A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46

587

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 251

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.

588 591 6 593 8 596 11 597 12

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
SECRET

No. 112, 26th November, 1942

(Covering the period 17th to 24th November, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

Confidence, according to all reports, remains at the high level reached last week; but in six Regions elation and excitement are said to have been replaced to a considerable extent by a “more sober optimism”, and the general feeling now appears to be one of “confident resolution”. While the situation in North Africa continues to be the centre of interest, and is largely responsible for “the general feeling of cheerfulness”, this is added to by the new Soviet offensive. The American naval victory in the Solomons and the Allied advances in New Guinea - though to a far less extent - are also referred to as cheering factors.

There seems to be a fairly general conviction that “the tide has turned in our favour” and, as a result, many people are said to have been stimulated to greater exertions and are more ready to accept restrictions and inconveniences in order to bring victory nearer. At the same time, the less thinking people are widely reported to be saying “its all over now, bar the shouting”, and “this is the last blackout winter of the war”. “Over-optimism” and the dangers of complacency are referred to in six reports.

The position of Admiral Darlan is said to be “the most discussed item of the week, apart from the actual North African offensives”. Dislike and distrust of this gentleman appear to be so intense as to have taken the edge off people's pleasure at our successes. Even satisfaction about Dakar was said to be “blurred by suspicion of him”.

The Cabinet changes appear to have caused much surprise, some uneasiness and little satisfaction: the fact that they have not produced “more concern” is attributed to the present general satisfaction.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14 North Western, Northern Ireland. 21 Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading, York P.Cs.)

2. The Mediterranean

The situation in North Africa continues to be watched with intense interest and great satisfaction. There is particular delight at “the conception and design of the Allied pincer movement”, and admiration for “the work involved in the planning and preparation of the operation”: the whole thing is regarded as “a wonderful demonstration of co-ordination of the Forces and the unity of the Allied nations”.

The Eighth Army : The public are said to be “really thrilled at the speed with which the Allied forces have progressed”, and “the re-capture of the familiar places, particularly Benghazi, has greatly heartened people”. Pleasure is reported at once more “seeing Tunis somewhere near the middle of the map in the newspaper”.

A “certain uneasy apprehension” is, however, reported, because “the good news of last week has not been followed up by Russia now at least equals the Mediterranean news”; the “Russians' stock” it is said, “could not go up higher”.

Some anticipation during the past week “that the new attack was imminent” is reported from three Regions, and the news of the Russian offensives, especially in the region of Stalingrad, have been greeted with “relief and great pleasure”, and are specially admired “as evidence of the fighting powers retained by the Russian armies after the long resistance at Stalingrad”. The belief is increasing that the Russians will “push the Germans back, just like they did last year”.

Desire to aid the Russians remains unabated, and though “it is hoped that the North African campaign will be helping them”, it is felt that “we must continue to do all in our power to assist them”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading, York P.Cs.)

5. The Far East

Though interest is still “limited” in this “remote war zone”, it is reported to be increasing this week. In eight Regions the news of the American naval victory in the Solomons is said “to have cheered people considerably”, though there is some criticism of what is thought to be their “foolish suppression” of losses. Confidence has also been increased by the “slow but steady progress” in New Guinea.

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

6. The Cabinet changes

Though somewhat overshadowed by other events, the changes in the Cabinet appear to have aroused considerable interest and speculation so far as Sir Stafford Cripps and Mr. Morrison are concerned, but little regarding the other appointments. Astonishment and mystification are widely reported, and many people are said to feel disturbed. The changes do not, on the whole, seem popular, but so far only preliminary reactions have been received.

Sir Stafford Cripps : Opinion is divided as to whether he will make a good Minister of Aircraft Production. His “stepping down” is attributed to:-

  1. “Some rift between him and Churchill” (Five Regions). The publication of their letters “shows there was something to explain away”. No criticism of Mr. Churchill is, however, reported.

