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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 252

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.

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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 103
SECRET

24th September, 1942

(Covering the period from 15th to 22nd September, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reactions to news

Interest, apart from that taken in home affairs, seems to have been focused almost entirely on the defence of Stalingrad this week. Admiration for its “heroic defenders” and a feeling epitomised by the question, “Is there nothing we can do to help Russia?” appear to be almost universal. Opinions conflict as to whether the city will be able to hold out, but there is considerable anxiety about its fate.

Although not much discussion is reported about other war zones, satisfaction is mentioned at “our large scale bombing of Germany” and, to a lesser extent, with our action in Madagascar. The announcement of Canadian casualties at Dieppe has in some areas revived discussion about “the worthwhileness” of the raid.

According to reports from eight Regions and Postal Censorship, people continue “to be much preoccupied” with the following apprehensions about the winter: (i) the blackout - “It's the blackout that's worst”: (ii) the fuel shortage; (iii) air raids: “When winter comes on the Russian front, the Germans will send their planes to bomb us”; (iv) transport difficulties “of all kinds”.

From the North Eastern Region and, for the third week in succession, from the South Western Region “the unequal distribution and misuse of petrol” are referred to as the main or one of the main topics on the Home Front.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Birmingham, Cardiff, Carlisle, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Reading P.C.s. 22)

2. Russia

Admiration for the defenders of Stalingrad, the desire for us to give help to the Russians, and the feeling that we are not doing enough to relieve pressure on them, are again reported this week, with increased intensity.

Although a growing number of people seem to feel that Stalingrad is sooner or later bound to fall a minority still believe that “the astounding tenacity of the Russians will save it”. The majority seem, however, to be confident that “whatever happens to the city, Russian resistance will continue”.

“People in high places who are wanting the Germans and Russians to exterminate each other” are again referred to, being mentioned this week in reports from six Regions.

Feeling about a second front continues on the lines reported last week.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Cardiff, Carlisle, Manchester, York P.C.s. 22)

3. Egypt

Although little comment on the Tobruk raid is reported from some Regions, “a sudden flare of interest” is reported from others. There is some belief that the raid was a failure and that, “as at Dieppe, we paid a high price for the results achieved”. The loss of the two destroyers is specifically mentioned, and in addition “it is feared that casualties may have been heavy”.

It appears to be fairly generally felt that “the position in Egypt is now in hand”. There continues, however, to be some impatience at our lack of action, and also “disappointment that our victory was not followed up, and that we have given the enemy a chance to recover”.

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

4. Madagascar

Satisfaction is reported that “we are gaining a firm control over the island”, though there is some comment on what is thought to be our slow progress. (This was before the capture of Antananarivo.)

The rejection of our armistice terms appears to have increased feeling against the Vichy Government and impatience at “any soft handling of Laval and his gang”. In the Southern Region this anti-Vichy feeling is said to be extended in some cases to the Free French on whom “not much reliance is placed and who are unpopular in some parts of the Region where they've been stationed”.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 13)

5. The Allied air offensive

From seven Regions there are reports that the Allies' large-scale raids on Germany are being followed with the greatest interest. Although there is still some demand for more thousand bomber raids, it is now felt that “the oft-repeated threat to make Germany suffer is really being executed”. Astonishment is expressed at the use of our 8000 lb. bombs, and it is hoped that the enemy is not similarly equipped. Anxiety about our losses increases a desire to know their proportion to the number of planes employed. Lack of such information is said to “make people feel that the percentage of losses must be high”.

Four Regions report a hankering for the bombing of “Italy, preferably Rome”, and the Italian industrial towns generally; it is not understood “why Italy remains immune”. It is also felt that “the bombing of Berlin is our job and should not be left to the Russians”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 11. 12. 13. 22 Ashton-under-Lyne)

6. Enemy air raids on this country

Expectation of German raids on this country during the coming winter is said to be fairly strong; it is believed that the Luftwaffe in Russia will “turn westwards if Hitler's armies can dig themselves in”.

