654

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 246

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.

656 657 2 658 3 659 4 661 6 662 7 663 8 664 9 665 10 667 12

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 107
SECRET

22nd October, 1942

(Covering the period from 13th October to 20th October, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

No marked change in the general level of public spirits is reported, though a slight upward tendency has been noted in seven Regions. This is thought to be due to:-

Nine reports mention expectancy, combined in some cases with optimism, in others with impatience. There is said to be a “fairly widespread expectation of some major development at an early date”, and a belief that “we shall shortly make an offensive move, which has been anxiously awaited for so long”. No definite reasons are suggested for the prevalence of these feelings, though General Smuts' arrival and his reference to “the switch-over to the offensive”, the Americans' landing in Liberia, the renewed attack on Malta, and Axis nervousness about Dakar, are all mentioned.

Although Stalingrad has now regained first place in people's thoughts, the chaining of prisoners continues to cause much discussion; opinion, though still divided, leans yet closer to the view that retaliation is not the best course.

Frequent references to lack of interest in the war - “except in so far as it affects the individual” - continue, and are particularly reported “from non-industrial towns and rural areas conspicuously unaffected by the war, which are described by visitors as “havens of inertia’”.

Four Regional and seven Postal Censorship reports refer to “fears of the coming winter, with probable shortage of fuel, difficulties of transport, the cumulative effect of the blackout in the fourth war winter, and the prospects of enemy raids”.

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

2. Russia

The lull in the German offensive and the competing interest of the chained prisoners combined last week to lessen interest in the battle of Stalingrad. The renewal of the attacks, however, has refocused public attention on the struggle, though interest is still said to be less than it was a fortnight ago. Opinion seems evenly divided as to whether the city will hold out or not; there is a hope that winter conditions will shortly set in (if they have not already done so) and a growing belief that “even if the enemy do capture the city, it will be an empty triumph” ... “The possession of a heap of ruins will be a small compensation for the huge losses involved and the delay in German plans”.

The second front : “The public conscience” is said to be “very tender about Russia”, and the desire to give her all the help in our power, as well as uneasiness as to whether we are doing so, are both widely reported. So, too, is talk of a second front, and where it has declined in volume or urgency, this is attributed to “the under-current of feeling that something is blowing up”.

In spite of much disagreement, however, on the advisability of an immediate second front, the majority appear to think that “the decision as to how, when and where rests, and should rest, with the responsible leaders”. It is remarked in one report that “the demands are loudest among those with neither fathers, husbands nor sons serving with the Colours”.

Anglo-Russian relations : Admiration for the Russians, and particularly for the defenders of Stalingrad, continues to be reported on the part of the public as a whole, and in some cases is said to be “if anything, more pronounced this week”. There are references to people's “desire to identify themselves with the Russians” and to “hero-worship for all things Russian”. An example of this comes from the Midland Region, where “men factory workers refused point-blank to give donations to a Prisoners of War Fund collection, but gave generously to a collection for Russia”.

At the other end of the scale, however, “a clearly defined minority express the view that Russia's pact with Germany brought the war about, and therefore our own interests should be the deciding factor”. This attitude, which is said to be more prevalent among older people, is reported from five Regions and finds expression in such remarks as: “It's a pity Russia didn't think about a second front in 1939”, and: “Did we whine when we stood alone?”

People are still reported to be disturbed at “the rift which appears to be developing between Britain and the Soviet on war policy”. There is some feeling that “Stalin's recent pronouncement proves there is no common strategy and no mutual understanding”. References to a belief in anti-Russian feeling in “high places” and Government circles come from three Regions.

There is some impatience with “the line that Russia is taking over Hess”; it is felt that “she is trying to force our hand”, and that he should not be tried till after the war.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 16. 21 Cambridge, Glasgow, Inverness P.Cs.)

3. The chaining of prisoners

Though the first bitter indignation against the Germans seems to have lost some of its intensity, the whole of this question continues to cause widespread interest and controversy.

Various suggestions are made to account for the Germans' motive in “making such a fuss”. Their purpose is thought to be:-

A considerable number (mostly, it is said, among the less educated and less thoughtful) still support the Government's decision to retaliate, on the ground that “force is all the Germans understand”. But the feeling seems to be growing that “it was an unwise action on our part”, and this now appears to be the view of the majority. A few are said to doubt whether, in fact, we have shackled German prisoners.

