A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46
SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 254
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. 116. 24th December 1942
(Covering the period 15th to 22nd December 1942)
I. GENERAL COMMENTS
1. General state of confidence and reaction to news
Although the Russian offensive and the advance of the Eighth Army are said “to have given general satisfaction”, spirits appear to remain everywhere much the same as last week. Confidence is on a high level, with the public convinced that “we are heading for victory”, but without the elation which followed on Rommel's defeat at El Alamein and the Allied landings in French North Africa.
Uneasiness about Darlan's position, though less than last week, is still considerable.
Christmas is arousing a great deal of interest and discussion, and many people are said to be doing their best to make “this austerity Christmas as bright and cheerful as possible”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13)
2. North Africa
Confidence that the Axis forces will be driven out of North Africa is again widely reported this week.
The Eighth Army : The progress of the Eighth Army has caused general pleasure, and confidence in our army and generals is high. Reports from two Regions, however, refer to “some uneasy talk about the lengthening of our supply lines”.
The encircling movement “which was stated to have cut Rommel's forces in two” was hailed as a victory by some people, who were therefore disappointed at “the get-away”. According to reports from four Regions, there was some criticism of “the build-up” given to this news: it was regarded as “a return to the bad old days of the Cairo spokesman”.
The First Army : Concern is expressed about:
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The lack of news from Tunisia; people are said to be wondering what has happened: “Have we suffered some reverse?” (Six Regions)
-
Events not having moved “as quickly as was anticipated” (Three Regions): “Did we, as usual, underestimate the enemy?”
-
The initial shortage of air support: “Have we an adequate force at our disposal now?” (Two Regions)
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)
3. Admiral Darlan
Feeling is similar to that reported during the last four weeks, but there is a decrease in comment and criticism, and an increase in the number of people “inclined to accept the position”.
Darlan continues to be regarded with “the greatest suspicion”, which “his latest declarations (16th December) have done nothing to allay”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 16. 21 Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester, Reading P.Cs.)
4. Russia
The Red Army's recent “amazing” successes are reported to have made “a great impression on the public”, and the “possibility of a major Russian strategic victory is being discussed”.
There appears, however, to be growing scepticism about the figures quoted by the Russians: (Six Regions as against four last week), and it is asked “How could the German Army continue as the tremendous force it is, if the Russian figures were true?”
“Enthusiasm” for Russia continues to be reported, and she is said “to come very close to the feelings of the people”. The organisers of an Aid to Russia week in Cheltenham are said to have been “staggered” at the generous response, “people of all classes contributed; even new coats and fur coats were given”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Manchester P.Cs.)
5. The Beveridge Report
Although again this week there is reported to be a slight decline in discussion, interest in the Report still appears to be considerable, but Christmas has evidently taken its place as the most talked of subject on the home front.
It is suggested that discussion may have decreased because:-
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“People are waiting to know what the Government is going to do about it”. (Four Regions)
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“People are waiting for further supplies of the abridged edition” (Three Regions). Approval for this edition is reported, “even though it is not very abridged.” “Further elucidations of the scheme by radio and press” are asked for.
Opinion seems to be equally divided as to whether the Report is “liable to divert attention from winning the war”, or is “designed to raise the nation's hopes and keep it going.”
Opinions expressed, many of which are confirmed by Postal Censorship, differ little from those reported last week, and may be summarised thus:-
-
General approval of the scheme. The belief that it is “all too good to be true”, is again reported, particularly from “the poorer sections of the community.” Two reports indicate that “earlier enthusiasm has to some extent abated” and that “criticism seems to have become more vocal”.
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Scepticism or cyncism as to the likelihood of the plan being accepted. “So many amendments will be made, that the plan will be a wash out.” Many people fear that it will be “delayed or even wrecked” by the Insurance Companies (Seven Regions) and/or “big business” (Five Regions). Reference is again made to the feeling that “if the Report is not adopted, there will be serious trouble in this country after the war”.
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Although approval is by far the most general reaction, the following objections appear to be fairly widespread:-
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“It is merely subsidising laziness.” (Six Regions)
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“The question of unemployment must be settled first.” (Five Regions) We ought to “abolish want, not poultice it”.
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“Can we afford it?” “Where is the money coming from?” (Five Regions)
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“How will the scheme affect our export trade?” “How will the country be able to compete with other nations” - especially those “not having the same costly social services as this one?” (Five Regions)
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“It will discourage thrift.” (Three Regions)
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“The 4/3d. weekly contribution is too high” for workers (Three Regions), particularly “when wages return to normal”.
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“Twenty years is too long to wait” for the full retirement pensions. (Three Regions)
-
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 21 Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cambridge, Glasgow, Inverness, Reading P.Cs.)
