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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 249

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. 106
SECRET

15th October, 1942

(Covering the period from 6th October to 13th October, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

Once again the general level of public feeling is reported to have undergone little change. Greater hopefulness about Stalingrad, though still tempered by caution, is widespread, but it appears to be counterbalanced by a growing impatience at “the failure of the United Nations to take offensive action in support of Russia”.

For most people, however, the major issue of the week seems to have been the chaining of prisoners of war, which in nine Regions is said to have superseded Stalingrad as a subject of interest. The action of the Germans in manacling the Dieppe prisoners has aroused anger and consternation, and is reported to have “increased and hardened feeling against Germany”. It is pointed out that “had Hitler deliberately wished to stimulate the people of this country he could not have selected a more successful way of doing it”. Opinion on the wisdom of our retaliating is divided, and there are indications that support for the Government's action is losing some of its strength.

Reports nevertheless suggest some increase in complacency, as well as lack of interest in the war. There is an indication that this may partly be the result of “a feeling of frustration at our own continued inaction”, and because “people are fed up with waiting for something that does not look like coming”. It is said that, “especially in the lower grades of the social scale, the seriousness of the war situation is little appreciated”, and inspiration for the war effort is still lacking for many people.

There is also “a certain amount of apprehension that this winter is going to be nastier than the last one”. The blackout is disliked, particularly by women. To this are added, in people's minds, the discomforts of fuel shortage and fire-watching duties, as well as the possibility of renewed German air raids if the Russian front becomes stabilised.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Bristol, Reading, Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Inverness, York, Shetland P.Cs. 22 passim.)

2. The chaining of prisoners of war

The whole subject of the chaining of prisoners of war has aroused intense and widespread interest on the part of all but a very few, “who seem to be left unmoved”; by the end of the week it appeared to have ousted Stalingrad as the main talking point in nine Regions. The following reactions have been reported, and are arranged in order of the frequency with which they were mentioned:

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

3. Russia

Feelings about Russia may be summarised this week as follows:-

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Glasgow, Leeds, Reading, York P.Cs. 22 Passim.)

4. The second front

Although an increase in “second front talk” is reported from three Regions - in one of which it is said to have been greater than at any time in recent weeks - the majority still seem ready to “leave it to the experts” ... “but let it be soon rather than late”. Strong though the desire is that we should wait till we are properly prepared, this is offset by a fear that we might leave it until it is too late or by a belief, in the case of a good many, that it is already too late. Expectancy that “something will happen soon”, which appears to be fairly widespread, is said to have found some support in Mr. Churchill's reference to “this significant time”.

Reference continues to be made to “anti-Russian feeling in high quarters”, to the discouraging effect of the Dieppe casualties, and to the agitation of the communists for a second front.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Glasgow, Inverness P.Cs. 22 Passim.)

5. M. Stalin's replies to Mr. Cassidy's questions

Reports differ as to the amount of interest aroused by M. Stalin's remarks, but the general opinion seems to be that his statement was “a puzzle that uninformed ingenuity cannot solve”. Reactions differ little from those mentioned in our last report, and range from indignation at his ingratitude to shame that he should have to ask us to keep our promise. His statement, together with various utterances by Mr. Willkie, is held to account for the increased second front talk.

What seems to have made a particularly strong impression on many people is the indication that “there is some deep misunderstanding between our country and Russia”: there is disappointment that “such a statement should have been made so soon after Mr. Churchill's visit”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester P.Cs. 22 Passim.)

6. The raid on Sark

This raid has been overshadowed, for most people, by the chaining of the Dieppe prisoners. The following reactions have, however, been noted:-

(3. 4. 7. 10. 11)

7. The Prime Minister's speech at Edinburgh (12th October)

(Reports have not yet been received from all Regions.)

The speech appears to have been well received and people are said to have approved “his references to our having stood alone for a year, as a necessary reminder for both Russian and American critics of Britain”. In Scotland “his more hopeful view of the situation was noted, and this has heartened most people as Mr. Churchill is not generally considered over-optimistic”. On the other hand, some Scottish critics “thought he was too buttery towards Scotland”, and some working-class people on Clydeside seem sceptical of his remarks about the improved health of this country. They do not see “how this squares” with the Dawson Committee's findings on the increase in tuberculosis.