Great concern is still reported from three Regions at the late sounding of sirens, the lack of fighter protection and the failure of the A.A. defences in coastal areas. On the other hand, great satisfaction is expressed in one South Coast town at the defences which have now been allotted to them. These, it is claimed, have had a noticeably heartening effect on the population.

Incendiary bombs : These are reported in one Region to be “better left alone, as so much confusion still persists as to methods of treatment”.

(1. 5. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10. 11. 22 Norwich, Dorset, Kent, Newport, I.O.W., Leeds.)

7. The Dieppe raid

The announcement of the Canadian casualties at Dieppe is reported to have caused some concern and has “increased doubts as to whether the raid was worth while”.

In two Regions, there is said to be “an unhappy feeling that the 3,367 Canadians are only part of the total casualties” - which are variously estimated in the Eastern Region at ten or fifteen thousand.

The belief that the raid was “an invasion attempt that failed” has not entirely died out.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 10. 12. 13. 22)

8. The war situation debate (8th September)

Feeling ranging from severe criticism to all round disgust at the action of Members of Parliament in “walking out for lunch after the Prime Minister's statement” is reported from five Regions this week; two reports refer to “the bad effect of such behaviour on workers in industry.

The following letter, quoted by Postal Censorship, typifies reactions to this incident: “At a time when England is fighting for her life ... less than twenty members of Parliament are sufficiently interested to be there on the job. These are the people who get on their hind legs and shout about absenteeism if a miner or a docker or a factory worker loses an hour. It makes me mad; they should get the same penalty as the workers, or better still, as the deserters”.

The rebuke administered by Sir Stafford Cripps is thought to have been “richly deserved”.

(1. 2. 3. 9. 10. 21 Aberdeen, Cardiff, Inverness, Manchester P.C.s. 22 Wallasey.)

9. The Far East and the South West Pacific

Interest in “this distant front” is still confined to a small minority. There appears, however, to be increasing confidence in the Americans' ability “to handle the Japs on land and sea”, in spite of some concern over the Solomons and Port Moresby. A demand for the bombing of Tokyo and other Japanese cities and for greater aid to China is reported from the Northern Region.

(1. 3. 6. 7. 8. 9. 13)

10. India

“The great extent” of the sabotage in India, as lately revealed in the Press, is said to have caused some uneasiness; at the same time approval of “our firm handling” continues, as does lack of sympathy for Congress.

(4. 6. 7)

11. Broadcasting and presentation of news

There is again little criticism of news presentation this week; there is, in fact, some indication that it is regarded by a considerable number of people as “not unsatisfactory”[Text Missing] Three aspects are, however, unfavourably commented upon in several reports:-

Talks and programmes particularly commended include:

Mr. Lyttelton's “80 day speech” : Some interest is reported from four Regions in Mr. Lyttelton's further references to this in Sheffield on the 16th September, and it is thought that:- (a) “He expects some considerable improvement in our position before long;” (b) “It will increase wishful thinking”, and that “if we survive the next three weeks without a major disaster people will then think they can sit back and wait for victory;” (c) “We shall be opening a second front within this period”.

“Distressing articles” in the Press : Two features in the Press are criticised as causing “distress and misery” to soldiers' next-of-kin. One is an account, said to have appeared in the “Star” (7th September) and in the “Daily Telegraph” (8th September), of how our men in Libya were made to dig trenches in front of the German guns and were then mown down, the Germans remarking: “Less to feed, if we don't take them prisoner”.

The other is an article in the “Sunday Express” of 13th September, by O.D. Gallagher, describing how “the last troops to enter Singapore were tortured and killed by the blood-lusty Japanese”: this is being “widely discussed in the Peterborough area”, as it is believed that these troops were mainly Lincolnshire men.

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

The public's attitude to broadcast music

Recent enquiries by B.B.C. Listener Research indicate a growing appreciation for symphony concerts and a decline in enthusiasm for the theatre and cinema organ. Two enquiries based on random samples, each of 5000 listeners, show the following changes in the public's attitude to symphony concerts:

If the second group, who are predisposed to favour concerts without being enthusiasts, are regarded as part of the symphony concert public, it appears that this kind of music interests about one listener in four. A comparison of the two enquiries shows that, whereas a year ago 40% of the listening public were strongly antipathetic to concerts, this figure has since decreased by more than a quarter. In the majority of cases this change is merely from active hostility to a more passive dislike, but the fact that this movement of opinion has already increased, however slightly, suggests that if it continues, more positive changes may be expected in the future.