6. Far East
There is still little reported comment on the fighting in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Satisfaction is reported (Three Regions) at the recapture of Buna and [Text Missing]Gena, and appreciation is expressed for “the fighting qualities of the American and Australian troops in New Guinea”. People are said “to realise that the defeat of Japan will be a long business”, but to be “confident of the result”.
Burma : The British advance into Burma seems to have aroused greater interest than events in the Pacific, - the public's interest in General Wavell is considered partly responsible for this. The move in Burma has produced “a favourable reaction” and “a general air of expectancy”, and is welcomed both for “lifting the Japanese threat to India” and as “an essential preliminary to re-opening the main supply route to China”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 13)
7. R.A.F. offensive
The bombing of Germany : Raids on Germany, though giving satisfaction, appear to be taken for granted, in spite of the fact that there had been some disappointment that “the recent bombing of Italy meant the complete cessation of night bombing of Germany”.
Concern is reported from three Regions at the number of bombers lost in these raids.
The bombing of Italy is said to cause greater satisfaction than that of Germany. Press references to the possibility of Rome being declared an open town have aroused considerable feeling. Workers are said to be particularly indignant: “London, Malta and Canterbury have been bombed; why not Rome?”
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 21 Bristol P.C. 32)
8. German anti-Jewish atrocities in Poland
Widespread indignation, anger and disgust are reported as a result of “the recent revelations of Nazi atrocities, particularly the disclosure of the policy for exterminating the Jews in Poland”. They are said to have led to intensified hatred of the Germans - and also of Laval, for his anti-Jewish measures. The joint declaration of the Allied nations that the perpetrators will be punished has “caused great satisfaction”. It is hoped that no mercy will be shown when the time comes, and some believe that “retribution should be in the hands of the relatives of those who suffered”.
A minority think that the disclosures are exaggerated, or regard them as “hate propaganda”, and as “seeming too horrible even for the Nazis”.
Anti-Semitism : Much of the feeling about the atrocities is, however, on the lines of: “I don't care for the Jews, but this is terrible”, and no report speaks of any increase of sympathy for Jewish people in this country. Anti-Jewish feeling is referred to in five reports, one of which suggests that this may be on the increase, and that the atrocity propaganda has given rise to talk of Jews and black-markets after a period when it seemed to have decreased.
(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 13)
9. The unchaining of German prisoners
“General relief and satisfaction” at our decision to unchain German prisoners are reported again this week. It is felt that “we have done the decent thing, and given the Germans the lead”.
Amongst relatives of prisoners there is some speculation and anxiety as to “the speed and nature of Germany's response”.
(2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 12)
10. The Prime Minister's statement on the Churchill tank (15th December)
There appears to have been little public interest in “the Parliamentary breeze” over tanks. The Prime Minister's popularity is high, and there is some disgust “among fair-minded and patriotic people at the carping criticism of lesser men”. Opinion seems to be divided about “his comments to his critics”; some people welcomed them, others, it is suggested, thought them “unworthy of the Premier”.
There is some thankfulness that “Hitler did not come this way” when our troops had less than a hundred tanks.
(2. 4. 7. 8. 10. 11)
11. Sir Stafford Cripps' Postscript (20th December)
Preliminary reports indicate that Sir Stafford Cripps' broadcast was received with approval rather than enthusiasm. Some praised it highly as “the real Cripps speaking” and as having “put him back on the map”: others thought it dull, or felt it could have been shorter.
The majority, however, and workers especially, welcomed it as “a plain, straightforward talk”, particular notice being taken to his reference to:-
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The managements: Sir Stafford's “dig at the bosses” is said to have gone down, particularly with workers, some of whom believed that the speech was “directed chiefly at the administration”.
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Absenteeism: Some people considered the Postscript was “designed to stop absenteeism at Christmas”.
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The importance of post-war planning: This is said to have caused some people particular satisfaction, and Sir Stafford is thought to have “perked up considerably” when he came to this.
-
Joint Production Committees.
(1. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 12)
12. Broadcasting and presentation of news
Enthusiasm for listening to the news seems to have lessened somewhat, and criticism on familiar lines is reported. References to people switching off after the headlines have re-appeared and the suggestion is again made that the bulletin should begin with a brief note as to whether it contains any fresh news. There is further appreciation of the summary at the end of the news bulletin.
Delay in the release of news is complained of in reports from five Regions. “We are always behind the German bulletin”.
In spite of criticism, it is stated that the B.B.C. news is generally preferred to that given in the Press. Complaint is made of sensational press headlines and of the same news being made to look so different in the various newspapers.
European News Service : Preference for the European news service is again mentioned in reports from two Regions.
