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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 253

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.

644 645 2 647 4 648 5 649 6 653 10

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 108
SECRET

29th October, 1942

(Covering the period from 20th to 27th October, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

General state of confidence and reaction to news

There is considerably greater interest in war news this week, accompanied in some cases by a rise in spirits, which is stimulated by:

Interest in the Russian front has been somewhat over-shadowed by the fighting in Egypt; but admiration for the Russians is said to be as strong as ever.

Although dread of winter continues, and especially of the blackout and of fuel shortage, other home front matters have this week taken second place to news from the fighting zones.

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

The Middle East

Our offensive in Egypt appears to be “watched with a fair amount of confidence that this time it will be successful”; but hope is tempered by caution “because of the previous disappointments in this theatre”. There is, however, considerable satisfaction and, in some cases, “jubilation that we are doing something at last and have struck first”.

Anxiety about casualties is reported from four Regions. The knowledge that the 50th Division is in action is “causing personal worry” in the Northern Region, from which many of its men are drawn; in Scotland “some anxiety has been shown regarding German reports that the 51st Highland Division has been almost annihilated”.

Is this the second front ? Opinion is divided as to whether or not this is in fact “the big thing starting”, and, if it is, whether Russia will be satisfied. There are various speculations about further, developments: “We may be planning an offensive upon West Africa (Dakar is specifically mentioned in four reports), so that from there we can get in behind Rommel” - “When we've pushed Rommel out, we will bust up Italy” - “Italy finished with, we'll invade Germany” - “We will push through Turkey and invade the Balkans” - “Will our attack on Burma come next?”

Malta : Enthusiastic admiration for the Island's defenders come from three Regions.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 32)

3. Russia

Although “our own offensive” has to some extent absorbed the public's interest this week, undiminished admiration continues for what is described as “the amazing or miraculous defence of Stalingrad”. Its continued stand has increased confidence that it will hold out, and there is a growing hope that “winter may now help”.

Anglo-Russian relations : Feeling on this subject, which is much the same as it was reported to be last week, may be summarised thus:

The second front : Although the desire to help Russia continues, agitation for a second front is said to be less noticeable this week. Our offensive in Egypt “has satisfied the need for aggressive action somehwere” and “confidence in the development of a planned offensive holds people steady”.

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

4. General Smuts' speech

General Smuts' address to both Houses of Parliament appears to have been heard or read by all but a very few of the public; it aroused widespread interest and satisfaction, amounting in a good many cases, to “great enthusiasm”. The General described as “a legendary figure, almost beyond criticism”, “a great statesman” and “a deep thinker”, and is praised for his “clear, comprehensive vision”. The speech itself - “the most statesman-like of the war” - is appreciated for being “philosophical, spiritual and political” by turns, as well as for being based on real facts. It is thought that it is “bound to have a great effect on other nations”, and that it has already done much good. The suggestion is made that it should be issued as a pamphlet, and broadcast again for the benefit of these who missed it.

Certain aspects of the speech were particularly mentioned; they are arranged here in order of the frequency with which they are reported:

The B.B.C. and the Press : The broadcasting of the speech has been greatly appreciated, but three reports refer to “irritation at the priority accorded to the B.B.C. in getting the speech to the public”. References to “the shabby way in which the press has been treated” do not appear to come only from pressmen.

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

5. The Chaining of Prisoners

Discussion on the chaining of prisoners is said to be declining, except among prisoners' friends and relations. In six Regions the feeling that “reprisals were a mistake” is reported to be the view of the majority. “As there is a Geneva Convention, we should keep to it, whatever the Germans do”. Approval of the Government's action is now reported from only two Regions.

“Criticism of our handling of the matter”, and “uneasiness at the indeterminate state of affairs”, is again reported, and it is asked: “How will the impasse end? Will we be prepared to copy worse crimes?” There are fears of a “competition in frightfulness which we shall lose”. Some doubts still exist as to “what is meant by chaining; have we, in fact, chained all the prisoners we claimed?” If so, “where have sufficient chains come from?”

