A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46

45

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE DIVISION WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 228

1. In reading this report, it is important to bear in mind that it is not meant to be a record of facts , except in so far as public opinion is itself a fact. It is an impartial assessment of the public's views and feelings about the war in general. It does not, therefore, imply any endorsement of comments which show the public to be ill-informed, prejudiced or inconsistent.

2. It is important to remember also that the public, as a rule, is more prone to express criticism than praise. Good work or efficiency is usually taken for granted. An accurate picture will therefore tend to be critical rather than laudatory. When a subject is not mentioned in this report, its absence indicates that it is not a matter of widespread criticism.

3. In assessing the state of public feeling there are no absolutes. Findings can only be comparative. Each individual 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.

4. 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 adopted in 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.

47 49 3 50 4 51 5 52 6 55 9

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 87
SECRET

4th June, 1942

(Covering the period from 26th May to 2nd June, 1942)

(No reports have yet been received of reactions to the Prime Minister's statement in the House of Commons on the situation in Libya and the bombing of Essen.)

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

To assess public feeling during the past week, the period must be divided into two parts - before and after mid-day, Sunday, 31st May, when the news of the R.A.F. raid on Cologne was announced. Until then there had been little change since the preceding week, confidence and optimism being widespread, together with some apparent lack of interest in war news. The news of this raid, however, had a “tremendous effect, and was undoubtedly the most stimulating event for many months”; “since mid-day on Sunday it has been the subject of universal comment”. As a result of this raid, the high level of confidence of recent weeks - which appeared to many people to be based on over-optimism - is now considered to have a real backing of fact.

Other factors making for increased confidence - though to a lesser extent - include:-

1. The power of Russian resistance,

2. Our successes in Libya,

3. “Increased confidence in the power of the Allies to strike and a conviction that they intend to strike soon”, supported by the confident tone of our leaders,

4. News of unrest in occupied countries, and particularly the attack on Heydrich,

5. A belief in the unsteadiness of German morale, confirmed by Himmler's taking over control of the German A.R.P. organisation.

The only discordant note (for the Far East “still tends to be disregarded”) is the coal situation, and in particular the number of strikes; in spite of dislike of the tactics adopted, most people are reported to sympathise with the miners.

Expectation of the end of war : The feeling that the war may be over this year continues to be mentioned frequently both in Regional and Postal Censorship reports. It is suggested that this may largely account for the fact that “interest in post-war reconstruction seems to be becoming more prevalent”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Cardiff, Carlisle, Manchester, Nottingham P.C.s, 32)

2. The R.A.F. raid on Cologne

Reports are almost unanimous in suggesting that “nothing has given such a lift to public confidence for many months” as the raid on Cologne. The public's astonishment and awe appear to have been almost as marked as their elation and satisfaction. The scale of the raid, and “the threat of continued raids on German towns on the same scale has rather taken people's breath away.” Five reports mention surprise that “our air strength is now sufficient to carry out a raid of such magnitude”. Misgivings that the “R.A.F. did not appear capable of repeated and sustained attack” were reported to have been quietened when the Cologne raid followed immediately upon the Paris raid, and it may be assumed that any such doubts have been completely allayed by the Essen raids.

Further reactions may be summarised as follows:-

Our losses : These are “not felt to be disproportionately heavy”. One report even refers to them as being considered “staggeringly small” and some people point out “how much greater they would have been if similar damage had been achieved by land attack”. (Eight Regions)

German reprisals : “Reprisal raids are expected”, but “Germany is thought to have too many planes locked up on the Russian front to do any large scale damage here”. (Seven Regions)

“City by city” : The message of congratulation from the Prime Minister has been commended, particular satisfaction being expressed at his promise that city after city will suffer in the same way. (Six Regions) The demand for a “special effort against Berlin” comes from three Regions: the wish that Italy may also be heavily bombed comes from two.

