90 94 5 96 7 97 8

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 83
SECRET

6th May, 1942

(Covering the period from 27th April to 4th May, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

The level of confidence has been maintained this week, and indeed a further rise in public spirits is reported from five Regions. Our sustained air offensive on Germany and the occupied countries is held to be largely responsible. Other features making for confidence are:-

A feeling of “almost pleasurable expectancy” is still reported, though it appears to be rather less marked than in previous weeks.

Interest appears to be chiefly centred on Europe and anxiety about the situation in Burma is overshadowed by events nearer home. Lack of interest in all war news, however, continues to be reported from some areas.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Edinburgh, Manchester, Reading P.C.s)

2. The R.A.F. offensive and “reprisal raids” on this country

The R.A.F. offensive : The “magnificent” R.A.F. non-stop offensive against German key towns and war industry in Occupied France is having “a great tonic effect on people”; profound satisfaction is expressed that “the Germans are getting a taste of their own medicine in increasingly bigger doses”, and that “we seem able to give them more than we get”. Raids on Paris are still rather less popular than those on Germany.

All evidence going to prove the weight of our blows is eagerly studied, particularly the photographs of damage inflicted at Lubeck, Augsburg and Rostock, and the comparative figures of bomb loads dropped by the enemy and ourselves. The damage to German workers' homes is regretted, but is regarded as inevitable, even with the best bomb aimers.

Reprisal raids on this country : Reprisal raids are expected as a result of our offensive, and satisfaction is expressed that “the weight and scope of our bombing outweighs the damage here”. They are regarded as the work of “a foe on the run”. To quote a report from the South Western Region, where Bath and Exeter suffered heavy raids: “Our Government's bombing policy is considered right and must be continued”.

The choice of cathedral towns as targets is considered “typical” and as “a proof of German weakness in that they dare not come where they know they will get a hot reception”. A mimority view expressed is that “anyway historic buildings won't help us to win the war”.

“Some uneasiness”, and in some cases “considerable apprehension”, is reported from Cambridge, Edinburgh, Durham, Lincoln, Oxford, Stratford-on-Avon, Winchester, and Chichester, all of which fear that “they may be next on the list”. In Reading, too, some talk has been heard of possible raids on that town - not as a “three star Baedeker” but as a railway junction. The fact that it houses Government staffs - and that Bath may have been raided “because of the Admiralty” - is another reason advanced.

Sympathy is expressed for the towns which have suffered, particularly for Bath as it is believed to be full of old people and invalids; though in a few working-class areas, the belief that rich evacuees are now “getting their fair share” is expressed.

In the bombed towns themselves, morale appears to have been good during, and after, all the raids; there was “no weakening nor wanting to call things off”. From the South Western Region comes the report, however, that “perhaps one per cent of uninformed lower middle-class workers reacted to the first news of raid damage in this Region with talk against continuing the war and against the Government”.

The raids led to widespread rumours along the same lines as after previous blitzes. These were:-

Other reactions reported are:-

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 21 Manchester P.C. 22)

3. Hitler's speech

Reports from eleven Regions mention that this speech was taken to indicate internal trouble in Germany; this feeling ranges from “hope that this is the beginning of the end of Hitler's power” to “realisation that there must be a good deal of strain within the Reich but not serious internal dissension; the Gestapo is still thought to have a tight grip on the German people”.

There is some speculation as to whether this speech foreshadows “greater ruthlessness in the waging of the war such as gas or bacteriological warfare”, or is “primarily intended to mislead us and lull us into a false sense of security”.

The Hitler-Mussolini meeting has led to little comment. The belief that Italian morale is near breaking point is fairly widespread; rumours that Italy was making a separate peace were reported from Scotland. But the general view is that Germany has Italy completely in her control.

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

4. The Far East

There continues to be relatively little discussion of the Far Eastern situation, apart from continued “uneasiness at our inability to stem the tide of Japanese advance”. The situation in Burma is, however, regarded as “very grave” by those “who follow the progress of the war in remoter fields”.

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

5. A second front

A more cautious attitude appears to be shown by the public this week on the question of the opening of a second front in Europe. While continued and increased demands for action in the West come from some sections of the public, others are more concerned about its feasibility. There is discussion as to whether “a diversion, not a full scale attack, would perhaps be sufficient”; and some “fear that the Government may be led into taking this action against its better judgment, thereby risking a knockout blow to us when our forces are weakened”.