(3. 7. 9. 10. 12)

8. Mr. Lyttelton's “80 day” speech

There are some references to slight interest in Mr. Lyttelton's “80 day” speech, and he is accused “of making us count to no purpose”. People were “expecting some spectacular development” at the end of 80 days, and his speech is therefore considered to be “a bad form of ministerial oratory, which can only lead to public cynicism”.

(7. 9. 10. 22 Aylesbury, Doncester, Oldham)

9. Enemy air raids on this country

Expectation of reprisals by the Luftwaffe is reported from seven Regions, but is “not causing much concern”; “most people seem resigned rather than acutely worried”. One Region reports a divided opinion as to whether we shall get raids: “there is much less fear now that the Russians are holding out at Stalingrad”; and there is said to be a feeling of confidence that we would still “have the Germans' measure even if they withdrew large numbers of planes from the East”.

Blackout : Indignation has been expressed in Norwich that the B.B.C. should have broadcast a statement of the city's defective blackout. There are reports from two Regions expressing uneasiness about blackout arrangements in some places; it is thought the regulations should be more strictly enforced.

(1. 2. 4. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 22 Canterbury, Isle of Wight, Leicester, Portsmouth, Preston, Windsor)

10. The Allied air offensive

There is little comment this week. The raid on Lille by Flying Fortresses has given satisfaction, though people cannot understand why their losses were so slight and their fighting capacity so great as compared with our bombers.

Four Regions refer to our air losses published a few days ago. Although these are deplored, the proportionate losses are thought to be “not unsatisfactory”, and the view is expressed that they “show the great strength of a force which can stand such losses and still maintain superiority in Egypt and elsewhere”.

The desire for the bombing of Italy is again reported, this week by four Regions, two of which refer to a feeling that the Government is being influenced by the Catholics in this country; it is suggested that a speech by a Government spokesman might clear up the position. Two reports mention some demand for the “bombing of Berlin as a reprisal for the chaining of our prisoners”; another urges that any chaining of our prisoners by Italians should be “answered by the bombing of Rome”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 22 Passim.)

11. India

Some “slight renewal of interest” in the Indian situation, possibly stimulated by the recent debate in the House of Commons (9th September), is reported this week. A desire “to see an attempt made to end the present deadlock” is reported from three Regions, and it is felt that the Government should make greater attempts to negotiate with “those leaders in India who are willing to do so”. Congress and Gandhi are still said to be in “bad odour”.

(1. 4. 8. 9. 10. 21 Inverness P.C. 22 Hereford, Maidstone, Northampton, St. Albans, South Shields)

12. Far East

Interest is limited but people are pleased “with the way things are going in the Solomons and New Guinea”; fear is, however, again expressed by a small minority that “our troops may be advancing into some ingenious Japanese trap”.

Only one Region reports expressions of “appreciation” at our readiness to “relinquish extra-territorial rights in China”; it is described as “an earnest of our good intentions”.

(2. 4. 6. 8. 10. 11. 12. 21 Edinburgh, Reading, 22 Passim.)

13. Middle East

Interest in this theatre of war continues to be at a low level, though people are reported to be less “bewildered” by the long lull, and to be “slightly more hopeful” that “a big offensive” will start soon.

(1. 4. 8. 10. 12. 22 Barnsley, Guildford, Holyhead, Ipswich, Maidstone, St. Albans)

14. The Dawson Committee on tuberculosis

The findings of this Committee have aroused some interest. The public “do not see how this increase in tuberculosis can be reconciled with other Ministry of Health statements that the health of the population is good”; it is felt that in fact “our powers of resistance have been considerably lowered”.

High approval is reported from the North Eastern Region for the suggested provisions “for the maintenance of sufferers and their families”; in London some factory workers are said to have commented to the effect that “we are following the Russian lead”.