The organisation : “The splendid organisation required to make such a raid possible” has caused general admiration. (Five Regions)

Sympathy for the “ordinary citizens” of Cologne : Some regret has been expressed, “particularly by older people, that women and children should have to suffer from our bombing: but no one has been heard to suggest that we should limit our attacks on this account”, and “even the most soft hearted” feel that it is “the only way, however distasteful, to drive home to the German people what their airmen have been doing in other countries”. (Four Regions)

“A real second front” : A raid of this size is “accepted as unquestionably of major assistance to Russia”. Many people are said to consider it “as good as a second offensive”. (Four Regions)

The value of large scale attacks : While in general the value of large scale attacks does not seem to be questioned, two reports mention some uncertainty on the part of a very small minority. These people feel that “raids on ten towns with a hundred planes would be better than a raid on one city with a thousand planes”. A few of the “more thoughtful”, believing that Coventry was in some sort of working order one month after its heavy raid, ask: “Might it not have been better to send 2,000 fighters to Burma than 1,000 bombers to Cologne?” (Two Regions)

Exact figures given : Great satisfaction is reported at the “exact details given of the number of planes used”. and the “very high belief accorded our own Air Ministry's figures” are contrasted with the general disbelief in Russian figures. (Two Regions)

The bombing of Essen : Only two short references have been made to this so far. “Immense satisfaction” is reported in both, “the more the better” being a typical comment.

“Haw Haw” : According to the Scottish report, ‘many people tuned into ‘Haw Haw’ on Sunday evening, gleefully hoping that for once he would be at a loss, but his statement that the raid on Cologne was a reprisal for the big Russian defeat at Kharkov puzzled some listeners and, though not widely believed, disturbed many. It was considered ‘a clever twist’”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Wales)

3. Air raids on this country

Canterbury (1st June) : Excellent morale is reported from Canterbury, following the recent “Baedeker raid”. It is stated that co-operation was very satisfactory between all departments. In London the raid was looked upon as “sacrilege”; as the cathedral was not mentioned a number of people are said to have assumed that it is “down”.

Hull : After the great Cologne raid, “signs of uneasiness at possible German counter-measures” have been reported from Hull. This followed a wave of discontent resulting from the raid of 19th May, when strong criticism had been made of the alleged weak defences. The scant publicity accorded to Hull compared with that to York was an additional cause of complaint.

According to a report from the Eastern Region, “the bringing of guns to ‘Baedeker towns’ has had different effects with people of varying temperaments. Some are said to anticipate attacks; others to feel less concern because “we know we can hit back”. The raids are regarded as “more than ever the work of a [Text Missing] nation”.

(2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12)

4. Russia

The most widespread reaction to the campaign in Russia appears to be a disbelief in the claims of both sides, which is reported in one form or another from eight Regions. Particular points causing scepticism are the Russian figures of air losses (Four Regions), their claim that 5,000,000 Germans have been killed on the Russian front (Three Regions), and their habit of suppressing all place names in their communiqués. German claims “are regarded as even less reliable”. Possibly as a result of this scepticism, some confusion is reported as to which side has won at Kharkov. The report from the London Region seems to sum up the general feeling: “Thinking people of all types feel that it is a crucial period, but the majority display a calm confidence. Over-optimism, although still evident among some people, is less than it was”.

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

5. Libya

Reactions to the battle in Libya are said to be “rather confused” at present. There appears to be considerable interest but little talk. A “wait-and-see” attitude is reported to be fairly general, as “the public feel that they have too often before been misled”. Although there is “considerable respect for Rommel as a general”, he appears, however, to be “no longer the legendary figure he was in the past” and there is “confidence that we have now taken the measure of his abilities”.

Some satisfaction is expressed at:

1) The firm opposition with which Rommel's main thrust has been met.

2) Reports of our air strength and the quality of our equipment.

3) The capture of the Afrika Corps Commander.

4) The manner in which the news of the battle has been given, and particularly “the absence of the Cairo spokesman”.

5) General Auchinleck's remarks about unnecessary form-filling, paper work, and red tape.

There was some disappointment that “once more the enemy have been allowed to make the first move”.

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

6. A second front

Interest and discussion appear to be on almost exactly similar lines to those reported last week, and may be summarised thus:

1) Desire for a second front, “but not until we are absolutely ready”. “Another Dunkirk would be too awful”.

2) It is already planned, and is “coming reasonably soon”.

3) The Government knows best.

4) Impatience with the Communists and the “open-at-any-price” brigade.

5) Until the Cologne raid, “R.A.F. raids were not regarded as a second front” but - as mentioned in the first section of this report - there is now a minority feeling that attacks on such a scale are “a real second front”.

(2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10)

7. The attack on Heydrich

The shooting of Heydrich is reported to have caused a good deal of interest and to have had “an effect perhaps out of proportion to its real importance”. It is said to have shown “the extent of the unrest in occupied countries, news of which was previously apt to be dismissed as propaganda”, and the shooting of hostages and the disturbances in Paris are taken as confirming this. “The persistence of risings in spite of cruel reprisals has excited great admiration and a wish to aid the repressed peoples and punish the offenders”.

