753

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.

75813-1

P.T.O.

755 756 2 759 5 760 6 764 10 765 11

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 101
SECRET

10th September, 1942

(Covering the period from 1st to 8th September, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

(No reports have been received since the Prime Minister's statement in the House of Commons on 8th September.)

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

The diffuse state of public feeling reported last week - which was due, it is suggested, to “the anti-climax of the Dieppe raid” - appears to have given way to a slight rise in confidence. People have been cheered by “the repulse of Rommel” in Egypt, by “the better news” from other war zones - the U.S. successes in the Pacific, the British and Russian raids on Axis territory - and by the stand being made by the Russians at Stalingrad. Nevertheless, considerable anxiety about the situation in Russia continues to be reported.

At home, according to reports from six Regions, people seem to be regarding the coming winter with dread; particularly in view of discomfort resulting from fuel economy and the blackout. Older people, in particular, are said to view it as “a long dark tunnel” and wonder whether they will come out alive. There is said to be considerable discussion on matters such as these and firewatching, which affect people personally.

There is said to be some slight talk of war weariness and of the possible length of the war. Apathy and detachment are mentioned in two reports; there are more references - of which some are “bitter” - to “people who don't know there's a war on”, and to those “who don't care what happens, so long as they got good money, plenty of beer and can go to the pictures”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Aberdeen, Special P.C.s., 32.)

2. Russia and the Second Front

Admiration for “Russia's stubborn resistance” appears to be deep and widespread, as does the feeling that “everything possible should be done to help her”.

The situation in Russia is still said to be causing great concern, but confidence that “she will weather the present storm” appears to have been renewed by the Rzhev offensive, the Russian raids on Axis territory, and the continued stand at Stalingrad. With the exception of Scotland, where “many feel that sheer weight of German pressure will overwhelm Russian resistance before the winter”, people seem to be thinking that “Hitler will have another nasty winter”.

It is suggested once again that “Timoshenko may yet turn the tables on the Germans - who are being drawn on into the Caucasus until their communications become so extended that they can be severed by a winter offensive”.

Five Regions refer to expectation of “some big move in the near future”; a feeling which is epitomised by the remark - “I switch on at eight o'clock each morning expecting to hear that the Second Front has opened”. There is some conjecture as to where and when it will be, but people are prepared “to leave decisions to Mr. Churchill and the Service experts who, with full knowledge of our state of preparedness, are the best judges”.

The feeling of a large section of the public, as reflected in most Regional reports, may be summed up in the words of a writer quoted by Postal Censorship: “Our hearts go out to the Russians.....I wish they could be helped by the opening of a second front. I suppose it will be as soon as possible, but one feels impatient for it to be now, now, now”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Special P.C.)

3. Egypt

People are said to have been cheered by the Eighth Army's holding of Rommel, but opinion about the present position in Egypt appears to be divided between two main groups:-

Other reactions are said to include (i) Criticism that action on our part was so long delayed: “Why do they always attack first?” (ii) Appreciation of the “restrained” manner in which the news has been announced; (iii) increased confidence in the Eighth Army.

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

4. The Far East and the South West Pacific

It is difficult to assess the amount of interest being shown in this theatre of war. While some Regional reports mention it as being limited, others refer to it as “awakened” or increasing. It appears to be generally felt, however, that the U.S. are “doing great work against the Japs”, and their achievements in the South West Pacific are said to have caused considerable satisfaction. In Scotland, “the Solomon Island victory” is considered “the beginning of the thorough smashing the Japs will get”.

Admiration for China and “pleased surprise at her successes” is also reported. It is hoped that an attempt will be made to recapture Burma, “to give China a chance”.

Though there is said to be some speculation as to Japan's next move, this seems to arouse only limited interest; fears of her attacking Russia appear also to be confined to a minority.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21 Reading P.C.)

