612

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.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.

614 615 2 617 4 619 6 620 7 623 10 624 11 625 12 626 13

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 110
SECRET

12th November, 1942

(Covering the period from 4th to 10th November, 1942.)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

In what is described as “the best week of the war”, events in North Africa have “eclipsed” all other news. Public spirits, which had been steadily rising as the week progressed, “soared with the news of our success in Egypt, and rose to fresh heights” over the Anglo-American landings in French North Africa: they are now described as at a higher level than “since the war began”. While “a good many people still try to remain cautious in the midst of general jubilation”, reports from ten Regions indicate a growing belief that the war will be over within the coming year - “the less thoughtful suggest the Spring or oven Christmas”.

The stimulating effect on workers of the North African news is reported from eight Regions, and the volume of critical comment on almost all subjects has declined.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14 Scotland. 21 Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Reading, York P.Cs.)

2. North Africa

“The double news” from North Africa has encouraged people to believe that “a large-scale offensive plan, showing inter-Allied and inter-service co-operation and perfect timing, has begun”. There is expectation of “more to follow”: a great studying of maps is reported, and “armchair strategists are having a field day”. Speculation is on the following lines:-

The Eighth Army's offensive : The news of our victory in Egypt has caused almost universal elation. Most people are satisfied that Rommel has been decisively defeated; proof of this, it is felt, has been furnished by “the thousands of prisoners, enemy admissions and General Montgomery's statements”. But many are still cautious: “I daren't quite believe it's as good as it sounds”. A few people in this category have found in General Montgomery's statements “reminders of Cairo military spokesmen”.

Further reactions are:-

The picture in the press of General Ritter von Thoma entertained by General Montgomery is said in some Regions to have aroused “extreme annoyance”. People are saying: “It will be just like after the last war; our leaders will have their arms round the Germans' necks in no time”; they are also wondering how the Greeks and the Poles will greet this spectacle.

Anglo-American landings in French North Africa : News of this action “which has rounded off an excellent week” came as a “grand surprise to most people” and has been received with great enthusiasm. It has increased confidence generally and has “even made those who are cautious about Egypt rather grudgingly cheerful”. Other reported reactions are:-

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14 Scotland. 21 Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Reading P.Cs. 32)

3. Russia

Although the Russian news has been “overshadowed” by events in the Middle East and Africa, “admiration for her fighting efforts continues to be deep and widespread”. The belief that Stalingrad will hold out is increasing and it is hoped that the “on-coming winter” and the African offensive will help to “relieve her burden”. Some hopes are also expressed that the “Red Army may yet be able to take the offensive” during the winter. Less interest is reported in the Caucasian fighting, though it is hoped that the new German drive “won't be very much after all”.

Stalin's speech : M. Stalin's speech was, on the whole, well received, and was appreciated for its “frankness, bluntness and realism”. His pronouncements on the second front caused some discussion as to “how much help we are giving Russia”, and some resentment is reported; but his “references to complete understanding between himself and Mr. Churchill” were appreciated, and events in North Africa are considered to “have illuminated his statement on unified strategy”.

His comments on the African campaign are criticised for “slighting our efforts”, in one report, but in Northern Ireland they are thought to “have helped the ordinary people of Britain to regard the Western desert offensive in its right perspective”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading P.Cs. 29)

4. The second front

The demand for a second front in Europe has died down considerably since the North African offensive began. Opinion appears to be divided, however, as to whether this constitutes “the promised second front”. Some people have accepted it as such, others as a step towards it - “By clearing the Mediterranean we shall be able to release shipping for the attack on Europe”. But a few are unwilling to consider the Allies' action in that light - “We have let Russia down; if we could open a front at all, then it should have been in Europe”.

(1. 5. 6. 9. 10. 11)

5. Far East

A more “hopeful” attitude towards the fighting in the Far Eastern zones is reported this week from six Regions, but the subject is reported to be “crowded out by news from the Middle East”.

(1. 3. 4. 7. 8. 10. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester P.Cs. 29)

6. The Allied air offensive

Our raids on Genoa have given “great satisfaction”, and the hope continues to be expressed that we shall bomb Rome.