  2. “The party machine”. “The Official Labour Party wished to displace him, now that victory is coming”. (Four Regions)

  3. “His outspoken comments on post-war problems”. (Three Regions) “A pity he has gone, just when he might have been useful in post-war plans”.

  4. A belief that he is “a difficult man to work with”. (Two Regions) One report, however, suggests that it is “other people's consciences” that find him difficult.

  5. The 1922 Committee. (One Region)

Mr. Morrison : Less interest is shown in Mr. Morrison's entry into the War Cabinet than in Sir Stafford's leaving it. Some approval is reported, and his popularity is said to have increased of late; but there are also said to be objections to having a former conscientious objector in the War Cabinet. (Three Regions) It is thought, too, that he has “enough to do in his present posts”. There is some tendency to regard his appointment as “a sop to Labour”.

Mr. Eden : His appointment as Leader of the House has aroused little comment, but is said to be “quietly applauded”. He, too, is thought to be over-burdened.

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

7. The ringing of the bells

Though opinion still appears to be divided on the question of ringing the bells, there is considerably less comment on the subject this week. It is difficult to determine whether or not pleasure at hearing them was outweighed by a feeling that such rejoicing was premature. Postal Censorship reports suggest, however, that enjoyment outweighed criticism.

The ringing of the bells, according to reports from two Regions, has “at least proved that they are useless for an invasion warning."

(1. 3. 7. 8. 10. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cambridge, Carlisle, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester, Reading P.Cs.)

8. Post-war reconstruction

Increasing interest in post-war reconstruction is reported this week from seven Regions, as against five last week. There is again said to be curiosity concerning the Beveridge Report.

(3. 4. 5. 8. 9. 10. 11)

9. Mrs Roosevelt

Satisfaction is expressed that Mrs Roosevelt has got safely back to America. The main regret is said to have been “that she didn't stay longer”. Her visit is thought to have helped considerably in establishing Anglo-American friendship; her friendly attitude since returning home, and her commendation of our war effort, are both widely appreciated.

The only criticism is a familiar one. Her visit is thought to have been too official, and it is regretted that she was not given the opportunity of meeting more ordinary civilians.

(4. 6. 7. 10. 21 Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Nottingham, Reading P.Cs.)

10. Mr. John Amery

Mr. John Amery's broadcast from Germany on the 19th November appears to have aroused widespread comment in Northern Ireland and Scotland, but to have been much less discussed, or to have passed unnoticed, in other parts of the United Kingdom. The chief reported reactions are “sympathy with his father”, and condemnation of his anti-Jewish sentiments.

(3. 9. 11. 13)

11. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Interest in the news, and praise for “the presentation of news from North Africa” continues. “It is felt that both the Press and the B.B.C. have maintained their improved standard”. But although reports from some Regions still refer to “little criticism”, or to “criticism never having been less”, others suggest that, “with the novelty of good news wearing off”, there has been a slight increase in complaints. These refer mostly to the B.B.C. and are specified thus:-

  1. “An inclination to be over-optimistic”. (Three Regions)

  2. Information is given to the enemy. (Two Regions)

  3. “Too much padding”. (Two Regions)

Further appreciation is expressed for “the policy of repeating headlines at the end of the news bulletins”, for “the graphic recordings” of Godfrey Talbot, and for “the quick release” of photographs of air-raid damage inflicted on the enemy.

Commander Kimmins' talk on “The Occupation of Algiers” (16th November) is widely praised. According to a report from one Region, however, “it is thought not to have been as good as his Malta convoy broadcast because everything went too easily this time”.

Group Captain Helmore's War Commentary (19th November) : His commentaries are said “always to enthrall a large public”, and this one “came up to expectations, giving a more complete impression of the North African campaign than is possible in day-to-day newspaper reports”.

