158

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE DIVISION
APPENDIX
FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY .

“ Home-made Socialism .”

In view of a reference in our Weekly Report No. 72 to the spread of “a kind of home-made socialism” among certain sections of the public, Regional Information Officers were asked whether any similar trends of opinion had been noticed in their Regions. They were particularly requested not to make special enquiries into this subject, but, merely to report any spontaneous evidence of these trends. The R.I.O's replies, while confirming that some such tendencies are apparently widespread, describe them as “vague” and “rather inarticulate”. The outstanding characteristics of this amorphous doctrine seem to be:

(a), (b) and (c) were mentioned in seven out of a total of eleven reports; (d) was referred to in six of these.

The material which follows summarises the main points from the R.I.O's reports.

Northern Region : “The bias in popular political thought seems to be turning from liberty to equality”. Though many people feel that they are working for the community rather than for their own gain, they are, at the same time, doubtful of an equally altruistic spirit among their employers, who are suspected of resisting changes which might effect their post-war profits.

There seems to be “a desire, largely unexpressed, for greater social security after the war”, and it is stated that “the success of Russia” has tended to prepare the public mind” for alterations in the present order of society”.

North Eastern Region : Here it, seems that “there is a more apparent leaning towards socialism since Russia became an Ally”. Successful Soviet resistance and “the ruthless speed of Russia's dictatorship” are contrasted with our own constant failures and “bureaucratic procrastination”. “Inequalities of sacrifice and reward apparent in our own system” are also said to increase this leaning towards socialism.

This, it is pointed out, does not represent an “organised political feeling”, but rather an outlet for the urge to get on with the war effort.

North Midland Region : “It is agreed”, says the R.I.O. “that there is a strong tendency towards the ideal of socialism in all classes”. Once again this is said to be mainly non-political.

The following factors are suggested as causes of this tendency:

It is stressed that, for the most part, these ideas are indistinct and only formulated by such vague expressions as: “Things will never be the same again - We'll see to that”. Emotional response to Russian achievements is reported to be widespread in this highly industrialised Region which is “still suffering from the aftermath of the industrial revolution” and where feeling against the employer class is said to be “very strong”. It is noted that “comparatively few people link the Russian form of Government with British Communism but that increasing numbers may do so if there is no satisfactory alternative”.

Fear that post-war conditions may be a repetition of those which followed the last war is said to cause some scepticism about reconstruction plans.

Finally, “the relation of socialistic ideals to the Christian ethic is becoming more apparent and, though there is little sign of a rebirth of true religious feeling or of interest in the Church, the basic Christian principles, with the possible exception of turning the other cheek, appear to have greater appeal now than in recent years”.

Eastern Region : Admiration for the efficiency not only of Russia but also of Germany, is said to be resulting from “our own inefficiency”. These countries are said to have a sense of purpose, with which are contrasted “our own vague conceptions, fluctuating between ideas of what we have got, and ideas of right and wrong”. It is suggested that among part of the lower social groups the advent of Hitler to this country would not be particularly feared.

Discussion of future social and economic plans is apparently widespread among various classes of people. This tendency does not seem to be confined to those who are politically minded, “though it might be said to show a bias towards the Left”. This view is thought to be stimulated by a desire for:-

In this way, it is thought, “drastic changes” are being thought of which “might permanently improve post-war Britain”.

London Region : During the last six months it is believed that “a new trend of opinion” has gained impetus and is now said to be “growing like a jungle plant”. “During the earlier part of the war, socialism developed among people who, thrown out of their normal circumstances, were more in contact with the poorer classes”. But more recently it appears to have increased considerably “among black-coated workers who are said to be reading and discussing a good deal”. The “employer class”, as well as those who formerly always voted Conservative, are also “turning to this idea”. Many of them appear to feel that socialism is inevitable, and are resigned to the prospect, as it is agreed that “better social opportunities for everyone, and improved conditions must come”.

Stories of muddle, inefficiency and complacency at home are unfavourably compared with Russia's successful methods. Of the U.S.S.R. - and China - it is felt that “these seem willing to sacrifice everything, because they have something worth fighting for”. Communists are reported to be drawing the public's attention, particularly in working-class districts, to various “sore points”; but it is thought that they do not succeed in gaining many converts to their doctrine, though some young people, through ignorance, “tend to swallow it whole”.

