286

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Weekly report by Home Intelligence - No. 66
Copy No. 189

7th January, 1942

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 a statement and reflection of the public's views and feelings about the war in general. Therefore, in matters on which public opinion is ill-informed, prejudiced or inconsistent, the report does not imply any endorsement of the views which are expressed in it.

It may be convenient to remind all recipients of this report that it is a confidential document, and therefore should not be disclosed to anyone else except by special authority of the Director of the Home Division of the Ministry of Information.

287 290 4 291 5 292 6 294 8 295 9 296 10

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT NO. 66 .

7th JANUARY, 1942

(Covering period from 29th December, 1941 to 5th January, 1942)

REFERENCES : The figures in brackets refer to sources of information; a list of these is given at the end of this report, but in order to economise in paper we have decided, except in the case of new readers, not to issue this list in future . Any alterations in the references will be mentioned in the report as and when they occur.

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

(No reports have yet been received of public reactions to President Roosevelt's Speech to Congress on 6th January)

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

The New Year has opened with a good deal of confidence, and it is widely remarked that the position appears more favourable than it did a year ago. Almost all R.I.Os have reported in the same sense as the R.I.O. North Eastern Region - “Public spirits are, if anything, a little higher this week, but there has been no marked change. The level of confidence has remained stable for the last three weeks because the main influences operating on public opinion have not changed”.

There is still grave anxiety and criticism about the position in the Far East, but they are balanced by several factors making for increased cheerfulness; these include:-

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

2. The Prime Minister's speech at Ottawa

Although opinion is divided as to whether this was as good as his recent speech to Congress (some comment hailed it as “even better”), there is agreement on all sides that “Mr. Churchill had regained his old fire” and that his words were “a tonic to confidence bruised by his halting utterance on the radio, following Japan's entry into the war.” The joke about the chicken's neck has “seized the popular imagination”, which was also greatly pleased by the reference to our ability to “play rough” if need be. The description of the various stages by which the overthrow of the Axis would be accomplished was also relished as “giving an impression of retribution as a vast machine, which would relentlessly accomplish its work of bringing complete destruction on its victims.” “His flattering reference to General de Gaulle and his stern handling of Vichy were very much welcomed, following the storm in a teacup caused by the U.S. State Department's attitude on the taking over of Michelon and St. Pierre”. There is general realisation of his tact and wisdom in addressing the French Canadians in their own language, and his accent caused “affectionate amusement.”

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

3. Criticism of Government

The R.I.O. Southern Region writes: “General confidence in the Prime Minister has been, if possible, increased by his American and Canadian enterprises; but his choice of lieutenants is more and more criticised, partly on the grounds that some are suspected of reactionary tendencies, and particularly of anti-Russian views, and partly because some Ministers are thought to be a dead weight on the more active members of the Government.” Four other R.I.Os and Postal Censorship report to the same effect: “The Prime Minister does not use the right men”.

(3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 21 Bristol, Inverness P.C.s)

4. Unification of command

The announcement from Washington of the various appointments has met with warm approval, especially that of General Wavell to be Commander in Chief in the Far East; it is observed that “public faith in his ability has always stood firm.”

(4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12)

5. The Far East

“The efficiency of the Japanese is now an accepted factor in the war”, and has altered the public's whole attitude to the Pacific situation. There is said to be “some dismay over the effort which will be entailed in making good our staggering initial losses,” and large sections of the public are thought “not to share Mr. Churchill's confidence in the ability of Singapore to hold out”. “The gravest anxiety” is coupled with “anger at our unpreparedness”, in almost all reports on this subject. Bitter resentment is reported that we should have been so misled as to our military, naval and air resources, and extreme doubt of the competence of our “Higher Command” has been revived. In particular it is felt that those in authority are less impressed than the public with the overriding importance of air defence. The welcome given to the appointment of “a strong man” as Commander in Chief, mentioned in section 4, is some measure of the intense anxiety now felt by the public “that the Japanese should not go on having it all their own way, able to land where they like, apparently without hindrance from anybody except the Dutch.” The question most often asked (it is reported by eight R.I.Os) appears to be “Where is the American fleet?” Some appreciation is shown of American caution in not being led by popular demand into a useless demonstration of force, but this is confined to a small section of the community, and there is renewed criticism of America as the home of “brag but not deeds”, despite the growing feeling that unity between this country and the States is essential to ultimate victory. Considerable approval has been shown for “Pravda's” outspoken condemnation of American policy in declaring Manila an open town: “the Japanese bombing of the city has not provoked any great feeling of horror, because it was like putting an egg in front of a snake and telling the creature not to eat it.” (In connection with the feeling that “further losses are inevitable, it is pointed out that the size of the Pacific is not realised, and instruction in distances appears to be badly needed.)