5. The Allied air offensive

Although “more thousand bomber raids on Germany are eagerly awaited, and anything less is taken for granted”, there appears to be great satisfaction that “Germany is now being bombed from the East and the West”. There is, however, some comment on the comparative “inexpensiveness” of the Russian attacks, which in this respect are favourably contrasted with ours - but on the other hand there also appears to be some suspicion of the Russians' claims. “The novelty of Budapest as a target” is appreciated.

The increasing activity of U.S. bombers is said “to be welcomed”.

6. The national day of prayer

Although little discussion of the subject is reported, the national day of prayer seems to have been widely observed - indeed, in some places to an extent that is said to have surprised many people.

Unfavourable reactions are reported from four Regions to Government desire “that work should cease as far as practicable” for a quarter of an hour: Scottish “shipyard workers and the like considered the stopping of work a farce”; cases are also mentioned where “the workers' representatives on Production Committees were violently opposed to the suggestion of stopping, and ‘turned it down flat’”. The Welsh Region's report mentions criticism of the Government's method of telling people about this, as it left them puzzled as to what they should do: “Why don't the Government instruct us and not leave a vague uneasiness at the last moment?”

A few people are described as being of the opinion that “religion and war don't mix”.

(2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12)

7. The Dieppe raid

Discussion on this subject, though less than was reported last week, continues along the same lines. Many people are said still to refer to the raid as “an invasion attempt that failed”.

The general reaction in areas where the German leaflet about the raid has been dropped is “pride of possession”. “Everyone is trying to see a copy and, if possible, get hold of one”. People are mystified as to its purpose, and some even thought it was an extract from one of our own illustrated papers. The pictures showing our prisoners being treated kindly were, for the most part, greeted with derision.

(1, 2, 5, 12)

8. Enemy air raids on this country

A good deal of discussion and some concern are reported from the North Eastern and the South Western Regions as a result of recent raids. Faith in the sirens is said lately to have been shaken by events in the North Eastern Region, and loss of sleep is alleged as “people cannot be sure whether the aircraft they hear are friendly or hostile”.

Sheffield people are said to “feel contempt for the military who, in order to secure dispersal, run vehicles out of the city a few minutes after the alert sounds”. Typical comments on this procedure are - “they're practising for when they meet Rommel” or “there's the army, leaving the civilians to face the bombs”. Apart from the waste of petrol, it is felt that “if the lorries were dispersed in nearby streets, men and vehicles could stand by to help in Civil Defence work”.

The public in the South Western Region are “unable to understand why enemy planes are able to come over this country in broad daylight, and this is causing angry comment at the inefficiency of the R.A.F. or the Observer Corps, or ‘whoever is responsible’”.

From Folkestone comes the complaint that when four bombs were dropped in daylight recently, “not a shot was fired by any of the A.A. defences”; while the alleged ineffectiveness of the A.A. fire during an afternoon raid on September 4th is apparently the subject of much comment in Dover.

The new German incendiary bombs : The Ministry of Home Security's leaflet about these bombs is said to have met with favourable comment in one Region, though it is thought to be “too long for most people to read right through”. After meetings held by wardens to advise the public how to deal with these new bombs, people are said to go away “convinced that the job is hopeless”, and that “every fire-guard must carry with him a 4½ inch brick wall”.

(2, 7, 10, 12)

9. Death of the Duke of Kent

Expressions of regret and sympathy continue to be reported both from the Regions and from Postal Censorship: “We all feel terribly the loss of our dear Duke of Kent”.

(1, 2, 8, 21 Aberdeen, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Inverness, Manchester, Reading, York P.C.s.)

10. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Little comment has been reported this week on news presentation. In short, as a report from one Region says - “no complaints, and no enthusiasm”. Three Regions, however, refer to the increasing popularity of the B.B.C. European News Service.

It is hoped that a broadcast by the Prime Minister will be heard before long.

Minor points which have been raised are:-

The public is still sensitive about the naming of places on the wireless. Loughborough, for instance, is said to be distressed because it was referred to as “a munitions town in Leicestershire”. Even the mention of successful “Holidays at Home” weeks creates some anxiety.

