A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46
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.
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
SECRET
No. 114, 10th December 1942
(Covering the period 1st to 8th December 1942)
I. GENERAL COMMENTS
1. General state of confidence and reaction to news
The level of public spirits appears almost everywhere to have “declined from the peak reached during the last two weeks”. The general state of confidence “remains at a higher pitch than at any time in the pre-North African days”, but “elation” is now confined to a minority. This is said to be due to:-
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Uneasiness over the situation in Tunisia.
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Misgivings over the position of Darlan and his “apparent increase in power”.
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The Prime Minister's “salutary warning against over-optimism”. In spite of this, many still believe that the war in Europe will be over by this time next year, if not sooner.
On the other hand, the Russian offensives and the publication of the Beveridge Report have helped to keep spirits up.
The Beveridge Report is everywhere said to have been the main subject of conversation, and “the war news has tended to take a back seat”. It appears to have been welcomed by the great majority - enthusiastically, by many; “wage-earners” are said to be particularly pleased with it. It is thought that enthusiasm would have been even greater, however, but for the belief that vested interests will succeed in “killing or mutilating it”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
2. The Beveridge Report
The Beveridge Report has been the most discussed topic of the week - or “of recent times”, according to two Regions. Interest appears to be based chiefly on a preliminary study of the Report, on “the great amount of information given in the Press”, and on Sir William's “easily understood and becomingly modest broadcast”. Only in Scotland are people “now getting down to details”. The Press treatment of the Report is highly praised. A shortage of copies is mentioned in the Midland and North Western Regions.
The Report as a whole :
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For : The Report has been welcomed with almost universal approval by “people of all shades of political opinion and by all sections of the community”. It is felt that “this comprehensive and clear-cut scheme” marks a step towards post-war reconstruction - “it is the first real attempt to put into practice the talk about the new world” - and has done something to allay the widespread fear of post-war unemployment. (All Regions)
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Reservations :
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People “in all walks of life” fear that “the high rate of benefits may prove an incentive to laziness and thriftlessness”. (Seven Regions)
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“To plan social security before planning employment and trade is to put the cart before the horse”. (Five Regions)
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Some “left wing” people, while in favour of the proposals, feel that the Report “does not go far enough”. (Three Regions)
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Against : Only a very small minority fall into this category; but reasons for objecting to the plan vary considerably, the following sections of the public each having their own view:
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Some businessmen - those “in cotton” are specially mentioned - who fear that the tax on industry will be too great, that prices of goods will have to be raised, and that we shall therefore be in no position to compete in post-war export trade. Fear of inflation is also expressed. (Four Regions)
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People who think “the time is not yet ripe for talking reconstruction”; however, even some of these are pleased with the Report. (Two Regions)
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“The more extreme elements” who feel that “the plan is a palliative and that what is really wanted is the socialisation of industry”. (Two Regions)
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Those who think that there is too much “Soviet flavour” about it. Farmers in Scotland feel that “this daft Socialism will lead to the nationalisation of land next”. (Two Regions)
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“The man with shares in the Prudential”. (One Region)
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Will it materialise ?
There is, according to reports from eleven Regions, “very real anxiety that the plan will not materialise because of the following:-
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“Vested interests” . (Ten Regions) Particularly mentioned are Insurance Companies, the B.M.A. and big business. It is felt “amongst the rank and file that even if these powerful interests do not jointly succeed in completely wrecking it, they will hotly contest every inch of the ground. The final plan will therefore be so mutilated that the benefits ultimately received by working people will be very small”.
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The Government . (Six Regions) There is some doubt as to whether the Government is wholeheartedly behind the scheme. A minority of working-class people in Wales and Scotland, “who remember promises made in the last war”, are saying: “This is merely propaganda to keep us ‘at it’ till the war is over”. On the other hand, the Report is regarded as the first real sign that the Government does in fact mean to tackle post-war problems seriously. There is also a small minority of “uninformed people who think the plan is already an Act of Parliament”.
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Party politics . (Two Regions) It is felt that “unless the Beveridge Report is passed before the end of the war, little or nothing will be done to ensure social security because it will become the subject of wrangling between the political parties”.
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The cost will be too high . (Two Regions)
At the same time, the public are reported to be determined that the plan must go through: “If not, things will be damned unpleasant for whatever government is in power; if it's mucked up, there will be hell to pay”. (Five Regions)
The Report in detail : The following points have been raised:
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Contributions for social insurance . (Five Regions) Wage earners, particularly farm labourers, feel that 4/3d. a week is too much. In Scotland, however, there are said to be “few grumbles” about it.