Southern Region : No similar trends of opinion have been noticed in this area, but the R.I.O. mentions a growing tendency “to speculate as to whether our Parliamentary system will be able to function much longer”. He alludes to “a lot of talk about its being out of date”, and suggests the possibility that “the cult for Cripps may be due to a sort of sub-conscious reversion to the Cromwell idea - an austere but democratic dictator”.

South Western Region : “A distinct swing to what is vaguely called ‘the Left’” is reported from this Region. It does not appear to be on Labour Party or socialist lines, but it does seem to be directed against the Conservative Party in so far as this represents the so-called “Men of Munich”, the “old gang”, “Colonel Blimp” and similar diehard types. For this feeling it is believed that the continued opprobrium of Press and Parliament are partly responsible.

“The effect of the Russian war has also been very great. A large population who until recently, regarded the Russians as blood-thirsty Bolsheviks, are saying that it would be a good thing if something along the same lines were introduced in this country”. It is very strongly emphasised that in this Region any Party manoeuvring is regarded with extreme abhorrence.

Welsh Region : Throughout Wales it appears “Labour is predominant in Parliamentary representation” and the industrial areas especially are already accustomed to local government by Labour. As in most other Regions, admiration for Russian resistance is said to be universal, and to have “awakened interest in the people and the system of Government which have made it possible”.

A general feeling is reported that “things must be different after the war”, and it is said that “a demand is coming for a new order of things, with socialist leanings, though not necessarily, in all cases evidenced by socialist Parliamentary representation”.

North Western Region : A belief among ordinary people “that there should be no restoration of the old order” is reported by the R.I.O. This view is amplified by the remarks of a contact who writes: “We are on the threshold of an entirely new conception of economic and human relationships ..... in which very large incomes will no longer be tolerated, and the motto ‘Service before Self’ must come into its own”. Some are said to regard Cripps as the “prophet of a new order which will be international".

“The Russian alliance and the success of Russian aims” are again reported to have had a “powerful influence” on opinion, and derogatory comparisons are said to be made between “the apparent unity, strength and purposefulness of the Soviets” and “corruption and selfishness in the United States”. Nevertheless, though the working classes appear to be “keenly aware of the differences”, it is not thought that they wish to embrace communism.

Very many people are said to regard the war as a religious one, and “the essential brotherhood of man” is reported to be a popular sentiment. Those who believe it to be a war between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ believe also “that sacrifices must be made by all ‘haves’, whether as individuals or nations”.

In this Region there appears to exist some belief in the recovery of Liberalism, which it is felt may be possibly due to “a traditional free trade outlook”. In wartime, however, “political manoeuvring” is regarded by the majority with disgust.

Scottish Region : While it is stated that “nothing so definite as ‘a group’ is growing up” political consciousness in this Region seems to be increasing. The three orthodox parties have either “fallen from grace” or are making no headway, and attention is drawn to the “awakening” of the Communist Party, since Russia's entry into the war; it is reported that “over 1200 new members enrolled during the first six weeks of this year”. This R.I.O. stresses the general impatience with or indifference to political party machinery. This contempt for politics, and its accompanying symptoms is considered by one contact to be “exceedingly dangerous, for it is almost Fascist in tendency”. The opinions reported from this Region indicate a general determination that “after the war things will be different, and there must be better opportunities for all”.

South Eastern Region : In the urban and industrial areas of this Region an “inclination to think socially” is said to exist among people who have hitherto never “embraced political socialism”. Vested interests, and “string-pulling behind the scenes” are said to have aroused fairly widespread complaint, and “there is a belief that our failure to reach a 100 per cent war effort is attributable to them”. There appears to be as well “quite a strong feeling that there must be something seriously wrong with the existing regime which is held responsible for the country's present difficulties”.

It is, however, questioned whether, in the many rural areas of this Region any real desire exists for a complete change in the social order. In these areas, respect for “the parson, the doctor and the old families who are all part and parcel of the locality” is still apparent.

Conclusions . It will be seen that nothing so definite as an organised political movement can be said to underlie these reported tendencies. They seem mainly to spring from dissatisfaction with “the lack of Government leadership; hence there arises a groping towards an unofficial and non-party type of social policy”. Five R.I.O.s indicate some desire in their Regions for methods approximating to a dictatorship. “It is not, however, stated whether there is any connection between this idea and socialism as an instrument of National policy. One thing is apparently agreed by all: that there must and will be “alterations in the present order of society”.

24th March, 1942 .