A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46
SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 243
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.
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE DIVISION WEEKLY REPORT NO. 95
SECRET
30th July, 1942
(Covering the period from 21st to 28th July, 1942)
I. GENERAL COMMENTS
1. General state of confidence and reaction to news
Anxiety about Russia, which has increased as the week has gone on, takes first place in the public mind. The critical position in the Caucasus and “the possibility of a Russian collapse” (mentioned by nine Regions) appear to be responsible for the more urgent demand - particularly among industrial workers - for action on our part now.
Comment on other war fronts has declined. “A little guarded hopefulness” about Egypt continues to be reported, and rather less anxiety about the shipping situation.
A large and, it is suggested, a growing number of people appear to take “little interest in the war”; they are variously said to be detached, apathetic or complacent: “it would seem that with many, the happenings in Russia and Egypt are taking place in an entirely different world”. “There is still too little evidence of individual determination to save fuel or money - or reduce travelling”.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Birmingham P.C.)
2. Russia
Increasing anxiety, in some cases going as far as alarm and apprehension, is reported about the situation in Russia, and there is more talk of the possible repercussions on this country of a Russian collapse.
Since the fall of Rostov, confidence that our Ally will be able to hold the enemy is said to be “faltering”, and the belief that Russia will strike back to be receding.
On the other hand, confidence still exists and in the Eastern Region is reported to be “so great that in spite of recognising the danger of calamity, people appear to be far from assuming that the worst will happen”. In Wales “this set-back is accepted as inevitable but temporary”.
The second front : The feelings on this subject noted in last week's Report are again expressed this week, but in most cases in an intensified form. They may be summarised as follows:-
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An urgent desire for action on our part to relieve the Russians; and irritation, humiliation and frustration at our apparent inactivity: “Why the Hell don't we do something about it?” (Nine Regions)
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Demands for a second front or, if this is not possible, intensified bombing of Germany and more Commando raids. (Eight Regions)
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At the same time, belief that we are not in a position to open up a second front; and “anything premature would be a ghastly disaster”. (Eight Regions) Reasons given are:-
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The shipping position.
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Possible lack of sufficient equipment “to conduct war on a continental scale”, (“though surely after almost three years of war we should have sufficient”).
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“Little confidence in any Allied offensive”. Post-mortem discussions on the Libyan campaign “lend strength to the fear that we may not be any more effective in future efforts than we were in this”.
-
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Belief that inaction is due to “people in high places who want to see the Germans and Russians exterminate one another”. (Six Regions)
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“We must start a second front soon or it will be too late”. (Four Regions)
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Belief that action has been decided on. (Four Regions)
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Decision should be left to experts. It is hoped that “the Government will not be stampeded on this matter”. (Two Regions)
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
3. Egypt
Interest in this front appears largely to have died down, Tension has eased, people are cautiously hopeful and fears for the safety of Egypt are decreasing.
On the other hand some scepticism about “any real improvement in the situation” is reported from the Southern Region and “some responsible people” in the South Western Region are saying that “we've failed to dislodge Rommel, who is now digging in and bringing up fresh reserves for his final assault on Egypt”.
Our heavy raids on Tobruk have occasioned some fear about British prisoners who may still be there.
(1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
4. R.A.F. raids
Disappointment continues to be expressed at our “failure to make more monster raids just at a time when the distraction of German effort from Russia is so essential”. People are still saying that “the Prime Minister himself promised Germany would be bombed continuously and they wonder why this programme is not being carried out - nobody accepts the weather as an excuse”.
Other reactions to R.A.F. raids on Germany are as follows:-
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Belief that the severity of raids is mounting.
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Doubts of their efficiency, as targets have to be re-visited.
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Dislike, “by a thinking minority who feel that only extreme necessity can justify such raids, of the gloating voice of the announcer when reporting raids, the levity of his tone, and the inhumane details”.
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Concern over our losses in the raid on Hamburg (26th July).
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Fear, amongst the timid, of reprisals. Chester fancies itself for a Baedeker raid, but without undue alarm.
(2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12)
5. India
The position taken by Gandhi and the Congress Party appears to be almost universally condemned. Gandhi, it is said, “wants shooting or should be locked up”.