(1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 12. 21 Nottingham P.C.)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

12. Industry and manpower

Production : Reports from four Regions again refer to “increased efforts by war workers”, a feeling which is confirmed by Postal Censorship; to quote a typical extract from this: “I do believe we have all worked harder this week; we have taken such a lot of courage from our good news”. On the other hand, it is suggested that over-optimism may result in a slackening of work and, in fact, output is said to have gone down in one London factory “because the workers thought the war was as good as over”. In Scotland, however, “it seems to be still doubtful whether the average worker relates the work he is doing now with what has happened, is happening, and will happen on the war fronts”.

Manpower : Discussion of this subject continues on familiar lines; particular mention is made of:-

  1. “The many young men and women sheltering” in Government Departments, war factories and municipal offices, “avoiding more irksome work, while older people are called up for military service”. The demand for a comb-out of reserved occupations continues. (Four Regions)

  2. “Inequalities” in the call-up of women. (Three Regions) The suggestion is again made that “married women without home ties should be conscripted”. There is also, according to the report from the North Western Region, a feeling that “entry into the W.R.N.S. is on old school tie lines”.

  3. Part-time for women (Three Regions). Complaints are that: (i) Women wanting to volunteer for such work “are unable to find any”; (ii) “The hours of work insisted upon in factories and shops are impossible for women with home duties; (iii) “The hours of women doing part-time work are much lengthened by the time taken up in travelling, so that, in point of fact, they find themselves away from home for almost the whole day for a very small remuneration”.

(2. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 12)

13. Transport difficulties

These are reported this week from ten Regions; in the North Midland Region they are described as the workers' “chief worry”. Hours of work are said to be lost through inadequate bus services in some districts in this and the North Western Region. “Many people employed in factories are unable to get home in reasonable time either for dinner or after finishing work. Some men have to forego their midday meal and do not reach home till after nine in the evening, while others walk a distance of two-and-a-half miles to and from work”.

In two Regions the “uneconomical arrangement” of buses is criticised, and it is suggested that those going to war factories should be allowed to pick up passengers on the return journey, instead of returning empty. There are also complaints that “long distance buses are crowded out by short distance travellers, who will not wait for their own bus”.

Transport curfew : The following complaints have been reported from Regions where this curfew has been enforced:-

  1. The removal of Sunday morning buses is said to inconvenience Saturday night fire-watchers, and those returning from Home Guard and Civil Defence duties.

  2. Curtailment of evening bus services deprives war workers of “their Saturday night out”, and inconveniences shift workers and fire-watchers returning to fire-watching duties where they work.

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

14. Petrol

The following complaints of petrol wastage have been reported this week:-

  1. Unnecessary use of petrol by the Forces, including U.S. troops. (Six Regions)

  2. “Too many cars are owned by people who have public facilities for travelling”. (Five Regions)

  3. Too much petrol is allowed to farmers. (One Region)

(1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 10)

15. Fuel economy

Although discussion of this subject seems to be declining, the public are said to remain “fuel conscious”. Rationing is demanded by a minority.

People are reported to be tired of the Fuel Economy Campaign and “irritated by the extravagant propaganda”, a feeling which is summed up in the statement that “after hearing King-Hall I want to turn on all the lights, stack up the fire and wallow in a hot bath up to the neck”. Mr. Grisewood's Fuel Flashes continue to be criticised.

The shortage of coal, due to its alleged uneven distribution, is, in some areas, causing complaint and hardship. It is said to be leading to an increased use of paraffin which in its turn becomes scarce. The poor quality of household coal is also mentioned.

The suggestion is made that, as a stimulus to coal production, Russian miners should be invited to talk to those of Britain. It is also suggested that the closing of a factory because of fuel shortage “would have more effect on miners and consumers than fuel limericks”.

(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 10. 21 Inverness P.C.)

16. Food

Continued satisfaction with the food situation is reported, and there is “general gratitude that we have so much”. (Nine Regions)

There are, however, some criticisms:-

  1. The cut in the milk ration : The small allowance of fresh and dried milk, and the irregularity of supply, are said to make housekeeping very difficult; there are also complaints of unequal distribution.

