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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 248

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.

P.T.O.

739 740 2 741 3 742 4 743 5 745 7 746 8 748 10 749 11 750 12 751 13 752 14

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 102
SECRET

17th September, 1942

(Covering the period from 8th to 15th September, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

Anxiety about the situation in Russia appears to have taken first place in the public mind this week, and although the demand for an immediate second front is reported “almost to have died down except amongst communist elements”, people are said to be unhappy and restless that “we are not doing more to help the Russians”.

The following two factors have however, done something to distract attention from “the tense drama of Stalingrad”: (i) The Prime Minister's war review in the House of Commons, which is said to have steadied public confidence and cheered people - particularly the references it contained to the position in the Middle East, (ii) Sir Stafford Cripps' rebuke to Members of Parliament, which is referred to as “the talking point of the week”.

At the same time apathy is reported from four Regions, but there is less reference to war weariness. There is further mention of anxiety about the coming winter “with the blackout, transport difficulties and lack of heating”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22)

2. Russia

Admiration for “the gallant Russians” and “an urgent desire to see them aided” remain strong. The belief that “we are not doing enough to help” is said to have been strengthened by the Prime Minister's statement that “the Russians do not think that we ... have done enough so far to take the weight off them”. There are also renewed references, reported from five Regions, to “people in high places who do not wish to see too strong a Russia survive”.

The defence of Stalingrad has been watched with increasing anxiety throughout the week. Although a growing number of people appear to expect the city to fall, many continue to believe or at least hope that it will hold - for the following reasons: (i) the approach of winter; (ii) faith in “the capabilities and prowess” of the Russians; (iii) because Moscow did not fall last year.

The second front : There appears to be yet more inclination “to leave the opening of a second front to these who know” and - as mentioned in the opening paragraph of this report - the demand for it seems to be mostly limited to the communists or “the communist inspired”. Some people, however, still continue to hope “that something is going to happen soon”; others do not expect action until Spring, 1943.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22)

3. The Prime Minister's war review in the House of Commons on 8th September

Although the Prime Minister's war review is said to have caused satisfaction and to have heartened people, it appears “to have kindled less enthusiasm than his speeches usually do”.

The particular points reported as noted by the public are as follows:-

India : There appears to have been some criticism of Mr. Churchill's statement on India and “a tendency to review his past attitude to the India question”. It is felt that “there may yet be some way of breaking the deadlock” and people are “not too keen on slamming the door”, even though the public “are fed up with Gandhi and Congress”. (Gandhi's stock is said to have fallen still further since Sir Stafford Cripps' “surprising revelation that Gandhi had stepped in and broken the negotiations while he himself was in India”.)

Sir Stafford Cripps' rebuke : Members of Parliament, who are referred to as “poor old men who needed their lunch”, have incurred “condemnation, contempt and disgust”. Their “low standard and lack of responsibility” are strongly criticised, and the prestige of Parliament is said to have suffered a shock: “Parliament is a wash out”. Workers ask whether “M.P.s are docked a shift when they are absent” and wonder “why they are going to have another holiday - when ours have been curtailed and given up”.

On the other hand, a minority interpret “the fade-out” as meaning that M.P.s were satisfied and had nothing further to say, or that “they left the House as a sign of disapproval because the Prime Minister had told them nothing”. There is little criticism of Sir Stafford; in fact in some Regions “his strong comments are said to have been heartily applauded”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22 Guildford, Pembrokeshire)

4. Egypt

Confidence about the position on this front appears to have been restored by the Prime Minister's assurance, and “greater optimism” is reported.

It is now “hoped that Rommel has suffered a serious reverse” and it is even suggested that “our bulletins have been too guarded”. On the other hand, “favourable comment on our reticent handling of news” is also reported.

Although there is some disappointment at “our failure to launch a major attack when the enemy armoured forces were disorganised”, it is felt that “the new man has made a good start” and that “the Eighth Army has proved itself capable of holding the enemy”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22)

5. Madagascar

The need for renewed action on our part has caused some surprise, as people were under the impression that “that business was all settled”. The extension of our hold on the island, is, however, welcomed: “It is time we cleaned the place up”. Widespread distrust of the Vichy French, contempt for them, and anger are reported; some people are said to feel that our Government has “made a mistake in showing undue consideration to them”.