(1. 2. 3. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 14 Scotland)

7. Hitler's speech

Only five Regions report any mention of this speech. His “obvious change of tone” is said to have been noted, and his explanations and taunts were greeted with “scornful amusement”.

(3. 4. 7. 8. 9. 11)

8. Mrs Roosevelt's visit

Mrs. Roosevelt's presence in England continues to be a subject of interest. It is thought to be “yet another link between our two countries”, through which some of the prejudices and misunderstandings between America and ourselves may be cleared up.

There is some criticism of the “intensive overcrowding of her itinerary”, and a feeling that “she is spending too much time with the heads of the Services and the nobility and too little time among the workers”; also that “there is too much W.V.S. about the whole tour”. Her visits to Canterbury and Cambridge were much appreciated.

Postscript on Sunday evening, (8th November ): This “was eagerly awaited”, and was liked as a “simple straightforward talk, well-delivered”. Her voice came as a surprise “because it was less American than expected”. Mrs Roosevelt's description of the blackout in this country is reported to have attracted attention - “people had forgotten their own first impression” - and her praise of women's work was much appreciated.

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

9. Elections in the U.S.A.

Comment on the elections in the United States has been received from six Regions. Interest in the results among more thoughtful people has been considerable, but “attempts to interpret them have ended in puzzled bewilderment”. There is some anxiety about the “possible post-war effect of the elections”: “Isn't this a move towards post-war isolationism?”

Disappointment is expressed at the size of the anti-Roosevelt vote, but the great majority regard this as “only important internally”, and “so long as Roosevelt gets continued backing for the war effort the man-in-the-street is quite happy”.

It is also said that Mr Willkie's statements during the past few weeks are now “considered by the intelligent to have been put over for election purposes”.

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

10. The chaining of prisoners

Discussion has now diminished considerably, but the general opinion seems to be that “we cannot compete with the Germans in inhumanity” and that “it is a mistake to try”. The friendly treatment accorded to the captured General von Thoma is, however, regarded as going much too far in the opposite direction”.

(1. 5. 6. 9. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Glasgow, York P.Cs. 29)

11. Enemy raids on this country

Comment on this subject comes from three Regions only. It is thought that “the more Germany is thwarted in her plans the more likely she will be to launch desparate and vengeful air attacks upon us”, but “we shall be ready”.

It is said that tip-and-run raids are particularly disliked because “the feeling of defencelessness seems much stronger than in the case of night raids”.

The raid on Canterbury, (31st October) : According to a special report from the South Eastern Region: “No one could fail to be impressed by the almost normal appearance both of the city and the people”. The morale was excellent, and the following overheard comment is said, to be typical: “When I found my home destroyed I immediately thought of my week's shopping and the cob nuts I had bought and said to my neighbour - ‘Jerry has cracked the nuts for me’”.

Other points which are mentioned are:-

(7. 10. 12. 14 South Eastern Region, 21 Manchester P.C.)

12. Recent speeches

General Smuts : Appreciation of his visit to this country and of his speech continue to be reported.

Mr. Herbert Morrison's two speeches : Further praise is reported, from Four Regions, Civil Defence workers being especially gratified at his having “done so much to give them status”.

(2. 5. 8. 10. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading, York P.Cs. 29)

13. Broadcasting and presentation of news

This week “the hungry public” is described as “eagerly snapping up the information from the Near East”. Reports of switching off after the news summary have given place to accounts of “people scurrying to their radio sets a quarter of an hour before the news bulletins are due”. Complaints of “repetition” are heard no longer, and the public are “just as keen to listen to good news twice, as the B.B.C. are to give it”.

The presentation of the North African news appears to have given entire satisfaction: as one report says; “people who are hungry for good news do not quibble about the way it is served up, and there are no complaints”. “The restraint shown both by the B.B.C. and the press in handling the news” has been especially appreciated, according to ten reports.

Appreciation is reported at the recapitulation of the main items at the end of bulletins, but it is suggested that “announcers should give the time of communiqués, instead of merely referring to them as the latest”.