“Japanese participation in the threats” has aroused such comments as; “Just what might have been expected of them!” But it is suggested that “Tokyo is too far away to cause much added concern”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Bristol, Carlisle, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester P.Cs. 32)

6. The Allied Air Offensive

The news of the bombing of Italy is said to have been received with enthusiasm - “the really bright spot of the week”. It has given particular pleasure as “there has been a feeling for some time that the Italians were getting off too lightly - possibly for political or religious reasons”. “The grand technical organisation and the small losses” are mentioned as a source of further satisfaction.

The daylight raid on Milan is singled out as the most impressive feat, and “the courage of the airmen taking part in it is specially commended”.

The raids have been linked in the public mind with military operations in North Africa, and, according to reports from four Regions, “there is some belief that the Italians would react more quickly to sustained bombing than the Germans, and that this will be a means of knocking them out of the war”. Further raids on Italy “should be made” and “a good many people wish to hear of raids on Rome”. The hope is expressed, however, that “Germany will not escape her just deserts now that we have turned to Italian targets”.

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

7. Mrs. Roosevelt's Visit

Pleasure is expressed at Mrs. Roosevelt's presence in this country. Her “informality is liked and praised”, and she is welcomed as proving that “America is with us”. It is thought, too, that she will be “good propaganda for us in America”. The hope is expressed that she will visit some of the provincial cities, and that she will also broadcast.

There is some speculation as to the reason for her visit, about which various conjectures have been made: it is “to stimulate American women to go all out in the war effort”: to “return Churchill's call (deputising for her husband)”: “to try and improve Anglo-American relationships because they are so bad”.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 11)

8. Enemy Raids on Great Britain

Expectation of heavy raids is reported from three Regions this week: “We shall have them, but we shall be ready”, seems to be the general feeling. On the other hand, one report states that “while confidence in our night fighters and ground defences remains high, there appears to be some doubt whether our Civil Defence will be sufficiently prepared to meet a sudden blitz”.

The lack of “defensive retaliation” in tip-and-run raids, and the “slowness with which A.A. defences appear to come into operation” are also commented on. Although there are reports of satisfaction with the defences in some places, a recent daylight raid on Norwich, when, though bombs were dropped, there was no gun fire, has caused bitter criticism of the city's defences, and of the removal of the balloon barrage.

(1. 4. 7. 10. 12. 21 Manchester P.C.)

9. Far East

Interest in the Far Eastern war zones continues to be “slight”; the “position of the Australians in New Guinea is said to be regarded as hopeful”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 8. 10. 11. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Inverness P.Cs.)

10. Broadcasting and Presentation of News

Again, few comments are reported on news presentation. There are references to the slackening of interest in news bulletins, to the decreasing popularity of Postscripts, and to the dullness of Sunday programmes generally.

B.B.C. bulletins : Complaints of their repetitiveness come from four Regions, together with a plea for “fresh news first”. As “people are now increasingly busy”, it is suggested in three reports that “fresh news items, whatever their importance, should be given first, and the remainder preceded by the announcement that: ‘What follows has been broadcast before’”.

Appreciation is reported of the following broadcasts:

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

11. Fuel Economy

Controversy on this subject seems to have died down considerably. The only new point to be noted this week is relief, reported from three Regions, at the lifting of the central heating ban. This is thought to have been lifted “because of the heavy sick-roll”.

The need for economy is realised in most cases (six Regions), but it is thought that “people's idea of strict care varies considerably”, and the “inevitable few” are not economising wholeheartedly. Public buildings and blacked-out factories are again reported as sources of waste.

Rationing : There is still some demand for rationing, chiefly among the smaller consumers, this being thought the “most equitable solution”.

The economy campaign : Limited approval for the fuel Communiqués is again reported, and the suggestion is made that the “Target” should be published “in a simpler form”.

Fuel economy exhibition : One Region reports that the exhibition at Dorland Hall is “regarded as the best of its kind”, although there are some people who “question whether it is worth while spending so much money and using so much lighting on publicity of this kind”.

Paraffin : There is some anxiety in rural areas about the shortage of paraffin. It is thought that this is increased by the use in towns of paraffin for heaters “as a way of saving coal”.

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

12. Manpower

Questions of manpower and the call-up are the subject of much reported comment this week.