(1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 22)

6. The Far East and the South West Pacific

Little interest is reported in this “remote war zone”. The heartening effect of the fact that “the Japanese had to give ground in the Solomons” seems to be offset by some disquiet at their advance on Port Moresby.

Reports from two Regions refer to a desire for more help to be given to China.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 12, 22)

7. The Dieppe Raid

This week there appears to be much less comment on this subject. References are, however, still reported to the following: (i) A leakage of information - though in one Region the Prime Minister's denial is said to have stilled such comment; (ii) “Our very heavy casualties”; (iii) A belief that “the nature and purpose of this raid have never been adequately explained”, and that “the relation of our gains to our losses has not been made clear”.

(2, 3, 5, 10, 12, 22)

8. The Allied air offensive

In six Regions “the R.A.F. offensive continues to be accepted without much comment”, and “rather in the natural order of things”; as one report points out, “the thousand bomber raids have taken all the kick from smaller raids”. On the other hand, reports from four Regions refer to anxiety felt about our losses in machines and personnel; in one Region there is doubt “as to whether the raids are achieving results commensurate with losses and expenditure”, and in another our heavier losses are again compared unfavourably with those of the Russian and American Air Forces.

Some appreciation is mentioned at the more frequent R.A.F. raids, and hopes are again expressed that they will increase. “Approving comment” on Russian raids on German and occupied territories and praise for the raids by American bombers are reported from five Regions; it is thought that “the bombing of Germany from both sides will have an effect”.

(1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22 York)

9. Enemy air raids on this country

Further reference is made to “agitation” at the non-sounding and late sounding of sirens, and “indignation at the lack of adequate protection against air raids”, in the Eastern and South Western Regions.

In Luton there is “considerable agitation” because it is said that the warnings of imminent danger given in the factories, are not accompanied by sirens in the town. War worker mothers with children at home are specially worried, and it is felt that if “the danger is sufficiently great to warrant the hold up of production, the civilian population deserves to be warned as well”.

Fear of reprisal raids on this country in the coming winter, “particularly if Russia should be immobilised”, is reported from only two Regions, and in one it is said to be only a minority opinion.

(4, 6, 7, 10, 22 Exeter, Hull, Taunton)

10. T.U.C. Congress

Little interest is reported in this, but the following reactions are mentioned:-

(5, 7, 10)

11. U.S. troops in Great Britain

Comments on this subject continue on exactly the same lines as last week. The only new topic at all widely mentioned is “the many delicacies in the way of food the U.S. troops are having - several unseen here for some time”. It is felt “to be unwise to give publicity to the good food they are having”, particularly as “our own men can't get it”. (Two Regions)

In one Region there are reports of American troops' cars being inadequately blacked out “even during alerts”. It is wondered “if the black-out has been properly explained to them”.

Strong views have been expressed at “certain leaders of women's opinion” who are alleged to have been organising a whispering campaign in favour of the colour bar.

(4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 21 Inverness, Manchester, Reading P.C.s, 22)

12. Broadcasting and presentation of news

“Criticism of the news presentation by the B.B.C. this week is conspicuous by its absence”, according to most reports, the only points arousing much comment being:

Dover : A broadcast feature, “The Glory that is Dover's”, in the Overseas Service on Thursday, 3rd September, has been described locally as an “idiotic publicity stunt, for which we have to pay the penalty”; the implication is that the shelling that occurred on 4th and 6th September and the bombing on the 5th and 6th are the result of the broadcast. A passage in the “Dover Express” is quoted: “If such a broadcast as that put over the wireless on Thursday last week with the title, ‘The Glory that is Dover's’ is going to help to win the war, we suppose that Dover must put up with the publicity which seems to have attracted instant enemy attention”.