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Pensions . (Five Regions)
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It is felt that the elderly should have the full amount now: “I will not live long enough to see it”.
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There is a certain amount of confusion about “the transitional period of twenty years”. Some people believe that full benefit will be obtained only when the age of eighty is reached.
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“£2. for a married couple is too little”.
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The position of people who hold an insurance policy or contribute to a superannuation scheme . (Four Regions) “Will they lose their premiums?”
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Medical treatment . (Two Regions) The proposals have been warmly welcomed, but, according to the report from the South Western Region, “the omission of any mention of state control of hospitals has been noticed”. The Report is said to have brought out “the existence of very deep resentment, especially amongst work people, against the present medical system; e.g. long waiting lists at hospitals and the somewhat cursory examinations and hasty diagnoses given by many panel doctors”.
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“Why must funerals cost £20?” (Two Regions)
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Rent . (One Region) If the plan is really to abolish want, rents will have to be controlled. People in towns may pay 20s. a week while those in the country pay only 5s.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Cambridge, Cardiff, Manchester, Reading P.Cs. 22 Eighteen P.D.Rs.)
3. Admiral Darlan
Darlan is said to come second only to the Beveridge Report as a subject of discussion. Views differ as to whether comment has increased or declined in volume, but all agree in saying that distrust of Darlan and dissatisfaction with the present position are as strong as ever; three reports say they are even stronger than last week.
The promise of a debate in the House gives “slight reassurance” to some; a greater number are said to be critical of the fact that it is to be in secret, which is taken by the “most suspicious” as “proof that there's something to cover up”.
The setting up of a French Imperial Council has caused some shock, and “the fact that Darlan did this without so much as a bow to Roosevelt's assurance that the French would be allowed to chose their own leaders, is held to mean that he is telling the American President to mind his own business so far as the administration of the African Empire is concerned”.
Other reactions may be summed up as follows:
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There is “too much mystery about it all”, and a clear statement is asked for. (Six Regions)
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The Americans are responsible. (Five Regions) Some think that the American Government, which is suspected of being pro-Vichy, “has neatly diddled both the British Government and people”. A few say: “Hence the need for a debate in secret”. Respect for America is said to have declined since the Darlan affair.
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Darlan is still “the tool of Vichy and the Germans” and will betray us. (Five Regions) It is thought not to be fair on the First Army “to have such a man in their rear”.
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“Get as much as possible out of him, and then to Hell with him.” (Four Regions)
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The Government must be trusted for the time being. (Four Regions)
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We shall lose the support of the occupied countries, and of Russia. “How can we tell the workers of France to rise when we are hand in glove with a traitor like Darlan whom they loathe?” (Three Regions)
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“Are we selling the pass to fascists?” “What is the difference between Darlan and Laval - or Goering?” (Two Regions)
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13 21 Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester P.Cs. 22 Thirty-seven P.D.Rs. 29. 32)
4. General de Gaulle and the Fighting French
As a result of the Darlan affair, there continue to be reports of increasing sympathy for General de Gaulle and the Fighting French, and a growing feeling that the General has had “a raw deal”; the Government is again blamed for “giving the impression of cold-shouldering him”. There is further praise for “his solidarity with the Allied cause, which has been a lead to all the occupied countries through the darkest days of the war”. Some consider he should have been put in command in North Africa.
General de Gaulle is said to be particularly popular on the Merseyside, but “even where de Gaulle and the Fighting French are extremely unpopular (e.g. in Portsmouth) the English love of fair play makes people consider they have been very shabbily treated”.
(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 13. 21 Glasgow P.C. 22 Thirteen P.D.Rs.)
5. North Africa
Confidence that the Allies will eventually drive the enemy from the African coast is said to be almost universal, but there appears to be growing disappointment that it is taking so long to do it, and increased realisation that there will be “some pretty desperate tussles before they are driven out”. The more thoughtful, helped by “official warnings of the difficulties which lie ahead”, are said to realise that “a slowing-down was inevitable”, but initial successes, and press headlines of “German Dunkirk” and “Rommel's armies trapped”, had given many people the impression that “the remnants of the Axis forces would soon be out of Africa”.