Sir Wilson Jameson's broadcast (23rd October) : Further praise of this is mentioned in three Regional reports, two of which say that people would like even greater frankness about venereal disease.

The intended transfer of the Ford rubber tyre plant to Russia : The announcement of this is referred to as “an indiscretion” in two reports.

Individual broadcasts which have been praised include Captain Gammans' talk (6th November), Peter Masefield's talk (27th October), and the programmes in honour of the Soviet anniversary. “More of Helmore” is asked for.

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

14. Industry

Increased production: “The impetus to war workers given by the good news from the battle front” is mentioned in eight reports. Workers in the Northern Region “feel they have contributed to the success of the Eighth Army”, and “express pride at the news of North country regiments employed in the desert, and in the ships that have carried the men and materials for this great effort”.

Criticism of production : There is a revival of “complaints of slackness in management and of workers standing about idle” (four Regions), though these complaints are described as “vague and unspecified” and do not make it clear whether the idleness is voluntary or enforced. This criticism of shortcomings is said to have been “sharpened by the war news”.

Shopping difficulties of workers : Shopping difficulties are mentioned in nine reports, six of which refer specifically to those of workers. Now that shops shut earlier, it is urged that they should keep open during lunch, as this is the only time that many factory workers can do their shopping. Two reports, however, refer to women workers having to go without their lunch to do their shopping; it is strongly felt that the best solution would be an arrangement whereby they would be released “for one hour during ordinary shopping hours ”.

Women's long hours of work : Three reports mention “the effect of the continued strain on women” - ranging from general irritability to hysteria - due to long hours of work, allied to the difficulties of running a home.

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

15. Manpower and the call-up

Manpower is “felt to be one of our greatest problems at the moment”, and “the difficulties due to the withdrawal of men and women to the Forces continue to be talked about everywhere”. Particular “matters of complaint” are:-

Misunderstandings : Many misunderstandings as to the women's position are reported, from the husbands as well as the women themselves. (a) There is uncertainty as to whether or not women can be compelled to do part-time work. (b) “Women in munitions firms but who are not in reserved occupations think they cannot volunteer without their employer's permission”. (c) It is not understood “why, in some districts, women are directed into war work, while friends with similar circumstances in other districts are left alone”.

Ministry of Labour and National Service :

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

16. Petrol

There are references from eight Regions this week to the misuse and waste of petrol, as against six last week. There are allegations of (a) people going by car when good alternative transport is available, (b) the numbers of cars with only one occupant, (c) “wives” still using cars for shopping (in Huddersfield), (d) unreasonable use of taxis, e.g., for shopping, (e) use of petrol by ministers and teachers (in Fifeshire), (f) fleets of cars seen recently at the Brighton dog races.

It is suggested that car owners should have with them a statement showing why they have been granted petrol, and that petrol wasters should be compelled to travel on a tanker as a punishment.

(2. 3. 4. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12)

17. Transport

Transport difficulties, especially for war workers, are arousing the most “bitter complaints”, and in the North Eastern Region are referred to as “the main topic of conversation on the home front”. The imposition of the “transport curfew” is regarded as “drastic”, and war workers and the general public in the North Eastern and North Midland Regions are reported to be “unsettled and dissatisfied”. Reactions to its recent introduction in the South Eastern Region have not yet been received, though Home Guards are already “worrying” about their Saturday night A.A. duties.

Other complaints of transport services follow familiar lines:-

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)

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

Public interest continues to be slight, “outside the mining fraternity”, though curiosity is still reported about what was said. Good results are expected and, according to six reports, have already begun to be apparent in the improved spirit of the miners, though the news from Africa is also said to have done its share share. It is felt that more contacts between the workers and those responsible for war strategy would produce good results, but there is still criticism of the time, expense and loss of fuel involved by this means of achieving it, and some think that a meeting-place nearer to the main coalfields should have been chosen.