Anxiety about Gandhi's activities has been somewhat relieved by Sir Stafford Cripps' “strong statement” on the subject of India in his speech to the U.S.A. on 26th July. Sir Stafford is praised for his “firmness” and is considered “completely right”.
(2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 13)
6. The Government
Lack of confidence in “the high direction of our war effort” is reported from three Regions this week, and dissatisfaction is also expressed at “the lack of effective leadership both in the fighting services and in industry”.
Concentration on efforts to win the war is still suspected of being incomplete, and the following reasons are advanced for this suspicion:-
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“Lack of co-ordination between Government departments”.
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“Muddles”, such as holidays at home.
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Red tape. “Scissors are needed to cut it with”.
The demand is renewed for Government orders instead of requests.
There is no support for the proposal of a general election; “we've got something better to do” is a typical comment.
The Prime Minister : People are said to be wondering “when they will hear something from the Prime Minister”, who continues to be referred to as “the only man for the job”.
Mr. Morrison and Defence Regulation 18b : The debate on this regulation does not appear to have aroused much interest. Most people seem to be content with the situation as it stands and Mr. Morrison's position is said to be “strengthening”. Some surprise is expressed at the small number of people detained.
(5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11)
7. Shipping losses
Public uneasiness over the question of our shipping losses continues to be reported, but anxiety is said to be rather less than last week. Although there now appears to be some realisation that “the exact extent of our shipping losses cannot be made public”, the demand for some kind of general statement comes from Six Regions. It is believed that “some way must exist of giving some sort of figure”, on the grounds that this would be “an incentive to redouble efforts”. The Northern Region report refers to a statement that “in a shipyard after the last publication of our shipping losses, ‘knocking off’ early and kindred signs of indifference were considerably reduced”.
At present public feeling about shipping losses appears to be influenced by two conflicting factors, the one disturbing, the other reassuring:-
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Recent American statements that “last week was our worst week”; and German claims - particularly their claim to have sunk an entire convoy to Russia.
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The apparent security of the food situation, and the abundance of food.
(1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 22)
8. The U.S.A., and American troops in Great Britain
A rather critical attitude about America's war effort is reported from two Regions, on the lines of: “It's all very well to talk about production records, but when are they going to be used?” Some resentment is reported at recent Press accounts of American criticism of the British war effort, particularly as statements that the majority of the shipping losses are in American waters are taken as an indication of “American naval inefficiency”.
Mr. Cordell Hull's broadcast (23rd July) : Favourable comment is reported from four Regions, his “reference to attack” being particularly appreciated. Allusions to the post-war world being rather at a discount at present, this part of his speech produced some unfavourable comment.
U.S. troops in Great Britain : Considerable interest is reported from those Regions where American troops are anticipated or have already arrived, and people's reactions may be summarised as follows:-
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The Americans are reported to be “settling in well and proving to be popular”, according to reports from five of the Regions in which they have arrived (6, 7, 10, 11, 13) The only report of “not altogether happy relations” comes from High Wycombe.
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There appears to be “an inclination to anticipate problems and difficulties”, in places where they are expected, and “the prospect of an American invasion” arouses little enthusiasm.
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Even from places where a favourable impression is reported, there is criticism of their behaviour with the local girls (and of the behaviour of the local girls with them), and of their alleged hard drinking.
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The arrival of American troops is said to revive the question of the difference between their pay and conditions and those of British soldiers, and, according to one report, their unpopularity is said to be particularly evident among our own Forces. In the words of a writer quoted by Postal Censorship, “They're too well paid and flash their money about. What chance has a poor Tommy with a couple of bob jingling in his pocket?”
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Two reports stress “the necessity of providing information bureaux to give them practical help over such matters as money values, what goods are unrationed, transport services, etc”.
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It is said that the Americans seem to have been thoroughly warned what to expect in England, but that their English hosts, both military and civilian, have so far been told nothing whatever about their guests' outlook, background or use of the English language.
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Rumours of the “red, white, blue and yellow” and “as quick as you left Tobruk” variety continue to circulate, One report states that careful efforts to track down these rumours lead to the conviction that “they are being spread by enemy agents, and have no foundation in fact”.
