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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 255

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.O.s) 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.

630 632 3 634 5 635 6 636 7 637 8 639 10 640 11 641 12

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 109
SECRET

5th November, 1942

(Covering the period from 27th October to 3rd November, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

The rise in spirits reported from some Regions last week has been maintained and a fairly high level of confidence now appears to be general. This is chiefly due to the following factors:-

Dread of winter, particularly “with this awful blackout” is again reported from four Regions and Postal Censorship.

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

2. The Middle East

There continues to be fairly widespread confidence about the outcome of our offensive in Egypt: “it might be even greater if the public had not learned through experience to be distrustful of news of events going in our favour”. While the general feeling is one of cautious hopefulness, the following reactions are also mentioned:-

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

3. Russia

Again this week Russia appears to be taking second place in public interest. It is suggested, however, that “it is particularly difficult to assess the relative importance in people's minds of the news from Russia and from the Middle East; the latter is more vivid and the former apparently very deep-rooted”.

Intense admiration for the defenders of Stalingrad continues to be reported, and the winter, “which is expected to make things easier for the Russians”, has increased hope that the city will hold out. Timoshenko's relief army is mentioned as another factor “which may save the city”.

Comment is also reported on the following points:-

British aid for Russia and the second front : People are said to be less vocal in their demands for a second front than for some time past because “we are doing our share in Egypt”, and because “it is too late in the year now to begin”. Wage earners in the main are, however, referred to in reports from three Regions as “more set than others in their ideas that we must have a second front in Europe as soon as possible”.

The desire to help Russia continues and although the aid already given by Great Britain and the U.S.A. is appreciated, there is still some doubt as to whether “we are doing everything possible: fighter aircraft could have been sent to Stalingrad, our Iran army could help in the Caucasus”. The suspicion is again reported among workers “that there is somewhere a reservation in our relations with Russia”.

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

4. Far East

Increased interest in the Far Eastern war zones is reported from nine Regions, although in four of these it is confined to “a small number of more intelligent people”. There is a growing belief that the Allies have “a good chance of holding their own”.

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

5. The Allied air offensive

News of the air raids on Italy has been received with “strong approval” (eleven Regions): “We can't shake Italy up too much”. “The only query is why not earlier, if Genoa was such an important base for supplies to Rommel?” It is felt that “Italy is a good workshop and the sooner it is destroyed the better”. It is said that the bombing seems to have “silenced a rumour that Roman Catholic influence prevented raids on Italy”; though the bombing of Rome would still be most welcome.

There is some feeling that the “loss of 20 or 30 bombers a night depresses the public”; people comment on the fact that the loss in daylight raids is less. Thousand bomber raids are now less frequently mentioned, and there are some suggestions that “the future lies with daylight raids because they are safer and more accurate”.

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

6. Enemy raids on this country

The raid on Canterbury has aroused widespread sympathy, but “at the same time, the proportion of raiders brought down has occasioned very great pleasure and strengthened the faith in our defences”. Only in one Region is there any mention of the raid being connected in the public mind with Mrs Roosevelt's visit. At Canterbury itself “everyone is carrying on normally”. (Detailed reports have not yet been received.)

“Nobody quite knows whether or not to expect heavy raids this winter”, but there is “no undue apprehension about our ability to cope with them”.

There are still complaints about the late sounding of sirens in tip-and-run raids.

General public attitude to daylight raids : A special note from the Eastern Region makes the following points:-

(1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Special P.C.)

7. The chaining of prisoners

“A steady volume of disapproval of the Government's retaliatory measures” is again reported this week. It is felt that “we cannot compete with the Germans in cruelty” and that “it is neither Christian nor wise” to do so. In a few areas, mention is made of a minority of “fire eaters” who still hold the view: “Give the Germans what they give us. Be as ruthless as they”.

There are reports from two Regions of a considerable desire to know what the present position is, and “a belief that negotiations may be in hand as we are hearing nothing of the subject now”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 8. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester P.Cs.)

8. Mrs Roosevelt's visit

Interest in Mrs Roosevelt's presence in this country is reported from ten Regions. It is regarded as a “blow to Germany because it shows that visitors can come and go in spite of Hitler”. There is some speculation as to the “precise purpose of her visit”, and it is said that the “public is not being allowed to see enough of her”. There is comment on her “warm personality which has attracted people to her”.

The visit to Dover is said to have “been appreciated locally” and some disappointment is expressed that Cheltenham has not been included, also “the fact that ‘distinguished visitors don't always come to Lancashire’ is criticised”. A visit from Mrs Roosevelt to Northern Ireland “where interest in her activities in Great Britain is very keen”, would “arouse the liveliest satisfaction”.