Young men and women evading the call-up : It is felt that “too many men between the ages of twenty and thirty-five are out of the Services,” and that “young men should be combed out before women and older men are called up”. Women are said to give this as an excuse for not volunteering for war-work. Many young women are believed not to have registered at all, and there is criticism of the large numbers to be “seen in cafes at eleven o'clock in the morning”, and of those still employed as hairdressers. It is alleged that farmers' daughters register themselves as working for their fathers; whereas they are thought actually to be doing no more than a couple of hours' work a day. (Five Regions)

The call-up of the 18s : There is some feeling that “young boys should not be called into the Services until industries other than munitions have been combed once more”. Some objection is also reported “on physical and moral grounds”. (Three Regions)

Single v. married women : Differences of opinion are reported on this question:

Ministry of Labour interviewers : Unfavourable comment, in each case from one Region, is reported on: (a) local women serving on the Interviewing Panels in the smaller localities, (b) Welsh girls being interviewed by women who do not speak their language, (c) women of forty-five being interviewed by young women of twenty.

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

13. U.S. Troops in Great Britain

Although good reports come this week from four Regions, there are signs elsewhere of anxiety about the behaviour of some of the troops. “The noticeably bad behaviour of the few” says one report, “spoils the good opinion of the many”. There are complaints of drunkenness, molestation of women and lack of discipline. In the Southern Region an elderly woman is said to have been “struck in the face several times by a drunken American”. Exception is also taken to their behaviour in the streets with girls, and our own military police are said to be “chary of interfering with them because they ‘fly off the handle’ when spoken to”. In County Down, following the trial of a U.S. soldier for the murder of a girl, a “genuine state of fear is reported among the population of small country towns, particularly among parents with daughters”.

There is apparently still some feeling about the inequality in pay between the British and American troops, and it is asked whether “American troops could not be paid weekly instead of monthly, so that they would not have such enormous wads in their pockets at any one time”.

The suggestion is made that British girls intending to marry American soldiers should be “put into touch with some knowledgeable American women over here who could tell them exactly what kind of future conditions their husbands would expect them to live under”. After the last war much distress was caused when girls went to Australia to “live under very rough and lonely conditions of which they had no previous knowledge.”

(3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 13. 21 Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester P.Cs. 32)

14. Industry

There are not many references to industry this week, apart from the subject of manpower. Talk on familiar lines comes from three Regions about workers slacking, enforced idleness, and bad production, reference to which occurs in the North Western Region's report. This refers to “mushroom firms in the Burnley area”, and to “Feddens and A.V. Roe”.

“The fact that workers don't know how their job is related to the war effort” is again reported.

Sir Roy Fedden's resignation : “Unbridled curiosity at what can possibly have happened” is said to be the general reaction in Bristol, where the news has caused “a very great stir”. People are saying that “some of his stuff was achieving very poor results, and that the Bristol Aeroplane Company lost orders from the Air Ministry because of it”. But older workers in the factory are said to be “very critical of his dismissal, and to be saying, ‘He's a blinking autocrat but he's the one man who knows his job, and though we know his peccadilloes, its his skill that counts’”. Bristol business circles are described as being “shocked at the news of his dismissal”.

(3. 7. 9. 10. 12. 14 South Western Region)

15. Clothing Coupons

“The inclusion of household goods on coupons”, and especially the rationing of towels, has “increased discussion” and “resentment” among housewives; while some husbands are said to complain that “either the table and beds have to be left bare, or the housewife”. Poor housewives who have no stocks and can only buy inferior quality goods, newly married couples, and households with lodgers and evacuees, are reported to be particularly hard hit, and there is a growing demand for household ration cards.

Industrial clothing coupons : Appreciation of the “industrial ten” continues, though the need is stressed for more publicity as to “who should apply for them and now”. The shortage of green battle dress for agricultural workers is mentioned in reports from the Midland Region; and there are still complaints that the extra wear on boots and shoes of women going into industry “increases the clothing coupon problem”.

Utility clothing : In two Regions a shortage or outsize utility garments is attributed to manufactures being “reluctant to make outsizes when they can make more profit out of the smaller sizes”. There are also complaints from two Regions that children's utility clothing is “uneconomical”, because clothes are made with inadequate hems and seams “which do not allow for the children's growth”.