Similar enquiries about the public's attitude to cinema organ music show the following results:

Last year the keenest enthusiasts exceeded one-third of the whole listening public; they now number little more than a quarter. At the same time antipathy towards cinema organs has increased from 17% to 23%. In a word, the marked decrease in hostility towards symphony concerts runs parallel with the decrease in the popularity of the theatre and cinema organ.

(24)

. . . . . . . . . . .

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

16. Fuel Economy

Discussion of this subject appears to be increasing, although few new points have arisen. There is a marked desire to do everything possible to economise but indignation is expressed at the necessity for the campaign. “People are willing to go short of imported goods, but when it comes to coal they want to know the reason why”. It is felt that the gap between production and consumption could be bridged by improved methods in mine management and a greater effort on the part of the miners, and there is again suspicion that workings are being prepared for post war coal production at the expense of the present output. There is renewed comment on waste in public buildings, Government offices, cinemas and shops, and it is suggested that the campaign might profitably be directed to these culprits rather than to the domestic consumer.

Points particularly affecting the housewife are:-

Fuel economy advertisements : One Region reports that people are taking the campaign more to heart and suggests that a “repeat advertisement” of the Target Tables in the press would now receive greater attention than the first issue. Another Region calls for “more and continued publicity”. It is said that the advertisement, “Do not use fuel for space heating” is not understood, and criticism is again made of economy posters being shown in districts where gas and electricity are not available.

There is also criticism from one Region of the “lavish brochure” issued by Commander King-Hall giving information on the fuel campaign weeks. Further comment this week on his broadcast talk is that “to be lectured for a state of affairs for which the Government is to blame is a natural cause of resentment”.

Fuel Flashes : Reports on these are equally divided between approval and sarcasm: “I am fed up with being talked at, lectured at and given advice”.

Fuel economies in the Royal household : These have been received in Scotland with interest, but objections have been taken to mention of the King's bath having a 5" water line painted on it. This is considered “going too far” and an intrusion on the King's privacy.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 32)

Transport

Transport - described in one report as “a major evil and a subject of constant discussion throughout the Region” - continues to be widely reported as a matter for complaint. This week nine Regional reports (as against seven last week) refer to transport difficulties of some kind, particularly in country districts.

While complaints for the most part follow familiar lines, the difficulties and hardships of elderly people are mentioned in two reports this week: “From various parts of the Southern Region there are complaints from elderly people, compelled to undertake train journeys on business, of the strain of spending hours standing in crowded corridors. Some of them are saying that they do not think that they can survive a winter of such travel with the added trial of the blackout”.

People are said to be asking “why the number of trains is to be reduced, as this will throw increased traffic on to the buses. It is pointed out that the trains are powered from coal which we produce, while buses run on petrol which we have to import”.

Petrol : Unfavourable comments are reported from five Regions on “the number of private cars being used for journeys obviously not of national importance”, and of “the various loopholes which apparently exist, and are taken full advantage of by many business people and owners of private cars, to obtain petrol”. “Cases are quoted”, according to the report from the North Eastern Region, “of thirty cars being drawn up outside a building while a lecture was being held, twelve or sixteen outside a house where a sale was in progress, and twelve outside a hotel and dance hall”.

It is thought that the police are lax in checking up on petrol usage, and the suggestion has been made that “motorists should have a card or endorsement in their Registration books indicating the purpose for which they are allowed to use petrol”.

Suspicion of abuses on the part of farmers - who “seem to have unlimited petrol” - is again mentioned: it is believed that “empty sacks, bulb trays and similar articles used in connection with agriculture are carried with the sole object of providing an excuse for the drivers if they are called upon to explain the use of petrol”.

There are also “complaints that discrimination is shown in the allocation of petrol, one businessman having to lay up his car while another, in apparently similar circumstances, is allowed petrol”.

