A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46

242

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Weekly Report by Home Intelligence - No. 69
Copy No. 145

28th 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.

243 244 2 248 6 250 8

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT NO. 69

28th January, 1942

(Covering period from 19th January to 26th January, 1942)

Note : The figures in brackets refer to sources of information, a list of which was issued with all reports up to and including No. 66, 7th January, 1942.

(No reports have yet been received of public reactions to the arrival of U.S. troops in Northern Ireland or to the Prime Minister's speech in the House of Commons yesterday.)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

The drop in confidence mentioned in last week's report has become more marked. The growing expectation of the fall of Singapore and the increased threat to Australia have deepened public anxiety about the whole situation in the Pacific. Above all, Rommel's advance in Libya, at a time when the worst that was excepted was a “stalemate”, has come as a definite shock. Good news from Russia is a considerable factor in maintaining people's spirits, but it cannot be said to counterbalance the general concern and perturbation.

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

2. The Far East

In the earlier part of the week the apparent ease with which the Japanese could move their troops at will in the Pacific, and the absence of successful British or American counter measures, deepened the gloom with which the general situation in the Far East is regarded. This has since been to some extent offset by the action in the Macassar Straits and by the increasing activity of the R.A.F., bur even so, the public is still gravely disturbed and critical. Criticism is, however, less specific than it was recently, and more on the lines of “we need to be persuaded that the problem is being properly tackled.”

Malaya : Great anxiety is felt about the situation. Our continued withdrawals and the growing conviction that we shall lose Singapore are causing grave concern. Some people are still, however, relying on the Prime Minister's assurance that the base will be held.

Australia : The Japanese landings in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have come as “a severe jolt to most people”; few having realised the possibilities of an invasion of Australia. The public are apprehensive about the outcome of such an invasion, as it is generally believed that Australia's defences are negligible and that most of her troops are out of the country, “having been sent to our aid in other parts of the Empire.” This has given rise to great sympathy for Australia, even amongst those who had previously felt some resentment at her “‘wails’ and criticism of us”.

Burma : The threat to Rangoon and to the Burma Road is regarded as grave and there is some speculation as to what China's position would be, were we to lose them.

U Saw's arrest has aroused little interest, but what there is, is approving.

Dutch East Indies : The Dutch successes have been greeted with gratitude; there is, indeed, some feeling that “the Dutch and Russians seem to be fighting all our battles”.

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

3. Libya

Rommel's advance in Libya has revived memories of our insubstantial conquest of a year ago, and there is a feeling that our whole position in Libya is once again threatened.

There is widespread criticism of the “‘bad weather’ excuses for our failure to hold Rommel - bad weather which does not seem to have prevented him from counter-attacking”. There is also renewed criticism of the “over-optimistic reports from Cairo”.

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

4. Russia

Confidence in the Red Army's advance has been increased by the capture of Mojaisk, and there is a growing belief that “complete victory is possible by the Russians on this front”. A minority continues to feel that the news is too good to be true: that conditions now favour the Russians, and that the Germans are accordingly saving themselves for the spring. There is, however, “a fervent hope” amongst all sections of the public “that the Germans will be kept busy indefinitely and be prevented from developing offensives elsewhere”.

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

5. U.S.A .

The public attitude towards the U.S.A. is becoming increasingly friendly, and there are fewer references to “too many speeches and too little action”. There is still a tendency to place on the U.S.A. some share of the blame for our impotence in the Far East, but this has been very much offset by:

  1. The American counter attack in the Philippines, where General MacArthur's gallant fight continues to arouse much sympathetic interest.

  2. The action in the Macassar Straits.

  3. The “courage” of the Americans in publishing the findings of the Commission on the Pearl Harbour disaster. Satisfaction is also expressed “that the names of those responsible have been made public”.

(1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11)

6. General conduct of the war

Mr. Churchill's “eagerly awaited” speech was expected “to do much to meet the criticisms which have accumulated on our conduct of the war”. There was, however, some alarm at his decision to turn the matter into a vote of confidence. Many people seem to think it “unfair for the Prime Minister to try and subdue criticism by throwing his personal popularity into the balance”. The majority would prefer “a robust admission of failure” and it is feared that “further attempts at ‘white-washing’ might damage the Prime Minister's own reputation”.

Hopes of Cabinet changes : The threat to Australia has increased the demand for an Imperial War Cabinet, a Ministry of Production is also hoped for.

Desire for Ministerial changes-“not a cabinet reshuffle but a real change in personnel”-appears to be unabated, although recent news is said “not to have provided any particular scapegoat for public condemnation”.