The following reactions are reported from some of the miners:-

Lack of confidence between miners and managements : This is referred to in four reports. “Miners state that much absenteeism could be avoided if the men felt that the management were co-operating instead of pulling in the opposite direction”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14 North Western)

19. Fuel economy campaign

There is less comment on this subject this week, but it is reported that in spite of increased cold, efforts to economise are genuine and effective (five Regions): “We thought we were as careful as could be before, but we've cut down electricity 20% and gas by nearly 50% on the corresponding period of last year” Some demand for rationing is reported from four Regions and many working people think that it was “abandoned because the rich would suffer most”. It is asked whether, in the event of rationing, economies made now will affect the basis which may be used.

The announcement that householders can purchase up to 15 cwts of coal during the next few months has been well received, but as this amount is not always obtainable it is suggested that in such cases people should be permitted to change to retailers who can supply them. There are complaints from four Regions of the uneven distribution of coal and coke, and it is asked if more authority could be given to local Fuel Overseers “who know the requirements in their districts”.

The idea of “sharing fires and ovens with neighbours” is said to be “disliked by most working-class women”. “After long working hours they feel entitled to some privacy”, and space is often very limited both round the fire and in the oven.

Comment is again made on waste caused through permanent blackout, and it is said that workers “dislike having no daylight at any time”. A shortage of matches, reported from three Regions, is also said to be causing a substantial waste of fuel.

Fuel Flashes, communiqués and limericks : Fuel Flashes are adversely criticised: “Freddie Grisewood's ears would burn if he knew what women said about him”. It is said that housewives are indifferent to the communiqués in the press, and that the reactions to limericks were unfavourable because the “cockney voice was quite unintelligible”

Paraffin : The scarcity of paraffin is again reported from a rural area and there is complaint of “townspeople using it when they have other means of lighting and heating”.

(1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. 12. 21 Carlisle, Manchester, Reading P.Cs.)

20. Food

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

From the North Western Region approval is reported of the school meal system and it is suggested that “if the system was extended there would be fewer children on the public transport at lunch time”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14 Scotland 21 Aberdeen, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Nottingham, Reading P.Cs.)

21. U.S. troops in Great Britain

Comment on this subject appears to have declined in volume, and on the whole it is said that the American troops are liked and “seem to fit in”. There is still criticism of their high pay as compared with that of our own men, and of their attitude to the colour question; also it is pointed out that “hospitality on a lavish scale, such as is being shown to the Americans, has not been given to other ‘visiting’ troops in this country”.

Information Bureaux and recreational facilities are said to be “more and more urgently required”, and there is again demand for extensive publicity about the status of British girls who marry U.S. soldiers.

The American nurses are said to be “much liked”.

(3. 4. 5. 7. 10. 21 Cardiff, Manchester, Reading P.Cs.)

22. The execution of the merchant seaman for treachery

This is said to have “created wide interest”, and to have been regarded “largely as an example to deter others”. The news “gave rather a jolt to some seamen, who admitted that they would be quite ready to speak pretty openly to ‘one of themselves’”.

(4. 7. 11)

23. Waste of paper

Adverse comment is reported on the waste resulting from:-

(4. 5. 10. 12)

24. Clothing coupons

The following comments on clothing and clothing coupon difficulties are still reported:-

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 10. 12. 21 Bristol P.C.)

25. Monthly Summary of Constant Topics No. 3

(Covering the period from 13th October to 10th November 1942)

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

Inadequacy of clothing coupons

Compulsory fire-watching for women

Shopping difficulties and food queues

Waste of petrol

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

Shortage of housing accommodation and difficulty of billeting workers

Careless talk

Inadequacy of servicemen's pay and dependants' allowances

Disparity in pay

Salvage

Indigestibility and bad keeping qualities of National Bread

Victimisation of the small business in relation to larger concerns

Preferential treatment of certain customers by shopkeepers

High pay of juveniles

Shortages

(i) Shortage of fish

(ii) Shortage of shell eggs

(iii) Shortage and high price of crockery, glass and kitchenware

(iv) Shortage and poor quality of clothing and footwear

(v) Shortage of matches and lighters

613

REFERENCES

D 78199 -1 5,000 D/d 1576 9/42 PRP