Comment on individual broadcasts is as follows:-

Lord Vansittart's speech is praised for not being “mealy-mouthed” in its treatment of atrocities. (Three Regions)

Further satisfaction is reported over Mr. Oliver Lyttelton's speech, and Commander Kimmins' Postscript about the Malta convoy.

Two Regions report pleasure at General Wavell's speech. He is looked upon as “a man of few words” - and optimistic statements from him are regarded as “the more likely to inspire confidence and carry conviction”.

Two Regions also report praise for M. Andre Phillipe's Postscript: “It's good to know that France wants to win her liberty, and not have it handed to her”.

From Scotland it is reported that the Sunday night Postscript on the United Nations was regarded as “puerile propaganda”. In connection with Postscripts in general, it is suggested: “Why can't we have some with nothing to do with the war?”

The reappearance of the Daily Worker appears to have aroused very little interest.

Dance music policy (so-called “ban on slush”): A B.B.C. Listener Research Report shows that during the first two weeks after the new policy was announced (July 21) a considerable volume of correspondence was received by the B.B.C. commending it, and little criticising it. In the third week appreciative correspondence fell away to a trickle, but letters criticising the policy began to increase. In the fourth week, while there was a slight increase in letters commending the policy, opposition to it seems to have gathered force, and for every one letter expressing approval, there were four expressing criticism. Thus, during the fourth week after the change, the volume of correspondence disapproving of the new policy was as great as the volume approving it which came in immediately after it was announced. Thus it appears that those who had suffered for years from “slush” at once expressed their satisfaction, while “slush lovers” only slowly came to realise their loss. (Home Intelligence Weekly Reports, while referring to the initial volume of approval which greeted the new policy, have not reflected this increase in disapproving comment.)

(1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 24)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

11. Fuel Economy

There is strong evidence from nine Regions that the public is becoming increasingly conscious of the necessity to save fuel and is making sincere efforts to do so. Complaints of it being wasted in shops, public buildings, and by the Civil Defence Services are still made; one Region reports, however, that the tendency to economise is “increasingly noticeable in restaurants, shops, offices and homes”. Shortages of matches and utility lighters, and the lighting of streets before blackout are mentioned as causes of waste.

“Fuel target” advertisement : Reports show that the majority of people find the “target” too difficult, particularly in the poorer districts: “It looks complicated and fearsome”. They feel it is “all beyond them”, although the latest advertisement, “How do I divide ...” (6th September) is said to have been helpful. The drastic reductions which have been suggested have caused a considerable feeling of depression among the public - to a greater degree, apparently, among those who have attempted to work out their normal fuel consumption for comparison with the scheme. This is stated to offer “little less than a starvation allowance”. On the other hand, one report says that “some working-class people appear to be surprised that the target exceeds their consumption”. A report from a mining area states that the restrictions are characterised as “just ridiculous”, and it is “plainly not understood that economy is necessary with so much coal on their doorsteps”.

Other criticisms (in most cases from one Region only) are that:-

Fuel Flashes : One Region, in reporting that these are effective, suggests that this form of publicity should be maintained and that publication of “Flashes” in the Press might be worth while.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Carlisle, Manchester, Reading P.C.s.)

12. Food

“Very considerable satisfaction” continues to be reported about the general food situation, and praise for Lord Woolton' elicits remarks such as, “I don't believe any other Ministry can come near his for sheer efficiency”. Comment is “frequently heard that if the whole war effort had been organised as well as has the Food Front, we would have won the war by this time”.

There is praise for the equalising influence of rationing; “This rationing is good, we all share alike in clothes, food etc., and the monied man is no better off than the tinker”.

Aspects of the food situation causing unfavourable comment include:-

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21 Carlisle, Cambridge, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, York P.C.s, 32)

13. Transport

Interest and in some cases criticism on the subject of transport are frequently referred to this week. The inadequacy and discomfort of transport arrangements are mentioned in three reports, and the fear of conditions getting much worse during the winter in two.