The following objections to our retaliation in kind are reported:-

There is “some apprehension lest we have been led into a position from which it will be very difficult to extricate ourselves”: it is pointed out that “the Germans are widening their threats and leaving us faced with the choice of withdrawing our reprisals or adopting further moves which would not be accepted by the country as a whole”. There is some indication that, in view of “the increasing desire to see the end of the business as soon as possible, an approach by the British Government to the Germans, whatever the means employed, would not be regarded by many as a sign of weakness”.

Relatives of prisoners in German hands : Growing anxiety is reported among the relatives of prisoners, and they are said to feel very strongly on the subject of our reprisals. Many of them consider that what the Germans have already done is probably only the forerunner of further outrages. Postal Censorship quotes a prisoner's relative who writes: “This question of reprisals is making me just sick at heart. I have only had one brief P.O.W. letter and I feel very anxious, and now this reprisals affair adds to it”. Particular concern was caused by “the rumour that our prisoners were in Kiel when our bombers visited it”; this has also given rise to a “fear that the Germans may have devised a weapon which may stay our hand over industrial bombing”.

Unwise publicity : It is felt that the whole matter has been given “far too much publicity”, particularly when it is compared with the war as a whole and with the atrocities being perpetrated in enemy countries.

There is a feeling, too, that “our case has been handled badly from the propaganda angle”. While there is no criticism of the British action in tying the hands of prisoners on the battlefield, and before they are under proper arrest, “it is pretty generally felt that the tardiness in announcing this part of the story has given rise to remarks about the duplicity of the Government and, from simpler people, such comments as: ‘It shows there are faults on both sides’”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 16. 21 Aberdeen, Bristol, Cambridge, Carlisle, Inverness, Nottingham, Reading, York P.Cs.)

4. Malta and the Middle East

“Admiration of the courage of the Maltese and the effectiveness of our defences on the island - as shown by the number of enemy planes brought down this week”-is reported from twelve Regions. These feelings are said to be “comparable with the unstinted praise for the defenders of Stalingrad”. “The common man is proud of this island's toughness”.

The resumption of attacks against Malta is said to be very widely interpreted as “a sign that heavy Axis reinforcements are being got over to the African coast”, and a “flare-up in Egypt” is expected in the near future.

Apart from this, interest in the Egyptian front is reported to be slight, except in those areas, and particularly the Northern Region, where there are relatives of men in the Eighth Army.

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

5. The Allied air offensive

The daylight raid on Le Creusot appears to have made a deep impression on the public. There is great admiration for the “superb timing and precision”. Increasing appreciation of R.A.F. activities is reported, although a minority still demand more 1,000 bomber raids, as promised by the Chief of Bomber Command, "whatever the weather”.

The bombing of Italy and Berlin is again demanded (three Regions), and the immunity of Rome is still attributed to Roman Catholic influence.

Appreciation is expressed for the good work of the American Flying Fortresses.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12)

6. The Far East

The Solomon Islands : Interest in this theatre of war remains at a low level, for which its remoteness is thought to be responsible. “Satisfaction is expressed”, however, with the “generally improved situation”. The successes of the Australian and American troops have given “pleasure”, and though a certain amount of “uneasiness” at the Japanese offensive in Guadalcanal is reported, there is confidence in our ability “to hold our regained ground”.

China : Some further “satisfaction” and “relief of conscience” are reported at the decision to abandon our extra-territorial rights. Other references to China are few and far between, though one Region reports a growing interest in “her continued struggle”, and a hope that we will be able to supply her with more arms.

India : Though approval of the Government's attitude to Gandhi and the Congress Party is still expressed, a desire to re-open negotiations with “other representative Indians” is reported from three Regions. In one, there is reported to be some feeling that Mr. Churchill and Mr. Amery are “not the right people to settle the Indian question” because of their alleged “Imperialist” attitude; in another the fear is reported that “vested interests” are standing in the way of a settlement.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen P.Cs.)

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

This address is said to have been well received, on the whole, but to have caused some, disappointment and less comment than usual. Mr. Churchill's “heartening tone”, and especially his reference to the shipping position, were particularly liked and, as a result, “public opinion seems to be that we are definitely turning the corner”; a fear is expressed, however, that this impression may produce complacency. There are complaints that “he didn't tell us anything new” and that “he buttered up the Scotch too much”. People, however, appreciate “his correct interpretation of the mind of the enemy” and his “argument that, in spite of successes, the Germans cherish little hope of ultimate victory”.