Other reactions may be summed up as follows:-
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The news that the enemy are getting reinforcements both in Tunisia and Libya is causing disappointment. (Five Regions)
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People are concerned at the lack of full air support. (Three Regions)
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It is feared that the First Army's losses may be high. (Two Regions)
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The campaigns are said to be difficult to follow, and accounts confused. Distances are not realised. (Two Regions)
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There is comment on the lack of news: the shortness of the bulletins is taken by some as “the prelude to some really bad news” - it “always has been”. (One Region)
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Anxiety is reported in Northern Ireland about the losses of ships in connection with the North African landings: “the impression was given at the time that the convoys had arrived without loss”.
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“The military setbacks are giving rise to some slight suspicion that friction exists, either among the Commands, between the Americans and ourselves, or among the various French authorities”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
6. Russia
“Admiration” for Russia continues to be expressed, though less comment is reported this week. “Keen interest” in the Red Army offensives continues, and there appears to be a growing hope that the German retreat may become a disaster.
A desire to help Russia more is again reported, and sympathy is described as “deep-seated”, especially among working-class people. She is alleged to be “the true country of the ordinary people”, and a feeling of “personal pride and relief” at the lifting of the Stalingrad siege is mentioned in two Regions; in one it is suggested that “people seemed to identify Stalingrad with their own home town”.
In seven reports this week there are references to a minority who are inclined to “disbelieve stories of the Red Army's successes”. Others are said to “fear her potentiality after the war”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cambridge, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester, Reading, York P.Cs. 22 Fifty P.D.Rs. 29.)
7. Italy
Widespread approval for the raids on Italian cities is again reported. Some think we have delayed bombing Italy too long, and that “the hold Hitler has now gained upon the country will be so strong that the Italian people will be unable to ask for a separate peace, even if they wish to”. There is a persistent belief, however, that “their effective part in the war will cease before long”, and that, if we keep the bombing up, she will “soon crack up”.
A minority persist in wanting Rome bombed, and the rumour that the Pope would move into Rome from the Vatican city if this happens made some people ask “why he didn't come to Birmingham and the docks in the blitz, to guard his English Roman Catholics”.
Three reports indicate that people do not dislike the Italians as much as the Germans, or in the same way; contempt and pity for them are expressed, the latter “mostly by middle aged women”. “Merseysiders” and people in other blitzed towns feel strongly, however, that “Italy mustn't be allowed to get out on too easy terms”.
(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 21 Edinburgh, Leeds P.Cs. 22 Twenty P.D.Rs.)
8. The scuttling of the French fleet
Comment is now said to have died down for the most part, and the points of view expressed differ little from those reported last week. Admiration still seems to be the predominating emotion and, in spite of some indications to the contrary, the incident is thought on the whole to have “caused French stock to rise”. Other reactions may be summed up in the words of a writer quoted by Postal Censorship: “Thank God the French were able to sink their fleet. What asses they were not to have sailed away when they could! They have made a mess of this war”.
(3. 4. 5. 7. 10. 12. 21 Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Inverness, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading P.Cs. 22 Twenty-six P.D.Rs. 29)
9. The Prime Minister's broadcast (29th November)
Further reports confirm the preliminary reactions mentioned last week. Although “praise has not been quite so eulogistic as usual”, the speech was very favourably received by the great majority, many of whom were enthusiastic. While “other members of the Government speak too much”, Mr. Churchill is considered to speak too little. His popularity is now said to be very high, and “his modest tone and the realisation that much of the criticism levelled against him has now proved unjustified has greatly increased people's affection for him”.
The two points in his speech most appreciated are still:-
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His “mention of the hard years ahead of us”, with “its sobering effect on the optimistic”, many of whom are now reported to be disappointed and pessimistic as a result. As a writer quoted by Postal Censorship says: “I fancy he's put paid to a lot of people thinking the war'll be over in a few months”.
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His appeal to the Italians, which was considered “brilliantly designed to sow alarm and despondency, as well as division among the Italian people”. Those who did not at first think this particularly effective were “persuaded it was worthwhile by Mussolini's reply”: this was described as “a very poor comic opera effort”, and has been generally ridiculed. Mr. Churchill's “pungent references to Musso” were particularly enjoyed by workers.
Regret is again expressed that the Prime Minister “was not drawn into giving any news regarding Darlan and de Gaulle”, that he “made no mention of post-war planning” and that he “told us nothing new”.