(2. 5. 8. 11)

15. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Once more there have been few reported comments on news presentation and on the whole people seem to be satisfied. References are made to a preference for the European News Service, and to people reading only press headlines and listening only to the summary at the beginning of the news bulletins.

There has been criticism in two reports of “the B.B.C's handling of Goering's speech: there is a preference for verbatim reports of enemy leaders' speeches, or for faithful summaries, rather than so much ironic comment”.

Minister of Agriculture's Postscript (Sunday, 10th October) : This has earned what is described as “unusually widespread praise”. Mr. Hudson is “praised for his sincerity, his modesty in claiming no credit for himself in the achievement, and for his courage in referring to a ‘Higher Power’ having provided for us in our need”.

“Convoy to Russia” newsreels : The greatest satisfaction is reported with these for “showing that help really is getting through to Russia”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. 22 Bedford, Cardiff, Grimsby, Macclesfield, Oldham, Portsmouth, Preston)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

16. Women's Fireguard Order

Although “a hardening of opposition” to the Order is reported from the North Eastern Region (where even a women's strike is talked about), “resignation” and “less discussion” are reported from five Regions and Postal Censorship. In the “pockets of resistance” which still remain, the objection is not so much to women fire-watching, as to “an almost passionate feeling of resentment against men who are considered to be shirking their duties”, and an insistence that “all available men should be roped in first”. Other criticisms follow along familiar lines; opposition of the menfolk, reluctance of women with household responsibilities to fire-watch away from home, and a desire for equal rates of compensation.

There are allegations that many women are claiming exemptions from duty, up to 80% in some places. Feeling persists that some women have not registered at all and the hope is expressed that “they will check up, to trace the evaders”.

“Adverse criticism” of Miss Ellen Wilkinson's recent speeches on the subject has been received from three Regions, and it is asked: “On what grounds does she claim to speak for women collectively?” In Liverpool the situation is reported to be “much quieter”, but both Mr. Morrison and Miss Wilkinson are reported to be unpopular.

An article in the Sunday Dispatch of 4th October has been “specially praised” for the “interesting light” it threw on the question.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 21 Cardiff, Manchester, 22 passim)

17. Fuel Economy

Thanks apparently to the weather, the ban on central heating and the “moral blackmail” of telling people not to light fires before November 1st. is the most discussed aspect of the economy campaign this week. An epidemic of colds is reported from six Regions, thought to be due to the lack of heating during the cold spell, and Scottish Region states that “reports of shivering conditions in offices and especially schools come from all over the Region”. It is suggested in one report that the ban on central heating is forcing many people to light fires, thereby causing a greater fuel consumption than would be the case with a central heating boiler; also that much fuel will be used by people who have to stay away from work through illness.

Coupled with a great desire to do all that is possible to economise, there continues to be strong resentment against the Government for its failure “to take a grip of the question”, and for “playing unfairly by trying to lay the responsibility at the consumers' end”.

Fuel Target : The difficulties of reaching the Target are again emphasised by seven Regions; one report suggests that “now is the time to re-issue the Fuel Target notice when public interest is so awake”.

Renewed complaints are made of waste of light in Government and municipal offices and large shops, and of a market “where butchers have a blaze of lights”; there is a report of a Law Court in one Region being centrally heated while the schools are cold. It is asked that more gas lighters should be made available, as “some people have had no matches for three weeks and the gas has had to be kept lit for hours on end”. (For “Shortage of matches”, see section 31, Constant Topics.)

Fuel Rationing : There is some demand for rationing (five Regions) as being the best way of securing equal distribution, although there is some realisation that equitable rationing would be difficult without guaranteed supplies.

“Fuel Flashes” : Fuel Flashes are described in six reports as having “outworn their welcome”; on the other hand, three Regions report favourable reception: “People like Freddie Grisewood's persuasive tones”.