(1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 South Eastern, 21 Manchester, Special P.C.s.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

13. Differences in wages and pay

A considerable increase in discussion is again reported this week on the whole question of civilian wages and the pay of British and U.S. troops. A great variety of comparisons are being made, and criticism of certain alleged anomalies appears to be widespread. The debate on the pay and allowances of the fighting services is said to have revived the claim that “everyone ought to be conscripted and put on war pay”. It is asked “why the Government did not control wages at the beginning of the war. Now wages rise spasmodically; separate groups receive a little more, while at the same time the position of the non-favoured wage earner slowly deteriorates”.

Unfavourable comparisons have, in particular, been made between the pay of:-

The debate on the pay and allowances of the fighting services : The general opinion seems to be that the promised increases are a step in the right direction, but quite inadequate. Where they are welcomed, it is said to be on the “half a loaf” principle. “The case for generous increases is said to be shown by the fact that local authorities and Government departments feel it necessary to make up the pay of their officials now serving with the colours to the level of their pre-war salaries; this is regarded as an admission that the fighting man is badly off as compared with the civilian”. The White Paper on Service pay and allowances, which is thought to “paint too rosy a picture” and to have been “obviously prepared by accountants and not by sociologists”, is said to have been greeted with “roars of laughter” or “acid comment”; and “a very general feeling among the public” seems to be that “it was a most unfortunate example of unconvincing propaganda, which ought not to have received Government sanction”.

Service dependants' allowances : In connection with these, two points are referred to as causing discussion:

(2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Inverness, Shetland P.C.s, 22 Dewsbury, Guildford, Manchester, Norwich, Sheffield)

14. Fuel economy

The controversy aroused by this subject is still very great but reports show that there is a very definite trend towards fuel economy, although many people feel they are “already working on a minimum and cannot save any more”. One Region reports a deeper interest in fuel economy as a result of warnings from miners' leaders on the seriousness of the situation. There is an increasing number of complaints of waste in factories, public buildings, Government offices and even through street lights being left on all day. People feel that they are being “penalised for other people's waste”. An instance is given of a factory where “2000 lights are left burning all through the lunch hour”, and it is pointed out that this is no encouragement to the workers to economise in their homes. There is still very considerable resentment against the Government for the “tremendous blunder that has been made over coal”.

“Fuel Target” advertisement : It is still stressed that this is far too complicated, particularly for the working classes; that the Target is “almost impossible to hit”; and that it has caused a deep feeling of depression. Where strict economy is already practised, it is felt that further cuts would cause ill-health through dampness, inability to dry wet garments and insufficient washing of clothes. “There will be sickness and trouble in the winter with cold and damp in the house”. Trouble is also anticipated through the freezing of water pipes. There has been some relief at the recent announcement that where it was found that adherence to the target figure involved a cut greater than 40%, the consumer should regard a 40% reduction as his target figure.

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

Target figure for coal mines : One report says that the scheme for having a “target” figure for mines has given satisfaction in one district. The output has exceeded the target for two weeks out of three.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21 Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds P.C.s, 22 Walsall, Hatfield, 32)

15. Transport

Transport difficulties are reported this week from seven Regions.

Hardships are particularly stressed in connection with:-

The new travel restrictions : According to reports from three Regions these have been well received - though chiefly, it is suggested, by public-spirited people and those who will be unaffected by the alterations. They are felt to be especially hard on those who are stationed away from home, whether in the Services or as industrial workers, through no choice of their own. One report mentions a fear that “mothers who take their children to hospital for treatment may tend to stop taking them, now that the expense will be doubled”.

Green line Coaches : “So far complaints are mostly from Dagenham”, where “considerable feeling” is reported. “The general view is that persons in high places who make these decisions, not being resident in the East End or eastern suburbs, are unaware of the exceptionally congested traffic conditions, which have no counterpart elsewhere in London”.

Bicycles : “Curtailment of bus and rail transport is now leading to increasing demand for cycles”, according to the Welsh report, and it is suggested that, in view of the “alarming prices” now being asked for secondhand bicycles, the Government should control the price. Cycle thefts appear to be on the increase.