Little reference is made to Mr. Churchill's Bradford speech (5th December), but it seems to have been regarded as even more “anti-optimistic” than his broadcast.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Inverness, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading P.Cs. 22 Fourty-five P.D.Rs.)
10. Far East
Interest in the Pacific war zone is reported to be still at a low level, though the Prime Minister's broadcast is thought to be having the effect of making people pause and think. The “ordinary man” is said to be satisfied that matters are progressing in the Allies' favour but considers this theatre of war to be primarily American and is willing to leave the job to them.
Opinion is reported to be divided as to whether the Japanese are an “easy prey” or will take a lot of beating, and the slow process of defeating them in New Guinea and Guadalcanal is noted as an indication of the difficulties to be faced when the time comes to drive them out of the other lands they have occupied.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 21 Inverness P.C. 22 Fifteen P.D.Rs)
11. The Cabinet changes
These are said to be still widely discussed. Comment, which is reported to be “less detailed and critical”, follows familiar lines, and regret at Sir Stafford Cripps' “demotion” appears to be the predominating reaction.
(1. 2. 9. 10. 21 Glasgow P.C. 22 Lincolnshire, Surrey P.D.Rs. 29)
12. Air raids on this country
There are further reports of “growing complacency about the possibility of air raids on this country” and some people refer to “the waste of money in keeping up Civil Defence”. Only on the South coast is there said to be some slight renewal of anticipation - but not alarm - “when the Russian front settles down for the winter”.
(6. 9. 10. 21 Glasgow P.C.)
13. Broadcasting and presentation of news
Satisfaction with the handling of the war news is again reported. Praise for the repetition of the headlines after the broadcast news continues.
In the South Western Region, where wireless reception is said to be bad, people are pleased that “all emergency matters such as sirens and announcements” will be transmitted by Radio Relay.
Brains Trust : The Brains Trust is thought “not to be so good as it was”. Some listeners miss the “companionable spirit of the original trio”; others complain of the “pomposity and dullness” of the “Eminent Physician”, and it is suggested “that the deference shown to His Eminence cramps the style of the whole party”. (Three Regions)
Variety Programmes : “Monday night at eight” is “very much enjoyed”, while Tommy Handley is both praised and “slanged”. (Two Regions)
The European News Service continues to be praised, especially the comments of the “Man in the street”. (Two Regions)
The following individual speeches and broadcasts are specially praised:-
Mr. Eden's speech on post-war foreign policy (2nd December) met with “warm approval”, and his “further references to the twenty years pact with the Soviet Government is specially praised”. (Three Regions)
Major Hastings' War Commentary (3rd December) is again praised. It is considered both “interesting and comprehensive”. (Two Regions)
General Smuts' recorded broadcast (6th December) : Preliminary reports suggest that his speech was liked, and his references to the Battle of the Atlantic were specially appreciated on the Merseyside. (One Region)
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 22 Doncaster P.D.R.)
II. SPECIAL COMMENTS
14. Industry and manpower
Production : This week there are again contradictory opinions about the effect of the recent war news on workers' “zest for work”. On the one hand, “a falling off of work due to complacency” is reported; on the other, there are still references to “increased effort”. Certain workers - for example workers in Derbyshire and some miners in the North Midland Region - are still said “to have little or no realisation of the issues at stake. They cannot forget the past and think that the end of the war will be to their personal disadvantage”.
“Vague stories” of idle time in factories, or in some cases allegations of enforced idleness in particular firms, are reported from four Regions. A specific instance quoted from the Northern Region is as follows: “Stories that many men were idling for days at a shipyard are believed to be due to the unwillingness of employers to release men when one ship is ‘got away’ and the new ship does not as yet require the same number of men. It is felt that this should be overcome by the transfer of surplus men to another yard immediately a ship is launched, and their re-transfer to the original yard when sufficient work is available”.
Manpower : There is less reference to this subject this week. Points raised are: (i) The comb-out of men for the Forces is not as thorough as it might be (Two Regions); (ii) “The haphazard way men are selected for transfer” (Two Regions); (iii) Confusion amongst women about their obligations under the call-up, particularly as regards part-time work (One Region); (iv) Discrimination against women workers (North Midland Region): It is reported that “foremen are unwilling to use woman labour to its full extent. Even when commanded by the management to put a woman on a certain job, the foreman can get out of doing so; as he has to supervise her training, he is in a particularly good position to say that “she is not much good”.