(3, 4, 5, 6, 10)

6. The British landing in Madagascar

Only preliminary reports of the public's reactions to the British landing in Madagascar have so far been received; these mainly show extreme satisfaction that “we have at last taken the bull by the horns, and done something first”. Other reactions are:-

(14, Northern, North Midland, Eastern, Southern, South Western, Wales, Midland, North Western, Scotland, South Eastern, Northern Ireland Regions)

7. By-elections

The return of Independent candidates to Parliament appears to have given satisfaction, particularly to “the people who have become distrustful of the various Party machines, or are tired of party politics”. The results are, in some cases, attributed to dissatisfaction at Government measures, such as fuel rationing; but they are more frequently considered as “a pointer from the people to the Government to get on with a more progressive policy and intensify offensive effort”.

(2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11)

8. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Sir Stafford Cripps' Postscript (Sunday, 3rd May) : Only preliminary reports have so far been received of public reactions to this; they may be summed up as “mixed, though generally favourable”. Praise of Sir Stafford's manner, and particularly of his “restraint and sincerity”, come from three Regions. Where disappointment was reported, there seems to have been some uncertainty as to “what was his real point. He began with the Poles, went on to the Indians, and ended with reconstruction”. Although his clear statement on India was appreciated, some people are said to be “rather sick of India”. The chief interest appears to have centred in “his picture of the post-war world”. His “statement to the effect that the new order would be achieved without reference to class or creed” was particularly liked, and it is said that “coming from Cripps, people believe that this will be achieved”.

Mr. Oliver Lyttelton's Postscript (Sunday, 26th April) : Only four Reports mention this. While some people liked its “sober realism”, others criticised its joint blessing of socialism and capitalism, on the ground that “unrestricted private enterprise has encouraged the selfish adventurer too much in the part, and that there should be Government control of large-scale private enterprise, to avoid the dangers of monopolies”.

Again this week there has been little dissatisfaction with news presentation in general; there is some criticism of the B.B.C. for “making too much of minor activities of the R.A.F.”, whereby “incidents given only a small paragraph in the newspapers are sometimes magnified out of all proportion in the broadcast news”. Some criticism is reported from Wales of the broadcast and Press announcements of the Commando raid on Boulogne, particularly “the splashing of nonsensical details such as the ex-policeman's adventure in carpet slippers”, when “we want to know the result of the raids”.

Favourable comments are reported on “the descriptive talk on what Nazi Germany is doing to the children” (in 'Marching On', Home Service, 30th April); it is felt that “this is the kind of talk likely to stiffen the morale of our people”.

James Urquhart is not popular, and his pronunciation is thought to be too close to “Haw Haw's”, particularly over the word “Jairmany”,

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

9. Industry

Public criticism of, and interest in, industry are reported to be dying down; people are “more satisfied that things are being got on with better”. Tales of absenteeism, slackness and idle time still occur, as also do complaints of “bottlenecks created through bad organisation”, and the “plethora of government forms in industry”. The “profit-motive” and “cost plus” continue to be criticised. In one Region munition-workers are described as “not anxious that the war should end as they have never been so well off”.

It is said that young workers in particular are only interested in production as a source of income, for which they are prepared to risk both their health and their efficiency.

Joint Production Committees and Absenteeism : Two Regional reports refer to Joint Production Committees, “high hopes” of which are entertained. But it is said that “miners who attended a Production Council in the afternoon themselves cut the night shift”; and “when absentees were brought before them, the men's representatives on the Production Council were frequently strongly biased in the miners' favour”. Allegations are made of young miners in court on drink charges “that if they had money after the week-end's spree they continued to enjoy themselves on Monday”.

(2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 12)

10. Woman Power

While “continued enthusiasm” is reported in factories adopting the part-time system for women workers, many managements are described as being “still reluctant” to embark on their training. The idea that part-timers should be used to free women in the distributive trades for full-time factory work is regarded with favour. There is, however, some criticism of “appeals for housewives to provide billets for war-workers and also do part-time work”. These appeals are, it is felt, “mutually destructive”.

(3, 5, 8, 10)

Shopping difficulties : Two Regional reports, supported by Postal Censorship, confirm the “very considerable shopping difficulties” experienced by married women in industry; the shops, it is suggested, are not being as helpful as they could. According to Postal Censorship “they seem to think they are hard done by, opening at 9, closing at 4.30 or 5, with 1¼ hours for lunch and a regular half day each week”.

In the Manchester area the Lord Mayor's Committee is reported to have “voted for the late opening of shops on two nights a week”. This proposal is thought to be unlikely to gain the co-operation of shops; one of them taking the view that absenteeism means “the desire to replace the funeral with some other excuse for taking a rest when income allows it”.

