expressed for extra points instead.

Satisfaction continues to be expressed with:-

National Bread : Complaints on familiar lines come from two Regions this week. A rough idea of the volume of complaints about National Bread can be obtained from the results of a small survey made by a Cambridge scientist in an Eastern Region factory. 371 workers were asked: “How does National Bread suit you?”

12% had some complaint to make. The nature of the complaints were as follows:-

Since the sample used for this survey was designed for another purpose, its representativeness cannot be guaranteed.

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

15. Holiday travel

“Feeling that there is a disgraceful Government muddle persists” and it is considered that “money and effort expended on urging the absolute need for people to stay at home is utterly wasted”. As a result, people “are reported as having broken completely loose from the holidays-at-home plea”, and there are said to be queues for holiday trains on the North West coast, in Scotland (chiefly for day trippers) and in Wales. In the North West Region, however, among those who have not gone away, appreciation is reported of the “holidays at home” facilities provided by Local Authorities.

(2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 21 Cardiff, Leeds P.C.s)

16. Shopping difficulties

Complaints that “women in war work find it impossible to do family shopping, particularly as goods in short supply need the shop-crawling technique”, are reported from four Regions, and there are renewed demands for the late closing and lunch time opening of shops.

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

17. Old age pensioners

Four Regions report that the “new concessions” are thought “to be inadequate” and “not what the public wanted”. They are said to “penalise the thrifty” and to “savour too much of charity”. Appreciation that “something has been done”, and a “wait and see attitude”, are reported from two Regions.

(1, 5, 7, 10, 12)

18. School holidays

The opening of schools during the summer holidays is criticised for the following reasons:-

In the North Western and London Regions some schools are reported to be taking “no notice of the scheme”, but in Wales the teaching profession are reported to have received the scheme well on the whole.

(5, 8, 10, 21 Manchester P.C.)

19. Clothing coupons

There are complaints from three Regions of the inadequacy of clothing coupons, especially for children; working-class families are said to be the worst affected:-

(1, 5, 10)

20. Rumours

The main rumours this week are that various towns on the South coast are to be evacuated. They include Falmouth, Plymouth, Lee-on-Solent, Brighton and various areas from Brighton to Bournemouth. Ilfracombe it is said, is to be partially evacuated.

From the London Region it is rumoured that Bournemouth is to be the town of embarkation for a second front, while in the South Western Region North Devon is said to be the base for this operation. The second front, according to another rumour from the London Region, is due to open on August 15th or “if the weather is unfavourable, then September 15th”. In Newmarket there is a rumour that “the new Postal Censorship provisions mean that a second front is imminent” and in North East Scotland rumours are current that “we are about to land in Norway”.

Rumours are still being reported - this week from the Scottish, London, Southern and Eastern Regions - that the fall of Tobruk was due to fifth column activity among the forces holding it.

(4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12)

21. Constant topics and complaints

853

REFERENCES

D 75183-1 2,500 D/d R. 79 7/42 P R P