(3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 21 Cambridge P.C.)
9. Broadcasting and presentation of news
Proposed ban of “sentimental” dance numbers : Nine Regions report that the decisions to replace “slush” and sentiment by a “manly and more vigorous” type of music has gained wide approval. While one Region refers to dissatisfaction among young people, in another many of them are reported to hold the view that “it's good dance music we like, not slush”.
Criticism of presentation of news : Six Regions report “strong feeling” at the broadcasting and publication of information which is considered “to give valuable information to the enemy”:-
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Industrial information ; news about large munition factories in North Wales and North West England, and the loading of tanks for Russia. (Three Regions) There is strong indignation in Coventry and in other Midland towns at Mr. Bevin's remarks about the return of work people and industry. It was regarded as “an open invitation to the Nazis to return and bomb the towns”.
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Military information ; broadcast talks on “methods of training troops”, “information about our guns”, and “our planes laying mines in enemy waters”. (Three Regions)
Criticism of the “too rosy presentation of news” and the “holding back” and minimising of bad news continues, and there is still some demand for “clear, factual news as rapidly as possible”. The B.B.C. Home News bulletins are criticised as “monotonous and repetitive” and five Regions report a tendency to prefer:-
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The Empire News Service, “which is considered superior to our own”. (Three Regions) There is also some preference for the European news.
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German broadcasts, to get “prior information of reverses”. (Two Regions)
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American broadcasts, because of the “brightness of their news presentation”. The reception of these has recently improved. (One Region)
Three Regions report a “lessening of listening to the radio news”; in one Region it is suggested that this is due to an increasing number of people who appear to take little interest in the war (as mentioned in the first section of this report.)
There is criticism of the “flippant representation of battlefront news” and R.A.F. raids, from two Regions; on the other hand, “the reticence which marks the news from Cairo” is now praised in reports from one Region, and is even suggested that the “situation is being underestimated”.
The return of Stuart Hibberd as a news reader caused some apprehension that there was grave news to announce, e.g: that the King was ill.
B.B.C. Programmes : Two Regions report dissatisfaction with the “trash put across” in the Forces Programme. It is said that members of the Forces do not like “the B.B.C. playing down to them”, “we are in the war for something finer than that”, and the hope is expressed that “cheap jokes and suggestive stuff should be cut out”.
Praise for the following B.B.C. Programmes is reported:-
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Sir Reginald Dorman Smith's “informative and explanatory broadcast” on Burma. (Three Regions)
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Alexander Werth's Postscript on Russia received “considerable commendation”, though it was said to be regarded as a propaganda appeal. At the same time, it brought home to people “how lucky we are over here”. (Three Regions)
Mr. Eden's speech at Nottingham aroused “considerable interest” and has been favourably commented on in six Regions, though from the North West Region comes the report that “a few doubt his sincere belief in Socialism”.
Sir Stafford Cripps' speech to the British Association Conference was commended in reports from two Regions and “some people are glad that the Atlantic Charter is kept before them”.
The Daily Worker : Support for lifting the ban on the Daily Worker is reported from four Regions “from apparently a much wider public than the small Communist Party element”. Reasons given for lifting the ban are:-
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That “the Communists are solidly behind Mr. Churchill”.
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The lifting of the ban on “the Communists and the Communist paper in India”.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 21, Aberdeen P.C. 32)
II. SPECIAL COMMENTS
10. Fuel economy
The possibility of fuel rationing is discussed in report[Text Missing] from ten Regions; while four of them mention some demand for rationing on the grounds “that there should be no disparity in fuel consumption”, it is still felt by some people that the scheme would be impracticable, and that it would have a bad effect on morale and health. In the Northern Region dread is reported at the prospect; in the North Western Region and in Wales, it seems to be thought that economy would be sufficient, given a strong Government lead. At the same time, appeals for saving are spoken of as ridiculous “because of the appalling waste in factories and shops”. On the whole it appears that working class housewives “are stating that they would welcome rationing”: “if fuel rationing is anything like food rationing, it should be adequate”.