One report refers to a feeling that “the assumptions of command by Himmler of the German security services indicates not only the great effect of the Cologne raid but also, probably, serious collapse of morale among the older Germans, from whom opposition to the Nazis is most likely”.

(3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12)

8. Vichy and Italy

Friction between Laval and Mussolini over Ni[Text Missing], Corsica and Tunis is reported to be the cause of slight bewilderment and speculation as to the “possibility of a split in the Axis camp and the downfall of Laval”. Impatience and irritation against France continue.

(2, 4, 8)

9. Mexico

The slight interest expressed at Mexico's entry into the war may be summed up in the words of the report from the South Western Region: “Few comprehend what effect her entry into the war may have, but a new ally is always welcome”.

(3, 4, 7)

10. Far East

Except for an anxious minority, interest in the Far East seems to be practically non-existent. Belief in the ultimate defeat of Japan appears to be fairly strong, but it ranges from a feeling that she will “take a lot of beating” to confidence that “we shall soon settle the Japs when the Germans are fixed”. Dr. Evatt's plea has made people appreciate Australia's needs, but the general view is still that “we must finish off Germany first”.

Such interest in the Far East as is reported relates to China. There is fear for China's supply line, and considerable anxiety and regret that we cannot do more to help.

General Stilwell's comments on the Burma campaign were much appreciated for their frankness and honesty.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 21 Edinburgh P.C.)

11. Post-war conditions

There appears to be a considerable awakening of interest in post-war conditions, both immediate and long-term. The greatest concern is reported to be on the question of unemployment, and there seems to be some fear that “men returning from active service will be denied a square deal and that people who have taken over Servicemen's posts will receive preferential treatment and promotion over those who have made a greater sacrifice”. It is suggested that “Conchies and munition workers should have to wait till Servicemen have picked their jobs”, and that “any army of occupation after the war should be formed of eligibles who stayed at home, and that their jobs should be taken over by men returning from the colours”. Some people think that “compulsory emigration should be introduced to counteract unemployment”.

Other points mentioned during the last fortnight include:

1) Education : State schools with equal opportunity for all. The raising of the school leaving age is favoured by “many of all classes”.

2) Care of the dependant : The raising of Old Age Pensions and the removal of economic hardship - in the case of the wage earner and of sickness - are advocated.

3) State Medical Services : Many people want to see the State take over all medical services, including hospitals.

(2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 21 Glasgow P.C., 32)

12. The Labour Party Conference

This does not appear to have aroused widespread interest, but there has been some comment on the following points:

1) The electoral truce : The resolution to support this was the more admired as the truce is felt to “operate to the advantage of the Conservatives”. There is some suspicion of their “domination over Labour Members”, and further criticism of Mr. Churchill's position as leader of the Conservative party.

2) The subjects discussed : Some surprise is expressed at the lack of interest in the Conference, in view of the fact that many of the subjects discussed were topics of some interest to the public at the moment, such as post-war conditions. This is attributed to “lack of faith in party politics, party politicians, and the old pre-war way of running the political machines”.

3) The B.B.C .: Some criticism has been expressed that the B.B.C. should have given so much time to the Conference. Some considered it “was trying to sell the Labour Party”; others thought it “killed the conference with too much publicity”. A few people, however, were interested in “the B.B.C.'s new departure”.

(2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11)

13. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Some satisfaction is expressed at the “recent improvement in the news bulletins”.

Mr. Duff Cooper's Empire Day Postscript : Four more reports refer to this. The only reaction not mentioned is indifference, and its mixed reception is once more stressed. While many are said to have liked it, others condemn it as “arrogant and boastful”, as “jingoism”, and as a “weak imitation of Churchill”. Some people are reported to have disliked it so intensely as to suggest that Mr. Duff Cooper should never be allowed to broadcast again. It appears that those who have “some personal interest in the tragedy of Singapore” are the most critical, and consider him “the worst possible man to talk to or about the Empire”.

Favourable comment is reported on the following: Admiral Cunningham's broadcast; the talk by Group Captain Helmore (May 28th); the postscript by a Squadron Leader (May 31st); and the series, “Marching On”.

Subjects on which more information is said to be wanted include the following:- “The ordinary life of our brothers and sisters in the Dominions and Colonies”, Dominions troops being “appalled at our ignorance” on this subject; the “root causes of the traditional hostility between the Chinese and the Japanese”; and “the internal structure of Russia”.