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

16. Petrol

There are references from nine Regions this week, as against five last week, to the misuse and waste of petrol. The public, according to one report, is “probably ill-informed on this subject, and stories of waste may be untrue and ill-founded, but certainly feeling is bitter and comment cynical and disgusted”. The main offenders are said to be farmers and Government Departments, and it is widely believed that the privileges allowed to some people are being abused.

Comment is reported from the North Eastern Region on the number of Government officials who use their cars for journeys between Leeds and Sheffield, although there is a good train service: “this sort of thing is said to make ordinary people careless.... in their attitude to economy”.

Criticism is reported from Sheffield of a “double line of cars two hundred yards long, parked outside the Royal Victoria Hotel during a farewell luncheon to the retiring Town Clerk”. An instance of a similar sort is reported from the North Midland Region.

In the South Eastern Region resentment of “taxi hopping” is reported: a journey of fifteen miles or so can be made by relays of as many as four taxis, each going to the limit of the area it serves.

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

17. Wages and Pay

Dissatisfaction is still reported with differences in pay between:

(a) Servicemen and industrial workers, (b) Women and men on the same job, (c) Skilled and unskilled workers, (d) Adult and juvenile workers, (e) Miners and munition workers.

A report from the Eastern Region says it is thought that “the wages paid to women are greatly exaggerated and that when girls are getting 45/- a week it is rumoured that they are getting £4 or £5 a week, and they are rooked by their landladies accordingly”.

The Parliamentary Debate on Wages (21st October) : Two reports mention considerable public interest in this, particularly in “instances of unskilled and semi-skilled workers receiving as much as 150% more than some skilled men and women”. Some criticism of the Government is reported, it being thought that wages, particularly those of munition workers, should be controlled; the disparity between their pay and that of the Services is said to be “grossly unfair”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 9. 12)

18. Food

Praise for the food situation and for Lord Woolton continue. There are, however, still some criticisms:

Irritation is reported from Scotland because fishmongers' and poulterers' shops seem well stocked with rabbits and poultry, their supplies are said to be all for clubs, restaurants, canteens or hospitals. Comment on these lines comes also from the North Midland Region, where it is said “hotels are receiving priority and the general public is left out in the cold”.

(2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Carlisle, Cambridge, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Reading, York P.Cs.)

19. Women's Fireguard Order

There is less discussion of the Women's Fireguard Order this week, but some “discontent” is still reported to prevail, and criticism continues on familiar lines. Women are now alleged to be “shirking their duties”, either by “borrowing children” or “bringing their own back from the country”, or by “getting medical certificates too easily”. From the North Eastern Region comes a demand for a “clear ministerial statement on the Government's final intentions”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 8. 10. 21 Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester P.Cs.)

20. Transport

Transport difficulties, especially for war workers, continue to be reported. The main points may be summarised as follows:-

The transport problem in the North Eastern Region is said to be aggravated by the habit of housewives travelling to Leeds in search of goods not procurable in their own towns.

(2. 3. 4. 7. 9. 10)

21. Shopping Difficulties

Shopping difficulties, especially for war workers, continue to be reported. The main complaints are still that shops close too early or at lunchtime. In the London Region it is thought that women's shopping difficulties will become “overwhelming if the standard fifty-one hour week is enforced for office workers”.

(1. 2. 5. 6. 10. 21 Manchester P.C.)

22. Small Traders

The following “grievances” are reported to be causing concern among small shopkeepers:-

(2. 10. 21 Glasgow P.C.)

23. Health

Anxiety at the increase in tuberculosis is again reported, this week from three Regions. Women and adolescent war workers are believed to be the chief victims; conditions which are thought responsible for this increase are the “continual blackout in factories and workers' homes”, long working hours, inadequate meals and bad cooking in canteens.

(3. 4. 5.)

24. National Savings

A decrease in “enthusiasm for saving”, especially among workers, (on whom Lord Gainford's statement on September 30th is said to have had a bad effect) is reported from two Regions this week. In reports from two others the rate of interest on Savings Certificates is criticised, but issue of supplementary certificates for those who hold 500 is praised.

(7. 8. 9. 10.)

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