A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46
SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 249
The aim of this Report is to present an impartial assessment of public feeling about the war and the war effort. It is not a record of fact , except in so far as public opinion is itself a fact. The public is sometimes ill-informed, prejudiced, or inconsistent. The recording of such feelings without comment implies no endorsement of them.
The public is more prone to criticise than to praise. Good work or efficiency is usually taken for granted. An accurate record of expressed feeling will, therefore, tend to be critical rather than laudatory.
The method of compiling the Report is such that the amount of space devoted to each subject, and the order in which subjects are placed, are roughly indicative of the amount of public interest each is arousing. The omission of a subject from the Report means that it is not a matter of widespread comment.
In assessing the state of public feeling there are no absolutes. Findings can only be comparative. Each issue of this Report must therefore be read as part of a continuous series. Unless the series is seen as a whole, the significance of fluctuations in feeling cannot be appreciated.
The figures in brackets at the end of each section refer to sources of information, a list of which is given on the next page. The weekly reports from Regional Information Officers (R.I.Os.) are compiled by the Regional Intelligence Officers from a large number of sources. Details of the methods of compilation and cross-checking are contained in a paper on “How the Home Intelligence Weekly Report is made”. This will be supplied on request to the Home Intelligence Division of the Ministry of Information.
P.T.O.
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 111
SECRET
19th November, 1942
(Covering the period 10th to 17th November, 1942)
I. GENERAL COMMENTS
1. General state of confidence and reaction to news
Attention has again been centred almost exclusively on the North African campaigns. Confidence remains at a very high level throughout the country, and reports from five Regions suggest that there has been a further rise in public spirits since last week. The public are now more certain that “a firm basis for their elation” has been provided, thanks to the following factors:-
-
“Evidence” that the United Nations can work “to a master strategic plan”.
-
The continued advance of the Eighth Army.
-
“The offensive stroke” in French North Africa and the advance of the First Army into Tunisia.
-
The Prime Minister's speeches.
-
The fact that “we have wrested the initiative from the Axis and have turned from the defensive to the attack”. Expectation of further moves is widely reported.
While reports from six Regions this week (as against ten last week) refer to a belief that the war will be over within a year, reports from five note a gradual decrease in caution “even amongst habitual Jeremiahs”. There is even some mention of the “danger of over-optimism”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Reading P.Cs. 22 Passim)
2. The Mediterranean
Widespread satisfaction is reported with (i) the further advance of the Eighth Army, (ii) the British and American intervention in French North Africa, (iii) the entry of the First Army into Tunisia, and (iv) the bombing of Genoa. There is greater confidence in this being “the real thing”, now that it can be seen “progressively developing, with the Allies striking blows successively and heavily”.
Other reactions are similar to those reported last week and may be summarised as follows:-
-
Hope that Rommel will be squeezed between “the two Armies”, and the African continent be completely cleared of Axis forces.
-
Anticipation of an attack on Italy, leading to “her speedy elimination from the war”.
-
High praise for the “skill with which the pincer movement on Axis forces in North Africa was planned”.
The Eighth Army : Although “previous disappointments” are still “remembered by the wary”, there appears to be a greater disposition this week to believe in “the magnitude of Rommel's defeat”. Further feelings reported are:-
-
Admiration for, and pride in, the Eighth Army's exploits.
-
“Especial pleasure” that Tobruk is again in our hands.
-
Satisfaction that Generals Alexander and Montgomery have been honoured: “they richly deserve it”.
Postal Censorship (Northern Ireland reports) quote many expressions of pride, from fellow countrymen, “in these two good Ulstermen: it takes an Irishman to show the Jerries and Co. their deserts”.
“Annoyance” - in one Region, “universal displeasure” - is again reported with the picture in the press of General Ritter von Thoma entertained by General Montgomery: “The big shots only play a game and have a drink when they meet; it is the ordinary soldiers who are enemies”. It is again asked what our Allies, “who know what Germans are”, will think.
French North Africa : Much admiration is expressed for the secrecy with which the operations in this theatre were planned and carried out; also again for “the splendid organisation” and for the cooperation shown by all the Allied forces involved. People feel that “no small part of the success was due to British efforts”.
With the end of French resistance - the news of which was received with some relief - the public's interest has turned to the advance of the First Army into Tunisia. Speculation about the outcome here is, however, only reported from one Region: “It is thought that Hitler may be able to fly sufficient forces there to damage communications but it is not believed that the threat to our final conquest can become serious”.