B.B.C. announcements : “The preliminary announcements of goods shortly to come off the market” continues to be reported as causing grumbling on the part of poorer people, on the lines of “Mrs X has bought enough floor polish to last for two years, but we can't afford to do that”. There are again complaints of the inconvenience of announcements being given after the 6 o'clock news, on the grounds that many workers are not home then, or are only just home and are preparing a meal.

(2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12)

II SPECIAL COMMENTS

14. Industry

On the industrial front little criticism is reported except where “the miners provide a jarring note in a happier world.” Some complaints, however, concern the following subjects:-

  1. Part-time work for women : Allegations are made of “deliberate obstruction” by some employers to part-timers, and the refusal “to up-grade suitable women so that men may be released”. Part-time women appointed to jobs outside their home towns “find themselves virtually on full time work because of transport delays”. Transport and shopping difficulties are stated to be causing women “to drift back into their homes”. (Five Regions)

  2. Cost plus system : “Among those in the know” there is some renewal of complaints of the cost plus system. It is described as “the root of the trouble” in the ship-yard strike at Leith. (Three Regions)

  3. Wage anomalies : New employees in one group of factories in the Southern Region are said to be experiencing difficulties, as they have to work two weeks before receiving one week's pay. They are alleged to get into debt while “struggling to make both ends meet”. (Two Regions)

  4. Juveniles : The “demoralising effect” of the high wages earned by juveniles continues to be reported. Some fathers are “complaining that their sons are earning more than themselves”. (Two Regions)

  5. Proposed increases in hours of work . These are criticised among progressive employers and many workers. Mr. Bevin himself is quoted by workers as having said: “It isn't the hours you work, but the work you put into the hours you work that counts”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, , 10, 11)

15. The coal situation

(No reports have been received since the issue of the new White Paper)

Widespread anxiety over the coal situation which, in some Regions is reported to be causing “grave discontent”, continues to keep the prospects of rationing and eventual nationalisation in the public mind. While strikes are regretted, considerable sympathy is reported for the miners over their demands for increased pay; the rigours of their ordinary work are contrasted with these of the men in the new munition factories, to the detriment of the latter. The miners are alleged “to have stood all they are going to stand”, and, “unless some drastic steps are taken there will be less coal, not more”.

From three Regions “a general opinion is that it is up to the Government to settle the dispute by Nationalisation.” Minority fears are expressed that something so bitterly controversial may divert attention from the main issue of the war.

In the North Midland Region Communists are said to be capitalising existing discontent; a tour of the coalfields by the King or the Prime Minister is suggested.

Fuel Rationing : People are said to be resigned to some sort of coal rationing; but they are hoping it will be made up in gas and electricity. “Strong opposition by the masses” would, it is believed, greet any re-introduction of “a Beveridge-like scheme”.

There is satisfaction at the permission to purchase for storage reasonable amounts of coal, particularly among “those who have been accustomed to this provident practice”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 17 Sheffield)

16. Food

In general, satisfaction continues unabated with the food situation. The following points, however, continue to cause special dissatisfaction and comment:-

The high price and scarcity of green vegetables : The price disparity of vegetables as between growers and retailers, and retailers and the public is the cause of very strong feeling; “lettuces at Poole purchased from a grower at 1½d each were sold at 8d and 10d each.” This is confirmed by Postal Censorship as the following extract shows: “Veg is not to be got up here, and what there is is beyond our purse in some places... it's all rotting.” (Seven Regions)

Jam : A sense of grievance is reported among country people that, having sent their fruit to the Women's Institutes for jam making, “they had to buy it back from the shops.” It is also felt that owing to insufficient demand the jam may again not be used. In Wales, a surplus in the shops is reported. (Three Regions)

Restaurant meals : The new maximum price is said to arouse “sarcastic comment”; some demand is reported for coupons for all food, no matter where consumed. (Three Regions)

Rural meat pies : The rural distribution of meat pies is causing great satisfaction in the receiving areas.

Ministry of Food Investigators : The “very zealous” enquiries of Ministry of Food Investigators have been causing resentment in Scottish shops. In one district they are alleged to have “worked on the sympathy of grocers by hard luck tales.” It is suggested that “the Ministry should differentiate between accidental or inexperienced mistakes, and deliberate exploitation of the public”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, Scotland, 21 Glasgow P.C.)

17. Ration books and Identity cards

“Continued irritation” arising from the recent issue of ration books is still reported from many Regions; “the national loss of millions of man and woman hours” wasted in queues is deplored. The Government is accused of “making people think they would only have two days, or at the most a week” in which to get their new books. On the authorities' side the complaint is, however, made of the public's laxity over identity cards; people are said to have changed their addresses three or four times, and to have “scribbled all over their cards” causing “a terrific amount of unnecessary work”.