The prospect of enemy raids : The most widely noted part of his speech appears to have been “his opinion that German raids would not reach the proportion of earlier blitzes”. This has “cheered people a good deal”, but his subsequent message, read by Mr. Morrison at Wembley, is thought to conflict with the Edinburgh remarks, and there is said to be a good deal of uncertainty as to what to believe.

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

8. General Smuts

There appears to be considerable interest in General Smuts' visit to this country and there is some tendency to link it up with the likelihood of developments, “possibly in Africa”.

No reactions have yet been reported on his address to both Houses of Parliament; the broadcast of this was said to be “eagerly awaited”.

(1. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10)

9. Enemy air raids on this country

Expectation of raids is reported from six Regions, but the prospect does not appear to arouse much concern. Two reports mention great confidence in our defences and there is also said to be some belief that “the Germans can't do it on a large scale”.

The new incendiary bombs : There still appears to be considerable anxiety as to how these bombs should be tackled; a feeling is reported that even the N.F.S. may not be equal to handling them. But there is said to be some appreciation of the instructional film on how to deal with them.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 9. 10)

10. Convoy leakage enquiry

Some comment is reported on the alleged leakage of information about cargo for Malta. There is thought to have been “gross negligence” somewhere, and Lord Cork's remarks in the House of Lords were considered to be “very timely”.

(3. 5. 8)

11. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Comments on news presentation continue to be small in volume. The following points are again mentioned: (i) Appreciation of the European News Service and reference to “the drabness of the Home Service”; (ii) People read only the headlines in the newspapers and listen only to the summaries at the beginning of the news bulletins; (iii) “The B.B.C. and the Press put over a heap of useful information to the enemy”; (iv) Relatives of men recently missing in Libya are listening in to the Italian news to hear the names of prisoners of war.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Cambridge, Special P.Cs.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

12. Fuel Economy

Eight Regions report a very definite effort to respond to the appeal for economy and “some irritation is caused by those people who talk glibly but fail to apply it to themselves”. Gas and electricity accounts are said to have come as a pleasant surprise to many, “who now feel an added zest to economise”.

Waste is still complained of in public buildings, offices, and blacked-out factories, etc., but in one report “it is noted with approval that restaurants are being more careful”. The present ban on central heating is described as “a short-sighted policy”, and the relaxation of the order in favour of schools is thought to show that some people have realised how silly the prohibition was”.

Rationing : Five Regions report a demand, chiefly among the working-classes, for rationing, but it is realised that a fair scheme would be difficult to devise.

Coke : The extra allowance of coke seems to have given satisfaction and has caused “many to register for it who have not used it before”. One report asks that the Government should give householders more information about its uses.

Fuel Flashes, the poster campaign, and press advertisements : Opinions seem to be fairly evenly divided between those who regard Fuel Flashes as “salutary reminders” and those who think them “inane”.

The poster campaign is said, in two reports, to be attracting attention and proving helpful, but there is some criticism of “the time and money spent on local displays”. Two reports say that the press advertisements are “little noticed”, and one that they are “well received”.

Charity Coal : Poor and especially old people, who have received coal in the past from charitable organisations, are wondering what will happen to them now.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester P.Cs. 22 Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Sheffield, Shrewsbury)

13. Fire-watching

Women's Fireguard Order : Interest in and discussion of this subject is reported to be dying down, except in the North Eastern Region where “condemnation” is said to be “practically unanimous”, it is thought that in Sheffield the introduction of the Order may be met with “passive resistance”. There is apparently some fear that the various complaints put forward will not receive attention, and in Coventry women are said to be still not satisfied with Miss Wilkinson's promise “that men dodgers will be brought in”. Other criticisms continue on the same lines as in previous weeks; women's dislike of fire-watching on business premises (especially “rat infested warehouses”) seems slightly to have increased.