Fuel forms : Little difficulty is reported to have been experienced over “this task of filling up”; C.A.B.s are having to assist “the illiterate and the aged”, however.
Queries arising from the prospect of fuel rationing are said to be including the following problems:-
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On a certain housing estate a flat rate is charged, the electricity being supplied by the local factory; people wonder how a check can be kept on individual household consumption where there is no meter.
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In homes cooking partly on coal fires and partly on gas or electricity, it is asked what the position will be.
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It is asked if fuel is being allowed for heating green-houses growing tomatoes, etc.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Cambridge P.C.)
11. Industry
Organisation : Recent press comment on the reports by the Select Committee on National Expenditure on Royal Ordnance Factories, and by the Public Accounts Committee on the firm of which Mr. D. Kendall, M.P. is Managing Director, is stated in two Regions to have revived criticism of our labour and industrial organisation and of the profit motive in industry. While the former Committee's findings are said to have “called forth vituperations at Departmental muddling”, those of the latter are reported as instances of “lack of control of big industrial firms which can evade taxation by refusing to produce accounts”; there are renewed allegations of the “unfair advantages enjoyed by such firms as Wimpeys'”. Disclosures of excessive profits by a firm on war work appear to have led to some demand for the trial under Defence Regulations of the directors of such firms, “so that the position can be cleared up, and any people found to have been making unfair profits suitably punished”.
High wages among unskilled workers : Complaints, are reported to continue about the high earnings of war workers - particularly the unskilled. They are felt to be “too much concerned about wages - to the same extent as employers are too much concerned about profits”. In the Eastern Region, families reported to be earning £20 - £30 between them, and to be making no attempt to save, are said to grumble, because of limitations on spending, and to feel indignant at having to pay income tax, “as they regard exemption as a class privilege”. Similar instances are reported from the Southern Region where the complaint is made that “it is impossible to get odd jobs done because contractors will pay such good money even to the half-witted”.
Enforced idleness and waste of time in factories : there are further allegations this week of idle time in factories, and also of wasted material. From eight Regions come complaints about poor production in specific factories, particularly R.O.F.s; in that at Bridgend, workers are said to “declare they often have nothing to do but read novels”, while Glynneath male workers “allege dart playing to be taking the place of work”.
In the North Western Region, where such tales are reported to be rife, “failures in production are believed due to managements and red tape”. Some confusion over “reconciling individual tales of idleness with official stories of great production” is alleged, and “real anxiety” is reported from this Region among wage earners when they feel they have not earned their money. Here, “working for the Second Front” is said to be an effective line of appeal among workers.
The manufacture of shower baths for U.S. troops is felt in one factory to be an unnecessary luxury.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 32)
12. Woman power
Womens' call-up : Dissatisfaction is reported from four Regions over the compulsory call-up of women; Mr. Bevin is accused of “being afraid of tackling the question of women's work with a firm hand, of missing young married women of 21-30, and forcing older women out, because they happen to be unmarried, when they are undertaking a full time job of an essential nature, and living at home”.
It is thought on the other hand that there is scope for the much wider call-up of women; the daily sight is reported of “a queue over 200 yards long, three or four deep with females preponderating”, outside a Sheffield cinema.
Day nurseries : The demand for day nurseries continues, and their organisation is reported to need revision “in the light of women workers' needs”. The prospect of longer blackout hours, “when children will be taken out in the dark at 7.30 a.m. and not brought back until 8.30 p.m.” is said to “cause consternation”.
War weariness and remoteness from the war effort : Growing boredom is reported by a woman factory inspector in the Southern Region among workers “who never see the results of their work, and very often do not know what use is being made of the parts which they make”. It is felt that they “would be encouraged if more could be done to connect them up with their finished products; as things are, they feel their work is often not worth all the effort”.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 16)
13. Accommodation of workers
Shortage of housing in areas where the billeting of factory workers is necessary is stated to be causing dissatisfaction in four Regions. The following complaints are reported:-
On the working' side , high prices are complained of where accommodation is available. Householders are also said “to demand ‘key money’ in addition to the usual rent for the privilege of taking over rooms or houses”. Some desire is reported for the compulsion of owners of large houses with only two inhabitants to provide accommodation for homeless people.