Petrol : There seems to be a strong feeling that too many cars are still to be seen about on errands that do not always appear to be “strictly business”. Particular suspicion is directed at farmers “who seem to have an unlimited supply for all purposes”, but other people, such as local councillors, hotel proprietors and Civil Servants are often “seen to be using their cars for purely private purposes”.

There are further complaints (from four Regions) of the misuse of taxis, “especially by business people who have laid up their cars, and will not use trams and buses, although living within easy reach of such services”. There is particular criticism of the fact that “rich people can make almost unlimited use of taxis within a ten mile limit”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21 Special P.C., 22 Cambridge, Colchester, Exeter, Bodmin, Guildford, York, Taunton, Penrith, Lincoln, Oxen, Shrewsbury, Salisbury, Oakham, Maidstone, Gravesend.)

16. Women's Fireguard Order

Opposition to and criticism of the Order are reported from five Regions this week. Two Regions indicate that there is less discussion of the Order and one Region reports that it “appears to be more favourably received”.

Criticism is again on familiar lines this week and may be summarised as follows:-

Women are reported to be “still hazy” about what is required of them. The suggestion has been put forward in the North Western Region that “further explanation should be given showing exactly what is wanted, why women are required, and why the voluntary system has not really been tried”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 21 Manchester, Inverness P.C.s, 22 Nottingham, Birkenhead, Rotherham)

17. Industry

There is very little reported comment on production as a whole this week. In so far as any general view is expressed, it seems to be that “our production is pretty good but could be better if everybody was ‘all out’”.

Familiar allegations - of slacking by workers, of hold-ups due to shortage of materials, of over-staffing due to cost plus ten per cent, of evasion of Excess Profits Tax, etc., - continue to be reported, but in every case from one Region only.

The following subjects should, however, be mentioned:

The 52 hour week : Two reports indicate a belief that long hours, and particularly the 52 hour week, are resulting in a deterioration of workers' health. “Welfare workers state that production is not increased in skilled industries, and that workers are unable to concentrate over the longer period”. In addition to this, output tends to be “disorganised by women wanting extra time free for shopping”.

Essential work : Further references are made to the fact that “unless a firm is on direct war work, it is difficult to make employees realise that their work is part of the war effort”. A Lincoln firm, for example, “making agricultural machinery, state that their men wish to be on tanks, etc.”, while a hosiery firm in the North Midland Region, who are “clothing the Army, complain that their girls ask for permission to leave to take up more important work”.

Transfer of Scottish women to England : “Public indignation” continues to be reported from Scotland on this subject.

The coal miners : Little public comment continues to be reported on the bonus scheme for miners, but the tendency seems to be to wait and see what results it produces. Some bitter remarks are, however, mentioned in the Scottish report, to the effect that “it is a sad commentary on an important section of the community that they have to be bribed to do their best”. It is reported from Sheffield that “propaganda rarely reaches the miners”, and it is suggested that special efforts to bring the situation home to them such as slips in their pay envelopes, or posters reminding them of Lidice, might be useful.

News that Gleneagles Hotel is to become a recuperative centre for miners is said to have “evoked amusement and, in the main, approval; many hope that ‘this is the first of many such luxury establishments which will be put to a better use’”.

War workers' accommodation : The difficulty of finding accommodation for workers is mentioned in three Regional reports, and is said to be particularly intense in many of the outer districts of London. There is reported to be “irritation that the empty houses being reserved by local authorities cannot be made available”, and “comment that the Government commandeer good buildings for the U.S. troops and the Gibraltar refugees, but don't seem to do anything for our own people”. In the Maidenhead, Oxford and Slough districts there are complaints that “girls on war work are starving themselves to satisfy avaricious landladies”, and it is said that the billeting authorities are powerless to prevent such victimisation.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 21 Glasgow P.C., 22 Aylesbury, Derby, Huddersfield, Manchester, Nottingham)

18. War Savings

A “slight growth of reluctance” to save, and an increase in hoarding, are reported from two Regions. The following reasons are suggested:-

In some towns it is reported that local publicity acts more as an irritation than a stimulus.