Civil Defence : Complaints are made of Mr Morrison's “vagueness” about plans to meet “possible blitzes”; and criticisms of the “laxness” of fire-watching arrangements come from various towns in the Southern Region; in the residential areas of Banbury and Reading it is said that “fire-watching is still done in a most perfunctory manner”. Other towns in this Region complain of the fire-watching scheme being “forced upon them” when the voluntary system was considered to be working efficiently.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 21 Cambridge, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester P.Cs. 22 Ashton-under-Lyne, Folkestone, Sheffield)

20. Industry and manpower

There appears to be some recurrence of the stories of enforced idleness in factories. Specifically mentioned are Metro Vickers at Trafford Park, A.V. Roe Aircraft and “one large engineering works in Wakefield, which could reduce its personnel by 25% without loss of production”. This question of idle time is said “to be particularly resented when workers are transferred from one factory to another, only to find there is no work for them”. There is also further reference to alleged idle time on new camp construction sites; according to one report, “the lag between the arrival of material and waiting labour on the site is causing serious trouble”.

Other criticisms, which continue along the lines reported for the last few weeks, are about:-

Mr Oliver Lyttelton's production scheme (14th October) : The proposals to re-allocate the country's productive resources have been mentioned in reports from two Regions only. They are praised as “bold and imaginative”, but it is hoped that “the scheme will be carried out without the bungling which marked previous similar attempts, as in the coal and cotton industries”. Where the proposals were “not well received”, resentment is dying down, “now that a fuller explanation has been given”.

Coal miners : The following extract is from the report from Scotland: “Scottish miners in the main were greatly impressed by Major Lloyd George. They appreciated the fact that his speech to them was very short but that he listened to them putting forward their points of view at great length, and ‘they thought him honest and sincere’. Resentment against miners is decreasing: production figures are going up; absenteeism is going down”. The North Western Region, however, reports “a fair amount of criticism of the miner and people are questioning whether he is doing his bit”.

Cotton : The shortage of labour in the cotton industry has been frequently reported from the North Western Region on lines which are well summed up by the following extract from Postal Censorship: “The Government allowed cotton operatives to get into more remunerative jobs, and suddenly realising cotton was an essential war commodity, the Ministry of Labour is now directing workers back to the industry. However, now these operatives have had a taste of what money can be got in other trades, they are reluctant to return, and a satisfactory worker is never one who was compelled to do something he doesn't want to do”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 16. 21 Manchester P.C.)

15. Clothing Coupons

Towels : Five Regions report “distress” and “resentment” amongst housewives at the rationing of towels, “the hardest used articles of household linen”. The plight of households with “lodgers” and “billetees”, and of newly married couples, is thought to be particularly hard, and there is some demand for “household ration cards” to cover such needs.

Manual workers : The “industrial ten” has been “thankfully accepted” by war workers, but there are still demands for additional coupons from laundry and agricultural workers, assistant platelayers, and paint sprayers. It is painted out that in war time many of the latter work unprotected, and it is estimated that they need about six boiler suits a year (Twenty-four coupons). Demands for additional coupons also come from mobile women workers “who may be moved to another factory where a new uniform is issued and more coupons are required”, and certain women factory workers:-for example, those on a loading line, who stand for long hours, and find the replacement of shoes and stockings use up a disproportionate number of coupons; at least 4 pairs of heavy shoes are needed each year.

Curtains : Complaints about coupons for curtain material continue to be reported from four Regions. Newly married couples and transferred war workers are reported to be specially hard hit.

Stockings : “Moans” about the extra coupon for fully-fashioned stockings continue to be reported from a few Regions, and they are thought to be “the last article that should have had an increase”. On the other hand, there is evidence that some women are prepared “to give the extra coupon” for goods of superior quality.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 12. 21 Glasgow, York P.Cs.)

16. Food

Praise for, and satisfaction with, the food situation still continue.

Criticism is reported of the following points:-

From Scotland comes the suggestion “that the Ministry of Food should provide strong carrier bags with ‘Eat More Potatoes’ printed on them. This would help to solve the difficulty of carrying home potatoes. In addition, 56 lb. sacks with a similar advertisement could be sold and delivered to customers”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. 12. 21 Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading P.Cs. 22. Bolton, Hove, Reigate, Shrewsbury, Tynemouth, Worcester, 32)

17. Shopping difficulties

Reports from nine Regions (as against three Regions last week) refer to shopping difficulties - “a tiring problem for many workers”, and it is suggested “that as the days become shorter complaints increase”. The main criticisms continue to be that shops close too early or at lunch time, and that “people who have no other obligations can scout the shops for goods in short supply, whereas war workers have to go without”.

