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SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE DIVISION WEEKLY REPORT
Copy No. 224

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.

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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 86
SECRET

28th May, 1942

(Covering the period from 18th May to 26th May 1942)

(No reports have yet been received of reactions to the news of Rommel's new offensive in Libya)

I GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

Again this week there appears to be very little change in public feeling, according to reports from twelve Regions. Confidence and optimism are said to be widespread, and are due principally, it is thought, to the following causes:-

To a limited extent, however, confidence and optimism are said to have been modified by:-

A strong desire for offensive action is reported from seven Regions. Although there is some tendency for “militant confidence to be replaced by impatience at our apparent inactivity”, the majority appear to be content, for the time being, to “leave it to the Government”.

“The war will end this year” : From eight Regions a belief is reported that “the Germans, if not the Japs, may be finished off this year” - a belief which does not appear in every case to be confined to a minority. Fear is expressed that this impression - and the over-optimism and complacency to which it is thought to be leading - may result in some slackening of the war effort. “Many people are tending to sit back with the excuse that there is no further need for struggle”.

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

2. Russia

While the confidence of most people in the eventual success of the Russians remains constant - and fairly high - a minority now fear that “the German pressure in the Crimea will be so terrific that they may break through to the Caucasus”. Faith in Marshal Timoshenko, however, is said to be as strong as over.

Doubts about some of the Russian claims, and particularly their figures of German air losses, are reported from five Regions. It is thought that the “Russian propagandists seem to take a rather impish delight in capping the Germans' tall stories”. The “failure of the Soviet High Command to announce definite place names” is also mentioned. “People still wonder what an ‘inhabited place’ is”.

Reports from two Regions stress the “great interest still being taken by working people in Russian organisation and Russian life in general”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21)

3. A second front

Discussions on the possibility of opening a second front continue to be widely quoted, and may be summed up in the words of a Report from the South Western Region: “The wish for a diversionary second front is general but Mr. Churchill's and Sir Stafford Cripps' statements are relied on, and the commonsense view - that our preparedness must first be complete - predominates. Where the Communist demands are vociferous, general opinion tends to harden against it”. Irritation with “amateur strategists” who have “little knowledge and no responsibility”, and with the “open-at-any-price brigade”, appears to be fairly strong: there is also some feeling that the Communist Party in this country support a second front “because they are quite willing for us to lose a million men if it will help Russia to force Communism on the rest of Europe”.

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

4. R.A.F. offensive

“Keen disappointment at the ‘intervals’ in our air offensive against Germany” is reported from eight Regions. “People seem to have expected large scale raids on enemy territory almost every day”. Some scepticism is reported from four Regions about the explanation that the weather is responsible; “people remember that in the winter of 1940-41, when conditions were often appalling, the enemy maintained an almost continuous attack on these islands”. It is believed that “air raids represent our easiest means of getting at the enemy, and no item of news is more popular than a detailed account of a heavy attack on a German city”. Little importance is attached to “the value of the daylight sweeps”.

The Prinz Eugen : Our failure to sink the Prinz Eugen is said to have caused a good deal of comment, and to have “started rumours that our aircraft, bombs and personnel must be inferior to the Germans'”; there are also “criticisms about the lack of certain types of equipment and planes”, especially torpedo-carrying aircraft. Uneasiness is reported at Sir Stafford Cripps' “allusion to the non-appearance of dive bombers” and at the fact that “the reason cannot be given”.

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

5. The debate on the war situation in the House of Commons (19th-20th May)

Public interest in the debate on the war situation appears to have been confined mostly to the criticisms made of the Prime Minister; the debate itself seems generally to have been thought a “waste of time”. The general public have “so thoroughly regained any confidence in the Prime Minister which they had previously lost that there seems to have been more irritation with the critics than anything else”, and the attacks on him appear to have been resented by the great majority. There is strong criticism from six Regions of “party wrangling”, of the “washing of dirty linen in public”, and of “the scheming of those who would like to be in power”. It is considered that “few members had anything helpful to offer, and most of the speakers were just the usual gang who are out to find fault, displaying wisdom after the event”.

From one Region only is “some uneasiness” reported at Mr. Churchill's absence from the debate.

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

6. The Far East

The decline of public interest in the Far East continues. Interest in Burma appears to be almost non-existent, though there is said to be “some appreciation of the ‘value of the Burmese campaign’ as a delaying action”, and a growing realisation that “our men put up a marvellous show”. The hope has been expressed, however, that “we will not try to make this campaign into a victory”.

Admiration for the Chinese is expressed by a few, and there appears to be growing anxiety about “what is to happen to China when she is cut off from supplies”. It is asked “when the ‘alternative route’ for supplies to China mentioned by the United States spokesman is to be opened”.