Shortage of spare parts for bicycles : The difficulty of replacing spare parts of bicycles, and particularly ball bearings, is said to be the cause of considerable hardship to munition workers, who “depend on their machines for getting to work”.

Green Line coaches : Some grumbling is reported from the Eastern and the London Regions about the “imminent suspension” of these buses. It is feared that the parents of evacuated children who have been in the habit of taking a cheap day return to see their children on Sundays, will not be able to afford the more expensive train fare, and will bring their children home”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 22 Kent, Accrington, Llandrindod Wells, Hereford, Plymouth, Macclesfield, Southampton. 32)

18. Industry

Again this week little comment is reported on production as a whole, and the general feeling seems to be that it is “fairly satisfactory”.

The call-up : Two subjects are, however, arousing a great deal of discussion in connection with the call-up:-

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Manchester P.C.)

19. Miners and the Essential Work Order

Preliminary reactions to the Essential Work (Coalmining Industry) (Amendment) Order, 1942, are referred to in reports from nine Regions. The general public are said, in the main, to be unaware as yet of the existence of the new amendment, but the few who know about it think that “it's about time”. In some Regions (particularly in the Northern Region, where the Amended Order was only circulated towards the end of last week) the miners themselves seem not yet to have “appreciated the object of the amendment” or, at any rate, “how it would operate in particular cases”.

The miners' reactions : Most reports indicate that, on the whole, the miners are accepting the amendment “very calmly ... as a matter of of course, and are not at all perturbed”. Many are said to welcome it and “to be beginning to realise that voluntary absenteeism must be eliminated”. Exceptions are, however, mentioned, notably in the Midland Region where at first the miners were said to be “very disturbed” and to feel that they were “having the whip applied”. In Scotland, too, the miners are said in some cases “not to be taking it very well”.

The following points of view have been expressed by the miners:

The managements' reactions : The managements and owners appear to have welcomed the amendment to a man: mine-owners, according to two reports, “welcome anything that puts pressure on the men”. The new procedure, it is thought, will be an improvement on the “ineffectiveness of Pit Production Committees in dealing with the absentee problem, which is said to have been due to the policy of the men's representatives”. It is pointed out that “the Committee members were the elected officers of Union Branches, and their re-election to these offices was often more important to them than the prosecuting of a miner for an offence, the miner's vote being lost if he received a fine for absenteeism”. It is, however, felt that any action under the new amendment should be “taken immediately after an offence, as this would impress on the offender that he was getting his deserts and would cut down the resentment which grows as a result of discussion, consideration and other delays”. But even under the amendment it is thought that prosecution will still be “indirect and lengthy. The Fuel Investigation Officer has to report to the National Service Officer who, in turn, investigates the case, after which it may be passed on to the courts. All these investigations mean further loss of working hours for the miner, who begins to feel that his avoidable holiday is being lengthened by the Government”. The suggestion is made that “the Fuel Investigation Officer himself should have power of prosecution, and that after a miner has received one warning he should, immediately upon committing a second offence, be prosecuted”.

The Fuel Investigation Officer : Two reports stress - and others imply - that the Fuel Investigation Officers should be “independent of both sides” and that they “will have to be very careful in implementing the Order, as mistakes on their part will have dire results”. It is, however, felt that “if he shows that he means business, he will have the public's backing, the respect of the majority of the men and the welcome of the managements”.

“A loop-hole for slackers” : It is suggested in one report that the fact that “shifts can be lost quite legally if the time is spent in a visit to a doctor” may provide a loop-hole for slackers, and it is said that “about 10% will take advantage of this as they habitually visit the doctor on the slightest pretext”. According to the report from the Midland Region, “the Warwickshire Miners' Federation states that ‘sick notes’ have poured in, since the Order was announced, from men who were absent before but who never bothered with sick notes”.

Points needing clarification : In addition to the question already referred to of “the free movement from pit to pit”, which is said not to be understood at present, other points which are thought to need clarifying include the meaning and interpretation of certain phrases in the Order, such as “reasonable excuse”, “persistently late” and “lawful and reasonable orders”. In connection with this last, the Welsh report states that there are at present “a large number of young Colliery Managers, highly qualified in theory but naturally lacking in practical experience”, and there is said to be some difficulty in visualising “a ripened collier with twenty, thirty or even fifty years' experience on the face taking instructions from one of these”.