(1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 22 Guildford, Newport Isle of Wight, West Suffolk P.D.Rs.)
15. Transport difficulties
There are references from eleven Regions to transport difficulties this week. Public transport is described as “the greatest difficulty with which the public is contending”. It continues to be a major topic of discussion.
It is felt that many people do not appreciate the necessity for the curtailment of the bus services. Those who do realise that cuts must be made are of the opinion that the best use is not made of the available buses; thus, it is suggested that fewer buses should be run in the afternoons to allow more at night.
Complaints are on familiar lines and may be summarised as follows:
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The overcrowding of buses (i) by shoppers and pleasure seekers; (ii) by train travellers because of the abolition of cheap rail facilities; (iii) by short distance passengers, on long distance buses.
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The lack of a priority scheme for workers and complaints of long waits at bus stops.
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Inadequate rural transport services.
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Buses and trains not running to time.
Christmas travel restrictions : Some grumbles that no extra trains are being run are reported from evacuated workers who are very keen on going home for Christmas. From Bournemouth it is reported that, once it was clear that no extra trains would be run for Christmas travel, bookings at local hotels, which had previously been very heavy, were cancelled in large numbers.
(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 16. 22 Brighton, High Wycombe, Leicester City, Newport Isle of Wight, Nottingham City, Reading, West Sussex P.D.Rs.)
16. Fuel Economy
People are reported to be economising and doing their best to save fuel, but there is still some feeling that coal should be rationed to deal with the selfish minority. People without storage space for fuel are said to be anxious about supplies, and complaints are made about the alleged misleading statements as to the amount of supplies which people are allowed.
The Fuel Campaign is arousing less interest. Criticism of Fuel Flashes continues, “but at least they do make people talk about fuel saving”. Fuel and Light Economy film shorts are however praised; Fuel Communiqués are said to be read more extensively in Wales.
The quality of coal is again criticised. It is said to be “poor and does not heat as much water or do as much cooking as it should”.
(1. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 10. 12. 21 Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, York P.Cs.)
17. Petrol
There are fewer references this week to the misuse and waste of petrol. Complaints are as follows:-
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Men on bus routes using cars to travel to business.
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Misuse of petrol allowances.
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Misuse of taxis.
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Waste of petrol by the Army and the Civil Defence Service.
Factory workers in a town in the North Midland Region are reported to be complaining that the Mayor is travelling in a Rolls Royce (8 to 10 m.p.g.) to give canteen talks.
(3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10. 21 Glasgow P.C. 22 Boston, Hertford, Northumberland, Norwich City, Southport, Tunbridge Wells P.D.Rs.)
18. Food
“General satisfaction” with the food situation is again expressed this week: “Woolton is a great manager”. (Six Regions, Postal Censorship and Police Duty Reports).
The chief criticisms reported are:-
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Fish zoning scheme : This is said to have resulted in shortage, poor quality and the uneven distribution of fish, and to have “brought back queuing”. (Eight Regions) It is urged that “every step should be taken to end any dispute that may exist”. Complaints are made that hotels, restaurants and large stores are favoured and that “under-the-counter trade takes place”. One report suggests that fish should be put on points.
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Milk : The difficulties of housekeeping due to the cut in milk are again stressed though it is said that “people are accepting the situation with good grace”. Although many people would prefer more milk in place of the large cheese ration, others are said to find that the “many recipes available make cheese a popular item on the war-time menu”.
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People are said to be “out to make Christmas as much like normal times as possible”, and some disappointment is expressed in three reports that there will be no extra supplies for Christmas; but this, like the milk shortage, is also “accepted with good grace”.
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Dried fruits : A shortage of dried fruits - especially currants and raisins - is reported, and it is suggested in one report that these “should be rationed by coupon and not by points, as at present only favourites with the tradesmen are supplied”.
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Fruit juices and cod liver oil : One Region reports that “many mothers are indignant at Government admonitions concerning the failure to take up fruit juices and cod liver oil”. They say the “machinery is far too cumbersome”.
(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Ashton-under-Lyne, Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Reading P.Cs. 22 Fifteen P.D.Rs.)
19. Toys
Complaints of “the ridiculously” high price, “rubbishy” quality, and shortage of children's toys is reported from seven Regions, as compared with four Regions, last week. “Woollen and cuddly toys”, and secondhand toys are said to be “particularly dear”. “Small firms of mushroom growth” are thought to be “exploiting the present situation of restricted supplies”, and there is a demand for price control.