It is reported that press publicity given to local pits who “make their targets” is appreciated and that there is a general improvement in output and an atmosphere of greater effort about the pits.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Manchester, Edinburgh, Carlisle P.Cs., 22 Passim)

18. Coal production

Reports from four Regions refer to factors affecting coal production as follows:-

(2. 8. 9. 10. 22 Derby, Leicester)

19. The Tyneside Strike

There appears to have been little interest in the Tyneside strike outside the districts involved. Locally, however, as is shown by a special report from the R.I.O., Northern Region, an “overwhelming majority of the public feel considerable bitterness towards the men concerned”, though there is some support for them in their own districts. It is also said that some of their complaints about inefficiency in the management of the yards are justifiable.

Among the men who remained at work some are said to believe that Mr. Bevin's concern for his future inhibited him from taking “necessary action”.

The reasons given by the strikers ranged from the Trade Unions' agreement to a pay day change without consulting the men, to complaints about their welfare facilities. When questioned, they have hinted that “a great deal more” lies behind the strike than has been published, but refuse to say what. As “many of them appear somewhat shamefaced at the relative unimportance” of their reasons, this attitude is thought by some people to be only a “face-saver”.

The strike leaders are said to have been known for some time as the instigators of feeling against the Trade Union leaders, and to have seized this opportunity, by appearing to represent the men, to discredit the leaders for failing to do so. While some of the Central Strike Committee were apparently shop stewards, others were merely vociferous “spokesmen”; it is said that despite their promises to the men, they took no steps to bring about a settlement, and, indeed, without referring to the men, told the employers “the men wished the strike to continue”.

(2. 4. 12 Northern)

20. Man and woman power

Complaints about the alleged waste of man and woman power are reported from nine Regions this week.

The main criticisms are that:-

Combined Services recruiting campaign : Little interest appears to have been aroused by this campaign which is only mentioned in reports from three Regions; reactions given are as follows: (i) women are “left cold” by the campaign as they are mostly busy already with evacuees, Civil Defence, etc. (ii) “an increasing feeling”, to quote from the Northern Region report, “that women with children should look after them and neither volunteer for, nor be directed into, the Services or industry; this feeling is said to be created by the noticeable increase in juvenile delinquency”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 Inverness, Manchester, Shetland, P.Cs. 22 Bodmin, Hereford)

21. Wages and Pay

There is further reference this week to feeling, described in the North Eastern Region as “rising discontent”, at “the inequality of sacrifice and reward between servicemen and women and their dependants on the one hand and civilians, particularly munition workers, on the other. “The inadequacy of allowances” to servicemen's wives is again particularly mentioned, though it is also suggested that (i) in some cases “exploitation by landlords charging high rents is the chief cause of financial difficulty; (ii) “far too few” know about the availability of War Service Grants; (iii) delay in dealing with some cases causes hardship: “every day of waiting deepens personal distress”.

Two Regions also refer to war widows being “very badly off since prices have increased so greatly; it is asked why their pension was not increased at the same time as the Old Age Pension”.

Unfavourable comparisons continue to be made, in addition to the above, between the pay of:-

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 11. 21 Edinburgh, Glasgow, P.Cs.)

22. Shopping difficulties of war workers

Workers are reported “to be faced with a serious dilemma as a result of the early closing and lunch hour closing of shops and the late hours they are expected to work. Either they must take time off for shopping or they cannot obtain their fair share of goods”.

(1. 2. 8. 22 Hull, Newcastle-under-Lyme)

23. Clothing coupons

Initial reactions to the new coupon values for clothing are not very favourable.

The rationing of towels is described as “the last word” because:-

The increase in coupon value for fully fashioned stockings is described as “disappointing”, although pleasure is expressed at the possibility of obtaining “a good pair of fully fashioned stockings that will wear better than the present ones”. It is felt that “purely medical necessities such as surgical and abdominal belts which cannot be used for non-medical purposes” should be coupon free.

The “counter-balancing concessions” are thought to be “unsubstantial” and “the fact that the new issue of coupons will take place in March instead of April is too remote at the moment to make much difference”.

(3. 4. 5. 6. 10)

24. Income tax

Three Regions report some worry or irritation over income tax among workers. The specific points raised are as follows:-

People are also reported to be saying “that to pay income tax and to save is now impossible”.