(2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 32)

18. Furniture and crockery

The difficulty and expense of replacing furniture and crockery in bombed areas is reported. The suggestion is made that “special stocks of crockery should be held for release to towns that have suffered a heavy raid.” The need for utility furniture is stressed.

(1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10)

19. Anti-Semitism

A “flare-up of the always underlying feeling against the Jews” is again reported from four Regions. In Black Market operations they are considered the worst offenders; and it is said: “They rob us while we fight for them.”

(4, 5, 6, 12, 21 Inverness P.C.)

20. War Casualty Bureau

Concern is reported from two Regions among the recipients of official letters marked on the outside “War Casualty Bureau”. Relatives at once think that their boy has been injured. The letter begins with the name of a serving relative and only enquires for routine details about his next of kin. “A little thought” would, it is felt, have avoided “much unnecessary distress”.

(2, 5.)

21. National Savings

From the South Western Region the following “subtle form of blackmail” is reported over the possession of National Savings Certificates by workers disputing for higher wages: “If you are able to buy Certificates you can't need more money.” Workers are also being told that the Government will not pay up on these Certificates until after the war. “A noticeable liquidating” is reported from Bristol, where the proceeds are being apparently spent.

(7)

22. Constant topics and complaints

Comments continue to be reported on:

  1. The inefficient collection of salvage, and the careless removal of railings. (2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11)

  2. Shopping difficulties, particularly the mid-day closing of shops. (2, 5, 7, 10, 12)

  3. The inadequacy of supplementary clothing coupons for children and certain classes of workers. (1, 3, 5, 9, 13)

  4. Transport difficulties, particularly in rural areas. (3, 8, 9, 10, 12)

  5. The disturbing properties of National bread. (5, 9, 11, 12)

  6. Petrol wastage; especially by the Services. (6, 7, 10)

  7. The care of workers' children. (1, 2, 10)

  8. The ban on “the Daily Worker”. (2, 4, 10)

  9. The inadequacy of the soap ration for certain groups of wage-earners and young children. (4, 5, 6)

  10. The damage done by the military to civilian property. (2, 12)

  11. The disheartening effect of unsympathetic interviewers on would-be workers. (3, 7)

  12. Unsatisfactory accommodation for workers. (7, 10)

  13. Delay in repairs to shoes and clothing. (3, 6)

  14. Jehovah's Witnesses, and their pacifist activities. (9)

23. Rumours

It is rumoured in Oxford that our Commando raids are starting from the Isle of Wight. From Luton come rumours that there is a strict postal censorship on letters to and from the Isle of Wight.

Rumours in Northern Ireland of friction between the American troops and the Ulster people are thought to be deliberately spread by the I.R.A.

A “whispering campaign” is reported from Scotland about the behaviour of the Australians at Singapore; it is said that they threw away their rifles and refused to fight because of lack of promised air support.

Lyndoe's astrological predictions in “The People” (which has a particularly large circulation in the North) that there will be no invasion of Britain are widely commented on.

There are rumours that “there is more behind our lack of dive bombers than meets the eye”. To be without them at this stage of the war is regarded as “far from satisfactory”.

(4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13)

46

REFERENCES

1. Northern Region (Newcastle) Weekly Reports from R.I.Os.
2. North Eastern Region (Leeds)
3. North Midland Region (Nottingham)
4. Eastern Region (Cambridge)
5. London Region (London)
6. Southern Region (Reading)
7. South Western Region (Bristol)
8. Wales (Cardiff)
9. Midland (Birmingham)
10. North Western Region (Manchester)
11. Scotland (Edinburgh)
12. South Eastern Region (Tunbridge Wells)
13. Northern Ireland (Belfast)
14. Special Reports from R.I.Os
15. Regions Advisers' Reports
16. M.O.I. Speakers' Reports
17. Local Information Committee Reports
18. Home Press Summaries M.O.I.
19. Regional Press Summaries
20. Hansard
21. Postal Censorship
22. Police Duty Room Reports
23. Wartime Social Survey
24. B.B.C. Listener Research Papers
25. B.B.C. Special Papers
26. Citizens' Advice Bureau Reports
27. W.V.S. Reports
28. Scottish Unionist Whips' Reports
29. Liberal Party's Reports
30. Economic League's Reports
31. War Office Post Bag Summaries
32. Primary Sources

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