Darlan : The public are “completely puzzled” and cynical about Darlan's “change of face”. “No one has a good word for him” and it is hoped we will be cautious in our dealings with him: “General Eisenhower had better not trust Darlan further than he can throw a piano”. It is suggested that other members of the “Vichy gang” may also “respond at the eleventh hour to save their necks; none of them should be allowed to supplant General de Gaulle”.
The Axis occupation of Vichy France “did not come as a surprise”. It is not regarded as a misfortune for us. In the long run, it is thought that German control in Vichy France will consolidate the French people, while the fortification of the French Mediterranean coastline will “keep Hitler busy”. There is speculation as to what will happen to the French Fleet at Toulon, and some belief that after years of being laid up, it may be of “little value anyway”.
Little sympathy is expressed for the French, and four Regions refer to mistrust or dislike of them, particularly amongst men who served in the last war.
Raids on Italy : There is great satisfaction with our raids on Genoa. It is hoped that advantage will be taken of our new air bases in North Africa “to mount a non-stop air offensive on Italy”. The desire for Rome to be bombed is again widely reported: the Pope, it is suggested, “could be evacuated”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Cardiff, Carlisle, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Manchester, Reading P.Cs. 22 (142 reports).)
3. The Prime Minister's speeches at the Mansion House (10th November) and at the House of Commons (11th November)
All reports are full of praise for the Prime Minister's speeches, particularly for “his masterly analysis of the War situation” in the House of Commons. They are described as “an immense tonic” and Mr. Churchill's prestige is said “to have reached its highest level”: “he will have a more confident public behind him in the future”.
It is felt that both “carping critics in Parliament” and second front agitators have been answered. His references to the second front, however, are reported in three Regions to have aroused “a little nervousness, lest he should have told the enemy too much”.
Other points mentioned are:-
-
The declaration on Imperial policy at the Mansion House. Opinion is divided as to how the public received this. Two Regions refer to satisfaction, two to criticism or some controversy.
-
References to Russia. There is pleasure that “no promises have been broken”.
-
Regret that the speech could not be broadcast from the House of Commons, as “people would have liked to hear his voice”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Nottingham P.C.)
4. The ringing of the bells
Opinion appears to have been sharply divided on the question of ringing the bells. The majority seem to have thought they should not have been rung, and this includes many who nevertheless enjoyed hearing them. Reasons for thinking the bells should not have been rung include the following:-
-
It was premature - “much too early for victory bells”. The victory was “not stupendous enough to warrant it”, and at any rate “we might have waited till we got to Tripoli”. It is asked what Russia will think of us, “making so much of such a small campaign”. (Twelve Regions)
-
It was “tempting Providence”, and it is unlucky to “count your chickens ...” (Five Regions)
-
People disliked “seeming to boast, like the Germans” who, it was recalled, “also rang bells when they took Tobruk”. (Three Regions)
-
Rejoicing at this stage may encourage complacency. (Two Regions)
-
It will give the enemy a handle for propaganda, if defeats follow later. (Two Regions)
-
Church bells are “not associated in the minds of Scottish people with victory peals: they are rung to summon to Church or as death knells”. In the North west of Scotland, “where there is much anxiety about the casualty figures, the remark was current: ‘Many of us don't feel much like ringing victory bells’”.
The considerable minority who favoured the bell ringing are reported to have been enthusiastic, and it was described as “a psychological triumph on the part of the Government”. In rural areas, particularly, there was great enthusiasm and in spite of a shortage of ringers, in most cases the bells were rung, “to the joy of the people”. Some of the critical were converted after hearing on the radio that the bells “were giving a message to occupied countries”, not having “realised what their far-reaching effect would be”. Some people felt that the object of ringing the bells was to see if they were in good working order”, while a few merely “accepted it calmly as a manifestation of the queer ways the Government has”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 32)
5. Russia
The Russian news continues to be “overshadowed” by the successes in North Africa, though “gratitude and admiration” are still reported at the “continued resistance” at Stalingrad and along the whole front. Seven Regions report feelings of “optimism” that Stalingrad will, hold out, it is hoped that the “cold weather will impede the German advance”, and that “the Russians may be able to dislodge them from some of the lines they hold”.