Petrol : A great deal of discussion is reported on the question of petrol; “increasing indignation” at “the continued misuse” of it is said to be one of the main topics in the South Western Region. “Most people thought that as soon as the basic ration was finished, and the month's grace was over, there would be very little motoring. Now they still see cars outside cinemas and public houses, and numbers of them going about full of parties of young persons, particularly soldiers in uniform with their girl friends, and there is consequently a strong feeling that no effort is being made to enforce the petrol regulation”. Two other Regional reports mention criticism of “men getting allowances for business purposes and really using their cars to go to and from their offices on routes where transport is available”. Workers at the Rolls Royce factory at Crewe, for example, “complain about the availability of petrol for officials at the works, many of whom use their cars to go home for their mid-day meals”.

Taxis : “Criticism of the lack of restrictions on the hire of taxis and drive-yourself cars” is reported from three Regions, and it is suggested that “some definite ruling should be given to the police in order to control the use of such cars”. Cases are quoted of “fourteen taxis being hired by one family in one day” and of a thirteen year old child being sent to the cinema in a taxi.

The new travel restrictions : As yet little comment has been forthcoming, but it is suggested that “the restrictions will cut out the people who haven't much money to spare, and make no difference to those who can afford to pay the extra”. Soldiers' dependants are reported to be “perturbed at the drastic travel cuts which restrict the range of short leave transport”.

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

14. Women's Fireguard Order

Reports from four Regions this week indicate that women appear willing to undertake fire watching. From three other Regions however, and from Postal Censorship, the feeling against compulsion is reported to be growing.

This week complaints are again on familiar lines:-

Older men are said not to like the idea of women fire watchers, but younger men “ruthlessly insist that they should do their share” and think that the age should be lowered to eighteen, as is the case with men.

There is still some confusion among women as to what they will be required to do.

(1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 21 Manchester, Special P.C.s.)

15. Servicemen's pay and allowances

A good deal of comment is reported this week on the pay and allowances of Servicemen, unfavourable comparisons being made between the pay of U.K. troops and that of:-

Particular ill-feeling is reported over one aspect of the question which is thought “not to be receiving the attention it deserves: that is the preferential treatment given to men now in the Forces who were formerly employed in the Civil Service, by Local Government Authorities, the Railways, etc. These men are having their army pay and allowances made up out of the public funds to a sum equal to their civil pay”. This “preferential treatment” is said to be causing very bitter feelings amongst the majority of serving men (and their wives) who are drawn from industry and commerce, and “who have to accept the rates of pay and allowance as laid down by the War Office and other Service Departments. The irony and injustice of this preferential treatment is that the men who do not receive it have to pay direct and/or indirect taxation and local rates to ensure the favoured ones suffering no financial loss”.

Servicemen's dependants : Complaints continue to be heard about:-

Soldiers' wives requiring hospital treatment are said to be worried and anxious as to where their children can be left. “They are most unwilling to leave them in the charge of Public Assistance Departments, and many seem unaware that the Ministry of Pensions can pay for household assistance in such cases”.

Prisoners of war : Some confusion has arisen recently, according to the Scottish report, through the receipt of sums allocated by prisoners of war to their relatives. Many relatives believe these to be “payments by the German authorities for work done”, and surprise is followed, in some cases, by “kindlier feelings towards the German authorities”, in view of which it is suggested that some publicity of the source and nature of these payments may be advisable.

(4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 21 Inverness P.C.)

16. Industry

“Critical comment on our production seems to have died down rather”, according to most Reports, though the usual “stories of slackness on the part of workers and bad organisation on the part of managements in factories continue to circulate”. Stories of enforced idleness in factories also seem to be on the decline, though the Blackburn Aircraft Factory at Brough is mentioned in this connection.