Singapore : The absence of a statement on Singapore continues to be discussed in four Regions, and is still said to be “a source of grave apprehension and resentment in those areas from which units were sent”. The “difficulty of hearing anything about, or communicating with, prisoners of war is a sore point”. Of the many people who have enquired for news of missing relatives, there is said to be “a proportion who refuse to believe that no news has come through”. A question “which is continually being asked” is; “Why did they allow the last lot of troops to land? Why didn't they turn them back?”.

Australia : Some interest in “the menace to Australia” is reported from five Regions. Opinion seems to range from “a fear that she is about to be invaded” to “optimism” that she can “do more than merely hold her own”. Some doubt is expressed as to whether we are really doing all we might to help in the defence of Australia. People were astonished to learn from recent articles in the Press that “not so long ago Australia was left entirely without up-to-date fighter aeroplanes”, and “it is being more generally realised how generously Australia denuded her own defences to come to our aid at the time of the Battle of Britain”. There is “some desire to divert supplies from Russia”.

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

7. The U.S. and Vichy

The “firm stand made by America in connection with Martinique is generally welcomed”, though there is some disappointment that the negotiations should have ended in nothing more than the “demilitarisation of the French warships”. It appears that “America's relations with Vichy are still not understood”, though Raymond Gram Swing's broadcast on Saturday, 16th May, is said to have “explained the position very clearly”.

Impatience with Vichy continues to be reported, and it is said that “among the less educated there would be almost a feeling of relief if France entered the war against us”.

(3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11)

8. Sir Stafford Cripps

Rather conflicting references to Sir Stafford Cripps are made in five Regional reports. In Scotland his “standing with the public remains sky-high, his prestige being high not only in left wing but also in Conservative circles”. From the London Region, however, it is suggested that “big business is becoming suspicious of him”, and workers are inclined to “wonder what game he is playing”; another report says that “it would appear that Sir Stafford, in his role of Government spokesman, is losing some of his popularity”. According to the report from the Eastern Region, which seems to sum up the general feeling, “Cripps' appeal to the public imagination appears now to have steadied to a perfectly sober level, but he continues to stand for a policy which is honourable, non-party, and conducive to the public good, and would appear to be regarded by many as a good second, especially on matters concerning the home front”.

(3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13)

9. Broadcasting and presentation of news

The decline in criticism of news presentation continues.

Mr. Duff Cooper's Empire Day postscript : Only three reports have mentioned this so far, and comment, though mixed, has been generally favourable. It is felt that “he put the Empire in its right perspective”, and people liked his “reference to the fact that, in peace time, the British people would never have supported the cost of the enormous forces necessary to make sure of defending scattered points of Empire”. Some people, however, question whether his reference to the British as the “greatest people on earth” can be “very acceptable to Russia and America at the present juncture”.

Mr. James Urquhart : Further unfavourable comments on the new announcer come from three Regions, in one case his resemblance to Haw Haw being so much disliked that “people turn off the news when he is reading it”. There is, however, one reference to his being liked “because he is slow and can be understood”.

Cardinal Hinsley's broadcast service to the people of Malta (Sunday, 17th May) : Much appreciation of this is reported from Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Broadcasts which have been singled out for praise include the Round Table discussions on India (in which “the fatalistic prejudice and unreasonableness of the Congress mind has been effectively demonstrated”). “It might happen here”: “Into Battle” and “Marching On” are also praised.

B.B.C. announcements : The announcement on the B.B.C. (21st May) that various commodities, such as furniture polish and lace curtains, were shortly to be covered by the Limitation of Supplies Order has led to the criticism that it “only encourages those with money to rush to the shops to buy up available supplies”, while poor people who cannot afford to do so are at a disadvantage.

Reaction to enemy broadcasts : “Haw Haw broadcasts are being fairly widely listened to and discussed by Clydeside workers”, according to an organiser of informal discussion groups on the Clydeside. He goes on to point out that Haw Haw is considered by many of them to be “a very good speaker” who very often “hits the nail on the head”, and is only condemned for his exaggeration. It is suggested that “very few people know that the Germans give different accounts of the same event to different countries”: thus workers who heartily agreed with Haw Haw's remarks about capitalists and pluto-democrats were incredulous on being told that Hitler was appealing to Americans to cut themselves off from Britain because Britain was going Bolshevist. It is suggested that a wireless talk on the contradictory nature of German propaganda, and its sectional appeal, might do good.

(2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Carlisle P.C.)

10. “Hate training school”

Few public reactions have been reported to the Army's abandonment of the “hate training” policy. It appears, however, that most people are concerned “lest British soldiers should be brutalised by this un-English way of engineering hate.”

There is some criticism of the official attitude of hatred to Germany on the score that “England ought to be a civilizing influence.” The effects of ‘Vansittartism’ might, it is felt, eventually hamper an equitable and reasonable settlement when the war is over.

A minority view is that “there is not enough hate in this country, and that this is an “‘all-in’ fight with ‘all-out’ methods”.