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 29)

6. Russia

“Amazement” and “gratitude” are again the keynotes of the public's reaction to news of Russian successes. “We know where we would be now if it hadn't been for the Russians” is a remark recorded in some form or another from many Regions. There continues to be a strong tendency - noted this week by four R.I.Os - to resent any suspected slight to our ally, and for this reason it is regretted that Mr. Churchill has not “made more of their heroism” in recent speeches. It is also hoped that Mr. Eden's visit will counteract the impression that Stalin is not sufficiently consulted before decisions are taken which affect the war strategy as a whole. Great satisfaction is felt that the Russian advance has not been stemmed despite the fact that Hitler's personal prestige is now considered to be at stake on the Eastern front through his assumption of supreme military command. The only dissatisfaction expressed this week on the Russian situation is still the fear lest the good news from that front is being “somewhat overwritten” in order to distract attention from the Far East debacle.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Bristol, Inverness, Glasgow P.C.s, 29)

7. Mr. Eden's broadcast

Two points in this speech, which has received unqualified praise, have been picked out for special interest. One was his emphasis on the inadequacy of the clothing of German troops on the Eastern front, as exemplified by the prisoners with whom he spoke personally - his descriptions were heard “with glee” - and the other was “his telling the workers that their products were being well used in Russia, without the usual appeals for greater production.” This is hailed as “a happier approach to the workers, and as showing confidence in their good will.” He has been described as “the right man to send to Moscow”, and his post-war hopes for closer collaboration with Russia are considered "realistic and sensible.”

(2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12)

8. Libya

Although success on this front is now taken for granted, the whole campaign is still somewhat obscure in the public's imagination. After the over-optimism of the beginning (official encouragement of which is still resented), and what is now regarded as “the defeat of Sidi Resegh,” there is a feeling of anticlimax, tempered by thankfulness. The fall of Bardia has aroused little comment.

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

9. Commando raids

“These exploits, and the apparent impotence of the Germans to strike back have given the greatest satisfaction. The only regret is that we could not invade Norway on a larger scale, and for good.” The extreme efficiency of the organisation is thought to have enhanced the prestige of the Army very considerably, and the successful co-operation of air, land and sea forces has been found reassuring. There appears to be no tendency to over-estimate the importance of these raids, which are mainly regarded as “a fine dress rehearsal” for more serious expeditions in the future, not necessarily in Norway.

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

10. Invasion prospects

There appears to be a slight reawakening to the possibilities of the invasion of this country, though this is by no means general. There continues to be “a considerable demand for definite and specific teaching concerning individual conduct in invasion conditions.”

There is reported to be “persistent concern as to the protection of our aerodromes at home, as well as abroad”.

(4, 5, 6, 7, 12)

11. Presentation of news

There is again a strong demand for “unadorned news”, particularly in regard to the Far East. “Reassuring” statements about the “reorganisation of our lines in Malaya” are hotly resented when it is felt that what is meant is “retreat”; many similar examples are given of “the irritating belief of officials that the British people cannot take bad news”. All such circumlocutions are once again said to be “more damaging to morale than the plain truth”.

In connection with the recent sinking of the two battleships there has been annoyed comment that it was hardly the psychological moment for including ‘Rule, Britannia’ in a wireless programme.

No unfavourable comment has been received on Dorothy Sayer's dramatisation of the story of Jesus, and some approval of its vigour and of B.B.C. enterprise has been expressed together with irritation at the attitude of the Lord's Day Observance Society.

There is said to be “an increase in public interest in post-war planning, and some demand for more talks, discussions and information on this topic”.

A Listener Research Report on the demand for postscripts to the news reveals that there is an overwhelming majority in favour of the retention of the Sunday night postscript, and a large one (two-thirds of the replies received) in favour of keeping them as a feature of the 9 p.m. news on week-days. Opinion is divided, however, as to their popularity at the end of other news bulletins a majority vote over the whole country favours their elimination during the day, but opinion seems to be largely a regional matter: Scotland, for instance, enjoys postscripts at all times, while the largest number of votes for their elimination from day programmes comes from the West Country.

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

12. Rumours

“Careless talk” - of which members of the Services are reported to be particularly guilty - is more prevalent than rumour this week.

There is some curiosity concerning the delay in the announcement of the sinking of H.M.S. Neptune , which several days previously had been rumoured sunk.

The tonnage of ships lost in Pearl Harbour is said to be “more than the total lost by us in the whole war”.

A “confidential whisper” is reported that we are sending a General and supplies to help the Jugoslav guerillas.

It has been heard in the London area that “we have been doing a number of Commando raids on France which were not announced, as they were failures."

Complaints are made in Reading of careless talk in buses by men of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, who state that units of that and of other named regiments are shortly going to Malta.