Manpower : Concern is reported at “the fact that older men are being called up while young men remain in safe and well paid jobs which, it is thought, could be done by older men or by women”. One Regional report goes even further and refers to “stories of men of about thirty years of age who are ‘known to be avoiding military service’”. The Civil Defence Services are thought to employ many younger people who could be doing more useful work. (Four Regions)

Employment Exchanges : There are further complaints that older women are interviewed by young girls who “lack diplomacy and understanding” and do not “know the value of voluntary work”, (Three Regions), and that interviewers - whether men or women - “fail to use discretion in making their decision as to who should be directed into employment”. (One Region)

Transfer of Scottish women to England : “A good deal of public bitterness and agitation against this” continue to be reported from Scotland.

The coal miners : Little comment is reported on the new bonus for miners, but there appears to be some feeling that “the miner is being made too much of” and is already being too highly paid. It is pointed out that “if he gets too much he will drink more and be absent more and that he is unlikely to save or to raise his standard of living”.

Speculation is reported from Cumberland as to whether “the standard figure for output for the district will be fixed too high to make the bonus effective”.

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

17. U.S. troops in Great Britain

Comment on this subject appears to have declined in volume; but it is - almost without exception - favourable. The high pay of American troops, as compared with that of our own men continues, however, to cause a good deal of criticism. (See section 14 on “Servicemen's pay and allowances”.)

The relationship between white women and coloured troops still appears to cause some apprehension. On the other hand, considerable indignation is reported against any discrimination by white Americans against their coloured troops, and “the turning away of some negroes from a dance at Eye in Suffolk has given rise to some fairly outspoken expressions of opinion on this score”.

(4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 21 Inverness P.C.)

18. Clothing

There is some dismay at the idea of having to make clothing coupons last longer, and it is felt that the Government should not introduce changes after people have made the plans for the expenditure of their coupons.

Children : The additional coupons for children are said to have been greatly welcomed, though these are still considered inadequate by some people. It is also pointed out that as parents like to equip their children during the summer holidays, the additional coupons were allocated too late for the new school year. Many schools are still insisting upon elaborate outfits and a case is cited where over 200 coupons were needed to equip one little girl going to school for the first time. It is suggested that a stronger recommendation from the Board of Trade might help parents.

Workers' Clothing : It is thought that the coupon value of pit stockings and farm workers' clothing (particularly footwear) should be reconsidered as these articles wear out so quickly.

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

19. The harvest

Continued bad weather is reported from three Regions to be causing considerable anxiety for the harvest, and it is felt that recent speeches on the subject of “a bumper harvest” may have been premature. It is reported from Wales that in that part of the country where the harvest “seems doomed to failure”, a special prayer time, not necessarily Sunday, for the harvest would be appreciated as, to a very big public, the religious side of life looms large”.

It is reported from the Midland Region that “farmers are sore that they should pay ten shillings a day for a soldier to help with harvesting, but that the soldier should not receive any of the money. The farmers say that the men would work better if they were allowed part of it”.

“A number of farmers”, according to the report from the Eastern Region, “have nothing but praise for their Land Girls”.

(2, 4, 8, 9, 11)

20. “Pilfering”

Concern is reported at the stealing of crockery and electric light bulbs, particularly from works canteens. Pilfering from allotments is also reported and it is said to be “extremely discouraging to be robbed of vegetables which have only been grown after much time and labour have been expended by already overworked people”. It is suggested that it should be pointed out to the public that these activities are “a form of sabotage”.

Clydeside shipyard workers are said to consider that the £500 fines on two of the directors of Simons and Co. for unlawful use of timber are “farcical, as they believe that the practice of misusing material and labour is almost universal”. It is said to be well known, for instance, “that Skivington of John Brown's has a magnificent shelter for his own use built from shipyard material”.

(3, 11)

21. Rumours

Four Regions report rumours that the Ark Royal has been refloated and, according to one story, is being refitted. It is said to be in dock at both Liverpool and Birkenhead as well as on the Tyne.

A rumour reported from London is that “we have 300,000 troops in Unoccupied France”; these are said to have been recently inspected by General de Gaulle.

In a report from the same Region is propounded the interesting theory that Haw Haw “was really one of our spies, and was sending messages to us in his broadcasts”; surprised in this device, he is now said to have been interned.

(1, 5, 7, 8, 10)

754

REFERENCES

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