(2. 3. 9)

25. Salvage

Although criticisms about non-collection of salvage and the collection of railings continue on familiar lines, a few additional points have been reported this week:-

(5. 6. 7. 22 Guildford, Maidstone)

26. U.S. Troops in Great Britain

Comment on this subject has largely died down, but reports continue to show that where personal contact is made the U.S. troops are, on the whole, popular, and “settling in well”. There is still some criticism of the amount of money they have to spend, of their apparently “casual behaviour”, elaborate uniform, and “heavy drinking”; and one Region reports a feeling of discouragement among the local people because their offers of hospitality to American troops have not been taken advantage of.

The coloured troops are said to be well-behaved and sympathy for them, “in a strange cold country” ... “with no lady friends”, is expressed. The behaviour of white girls is criticised in two reports.

In some areas, it is wondered if our offers of hospitality to the U.S. troops are being overdone, in comparison with what we did for our other allies.

Two Regions report the belief that in some cases U.S. troops are being overcharged by taxi-drivers and bar-tenders.

(4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 11. 13. 21 Reading, Manchester, Inverness, P.Cs. 22 Chelmsford, Liverpool, Macclesfield, Norwich, Oxford)

27. Transport

There are fewer references to transport difficulties this week, though some complaints are still reported from rural areas particularly on the difficulty “of obtaining rations from neighbouring towns owing to inadequate bus services”.

There are also complaints that “the increase in railway fares has made more people travel on the already overcrowded buses”. It is suggested that this congestion may not only cause ill-health but also be one of the causes of the increase in tuberculosis.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10. 22 Maidstone, Norwich, South Shields, Warrington, Winchester)

28. Petrol

There appears this week to have been a further decrease in the intensity of complaints about the waste or misuse of petrol. References, however, to the following allegations continue to be reported: (i) car owners use their petrol allowance for purposes other than those for which it was issued; (ii) taxis are used for pleasure purposes; (iii) petrol is wasted by servicemen and by Government officials.

(1. 3. 4. 6. 9. 12. 13. 21 Glasgow P.C. 22 Bradford, Canterbury, Chelmsford, Colchester, Guildford, Hartlepool, Hereford, Leicester, Lincoln, Maidstone, Norwich, Oxford, Salisbury, Southport, Wakefield)

29. Food

The “familiar bouquets for Lord Woolton” continue. Even his threat to tighten our belts is described as popular.

Minor points on which there is comment are as follows:-

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. 12. 21 Birmingham, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading, Shetland P.Cs. 22 Bedford, Bradford, Canterbury, Colchester, Cumberland, Guildford, Leamington, Mold, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sunderland, Westmoreland, York)

30. Rumours

There are few rumours this week. The “Ark Royal” story continues, and the story about the Jap atrocities recorded on the back of a prisoner's postage stamp has recurred. Commando units are said to be going to Dakar. There are said to be large concentrations of barges on the South Coast. It is rumoured that a Commando training film gives instructions in how to tie up prisoners.

An increase in careless talk is reported specially from the South Eastern Region. R.A.F. men, Canadian soldiers, and civilians working on secret government contracts are regarded as the worst offenders.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 10. 11. 12)

31. Monthly Summary of Constant Topics No. 2

(covering the period from 15th September to 13th October 1942)

The following subjects, included in this list last month, are now omitted, as references to them have almost ceased: (i) Inadequacy of Old Age Pensioners' supplementary allowance; (ii) Anti-Semitism; (iii) Unfair treatment of the small poultry keeper; (iv) Indigestibility and bad keeping qualities of National Bread and flour; (v) Victimisation of the small business in relation to larger concerns.

All new topics arising for the first time are included in the main Weekly Reports. The following 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.

Transport Difficulties

Waste of petrol

Disparity in pay

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

Carless Talk

Shopping difficulties including food queues

High pay to juveniles

Shortage of housing accommodation and difficulty of billeting workers

Inadequacy of servicemen's pay and dependants' allowances

Inadequacy of clothing coupons

Shortages

(i) Shortage and high price of crockery, glass and ketchenware

(ii) Shortage of matches and lighters

(iii) Shortage of shell eggs

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REFERENCES

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