Variety programmes : The poor quality of “home-produced” variety is commented on in reports from two Regions, but Tommy Handley's popularity is again referred to, especially among children. (Three Regions)
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12)
II. SPECIAL COMMENTS
13. Christmas
Christmas is said to have become “the most frequently recurring item of talk”, and considerable discussion is reported from most Regions. For many people this is thought to be “the happiest Christmas since war began, because of the Allied successes already achieved and the certainty of further victories to come”. Apart from those who “welcome the holiday as a rest”, and those “whose home life is broken and who are anxious over relations in the Services”, most people appear to be trying to make it as much like a normal Christmas as conditions and shortages will allow. “In spite of the difficulties of shopping there is a certain amount of festivity in the air, especially where there are children”, and a belief that “we'll all be together next Christmas” is said to make “the hardships of this austerity Christmas” easier to endure.
Toys : From eleven Regions come complaints of the “extortionate prices” charged for toys, disgust and anger being reported at “the excessive cost of poor quality toys, and the extreme profiteering which is going on in the trade”. The Government is “frequently blamed for not coping with the whole matter reasonably, fairly and in plenty of time”, and for having “made so little effort to make Christmas a happy season for children”. According to one report “the release of further supplies of toys has caused some satisfaction”, and is quoted as evidence that “public opinion is still listened to by the Government”, but some people consider it “farcical”, and are said to be even angrier because “not one extra toy has been seen”.
The position of Servicemen's families is mentioned in three reports. “What can our soldiers think when they come home and want to buy something for their children, and then find that 6d. toys are being offered to them at 5/6d. or more?”
Christmas presents : The “rubbishy quality of goods in shops” and the absence of anything “worth buying, even useful things”, are mentioned in two reports. Surprise has also been expressed at “the abundance of cards and calendars”, which is described as “extraordinary if there really is a shortage of paper”.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Aberdeen P.C. 32.)
14. Manpower
Reports from eight Regions this week refer to the alleged waste of manpower. Criticism follows familiar lines:-
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“Too many young men in civilian jobs”. (Four Regions)
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Evasion of work by “wealthier women who are not being compelled to work in the same way as the less wealthy” (Four Regions): Officers' wives, childless married women, and women whose children under fourteen do not live at home are specified.
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“Lack of co-ordination in the transferring of workers: men taken off skilled work, and put on to unskilled and less useful work”. (One Region)
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“Overlapping and duplicating of distribution services such as those of coal and milk”. (One Region)
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Factors which deter women from volunteering: - fear of six months' income tax still to pay when employment ceases, discouragement by husbands, and “the handling of women at labour exchanges”. (One Region each)
At the same time, some firms are said to be “anxious about the possibility of further demands on their already depleted staffs”. The call-up of doctors is also said to be causing some concern in the South Eastern Region, “especially Medical Officers of Health”; it is hoped “that not too many will be drawn from civilian life”.
(1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Glasgow, Manchester P.Cs.)
15. Production
Again little comment on this subject is reported this week, but it is suggested that production continues to be adversely affected by the following:-
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Women war workers' shopping difficulties and long hours of work “combined with domestic responsibilities”. (Four Regions)
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The “unco-operative” attitude of managements, and idle time. (Two Regions) In Wales, however, “a joint meeting of management and workers at one factory is said to have speeded up production and to have encouraged similar activities in surrounding works and factories”.
(1. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10)
16. Transport difficulties
There are references from twelve Regions this week to transport difficulties which are said to continue to be “a burning question” and the subject of critical discussion.
In the North Western Region some discussion is reported as to “what is a worker” and “who should have priority”.
There are again complaints on familiar lines of (a) Overcrowding of buses by shoppers and by train travellers because of the abolition of cheap train fares; (b) Inadequacy of rural bus services; (c) Curtailment of evening and Sunday morning transport; (d) Buses running empty in mid-mornings and mid-afternoons; (e) Special buses for workers, running, half empty.
Christmas travel : People in the South Western Region “seem to be intending to stay quietly at home” for Christmas. In Scotland bitterness is reported towards those who have booked hotel accommodation and are travelling.
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 21 Manchester P.C.)
17. Venereal disease and Regulation 33B
This week, reports from ten Regions (as against four last week) refer to public comment on this subject. The following points of view are expressed:-
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“More far-reaching and stringent provisions than those laid down by the Government will have to be employed”. The public are said to be ahead of the Government and to feel that “the disease should be compulsorily notifiable”. (Four Regions)
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Regulation 33B is “a definite first step towards dealing with the problem of venereal disease” (Three Regions). The public “do not understand the reason for the attack on it in Parliament”.