Desire to help Russia is still “strong”, and the detailed statement of our supplies to Russia, given by the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs in the House of Commons (13th November), is reported from six Regions to have evoked “relief among those who felt we were not doing enough”, and “admiration as the figures exceeded expectation”.
M. Stalin : Reports still mention “satisfaction” with Stalin's speech on November 6th. The “resentment” which was reported at his references to the North African campaign has been dispelled by his “recent congratulatory statements” in the letter to the Associated Press correspondent in Moscow (14th November), which have been “received with delight”. In Scotland it is said that “his prestige remains very high”.
(1. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, York P.Cs. 22 (82 reports). 32)
6. Far East
Little interest is reported in this fighting zone, though the feeling appears to be increasing “that things are getting well under control”, and “that the Allies have got the measure of the Japs”.
(1. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 Aberdeen, Carlisle, Inverness P.Cs. 22 (52 reports).)
7. Mrs Roosevelt
There are again many expressions of appreciation of Mrs Roosevelt's visit to this country and of her broadcast on 8th November. Her courage in crossing the Atlantic by air is commented on, and it is thought that “there is no doubt she will draw the bonds uniting the two great democracies closer together”.
Visit to Scotland : A special report from the Scottish Region says that “obvious and sincere pleasure” in Mrs Roosevelt's visit was shown by the public, and that they regarded her “as a friend rather than as an official visitor”. Typical overheard remarks include: “She's just like ourselves”, and “She looks real pleased to be here”.
The workers at J. & G. Weir's were “very gratified at the interest taken in their work”, several of the girls remarking: “I wish she'd speak to me”.
The trip down the Clyde to John Brown's shipyard was “quite a triumphal procession”, and the presentation of the shop stewards gave great pleasure to the workers collected round the gangway.
In Edinburgh the “programme was largely semi-private” and there were fewer opportunities for the public to see much of the visitor, although large and interested crowds assembled outside the Castle.
Mrs Roosevelt's visit to Northern Ireland is said to have “created great public interest”, but a good deal of disappointment was felt, particularly in Belfast, that the “general public were not given more opportunities of seeing her”. In Londonderry, where she attended the Armistice Day observance and met Lady Montgomery, a “most favourable impression” was created.
Mrs Roosevelt's “My Day” : It is suggested in one report that more “publicity should be given to the fact that Mrs Roosevelt's earnings from ‘My Day’ are all given to charity”.
(1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 9. 10. 11. 13. 14 Scottish Region. 21 Aberdeen, Cardiff, Carlisle, Manchester, Nottingham, Special P.Cs. 22 (38 reports).)
8. Post-War Reconstruction
An increased interest in post-war conditions is reported from four Regions this week, and the publication of the Beveridge report is said to be awaited with interest. It is felt that “the time is now opportune for a statement on, and a sketch of, post-war social and economic conditions, and that this would provide a spur to greater efforts”.
(2. 3. 4. 8. 10. 21 Inverness P.C.)
9. Civil Defence Day, Sunday 15th November
Only preliminary reports have been received so far, of public reaction to Civil Defence Day. In Northern-Ireland “the event proved a great stimulus to the public generally”. The only reference to Mr. Morrison's Postscript (15th November) so far received describes it as “popular”.
(3. 10. 13)
10. Broadcasting and presentation of news
Interest in the news, whether by radio or press, remains keen, and criticism slight. “The presentation of the news from North Africa is considered to have been excellently handled both by the B.B.C. and press, and has given great satisfaction”, the “restrained communiqués from Cairo” being especially commended. There is warm praise for “the handling of the stories from the desert by Godfrey Talbot” (Four Regions), and he is described as having “come to mean something special in the suggestion of immediate contact”.
Two reports indicate that “when the news is good the public want the facts from the B.B.C.”, and when it is less good they turn to the press.
The summary after the 7 a.m. 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. news bulletins : Five reports mention wide appreciation for this innovation, “because in these days, for one reason or another, people so often miss the opening of the news”.
Photographs in the press : There is praise for the photographs from the Western Desert which are thought to be “the realest thing in reporting which has been received”. The popularity of photographs of the damage inflicted by the R.A.F. is also mentioned.