(1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 9. 10. 21 Cardiff P.C. 22 Lincoln, Tunbridge Wells P.D.Rs.)
20. Civil Defence
Only preliminary reports have been received so far on the increases in pay for Civil Defence workers. In the South Western Region they are described as “helpful”.
Desire for equal war injury compensation for women, and approval of Mrs. Tate's campaign continue to be reported from three Regions.
“Front Line” : A big demand for this book is reported from four Regions and is mentioned in Police Duty Room reports. Both the pictures and the reading matter are praised, and the only criticism of “both buyers and sellers, is the difficulty of obtaining copies”. Booksellers are reported to have “sold out” in many places, and for this reason exception was taken to an announcement by the B.B.C. on Sunday night (6th December) to the effect that copies could be obtained at H.M. Stationery Office, or any bookseller.
(3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 21 Inverness P.C. 22 Bootle, Reading P.D.Rs.)
21. Torch Batteries
A serious shortage of No. 8 (hand) and No. 800 (cycle) batteries is again reported and the difficulties of cyclists getting to and from work are again stressed. (Five Regions) The risk of accident through riding without lights is pointed out in Police Duty Room Reports. One Region reports the comment that the shortage may be due partly to selfish buying by hoarders: “500 batteries were sold in one shop inside an hour”.
(1. 3. 4. 7. 10. 22 Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Oxford, Oxfordshire, West Suffolk P.D.Rs.)
22. Clothing
Coupons : The demand for a separate household coupon allowance is again reported. (Six Regions) There is “general dissatisfaction” at the present situation, with regard to towels, of factories, schools, canteens, business houses, hospitals, etc. It is felt there is an “urgent need for some statement”.
Wellington boots : Two Regions point out the hardships caused to country children through the shortage of Wellington boots. It is “wondered whether it would be a practical proposition to encourage mothers to buy clogs”. Repairs to rubber boots are also said to be very difficult owing to manufacturers being occupied with Government contracts.
Boots and shoes : It is thought that footwear may become a “very serious problem for the poorer sections of the community”. Children's shoes of all types are said to be difficult to obtain, high in price, and of poor quality. An added difficulty is the length of time required for repairs, and their high cost, which results in children having to go about in unmended shoes.
Traffic in clothing coupons : It is reported from two Regions that the traffic in clothing coupons is believed to be increasing.
(1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12.)
23. U.S.A. troops in Great Britain
Postal Censorship and Police Duty Room reports indicate that the American troops are, on the whole, well liked and well behaved. Only two Regional reports refer to them this week, for the most part in favourable terms.
(7. 10. 21 Reading P.C. 22 Berkshire, Norfolk, Peterborough, West Suffolk P.D.Rs.)
24. Mr. Claude Mullins
“Resentment” has been expressed at Mr. Mullins' remarks on the subject of housekeepers and it is held that “too many judges and magistrates are using the Courts as platforms for stating their pet theories”.
(2. 5.)
25. The ringing of the bells
Our Weekly Reports of 19th and 26th November indicated that opinion was sharply divided over the ringing of the bells. An independent report (for November), just received, refers to “the lack of enthusiasm which was displayed when it was announced that the joy bells would be rung”, but mentions “the curious fact that everybody who heard the bells, whether they agreed with them being rung or not, seemed to have appreciated hearing them again”. The information slips from the Liverpool Postal Censorship Unit during the week ending 4th December show overwhelming approval, with 509 appreciations and 78 critical comments. “Disapproving writers either consider that it is premature to rejoice over victories or that such rejoicing will give sorrow to many”.
(1. 21 Special P.C. 29)
26. Rumours
There are few rumours this week. The only ones worth noting are as follows:
More transatlantic troops are said to be coming to Swindon shortly, including Mexicans.
In the North Western Region, six American troops are said to have died through drinking doctored liquor.
Jimmy O'Dea, the comedian in “Irish Half Hour” on the radio, is said to be sending messages in code to the enemy, announcing the names of places about to be bombed by the R.A.F.
In Scotland, it is rumoured that the Duke of Kent was piloting his plane when it crashed.
(1. 6. 7. 10. 11. 32)
REFERENCES
D 78199 -1 5,000 D/d 1576 9/42 PRP