  2. Christmas fare and sweets for children : There appears to have been some expectation of “extras, especially sweets and fruits for children, at Christmas”. The popular brands of sweets are reported to have disappeared from some of the shops.

  3. Tinned turkey : People are reported to be “more amused than disappointed” over the twenty points needed for one pound of turkey.

  4. Cooking fat : It is suggested that an increased allowance of cooking fat would encourage the use of potatoes.

  5. Dried eggs : The announcement that the new kind of dried eggs are for “cooking purposes only, and should be used quickly after the packet is opened” is said to have aroused some suspicion that “doubtful stuff is being imposed on customers”.

  6. Green vegetables : The prospect of the control of supply and price of green vegetables is reported “to be welcome, and essential for fair distribution”.

  7. Giving away rations : The recent announcement by the Ministry of Food that it is illegal to give away one's rations is criticised in two reports. “Surely”, it is said, “our rations are our own and it is treating us like children”.

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

17. Clothing

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

  1. Wellington boots : The difficulty of obtaining these is reported from “many sections of the public”. There are “complaints from land girls” and from “men on building sites on thoroughly wet jobs, who are refused rubber boots because there are not enough”. It is said that this criticism is all the stronger “because these men know the Civil Defence and N.F.S. are stiff with them”. The new “two-coupon Wellington” of which there are reported to be “still very few available”, is said to be “not standing up to wear”.

  2. Coupons for domestic use : It is strongly felt there should be a separate allowance, as the clothing coupon allowance is already “rather tight”, particularly where there are growing children.

  3. Coupons for sheeting , which is cheaper than made-up sheets, is thought to be “unfair to the poorer classes”.

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

18. Income tax

During the last four weeks, reference has been made to income tax problems in reports from eight Regions. The points raised are on familiar lines:-

  1. “The retarding effect on workers”, who avoid work or do less, because they feel “too much is taken in income tax”.

  2. “The Government will be neither willing nor able to repay post-war credits after the war”.

  3. Income tax “should be deducted from workers' current weekly earnings”. This is particularly desired by workers transferred to less well-paid jobs, who “still have to pay income tax on their previous higher earnings”.

  4. Confusion about income tax among agricultural workers, “who think the whole of overtime pay goes in tax”, and therefore refuse to work overtime; and among small holders who think that “capital is taxed pound by pound per year” and therefore do not invest “the comfortable sums they are now earning”.

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

19. Servicemen's allowances and pensions

During the last four weeks reports from seven Regions have referred to complaints about:-

  1. The inadequacy of allowances for servicemen's wives and widows. (Five Regions)

  2. The inadequacy of pensions for disabled servicemen. (Two Regions)

  3. The “unfairness” of not giving pensions to men discharged as “unfit for military duties, but fit for civil employment”. (Two Regions)

(1. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 12)

20. Health

Head colds are reported to be more prevalent than usual, and it is suggested that these should be dealt with by innoculation.

In some areas (e.g., the North Eastern Region) scabies is said to be increasing to the extent that “school attendance, essential work and general comfort are affected”. A simple straightforward statement on its treatment would be welcomed.

One report mentions that the health and efficiency of juveniles, especially those “straight out of school”, is said to be impaired by the long hours they are expected to work.

(2. 3. 5. 8. 12)

21. Agriculture

Farmers in the North Western Region are said to be resigned to the loss of their crops owing to the scarcity of labour; while in the North Eastern Region oats and barley are reported to be deteriorating because of a shortage of threshing machines. In Worcestershire unthatched corn ricks are said to have resulted in the corn being unfit for human consumption. This is thought, however, to be “an artful dodge” by the farmers, who can now use this corn to feed their pigs and poultry.

Great indignation is reported in some parts of the Eastern Region where the families of ex-farm worker servicemen have been given notice to quit from cottages by farmers.