Commander Kimmins' talk on the “Occupation of Algiers” (16th November) : Only two reports mentioned this so far. It is referred to in the Scottish report as “the outstanding broadcast of the week”. Shipyard workers were “thrilled at the mental picture he conjured up of 850 ships: they realised what a feat of organisation this must have meant”. Many who missed the broadcast hope they will soon be given an opportunity of hearing it again.
There are demands for more “talks by officers and men actually taking part in the fighting”, and for “more stories about how the thing was done”.
Indiscretions by the press and B.B.C. : “Considerable criticism of what are described as indiscretions by both press and B.B.C. in giving information to the enemy” is reported. The latest instances include “Mrs. Roosevelt's visits to a munitions' factory and the Eagle Squadron near Cambridge”, and to Manchester. Press references to “a modern Woolwich in Yorkshire” and to the building of the Mosquito aeroplane are also quoted.
Astrologers : Although “the fact that astrologers and professional prognostigators failed to foretell the momentous events in North Africa is said to have killed such claptrap”, several people are claiming that their favourite press astrologer foretold these events, “although not the exact location, owing to censorship”.
Individual broadcasts which have been praised include Major Hastings' war commentary (12th November), and the series, “Marching On” and “They Shall Rise Again”. “Workers' Playtime” and “Works Wonders” are said to be especially popular in the South Yorkshire Coalfields.
Instructional films : These, and particularly “U.X.B.” and “Know Your Enemy”, are praised as being “far better than the ordinary lecture”. Salvage films are also highly praised.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Leeds P.C. 22 (30 reports).)
II. SPECIAL COMMENTS
11. Manpower and the call-up
Various aspects of the call-up continue to excite a good deal of discussion, though mostly on familiar lines. Approval is again reported for the decision to de-reserve as many as possible of the men under thirty. Though there seems to be little objection on principle to the call-up of women over 40 and youths of 18, it appears to be strongly felt that before this is done there should be a thorough comb-out of young men - and particularly of those who have “crept into reserved work to evade military service”. The number of young women Civil Servants not called up for industry or the Forces still causes comment. Misunderstandings in connection with women's call-up continue to be reported.
Campaigns for Voluntary recruitment of women : The present campaign for voluntary recruitment to the Women's Auxiliary Services is said to be regarded in Glasgow and Aberdeen as “a complete waste of money”. Campaigns to recruit women for the Services or for industry are said to be hampered by reports of:-
-
“Girls who volunteered some time ago, and who have not been called up”.
-
Soldiers' and particularly officers' wives, who “laze all day” and “whose job of work is a knitting party once a week”.
-
Tales of “relatives and friends in factories who are not working full-time, part-time or at all, and who are being paid for knitting, reading and dancing to the radio”.
-
Absence of “adequate nursery facilities” and dislike of “any minding scheme”.
-
Advertisements in the press for what are thought to be needlessly manufactured articles. Strong comment is reported on the inclusion of an advertisement for “Ideal Xmas Gift - Model Machine Guns” in the same issue of the Daily Express (9th November) as a news story headed, “Women of 50 to be called up”: it was asked “where the labour and material to produce toy guns was coming from”.
The transfer of women workers : “Employers of women workers feel that greater attention should be paid to the medical inspection of transferred girls, to save application for release after the girls have been fitted in to their new job”, according to the Scottish report; “it is felt that hardships and health circumstances should be determined once and for all at the girls' home town”. From Aberdeen come “complaints that the Manpower Board is much more lenient than the Hardship Committee, and tales are current of homes being broken up because of adamant decisions - one example being the daughter of a blind mother being sent south. People are saying: ‘If your employer wants you deferred, that's all right, but if your mother's dependent on you, that doesn't matter’”.
Nor are the reasons for transfer always understood, and there is comment about the “numbers of provincial women who are brought to London, while London women are asked to go to the provinces”, and about the introduction of Tyneside girls for work in the North Western Region.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 10. 11. 16. 21 Aberdeen P.C. 22 Dudley, Durham, Middlesbrough, Reigate, Southport, West Sussex)
12. Industry
Increased production : The heartening effect of the African news on “industrial workers of all kinds” continues to be reported; a factory worker's remark, quoted as typical, is: “It's different, when you aren't making tanks for Rommel”. “The unrest and irritation previously noted seem”, according to the Scottish report, “largely to have quietened down” and the fact that “we have been able to equip the Middle East and Russian Forces” is said to have contributed to “the substantially better feeling about our production”. (Four Regions and Police Duty Room reports) Though industrial complaints are still mentioned, none is referred to in more than three reports.