On the householders' side , complaints are reported over the meals at “very irregular times, of billetees; their 6 a.m. breakfast is a particular grievance”.
(2, 3, 4, 6)
14. Old Age Pensions
Strong disappointment is reported “over the meagreness of the increases in old age pensions”; “the Government is thought to have missed its best chance of being generous”.
(3, 4, 5, 6)
15. Holidays
Holidays at home : “The first class work” of local authorities in “organising and publicising” holidays at home is reported from three Regions, and people are said to have “greatly enjoyed” the amenities provided, though at Plymouth it is reported that the local population “take advantage of the ‘holidays at home’ entertainments, but take holidays away as well”.
Holiday travel : Holiday crowds are reported in Wales, Scotland and the north of Scotland and the north of England - in spite of the “intense discomfort of travelling” - and the “fine example of Government muddle” is again criticised in reports from two Regions. “It is not believed” that the “coal used by holiday trains is negligible”, according to reports from two Regions, and the fact that holiday trains are permitted is said to be having an adverse effect on the fuel saving campaign in the North Western Region.
(1, 3, 8, 9, 10, 21, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, York, P.C.s)
16. Food
Satisfaction with the general food situation continues to be reflected in Regional reports and in Postal Censorship. There are still indications that “people would accept smaller rations if they were appealed to on the grounds that this would save shipping space and lives”. Some of those who ask “why we are allowed to feed so well” suggest that “November is the month when we shall need the encouragement derived from extra rations”.
Poultry restrictions : Discussion and criticism of the new restrictions continue to be reported on familiar lines. Some appreciation is, however, expressed for the Ministry of Agriculture's pamphlet by those who have read it, but it is suggested that, in view of the continued dissatisfaction, a broadcast might help to clarify the position. It is still asked “whether food given to race horses, hunters and hounds could not better be given to poultry”.
What is described as “the Ministry's suggestion that in return for scraps and swill neighbours should supply eggs” is criticised on the grounds that it will create quarrels and bitterness. At present it is said; “you buy eggs if your neighbour has any to spare; then, you would be entitled to a share, but what share? Hence the difficulties”.
Sweets rationing : This seems to have been welcomed by the general public, the only reported exceptions being “those who have been getting more than 2 ozs a week, and who wonder what need there is for rationing”; they comment on “the great waste of paper in the use of small bags”.
Although the idea of sweets rationing is approved, disappointment is expressed at “the niggardly ration”. It is felt, too, that “adults have much less claim on sweets than children, and in no circumstances should be allowed a ration equal to theirs. It is hoped that the children's allowance will be increased during the next rationing period”.
Reduction in points : The “loss of points value” is considered to “outweigh heavily the slight gain” represented by the extra cheese ration. Cheese seems to be regarded as indigestible by many, and two reports indicate that the present quality of cheese is not much liked.
The inclusion of syrup and treacle in points rationing appears to have pleased many people.
Excess vegetable crops : Two Regions report dissatisfaction at the “appalling wastage” of vegetables in allotments and small farms, owing to transport difficulties and lack of labour. Cornish growers who have “responded to Government exhortations and orders to grow more and to cut down flower growing to 50% and then to 25% of pre-war amounts” are said to be “faced with serious loss”, and criticism is reported to have “intensified into anger” as a result of “the recent national appeal to grow more potatoes”.
Comment is reported on the following points :
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The shortage and high price of soft fruit : Women who took sugar instead of jam are now grumbling because they can get no fruit to make into jam.
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Shortage and unequal distribution of tomatoes : It is suggested that they should be rationed.
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The “inferior keeping quality” of National Bread , and the way people waste it. This week, however, there are no references to its ill effects on the system.
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The “locust tactics of holiday makers” , who “eat up all foods in short supply in holiday resorts to the detriment of residents”.
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The excellence of dried eggs .
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The new ration books , which are “regarded as a great improvement on the old”.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Birmingham, Cambridge, Manchester, Nottingham P.C.s, 32)
17. Bones, string and old rags .
The non-collection of bones is commented on in two reports especially in view of an announcement that “bones are being brought to Britain from South America”.