The following suggestions for increasing savings are reported:-

(3, 4, 9)

19. Rubber Salvage

Housewives are puzzled to know what special steps they should take with regard to rubber salvage. Insufficient collection makes them feel they are wasting their time, and they ask how and when it is being collected by the Authorities. It was suggested at a large public meeting that the Government should advertise the shortage more thoroughly. A realisation that 90% of the world's rubber supply is in enemy hands would, it is thought, make the public understand the seriousness of the situation.

(3, 9)

20. Food

Satisfaction with the general food situation continues to be reported. In the words of an appreciative writer in Postal Censorship, “in my opinion, one of the chief causes of the excellent morale of the country is the food - if ever a man deserved a halo, it is Lord Woolton”.

Minor criticisms of the situation include:-

Foot and Mouth disease : Continued anxiety about foot and mouth disease is reported from Wiltshire, and there are complaints of delay in the burying of infected animals after slaughter, and criticism of the fact that farm labourers are not forbidden to travel, as are farmers, when there is foot and mouth disease on the land where they are working. The rumour that the Germans are dropping foot and mouth germs continues to be reported.

(1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 21, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading, P.C.s., 22, Aylesbury, Congleton, Clitheroe, Derby, High Wycombe, Middlesbrough, Northemberland.)

21. Rumours

Rumours this week have not been numerous. Most of them are connected with the opening of a second front in the near future. Thus, it is being said in the Eastern Region that a forthcoming invasion exercise for Civil Defence workers on 27th September is a cover for the opening of a projected invasion of the continent. Large numbers of troops are said to be on embarkation leave in the Midland Region, and troops are said to be moving to Scotland for the invasion of Norway. A similar troop movement (of Commandos from the Isle of Wight to Scotland) is rumoured in the North Western Region. In London, troop movements in S.E. Essex are said to resemble those which preceded the Dieppe raid.

The Queen Elizabeth is said to have been sunk. The rumour that the Ark Royal has been salvaged persists. She is now said to be at Portsmouth, at Birkenhead, and in Scotland.

It is said that the coal shortage is in part due to our sending quantities to Russia.

Some careless talk by the Services is reported in the North Western Region. The men are said to be most careful not to name the position and movements of units, but far less careful about the movements of individuals, particularly friends.

(1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12)

22. Monthly Summary of Constant Topics. No. 1

(covering the period from 18th August to 15th September, 1942)

During the past four weeks recurrent references to the following subjects have appeared in reports received by Home Intelligence from Regional Information Officers. All new topics arising for the first time are included in the main Weekly Reports. The following subjects have lost their novelty, while still retaining their importance for large sections of the public. They are arranged according to the frequency with which they have been reported.

a. Transport difficulties including those of the general public, war workers and people in rural areas.

b. Waste of Petrol by the Services, Civil Defence, those still receiving a petrol ration, the misuse of taxis, etc.

c. Disparity in Pay between British and (i) U.S. troops, (ii) Dominions' troops, (iii) munition workers and other civilians: between women and men doing the same job: between adults and juveniles.

d. Salvage , including non-collection, inefficient or indiscriminate collection.

e. Inadequacy of Clothing Coupons , including children's and industrial and agricultural workers'.

f. Too many young men in civilian jobs and evading call-up

g. Shortage of matches and lighters

h. Inadequacy of Old Age Pensioners' supplementary allowance

i. Shortage of housing accommodation and difficulty of billeting workers.

j. “Victimisation” of the small trader in relation to larger concerns.

k. Inadequacy of Service dependants' allowances and Service pensions .

l. Shopping difficulties , including food queues

m. Anti-Semitism

n. Shortage and high price of crockery, glass and kitchenware

o. Careless talk , including the Services and the public

p. Indigestibility and bad keeping qualities of National Bread and flour .

q. “Unfair treatment” of the small poultry keeper

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REFERENCES

D 78199 -1 5,000 D/d 1576 9/42 PRP