Wages and pay : The high pay of juveniles and of Irish labourers receives, unfavourable comment. The high wages of boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18 are contrasted with the earnings of people over 18 - and often over 40 - who have been moved into less well paid jobs than their normal ones. “Irresponsible youths work only long enough to make enough money for a binge: they then take a few days off and only return to work when their money is finished”.
The shortage of labour has “resulted in Irish workers, within limits, demanding their own terms, especially in regard to the lifting of the sugar beet, which has to be delivered to factories within the dates specified in the farmer's contract”, and an agricultural labourer's wife is quoted as saying: “My man earns £3. 6. 0[Text Missing] as a yard man; yet these Irishmen can come over and get £9 or £10 a week on the beet and potatoes - it doesn't seem fair, does it?” Feeling is the stronger because the Irish are “not liable for income tax and the villagers know that their wages go out of the country”. (Three Regions)
Transfer of workers : There are complaints about the transfer of workers to less well paid jobs and it is felt that the men should not suffer financially as a result. It is alleged that sometimes “a failure to relate income tax deductions to current earnings further increases the burden of the drop in wages”. (Two Regions)
Hours of work : One report mentions a belief that the administrative and clerical staffs of local authorities work considerably shorter hours than industrial workers; it is felt that their hours should be increased to remove the resulting “inequality of sacrifice.” According to another report, it is not understood why Civil Servants should have more holidays than factory workers.
Medical certificates : It is “reported both from mining and industrial areas that medical certificates of exemption from work, at a shilling a time, are much too easily obtainable”. (One Region)
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 9. 10. 11. 14 North Western Region. 16. 21 Cardiff, Manchester P.Cs. 22 Guildford, Stafford, Warwick, Worcester. 32)
13. Fuel Economy Campaign
Although there is little new comment on this subject, there is said to be a general “awareness of the necessity of fuel economy”. The campaign is, however, no longer a front-line topic. It is thought that “more people have become fuel conscious since Mr. Churchill's conference with the miners”, and that “people are game enough to manage if only the Government Departments will do their bit”.
It is reported from one Region that “people with money are stocking fuel for the winter while poorer persons cannot afford to do so”, and it is said that some “working-class housewives, particularly in bleak areas, would welcome a proper rationing scheme”. Some doubt is expressed whether the merchants will have sufficient stocks to provide householders with 15 cwts. of coal before Christmas, and “women with tiny children are particularly troubled about a breakdown in coal supplies”.
There is again criticism of waste of fuel in hotels, restaurants, factories, public buildings and offices, and cases of office cleaners having all the lights on in the early morning are reported. It is suggested that the earlier closing of public houses and hotels would effect a considerable saving. The shortage and poor quality of matches is again reported from two Regions as a cause of fuel waste.
Fuel Flashes : These are referred to as “Freddie Grisewood's damp squibs”, and although a few people are reported still to like them, there is very little said in their favour. It is thought they have “lost all sparkle” and should now be stopped.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 Carlisle, Manchester, Reading, Special P.Cs. 22 Blackburn, Cambridge, Guildford, Hartlepool, Hull, Kent, Lincoln, Reigate, Shrewsbury, Tunbridge Wells)
14. Transport
Transport difficulties continue to be widely discussed. Strong feeling about the restriction of transport services continues.
Other complaints are on familiar lines:-
-
The overcrowding of buses. This continues to be attributed to the restriction of bus services and the cancelling of cheap train fares.
-
The bad timing and overcrowding of trains.
-
Shoppers who persist in filling trams and buses at the workers' rush hours.
From Sheffield comes the complaint that the decision as to whether members of the public are permitted to use workers' late buses seems to lie in the hands of individual conductors. From the Northern Region comes reference to the “general incivility of road transport employees and particularly bus drivers who ‘think it funny’ to pull up at the wrong end of the queue”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 9. 10. 12)
15. Petrol
Complaints continue to be reported on the waste and misuse of petrol. These are mainly unspecified, though the Services and Government Departments are mentioned in two reports. The use of taxis for dances (and their specific advertisement for this purpose in the local press) is said to have aroused strong feeling.
Sections of the public are said to feel certain that some people are receiving more petrol than they actually need, and criticism is reported concerning the method of allocating petrol. There is mystification at the principle under which allotments are made to one person, whilst another with an apparently equal claim is turned down.