(2, 3, 5, 6, 12, 13)

II SPECIAL COMMENTS

11. Industry

Production : Although, in most Regions, the past four weeks have shown a decline in dissatisfaction with production, slackness and absenteeism, some revival of industrial criticism is now reported from six Regions. Concern has been caused at the news of recent strikes; there appears to be a good deal of sympathy for the miners who are thought to be getting “a raw deal”, and the low wages earned by many of them for their “exceedingly arduous” job are contrasted with “the much greater rewards earned by others for much lighter work”. At the same time, “pungent criticism” is reported among some workers “when the classes who are doing well out of the war go on strike and get away with their disloyalty”.

From two Regions an “underlying feeling” is reported that “some people in high places are holding up production because they have vested interests in the continuation of the war”; similar strong feelings are said to exist about “war profiteers among the workers”.

Woman power : The call-up of woman power is reported to be now “depleting the civilian needs beyond the point of maximum national efficiency.” In some cases working conditions are said to be “very trying for women with home responsibilities; older women “are finding a twelve-hour shift, plus housework, more than they can maintain”. It is believed that there is a considerable increase in nervous disorders among women to whom this applies.

Part-time work : The continued success of this system is reported from the North Midland Region where, at an industrial conference, it was agreed that “two part-time women do more work than one full-timer. They are fresher and haven't the burden of household duties after a full day's work.”

Women interviewers : These are still the subject of some complaint, though in one Region, previously critical, an improvement is noted. Women are now said to be “surprised at their understanding treatment; interviewers are increasingly considerate and competent”.

Appeal for longer working hours : Comments from two Regions on the suggested longer hours for workers are to the following effect:-

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

12. Food

Praise is still almost universally accorded to the Ministry of Food. Criticism, however, still exists over certain subjects, and there is some demand, supported by the evidence of Postal Censorship, for an extension of rationing “to ensure more equal distribution of foods in short supply”; vegetables, pastries, biscuits and suet are particularly mentioned.

Points : Satisfaction with the points system still predominates, though considering the lack of increase in the number of points, the “pointing” of some articles is thought too high. (Four Regions)

“Off the ration” meals : There is some comment, both for and against the case for rationing restaurant and hotel meals. On the whole, the idea seems to appeal by its “fairness”. (Three Regions)

Jam : Women's Institutes are reported to be wondering “whether they will again be left with large quantities of jam in store which will eventually be disposed of at prices covering no more than the bare cost of fruit and sugar”. Some statement is thought to be “desirable, if they are to retain their enthusiasm”. (1 Region)

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 21, Glasgow, Manchester, Special P.Cs)

13. The new ration books

Widespread criticism of the “inadequate arrangements for the issue of new ration books” is reported from eight Regions. Queues, lasting from between one-and-a-half to three hours are said to have caused “acute waste of time”, and there are reports of the applicants being finally turned away “because the books had run out”.

It is suggested that insufficient publicity was given to the changed instruction regarding the insertion of birth dates.

Supplementary clothing coupons : There is a recurrence of the demand for supplementary clothing coupons in the following cases:-

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

14. Fuel Rationing

Although many people are said to believe that the idea of fuel rationing will eventually be dropped, an increasing demand is reported instead for the reorganisation of coal production.

It is thought that the “army of clerks” presumed necessary for rationing would be unhesitatingly condemned.

(2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 21 Special P.C., 32)

15. Soap

The inadequacy of the soap ration is the subject of renewed comment and concern. People are stated to be realising that “the ration is too small for their needs, and are digging into their reserves”. Bad feeling is reported among workers whose overalls “are rotting with dirt and grease”. In bombed towns the victims are said to need extra soap for cleaning up after raids.

(2, 3, 5, 7, 10)

16. Anti-Semitism

“The growth of anti-Semitism is reported from widely separated areas,” according to the North Midland Region report. Infringements of the rationing orders, dealings in black markets and “deliberate cunning evasions of measures instituted by the Government to meet war-time conditions” are said to have aroused strong public feeling.

Allegations are made of “enormous numbers of young Jews” boasting of evading the call-up; the expression of “open indignation” is feared unless measures are adopted “to bring home to this race that they are inviting a similar revulsion to that which they have experienced in other countries.” This view is confirmed in another Region, whence the comment is reported that “one thing Hitler has done is to put those damned Jews in their place”.

(3, 7)

17. Gipsies and vagrants

In a report from the South Western Region attention has been drawn to what are described as “loop-holes in the National Service Regulations”.

At Stow-on-the-Wold fair a large number of gipsies - “many obviously of military age” - were rounded up by the police; but owing to the impossibility of a reliable check-up of their ages, there being no dates of birth on their identity cards, no action could be taken against them. The moral effect of this episode was reported to be “widespread and bad - these folk wander uncontrolled, evade duties and pay no taxes”. Farmers complain of damage done by them to fields and hedges, and their potential danger as Fifth Columnists is also stressed.

(14 S. Western)

18. Constant topics and complaints

Comments continue to be reported on:

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REFERENCES