From the South Western Region comes the report of “the basket system” working well in Swindon: “The trader arranges that women may leave their baskets and orders; the baskets are filled with the goods required and the shop opens late one night for the women to fetch them”.

The problems of women workers on farms are said to be as great as for those working in factories.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 12. 21 Special P.C. 22 Ashton-under-Lyme, Worcester)

18. U.S. Troops in Great Britain

Discussion of this subject is on much the usual lines. Good reports continue, especially where personal contact is made, but there are still complaints of insobriety, boastfulness and the lavish entertainment of girls. Laxity of control over some of the soldiers is commented on in two reports, and it is hoped that an 11 p.m. curfew will be instituted to bring them into line with British troops, as “their present 24 and 36 hour leaves are creating grave social problems”.

The suggestion is made that better recreational facilities might go a long way to prevent unpleasant incidents; while shortage of accommodation is said to cause the troops to spend much of their time in public houses and cinemas. There is a complaint from one district that “people cannot buy spirits even for medicinal use, yet the public houses make enormous profits on double whiskies sold to Americans”.

Coloured troops : There is still some criticism of the American attitude to the colour bar, and the problem is considered to be a difficult one in districts where coloured troops are stationed. Their general behaviour is said to be good but their association with white girls causes some concern. It is thought that the girls should have some definite guidance in this matter: “If there are orders given to service women so there should be to civilians”.

(3. 6. 7. 8. 9. 11. 21 Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Reading P.Cs.)

19. Transport

Transport difficulties, particularly for war workers, continue to be reported. The main points mentioned are:-

Reports from the North Eastern, North Western and North Midland Regions refer to the proposed restrictions on transport. There is said to be some expectation in these areas of inconvenience “amongst those seeking evening entertainment”.

In the North Midland Region, “excepting early workmen's services, no trams or buses will run until 1 p.m. and then only until 9 p.m. on Sundays; it is suggested that people living in the country, who fire-watch at business premises on Saturday night, will be unable to return home”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8. 10. 21. Glasgow P.C.)

20. Petrol

There are fewer references this week to waste of petrol. From the South Western Region alone is feeling reported to be “to the fore again”. There continue to be complaints about “the wangling of petrol”, its misuse, and the use of taxis for pleasure purposes or “to carry businessmen to their offices”.

It is suggested that “farmers' allowances might be reduced from May until early August when there is less work for tractors”.

(2. 3. 4. 7. 12. 21 Special P.C. 22 Brecon, Haverfordwest, Ruthin)

21. Health

Some “anxiety” about the health of the nation is reported from four Regions and Postal Censorship, and the recent official statements on the maintenance of good health are “linked ironically” with the increase in tuberculosis. The prevalence of colds, 'flu and gastric trouble is thought to be “worse than usual at this time of year” and some anxiety is expressed as to the effect of extra working hours and fuel economy on health and efficiency. “Does lowered vitality pay now or afterwards?” it is asked.

(4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 21 Manchester P.C.)

22. Wages and pay

There are fewer references this week to this subject. The main points raised are: (i) that “the pay of our troops is too low and that it is most unfair that the wives of munition workers should be so much better off than the wives of serving men”; (ii) lower pay of women doing men's work; this is said to be objected to by both men and women: “Absenteeism is one of its results”.

(7. 9. 10. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Glasgow P.Cs.)

23. Income tax

Post-war credits appear to be the main subject of discussion. Opinion is divided between those who “are eagerly awaiting their post-war credit slips”, those who “have doubts about its reality”, and the aged who “have little enthusiasm for it as they may not live to receive it”.

Income tax, it is suggested, is adversely affecting national savings and, in some cases, work in mines or factories; to quote from postal Censorship: “Lizzie has just been playing for six weeks to dodge her income tax. She won't have any to pay now, while if she worked full time she'd have to”.

(2. 4. 10. 21 Manchester P.C.)

24. National Savings

There is some feeling that the figures should be “rising more quickly when so much money is about and so much is spent weekly on unnecessaries”. It is suggested that two factors which may be having an adverse effect on savings are: “doubt as to whether people will get their money back - “national action is required to reassure people”, and tales of idle time in labour camps.

(5. 7. 8. 10)

655

REFERENCES

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