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There should be a vigorous publicity campaign, including the showing of films, to give the public full information about infection, symptoms, consequences - including “the dire effect on the next generation” - and treatment. (Three Regions)
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The disease “is a just punishment on those who contract it”. (A minority in Scotland)
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9. 10. 11. 12)
18. Batteries
Complaints about the shortage of batteries continue to be reported (Eight Regions). The Government is blamed for “failing to foresee and plan for this need”: it is said that “a little concession would strengthen people's morale under the strain of winter and black-out”.
Cycle lamp batteries : The shortage of these, described as acute in some places, is said to be causing “great hardship and inconvenience” and to be responsible for a great increase in riding without lights. It is considered to be “particularly unfortunate at a time when buses are overcrowded” and there is comment on the danger to life. Workers are said to find it very difficult, getting to work, and to be uncertain whether to “break the law by cycling without lights, or to stay away”. Resentment is reported in “places where police action, with threats from some magistrates of heavier penalties has followed the use of bicycles - perforce unlighted”.
Torch batteries : The shortage of these is reported from five Regions, in three of which No. 8s are particularly mentioned.
(3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 12)
19. Petrol
From seven Regions this week come references to the waste and misuse of petrol. The distribution of petrol is thought to be unfair in two Regions, and some country people feel they should get a bigger allowance than townsfolk.
There are again complaints of the misuse of petrol allowances, and of the waste of petrol by the Army, N.F.S., U.S. troops, and farmers.
(1. 3. 4. 7. 8. 10. 11. 21 Carlisle, Glasgow P.Cs.)
20. Food
Satisfaction with the general food situation and praise for Lord Woolton are again reported. The announcement that there would be no increase in food supplies is said to have been received philosophically and people are reported to be reconciled to an “austerity Christmas”.
The following complaints are however reported:
Fish : The zoning scheme is said not to have found favour yet. Complaints of the shortage of fish continue (Eleven Regions), though the feeling is reported to be increasing that the fish trade should be blamed for this, rather than the Ministry of Food. Preferential treatment of customers by fishmongers is still alleged.
Christmas fare : The shortage and unequal supply of the traditional Christmas fare is commented on in nine reports. Housewives who have been able to obtain these are said to be delighted, and talk of nothing else.
Poultry : Dissatisfaction at the unequal distribution of poultry, and strong suspicions that there is black-marketing going on are reported. (Five Regions) Considerable feeling is said to have been aroused in one Region where American officers have been “touring the countryside buying up turkeys and poultry at fantastic prices”.
Porridge oats : The inclusion of rolled oats on the points ration is said to be viewed with concern by housewives. (Four Regions) It is pointed out that rolled oats use less fuel than oatmeal.
Milk : The rationalisation of milk deliveries is alleged to be causing much discontent in two Regions. The cut in the milk is reported to have aroused a good deal of comment and is thought to have been unnecessary. (Three Regions) The hardship to old people and semi-invalids is mentioned, as for many of these milk was the staple diet. (Two Regions)
(1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 21 Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Reading, York P.Cs.)
21. Clothing
Coupons : The demand for an issue of coupons for household linen continues. (Six Regions)
Children's Clothing : The shortage of children's clothing, especially footwear, is reported from five Regions. In the North Western Region it is alleged that in one area absence from school is due to shortage of shoes.
Utility clothing : Criticism of the poor quality of utility stockings is again reported, and also of utility boots and shoes.
Sheets and towels : The high price and shortage of sheets and towels is complained of. (Three Regions)
Rubber boots : Landworkers in the Eastern Region are said to be handicapped by the shortage of rubber boots, and children in country districts are thought to be prevented from attending school in bad weather owing to the shortage of Wellingtons.
(2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 12)
22 Fuel Economy
Although the Economy Campaign is said to be attracting less attention than formerly, people are thought to be exercising great economy. Some people, however, are reported to regard the Fuel Target as a purely voluntary matter and fuel economy as an idle phrase. In Wales it is said to be felt that if we manage to avoid coal rationing it will be due to economy by consumers and not to the coal industry.
The bad quality and shortage of coal is reported from five Regions. It is thought that those who could not afford to buy coal in bulk, or had no storage space, or neglected their opportunities in the summer are “in a bad way now” because of irregular deliveries. Difficulties due to shortage of paraffin are reported from the South Western Region.
From the Northern Region it is reported that several complaints have been received from Batley where the local gas company are said to have removed meters from houses of customers who have not burned enough gas to incur a charge sufficient to cover the meter rent.
(2. 3. 4. 7. 8. 10. 11. 13. 21 Inverness P.C.)
REFERENCES
D 78199 -1 5,000 D/d 1576 9/42 PRP