(1. 2. 3. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)

20. Food

Praise for the general food situation is again reported. “Food Facts” are also commended. “Their up-to-the-minute hints” and “reminders of the current four weekly period” are commended. “These Ministry Notices are getting to be looked for and relied upon”.

Aspects of the food situation causing unfavourable comment include:-

It is suggested that more ideas should be given to the public about how to use potatoes instead of bread, and that better and more varied cooking of potatoes in restaurants and canteens would increase their consumption. The “Potato Pete” advertisements are said to be disliked in Scotland, though the campaign is reported to be having some effect there.

No comment on the rise in the price of bread has been reported.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 Edinburgh, York, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol Nottingham P.C.s.)

21. Women's Fireguard Order

Comments on this Order continue on the same lines as were reported last week, and may be summarised as follows:-

People are still reported to be uncertain of what they will be required to do, and Miss Wilkinson's talk on 11th September is described as being “evasive”. The “incomprehensibility of the official wording of the public notices” about registering for firewatching is also commented on.

(2. 3. 7. 9. 10. 12. 21 Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, P.C.s. 22, Plymouth, Liverpool, Barnsley, Preston, Macclesfield)

22. U.S. troops in Great Britain

Reports show that relations with the U.S. troops continue to be good, on the whole, and there is an increasing desire for greater knowledge of them and their country. There is a feeling that they are now being welcomed and “accepted as part of the community”, and their reaction to hospitality is considered appreciative. On the other hand, there are still complaints that some of them make a too lavish display of wealth, of too much treating of young girls who are not accustomed to drink, and of a lack of discipline. Reference is also made in one Region to their being guilty of “careless talk”.

It is of interest that in a special Postal Censorship Report (23rd September) on Opinion on U.S. troops in Britain over the last two months, references to them appear to be almost equally divided between appreciation and adverse criticism. (Home Intelligence Reports over this period, though giving these two aspects of public feeling, show a slightly greater volume of appreciation than adverse criticism.)

Renewed complaints, this time from Scotland, are reported of shopkeepers who are alleged to be taking advantage of U.S. troops who are ignorant of our currency.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. 16. 21 Manchester, Special P.C.s.)

23. Servicemen's pay and allowances

Discussion on this subject seems to be as widespread as ever, and the familiar comparisons are made between the pay of U.K. troops and that of:-

U.S. troops (Six Regions)

Munition workers (Four Regions)

(Adverse comment is also reported from the relatives of Servicemen on the “numerous uniforms provided for the American troops”: it is said that “American privates have as many dresses as a debutante”.)

The recent increases in Servicemen's pay are still described as inadequate (Four Regions), and there is a feeling that “the Government has had the increase forced upon them by the presence of so many better paid American and Dominion troops in this country”. The belief is expressed that “trouble will ensue if more is not done to bridge the gap in actual cash received between the British forces and the U.S. men. This is said to apply equally to junior officers with wives and children to support”.

The hardships and difficulties of Servicemen's dependants are mentioned in two reports, particularly in the case of “widows with young children, who have received no commensurate increase”.

(1. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 Reading P.C. 22 Hereford.)

24. Services' comforts

The removal of the Board of Trade's concession to supply coupon-free wool for knitters of Service comforts is said to be causing concern to relatives of Service men: “It has taken away the last opportunity women had of making something for their menfolk”. Old ladies “who wanted to feel they were helping a soldier” now, apparently, consider themselves “quite useless”.

(1. 4. 8. 10)

25. Lack of domestic help

The lack of domestic workers for the sick and aged is said to be causing much hardship. The bright side of the picture is, however, mentioned in the report from Wales, according to which general practitioners agree that there is “a progressive decline in the minor neuroses”. This is thought to be “obvious in the case of the more wealthy who have had to undertake a serious job of work. In particular, the lady of the house, left without maids or car, seems to have gained much in health and, quietly, in self esteem. The maidless cease to grouse, and boast about it”.

(1. 8. 32)

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REFERENCES

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