The publication of “My Day” in the English papers arouses mixed feelings. On the whole it is liked for showing that “Mrs Roosevelt is homely - in the English sense of the word”, though there is some slight feeling that “gossip writing is infra dig for a President's wife”.

(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Cambridge, Reading, York P.Cs.)

9. Recent speeches

Mr. Herbert Morrison's speeches at Hackney (29th October) and Cardiff (1st November): Both of the Home Secretary's speeches, and particularly the second, have been very favourably received, and “some rather bitter critics of Mr. Morrison” are said to be “among those now praising him”. People particularly appreciated “his summary of Britain's efforts and achievements in the war”, and there is said to be “delighted astonishment that a British Minister should stop apologising to our Allies”. His praise of the Navy was especially liked, and so was his reference to “Britain's shipbuilding workers producing twice as much per head as those of any other country”. As a result of his speeches there is said to be “some revival of criticism of American production”, and a consequent fear that such statements may be “taken badly by the Americans”.

Mr. Morrison's references to “the sane and healthy patriotism of the Welsh people” have been received with acclamation in Wales.

General Smuts' address to both Houses of Parliament : Enthusiastic appreciation, both of General Smuts and of his speech, continues to be referred to in Regional reports on lines similar to those mentioned last week; it is now reflected in most Postal Censorship reports as well.

Mr. W. Willkie's recent speeches : Mr. Willkie's recent statements, and particularly his speech on 26th October, have aroused a good deal of interest. While his references to a second front are said to receive some support, particularly among the working class, his references to India have been less well received. “American criticism of our management of India is regarded as ironical while her colour bar is so much in the British public's eye at present”.

Lord Croft's speech at the Constitutional Club (28th October): A mixed reception is reported from three Regions. Those who liked it have not, apparently, given their reasons for doing so, but those who criticised it disliked “his wilful repudiation of a planned social order”. He was thought by some to be “against the Atlantic Charter”.

The bewildering effect of apparently conflicting statements : Comments on this occur in two reports, in connection with

As a writer quoted by the Manchester Postal Censorship Unit says: “There is not much comment needed when one bloke gets up and says there'll be an invasion and then another gets up and says there won't be, then another gets up and says the air raids will be heavy and a fourth up and says air raids will be lighter.....well, no comment is necessary”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 13. 21 Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Inverness, Manchester, York, P.Cs.)

10. Broadcasting and presentation of news

There is general satisfaction at “the very moderate tone” of our communiqués on the North African fighting. The “soothing syrup of the maladroit Cairo spokesman” is still vividly remembered. Axis communiqués are eagerly read, and attempts are made “to strike a mean between theirs and ours” and thus get a really accurate picture. There are also reports of some increase in listening to the German radio - “not for the news it gives, but rather to see what excuses they offer for their difficulties”.

A number of individual broadcast items receive praise this week. Among them are ITMA, the talk on the Middle East Supply Centre, the B.B.C. commentaries from the Western Desert, and Professor Inglis' Postscript.

Regional variations in listening to the radio : (Great Britain is geographically divided by the B.B.C. into the following Regions, Scotland, North, Midland, London, Wales and West.)

A recent B.B.C. Listener Research Bulletin shows that substantial regional differences exist, both as regards news and entertainment; they may be summarised thus:-

North Regional listeners are the most “average” in their listening habits.

It is suggested that the low listening average for the West Region may be partially attributed to sub-normal receptions there.

The following listening figures are given:-

(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 12. 24)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

11. Fuel economy campaign

The lifting of the central heating ban before the first of November has been greatly welcomed (six Regions). It is thought to have “done a lot of good in raising spirits and making people more willing to co-operate cheerfully in other ways of economising”. Reports from seven Regions show that people are making a general effort to economise, but that they are “relying rather upon general care than on accurate measurement”, as few people appear to have worked out their target. It is thought that many “workpeople's normal consumption is not far removed from their target figure”. Some people are said to be economising in coal by burning gas or electricity instead, as “they honestly do not realise that there is a connection between what comes out of a pipe or a wire and coal which comes out of the ground”.

There is no evidence that people are responding to the appeal to share ovens.

There are still complaints of waste in industry, service establishments, restaurants, and shops.

Rationing is still mentioned as the right solution by those who went seriously short last year. It is felt that fuel control still leaves a lot of loopholes for those with money, and that fairness has not yet been achieved; for example, the free purchase of coke favours those with a lot of storage space and enough money to buy it.

Fuel Flashes, Advertisements and Communiqués : Fuel Flashes are still listened to, though often treated as a joke. There is a suggestion that more pictorial advertisements should be used, “like the excellent one of the boiling saucepan with gas flaming all round it”. Communiqués are said to be “rather above the heads” of some housewives, and to contain “too much reading matter”.