(2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 10. 12. 21 Special P.C.)
16. Food
Satisfaction with the food situation continues to be reported. People are said to be willing to put up with further restrictions and hardship if the offensive requires it.
Criticism may be summarised as follows:-
-
The cut in the milk ration . This is said to have caused dissatisfaction and is being felt considerably, especially by small families. People are reported to dislike having their milkman changed. Reports of bad distribution come from the Midland Region, where instances have occurred of people at the end of a milk round being unable to get their full ration.
-
The fish zoning scheme . Criticism continues to be reported, and it is thought that long delays and transport difficulties are inherent in the scheme. From the South Western Region it is suggested that more publicity about the scheme would be a wise move to check the great amount of ill-informed, grumbling talk.
-
The shortage of sweets . In the Midland Region it is said that in some rural areas only peppermints are obtainable, and in the North Western Region supplies of chocolate are alleged to have gone to seaside places and not where they were wanted. Under-the-counter sales of the best sweets are also alleged.
-
Home-made jam . This year's jam is said not to be keeping well, and it is thought to be due to the use of beet sugar.
-
The soap ration . This is considered to be inadequate by those who do their own washing at home, and a “softening powder” or soda is said to be greatly needed. It is thought unfair that people using laundries should continue to receive the same amount of soap as those who either cannot afford laundry charges or who cannot find a laundry willing to take their washing.
-
Dried fruit : Some people believe that dried fruit is to be released nearer Christmas, but they feel that, if it is going to be available at all, it should be in the shops now.
No comment on the increase in the price of butter has been reported. From Northern Ireland comes the observation that “in any case the butter ration is so small that the price increase is negligible”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Reading, York, Special P.Cs. 22 (31 reports).)
17. The Prime Minister's meeting with the miners (31st October)
Outside the mining communities and the adjacent areas, comment appears to have died down. Reactions, though less widespread, are for the most part similar to those reported last week, with the favourable and hopeful views far outweighing the suspicious and critical.
(1. 2. 3. 8. 10. 12)
18. U.S. troops in Great Britain
Comment on the U.S. troops is considerably less this week, but it is said that “good relations continue”, and “they're fitting in very well indeed”, although “there are just a few who are thought to be boastful” and “arrogant in manner”. (Five Regions)
There is again criticism of heavy drinking; also of the association of coloured troops with young girls who are said to “do all the chasing”. “Left to themselves they're well-behaved boys” is reported as a frequent comment.
“Casual treatment on the part of American unit officers towards local citizens offering hospitality to their troops” is reported from one Region, but it is said that the progress of the hospitality committees is “not unsatisfactory”.
It is suggested in one Report that lectures on American home life and education would be a great help towards a better understanding of the U.S. soldiers.
(5. 6. 7. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Cardiff, Manchester P.Cs. 22 Accrington, Berkshire, Bristol, Grimsby, Macclesfield, Oxford, Reading, Salisbury, Sheffield)
19. Clothing
The following clothing and coupon difficulties continue to be reported:-
-
Housewives complain of the problem caused by “the allocation of coupons to household necessities”, especially mothers who “have to sacrifice their coupons to growing children as well”. (Eight Regions)
-
The difficulties of clothing children due to the high price, poor quality and shortage of children's clothing; the shortage of children's shoes and Wellingtons is specially mentioned by five Regions, and is said to “harass mothers” who fear that “serious foot deformities may result”. (Eight Regions)
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 12. 21 Nottingham, Special P.Cs. 22 East Sussex, Kent, Leicester, Ramsgate, Reigate, Tunbridge Wells. 32)
20. Health
The latest measures against the spread of venereal disease are reported to have made “some impression” and to have met with “approval”. It is felt that “still more prominence could be given to the subject”.
(3. 7. 8)
21. Rumours
There are few rumours this week; such as there are spring mostly from the North African campaigns. Thus, it is said that Petain and Weygand are in Algiers, that Dakar is already occupied, and that Rommel has already been captured. In Northern Ireland on Friday, November 13, there were widespread rumours that two British towns had been heavily raided. On Clydeside, it is rumoured - and hoped - that Mr. Churchill is to launch a new aircraft carrier next month.
(1. 5. 10. 11. 13)
REFERENCES
D 78199 -1 5,000 D/d 1576 9/42 PRP