(4, 10, 21 Bristol P.C.)

Day nurseries : The care of children continues to be “a burning problem”; two Regions report the view that “if married women are to be brought into industry the schools and nurseries must be available in advance”; if women must wait “for months after they volunteer their enthusiasm tends to disappear”.

(3, 9, 10)

11. High wages of juveniles

Social Workers are greatly concerned “at the harm done to youngsters” by high wages; these they spend “wildly in cafes, pubs, and amusement arcades, and in buying cheap jewellery for girls.” They are alleged to “drink more than is good for them, and then get girls into trouble”.

Girls of 16 and 17 are said to be earning £2 a week for peeling potatoes at camps. It is said that “they beg clothes coupons so as to ‘deck themselves with fine feathers’, and the rest they put on their faces”.

(3, 5, 6, 21 Manchester P.C.)

12. The Budget

The tax on tobacco continues to be lamented in seven Regions; it being generally agreed that Old Age Pensioners are the hardest hit. Two references are made to the decline in the trade of tobacconists; of one of them it is reported that “his average number of pensioner customers is thirty one, but the last time they drew their pension he had only one”. This hardship is stated to have resulted in “a fairly widespread demand for the raising of Old Age Pensions, which have long been considered inadequate”.

(1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 21, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Inverness P.C.s.)

13. Transport

Dissatisfaction is reported in six Regions over the transport problems of industrial workers and country people. From three Regions come complaints of “short distance travellers crowding out long distance travellers”; there are requests for some form of priority system. In many country villages, it is said to be “impossible for villagers to get on buses passing through, and it will be still worse when it is no longer possible to get a lift in a local car”.

(6, 7, 8)

14. The Home Guard

There are requests for a clarification of the position. Civil Defence workers who have joined the Home Guard are said to have “no clear idea of their obligations to the two services”.

(8, 10)

15. The proposed rationing of fuel

Further reports confirm the first reactions of the public, mentioned in our Report last week. The attitude of the great majority seems to be one of “apprehension and annoyance”. The only recorded satisfaction comes from rural areas, where it is felt that “rationing might give the villages a better deal, as then the Government would have to deliver the allotted amount somehow”; those who suffered from the caprices of coal merchants last winter think that it might be “better to be in the hands of the Government”.

It is pointed out that “comment has tended to follow the lines laid down in Parliament and Press”, and criticism is still chiefly of the Government for having allowed the present situation to arise, and in particular for having drafted so many miners into the army. Particular annoyance has been caused by the great number of Civil Servants needed to work the scheme; it is thought that it would be better to send them into the Army, and release the miners. That these requirements are temporary is not appreciated.

Several reports speak of the hardships and discomfort which are anticipated as a result of rationing fuel, and two reports stress the danger to morale. “Lack of heat would be the last straw”. It is taken for granted that the ration would be smaller than last winter, and indignant housewives ask if the Government thinks they are wasting fuel at the price it is.

Criticism - last week, confined to the Government - now includes the miners “who are alleged to have made this scheme necessary by absenteeism”, and the mine owners “who are accused of opening up the bad seams and keeping the good ones till after the war”. There is some demand for the nationalisation of the mines.

The terrors of meter-reading and being without gas for cooking husbands' dinners continue to be stressed. Many practical difficulties are mentioned; for example, the position of women with troops billeted on them “for whom they are bound to provide heat”.

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

16. Food

Satisfaction with the general food situation continues; praise of Lord Woolton comes from two Regions, one of which is Scotland.

Meat : Some disappointment has been expressed that the meat ration is to be reduced, although it seems to be accepted as inevitable. Concern at the withdrawal of corned beef from the market is reported from three Regions; this is said to cause special difficulty in some rural areas, “where no alternatives are available”. The absence of corned beef and the “difficulty in finding offal” are said to make meals very difficult towards the end of the week.

Extension of rationing wanted : The demand continues for goods in short supply to be rationed, or included in points, so as to “put an end to the unfair disadvantages” to:-

Shortage and high price : Complaints have been reported on the shortage or high price of the following:-

New points values : Only one report has been received so far on the increase in points value of certain foods, and this indicates that “it was taken quietly, but with some dismay”. Some comments are, however, reported on the “subtle way in which more and more things are being put on points without any rise in the value of the coupons”. People are said to be finding that considerable mental effort is needed in spending their points wisely; more publicity, in the form of a list of goods with their points values, displayed in the shops and the Press, is suggested.

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

17. Constant topics and complaints

Comments continue to be reported on the following:-