(2. 4. 9. 10. 21 Inverness P.C.)

22. Torch batteries

The shortage of No. 8 torch batteries is said to be causing criticism and concern, as this appears to be the size most commonly used. There is a rumour in the London Region that no more No. 8 batteries are to be made.

(5. 8. 10)

23. U.S. troops in Great Britain

Relations continue to be friendly, and comment is appreciative. There are still a few reports of individual bad behaviour, and criticism is made of their heavy drinking, the amount of money they spend, their boastfulness, and dangerous driving. It is alleged in the South Western Region that cars are used by the troops for “pub crawling”.

Hospitality continues to be offered, though in the North Western Region, different feeding customs are said to make this difficult.

(3. 4. 6. 7. 10. 21 Cardiff, Inverness, Nottingham, York P.Cs.)

24. Rumours

From the Southern Region comes the story that British Merchant Seamen on convoy duties are forbidden to go ashore in Russia because anti-British feeling there is intense; this is attributed to our failure to establish a second front, and it is even alleged that “one or two of our seamen have been shot by the Russians”.

The same Region provides the rumour that “a Coventry motor firm has been told to transfer next March from war production to car production for export”.

(6)

APPENDIX

A Scottish Workers' Shopping Scheme

The following report is based on the observations of the Intelligence Officer in Scotland, who recently visited the C.P. Tool Works at Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.

The absenteeism figure at this Works is at the moment 5.6% of which .36% is considered to be avoidable. Both the management and the workers believe that one of the most important factors in this situation is the smooth working of a shopping scheme which has been in operation there for several months. Before the introduction of this scheme many of the workers asked continually for time off in which to do their shopping. These requests have now almost disappeared.

The scheme is open to all the factory's employees (including those doing part-time work) and more and more men are taking advantage of its facilities; these are available every working day except Sunday.

Every morning workers who want their shopping done bring a list of their requirements. These lists, and the money to pay for the goods, are collected by two “inside shoppers”, who tour the benches, offices and canteens. The workers usually have carrier bags beside them into which they put their lists. About two hundred orders are received each day by these “inside shoppers”, who take a close personal interest in the workers' needs and pass on the information they receive from them to three “outside shoppers”.

A large variety of goods are asked for, including rations and other foods, boots, shoes, clothing, laundry and wireless batteries for recharging. (It is intended that written requirements shall shortly be replaced by printed lists on which the workers will tick off the goods they need.) When the lists and money have been collected, they are taken to the gatehouse, where they are entered in the daybook; they are then handed to the three “outside shoppers” by whom the buying is done. These shoppers are three Fraserburgh housewives who are paid at the rate of 1/- an hour. Their only complaint is of the wear and tear on their footwear, particularly in wet weather and they have asked to be given rubber boots, a request which the firm feels the Board of Trade should agree to, in view of the importance of the work which these women are doing.

The shoppers queue up in the ordinary way and are given no preference by shop keepers, who, in the main, seem to prefer this system, as it has done away with the “mad rush” in which the work people descended on the shops just before closing time. The only shop keeper who grumbled at the scheme was one who declared; “It's no use now trying to keep anything up my sleeve for a favoured customer - you women know everything I have”; but even his attitude shows signs of melting.

The shoppers' chief difficulty is the carrying of loaves, especially at week ends. They are given no assistance in carrying parcels, except when the Works' van occasionally picks up orders if making return journeys on the firm's business.

When the shoppers return to the Works, they deliver the goods at the gatehouse where they are ticked off against the order book, and the change is checked; the “indoor shoppers” then deliver the parcels to the work people at their benches.

The system appears to work exceedingly well in a compact town like Fraserburgh, and the firm is strongly of the opinion that, by preventing absenteeism, the shoppers are worth every penny of their wages.

We use cookies to track usage and preferences.

Privacy & Cookie Policy Accept & Close