The location of a new decoy in Somerset is known in many parts of Bristol; and the location of new factory sites is freely talked about by “T.U. representatives”. A list of these sites “can be secured with little difficulty”.

It is said that soldiers evacuated from Crete to Egypt “were so vehement about lack of air support that they were confined to barracks for an unstated period”.

In Scotland it is rumoured that stockings will soon require four coupons - “women are buying up now in consequence”.

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

13. Industry

Complaints regarding factory managements are said to be “gathering momentum” again after the Christmas and New Year lull. Many workers are “distinctly cynical” about the necessity for “putting their backs into things” when they feel that much of their efforts will “go for nothing through the bungling of managements”. There is also renewed criticism of workers being “idle during part of their working day, and kept at factories all night without any work to do”, or else being “transferred to distant munition factories only to find the factories are not working full time”; as well as of skilled men “wasting their time” in the army. Dissatisfaction is still expressed by people in employment who “do not know what they are supposed to do, whether to retain their present jobs or undertake other work: they want orders, they say, not advice”.

It is again said to be felt that “all-out production will not be obtained until there is full Government control of management, workers and profits, controlled by some efficient executive representing all sections of those engaged in production, and with absolute powers to over-ride red tape or inefficiency; in fact a war time dictatorship to meet the requirements of total war”.

The call-up of women : The indignation aroused by the exemption of the childless wives of servicemen is reported to be increasing, and is said to be “fanned by the general complacency of those exempted”. The belief continues that young women are getting married to avoid their obligations: it is felt that the responsibility for young children, and not marriage, should be the criterion for exemption.

The experiment of sending 170 “conscriptable girls” from Marks and Spencer's stores, in and around London, to the same ordnance factory, is said to have been very successful, “in contrast to the experience of other girls, transferred singly to factories, who have found themselves ostracised by the local munition workers. It is hoped that this scheme will be adopted by other multiple firms and large employers.”

Problems of women workers : Absenteeism among women is again the subject of much serious discussion. Transport difficulties and a lack of day nurseries are given as causes, but seven R.I.Os particularly stress shopping difficulties, which are said “to loom largely in the minds of workers and potential workers”. It is pointed out that “organised absence”, enabling women to shop, would be preferable to the present state of affairs in which “few women ask for leave; they just take it”.

Part-time work : Women are reported to be “delighted with the scheme” and in consequence there appear to be “many more women with home responsibilities now considering outside work”. In one Region, firms are said to have found the employment of part-time women well “worth the extra organisation involved, and the paying of two insurances”. The only criticism reported is against the Government for failing to organise this scheme on a national basis.

Wages : The Government is blamed for “failing to grapple with the problem of disparities in pay,” and public concern is said to be rising over the comparative treatment of men and women in the Services and in industry in the matter of pay, pensions and dependants' allowances. The high wages paid to juveniles and the increase in juvenile crime which is thought to result, are again reported as “subjects of frequent discussion and deep concern”.

Waste of time and labour : There have been complaints of time lost through the suspension of workers as a disciplinary measure. Workers are asking “why this is done, if time is so important?”

The R.I.O. of the South Western Region reports that local feeling is “running high” about a report of the “sacking” of 500 men from Brockworth aerodrome (Glos.) at a time when men and women are being recruited, “apparently to meet the shortage of aircraft workers”.

Four R.I.Os mention considerable absenteeism and disorganisation in war factories over the Christmas season.

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

14. The A.T.S

Although parents are said to be “dreading their daughters being called up”, some of the girls, who were previously deterred by parental objections, are “undoubtedly keen to go”. Relatives of girls in the A.T.S. continue to complain of bad living conditions which they believe to be affecting the health of the girls. Both as regards health and general conditions, there is thought to be a “need for welfare officers who are not subjected to Service discipline, since Service restrictions prevent the welfare officers from acting as the girls' independent friends”. Medical neglect is also alleged.

There is again some criticism of “scrubbing floors and polishing brass”, less because this work is considered objectionable in itself, but because of the “idea behind it, that girls will be ‘broken to discipline’ by continual fatigue duties”.

15. Income tax

There still appears to be a good deal of confusion regarding Income Tax. There are also complaints of incorrect assessments, insufficient allowances, etc. The post-war credit scheme continues to be regarded with some suspicion which, it is thought, might be allayed by “the issue of some sort of promissory note or certificate at six-monthly intervals”. From Wales alone it is reported that “many people are looking forward to better days when they may draw their nest-egg from the returnable portion of the tax”.

Mr. Hilton's broadcast on Income Tax is said to have made a good impression: according to one report, “it taught the ordinary man more about the reasons for the tax, and the process of collection, than a host of pamphlets could have done".