“Housewives are wondering what on earth to do with the string and rags they have been asked to collect”, according to two Regional reports, and they are asking for “clear instructions as to what to do with them”. The “absurdity of the penalties to be imposed” is also mentioned.
(5, 8, 9, 11, 13)
18. War-weary middle-aged housewives
Two reports refer to “evidence of war-weariness among normally hard working housewives, and those with jobs plus housework”. Many of these, and especially the elderly ones, are “war-weary in a quiet way”. It is pointed out that “they can escape few of the difficulties resulting from the war and have no compensation in glory or even thanks”. The housewife, it is said, “works the longest hours of anyone in the community, and is the first to go short when the rations will not go round”. Such people, it is suggested, deserve a Sunday Postscript, preferably from Priestley.
(6, 8)
19. Constant topics and complaints
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The inadequate collection of salvage, and the “unfair” and “high-handed” requisitioning of railings. (1, 5, 8, 10, 12, 13)
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Shortage of crockery, kitchen and cooking utensils, - “one large family with only one cup”. There are complaints of utility crockery being sold only in sets. (2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10)
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Transport difficulties. (1, 4, 6, 9, 10)
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Shopping difficulties, due, in particular, to lunch-time and early evening closing and to shops “refusing to sell until a certain hour, when a queue has been formed”. (2, 4, 7, 9, 10)
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The waste of Government petrol by the A.F.S., Civil Defence Service, “mass W.V.S. meetings”, and by the “large cars used by the Foreign Office at Bletchley Park”. (5, 6, 7, 9)
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Income Tax, (i) for “falling most heavily on the lower paid workers”; (ii) for the obscure language of the forms; and (iii) for discouraging agricultural workers from earning more than £2. 15. 0.a week. (2, 4, 8, 10)
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Inequality of sacrifice and reward, particularly discrepancies in Army and civilian pay. (2, 10, 11, 12)
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Insufficient coupon allowance for children's clothes, and “the fact that the extra coupons for school children will not be available till October, though school kit must be ready for the September term”. (1, 2, 9)
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The high price of unrationed goods (“grapes at 25/- a pound”), and excessive hairdressing and dry cleaning charges. (1, 4, 7)
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The alleged inadequacy of Service Dependants' Allowances an and Army pensions. (3, 5)
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The “complete farce” of austerity meals in restaurants, especially in view of the private room loop-hole; and the “sheer robbery” of charging 3/- for a hotel breakfast consisting of “a small portion of cereal, a small piece of dried fish or sausage meat, and toast and margarine without marmalade or jam”. (5, 6)
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The numbers of cars still apparently being used for pleasure, and parked outside pubs and tennis clubs, etc. (5, 7)
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High price of furniture, particularly beds. (2, 6)
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Anti-Semitism. (2, 5)
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Shortage of sugar for jam making. (2, 4)
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“Lads in their twenties, who will never be called up”. (19, 21 Cambridge P.C.)
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Waste of light in shops and large buildings, Harrods again being mentioned. (5)
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Shortage of mending wool. (6)
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Rudeness of shop assistants. (8)
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Careless talk, especially in trains. (1)
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Belief and hope that we are nearing war with Vichy. (1)
20. Rumours
Most rumours this week are connected with the imminence of a second front. Troops are said to be moving South, to be concentrated at various points on the South coast, and to be unavailable for helping with the harvest. Rumours of impending evacuation of Torbay, Folkestone, Brighton, Eastbourne, Bexhill and other South coast towns are widely reported.
It is said that on an unannounced occasion, a 1000 bomber force had to turn back owing to leakage of information to the enemy.
There is a recrudescence of the story that German planes are dropping the germs of foot and mouth disease.
It is rumoured that the Royal Oak is to be reconditioned next month.
In Northern Ireland, it is said that President Roosevelt is coming over to open an R.A.F. Aerodrome in County Antrim. A similar rumour preceded the recent Royal visit to Northern Ireland.
(4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13)
REFERENCES
D 75183-1 2,500 D/d R.79 7/42 P R P