Paraffin : The shortage of paraffin is again reported from two country districts. It is said that some people are cut down to ½-gallon a week for both cooking and heating.

Pipe trouble : Fear of trouble with burst pipes is growing, particularly as “labour for repairs will be hard to get”.

The “five inch bath rule” : It is pointed out that this conflicts with the civil defence request to keep baths full at night. People want to know which instruction they should follow.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Cambridge, Manchester, York, P.Cs., 32)

12. The Prime Minister's meeting with the miners (31st October)

This does not appear to have aroused widespread discussion “outside the mining fraternity”, but the idea of Mr. Churchill taking the miners into his confidence has met with approval and will, it is felt, have good results. There is, however, some tendency to question “the wisdom of inviting 3,000 men to London, involving considerable journeys, at a time of travel difficulties, and loss of work amounting in some cases to two full days”. A good deal of curiosity is reported about the secret information given to the miners, but opinion seems to be about equally divided as to whether the public ought to be told about it or not.

Two reports refer to the effect of the meeting on the miners themselves. In the North Midland Region the delegates are said to have come back full of enthusiasm, while in the South Western Region, where the first impression had been that “Mr. Churchill was having the miners up to give them a good talking to”, the miners “feel the Prime Minister told them just what they wanted to know and they are now said to be in much better heart than for a long time”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8)

13. Manpower and the call-up

Questions relating to the call-up continue to cause a good deal or discussion, and reported comment may be summarised as follows:-

Call-up of women : Complaints are reported of women being “taken from productive jobs in industry for menial tasks in the Services”. Business men are said to be bitterly resentful when “key women” are called up in this way.

The rival claims of married and unmarried women to immunity from service continue to be reported. There is said to be adverse comment because “middle-aged spinsters find themselves directed into munition work while young married women with no obvious responsibilities and the childless wives of servicemen remain undisturbed”. Married women on the other hand feel they are “being asked to do more than they can manage, while single women are not yet in essential work”.

A discouraging factor for both married and unmarried women is the “knowledge” that “people in factories are not working full time”.

Some feeling is reported that “many women secure exemption on false evidence”. The Scottish report quotes the case of “an elocution teacher in Kilmaurs suddenly training as a speech therapist”, which is said to be causing local resentment.

Campaign for voluntary recruitment to the Women's Auxiliary Services : So far little interest appears to have been aroused on the part of those to whom this campaign is directed, but the opinions of the general public seem to be:-

The care of children : It is believed that women are prevented from working as a result of difficulties connected with the care of their children, because:-

Call-up of men : Complaints on similar lines to these referred to above under call-up of women are mentioned in connection with men. It is not thought right when “older men are drafted from useful work into the Forces while younger men are left training to take over their jobs”. Satisfaction is, however, reported that “the Government is weeding out the slackers for National Service, especially those who pretend to have medical grounds for evading their obligations” and those who have “gone into essential work to dodge service and are quite unqualified for the jobs they are doing”.

Call-up of 18s .: This is said to have caused “rather a shock” to many people, as “the age seems so low”, but, although the necessity is deplored, there appears to be general agreement that it is right. Three reports, however, mention a feeling that “the 18s. should not have been called, until industry had been combed once more”. In one Region “many parents are said to complain about their sons not being kept in England until they reach twenty, as the Government promised”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 16. 21 Reading, Special P.Cs.)

14. Transport

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

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

15. Petrol

There are fewer references this week to the misuse and waste of petrol, though complaints continue about farmers, and people travelling between towns by car when good alternative transport is available. Resentment is reported from Scotland that single motorists fail to give lifts to people waiting at bus stops.

Comment is reported from the North Eastern Region on the number of cars accompanying the Minister of Fuel and Power on his tour of that Region and on the consequent waste of petrol.

(1. 2. 3. 6. 7. 11. 21 Inverness P.C.)

16. U.S. troops in this country

Comment on this subject continues to be limited, although there are still reports of unpleasant incidents by excessive drinking, and “some feeling of resentment at the behaviour of a minority of American soldiers”. Before showing hospitality, some “householders wish to get to know the men first”.

There is said to be “criticism among the Forces because the American troops have far better food” than they do. Shipping space taken up by oranges and grapefruit is mentioned with disapproval. It is thought that the “lavish hospitality” shown to the Americans by private people is creating the impression in the United States that there is no shortage of food in Great Britain.

Concerning the marriage of British girls to American soldiers, one report points out that “there is not universal knowledge of the fact that a British girl marrying an American serviceman does not assume American citizenship and will not be able to enter the United States of America after the war except as an ordinary immigrant”.

(3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 13. 21 Reading P.C.)