(2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10)

16. Food

General satisfaction with the food situation continues. The public is said, on the whole, to be “highly satisfied with the quantity and quality of foods supplied in this, the third year of the war”. Relief has also been expressed that the tea ration has not after all been cut.

Points rationing

This is still generally praised, except in the case of very small households, or by small traders who complain of being offered ‘left-overs’ or ‘unpopular sizes’ by the wholesalers.

Unrationed foods

The demand continues for more rationing and stricter control of goods in short supply, as being the best means of ensuring ‘fair play’.

Milk

Although there are more complaints this week than last, the whole position seems to be greatly improved. The shortage is thought to be less acute, but is still causing ‘many complaints’ in Scottish towns, and there is also discontent among some dairymen and farmers.

(2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21)

17. The Forces

Hospitality to the Forces : There has been the usual complaint that members of the Forces for whom hospitality had been arranged over Christmas, did not arrive, although invitations had been accepted in advance. “As a result, much trouble was caused, and many meals were spoiled.”

Waste of Food, etc., by the Army : There have again been complaints of soldiers wasting food by giving it to dogs, or disposing of it in pig buckets. They are also reported to be wasting petrol, and throwing good tyres onto rubbish dumps.

(2, 4, 6)

18. Clothes rationing

“General discontent” is reported over the new order concerning overalls. Iron-workers are stated to be particularly hard-hit as they have not been in the habit of wearing overalls, but have depended on second-hand clothing, which is now very scarce. A bye-law enforces the wearing of overalls in the bakery trade, in which “wear is so hard that roughly two-thirds of a girl's supply of coupons are used on overalls”.

Reports continue to come in of considerable hardship caused in individual cases by a delay of two months in the replacement of lost coupons.

There is still “misapprehension about the period of validity of margarine coupons”.

(4, 5, 9, 10)

19. Constant topics and complaints

Ten R.I.Os report complaints - in some cases “reaching a higher peak than during the worst period of last winter” - of insufficient transport . Loss of production consequent on long waits for ‘buses by war workers is stressed. It is said that at Portsmouth both ‘bus conductors and passengers ignore workers’ priority passes. The mixing, in one queue, of long- and short-distance passengers also arouses discontent; as does the “considerable inconvenience” caused to ordinary passengers by soldiers who, after an evening in country districts, push their way to the front of the queue for the last bus, (urging, as a reason, their imperative duty to report back in time).

Criticism of lunch-hour and early closing of shops is very strong. There is a general feeling that shop assistants are a section of the community who give the most grudging service to the country, and it is frequently asked why the Government does not legislate for the compulsory staggering of shop hours for the sale of foodstuffs. In the North-West Region shopping difficulties are one of the two reasons (the other being “misunderstandings about income tax”) given for the difficulty experienced in getting married women back to the cotton mills.

Concern is expressed by eight R.I.Os that so many radio sets should be out of action, and it is felt very strongly that “every effort should be made to issue adequate supplies of valves and batteries, so that this valuable channel of information (valuable both now and in the event of invasion), should not be lost. The continuing shortage of torch batteries (particularly of no. 8) is mentioned as a contributory cause of the number of accidents at night.

It is generally thought that too many Ministries are concerned with the problem of day nurseries and nursery schools. The very high standard set by the Departments concerned appears to be holding up some projects. There is “considerable criticism” of what is believed to be official dilatoriness.

Suggestions are put forward that, where there are groups of small factories employing less than two hundred workers, local authorities should be pressed to establish British Restaurants .

Approval of the competitive scheme devised to stimulate salvage collection has been widespread, but there are still some complaints that waste paper carefully collected is thrown in with general refuse. Difficulty is reported over disposal of tins and bottles; and in North-East Scotland uncollected salvage is said to be lying in dumps in many villages.

Criticism continues of waste of petrol by private cars and by the military (large vans collecting small packages being instanced); and of the use made by officials of Government vehicles attached to factories, “to run into town for a drink or a packet of cigarettes”.

Complaints are reported of difficulty in getting boots and shoes mended , and it is pointed out that coupon rationing increases the necessity for repairs. It is alleged that, although a great many men skilled in the repairing trade have been called up, civilian repairers have to do Service men's repairs as well as the public's.

“Large numbers of people” are said to be complaining that they do not get the allotted ration of eggs , and this has led to trouble between shopkeeper and customer. Some shopkeepers threaten to refuse to accept eggs, while poultry keepers complain that the number of regulations make it not worth while keeping hens.

Wholesalers are blamed for the rise in price - from 1/4½ to 8/6 - of petrol lighters , of which a shortage is also reported.

Other shortages are of: Cigarettes and tobacco, matches and flints, wines and spirits, chocolate and confectionery, fruit, fish, crockery and kitchen utensils, Wellingtons and children's boots and shoes, thermos flasks and fountain pens.

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