17. Civil Defence

Some criticism of the new personnel of the A.R.P. services, especially conscripted girls, “who do not come in the right spirit” and "lack any enthusiasm”, is reported from one Region this week. Members of this service are themselves said to be complaining along the following lines:-

In the North Western Region the non-provision of overcoats, and the suggestion that Liverpool Wardens should fire-watch on business premises are both resented; the fact that “under the new arrangement of invasion exercises nothing happens down our street” makes the Warden's service feel that it is being “overlooked”.

It is suggested that military discipline and “more local exercises” would keep the service “both in the public eye and more efficient”.

National Fire Service : “Some apprehension” is reported in the North Western and South Eastern Regions about the efficiency of the N.F.S. It is suggested that this is probably encouraged by the critical attitude of local authorities, but the alleged reasons are:-

(4. 9. 10. 12. 14 North Western Region)

18. Women's Fire-guard

Opposition to the Women's Fire-guard Order appears to be decreasing to a considerable extent. Less discussion is reported, and it is suggested that “now women have had time to digest the full importance of the serious manpower shortage, they seemed resigned to the inevitable”. In addition to the usual complaints, which are, however, much less in evidence, there is criticism of fire-watching during the day and at weekends (which is thought to be a waste of time), and the uselessness of many fire-guards who are alleged to be completely untrained. It is feared that adequate amenities will not be provided on business premises for Women fire-guards. Stories of large numbers of women claiming exemption are only reported from the North Western Region this week.

(5. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 Special P.C.)

19. Clothing coupons

Coupons for household goods : Nine Regions this week refer to the “dissatisfaction” of housewives at the inclusion of towels on coupons, “especially those with many inmates to care for”. “Furnishing material on clothing coupons” is reported to have been rather a “sore point all along”, but towels is “really a heavy blow”. There is an increased demand for household ration cards and, in addition to the usual list of special sufferers, it is asked how doctors, dentists, hotels and hairdressers' shops will manage; it is pointed out that offices who have contracts with towel agencies “will now be in clover”.

Utility clothing : “Very favourable comments” have been received from two Regions at the appearance of utility shoes, and the quality of utility towels, which have given much pleasure. It is suggested however, that the size of hand towels “should be altered to bring them within the one coupon limit”.

Traffic in coupons : A “flourishing trade” in the “selling and misuse” of coupons is reported from Glasgow, Dundee and North Midland Region. In Dundee it is alleged that a girl bought 20 coupons for 8/6d., and a shipyard worker 80 coupons for [Text Missing]2.

Children's shoes : The shortage of these, and particularly of Wellingtons, is reported from four Regions.

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

20 Shopping difficulties

From six Regions and Postal Censorship come reports this week of shopping difficulties. Lunch hour closing continues to be criticised. Housewives are said to be “more or less accepting” the early closing hours of shops, but “factory workers are expecting things to be just as bad as last winter”.

Incivility of shopkeepers is reported to be causing difficulty to housewives in Wales. Bad manners in queues are reported from the Northern Region.

(1. 2. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 21 Carlisle, Manchester P.Cs.)

21. Food

Praise for, and satisfaction with, the food situation continue to be reported. There are, however, some criticisms which may be summarised as follows:-

From the Northern Region comes the suggestion that “if an increased fat ration was made available it would assist working-class women to cook more potatoes in the form of chips”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Inverness, Manchester, Reading, York P.Cs.)

22. Health

Venereal disease : Sir Wilson Jameson's recent broadcast on 23rd October about venereal disease, and the publicity given in the press to this subject, have aroused favourable comment. The only criticism was that he was “too hush hush” and should have given details of the symptoms, of which most people are ignorant, “so that these troubles can be taken in time”.

Colds and flu : The prevalence of colds and flu, and “tiredness amongst civilians” is commented on in reports from three Regions and Postal Censorship. In Scotland these complaints are linked up with fire-watching in “damp and unheated premises”.

(2. 5. 6. 7. 9. 11. 21 Bristol P.C.)

23. Agriculture

Reports from Wales and the North Western Region indicate a desire on the part of farmers that “a supply of labour and machinery should be organised now so that potatoes and corn could be planted at the proper time next year”; it is “suggested that more tractors in a district would prevent delay both in spring ploughing and in harvesting, for which late good weather cannot be relied upon”. Shortage of labour for potato picking is mentioned in two reports, one of which says that in one area schoolboys who were supplied for this purpose were sent too early and that “action might have been more effectively taken through the Farmers' Union than through the War Agricultural Committee”. The Scottish report mentions a belief that the Home Guard in rural areas would be better employed in digging potatoes than bomb practice pits. Some concern is reported at “the difference in the prices that the farmer is getting for his vegetables and the retailer is charging the public”, which results in “the farmer not troubling to take the vegetables to market, and feeding cabbages to the cows”.

(2. 8. 10. 11. 21 Manchester P.C.)

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