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

7. The proposal to broadcast Mr. Churchill's statement

Considerable interest was aroused by the suggestion of broadcasting Mr. Churchill's forthcoming statement in the House. It was felt that “its propaganda value would be tremendous, both at home and abroad”, and a good deal of disappointment is reported that the matter has been dropped. Remembering Mr. Churchill's broadcast when Japan entered the war, and “realising the tremendous strain involved in giving the same speech ‘over the air’ as well as in the House, people feel that an exception might have been made in this instance”. A minority, however, feel that it was a “wise decision of Mr. Churchill's to withdraw, as his speech could not in fairness be dissociated from his replies to his critics”; but there does not seem to be much patience with the “academic circles in favour of observing the traditions of debate”.

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

8. Invasion

There appears, on the whole, to be no increased expectation of invasion, “but the knowledge of atrocities in Russia has led to some discussion regarding the Government's ‘stay-put’ policy”: From several Regions come demands for “a clearer and more detailed statement from the Government as to how civilians are to behave in such circumstances”.

Defence of aerodromes : There is still a good deal of disquiet on this subject, which does not appear to have been allayed by the Air Minister's “far from satisfactory statement”.

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

9. The Archbishop of Canterbury

The motives for Dr. Lang's resignation seem to have been accepted with general approval. Though a number of people admire his “statesmanlike qualities”, many have not forgiven him for “his cruel condemnation of Edward VIII”. There is some feeling that he has “failed as a leader of the long hoped for ‘Spiritual Revival’”.

(3, 7)

10. Broadcasting and presentation of news .

There appears to be a revival of the feeling that the public is not being told the truth about Libya and the Far East, and that “our losses and reverses are played down”. There is annoyance with the “military authorities for failing to realise that any suspicion by the public that they are being misled shakes confidence more than any straightforward bad news”. Even the Russian news is thought by some people to be “doctored”.

In addition to the criticism of official news, irritation has been expressed at the “screaming headlines” and “nagging, destructive criticism” in the Press. John Gordon's articles in the “Sunday Express” are thought to have a bad effect on morale. Some annoyance is felt at the prominence given to extracts from the Australian papers, “as if they were authoritative”.

There has been considerable praise for Mr. Brockington's Postscript. Disappointment has been expressed, however, at Mr. Quentin Reynolds' Postscript on 25th January; the general feeling seems to be that he was “not up to his usual standard”. The Archbishop of York's speech was thought to have been “ill-timed”, and his “kindness to Germans attitude” appears to have been unpopular. “It is felt that such talk will undermine our allies' faith in us”. There is some preference for Cardinal Hinsley's “honest outspokenness”.

Newsreels : Continued praise is reported for the film of the Vaagso raid; this is mentioned by many writers in Postal Censorship.

American Commentary : Reports on listeners' reactions to American Commentary (the Saturday night Home Service feature) and to Mr. Eden's Postscript on 4th January, have been compiled by Listener Research. The first of these reports shows that by a very substantial majority, Raymond Gram Swing is considered the best of the five speakers in this series. There is only a small difference, however, between the average size of his audience - 16.8% - and that of the other four speakers, who between them have an average audience of 13.31%. Swing's popularity is based largely on “appreciation of his knowledge and balanced judgment, and his congenial broadcasting manner”. Many listeners regard him as “the voice of America” and as “an old friend”. Next in popularity, and for almost identical reasons, comes Alastair Cooke, closely followed by Elmer Davis, Albert Warner, and H.B. Elliston.

Mr. Eden's Postscript : This seems to have been extraordinarily well received, and proved even more popular than Lord Beaverbrook's broadcast on Russia (12th October). The fact that the talk was “based on first-hand experience”, and that it promised “fuller understanding with the U.S.S.R.” were but two aspects of its success. His “personality” and “broadcasting technique” were also praised.

“Brains Trust” : A recent Listener Research report reveals that “since April last, when ‘Any Questions?’ was first placed on Sunday afternoon, its audience has increased from about 12% to about 25% of the adult population”. The resident members are, on the whole, considered a good team, though Professor Joad is irritating to some listeners: he is criticised as being both smug and too diffuse, but only a few complaints have been made that he is too highbrow. Professor Huxley is unanimously praised, and many listeners hope for his early return. Commander Campbell gets a mixed reception: his inclusion is considered pointless by some, while he is praised by others, as representing the opinion of ‘the man in the street’. He is said frequently “to miss the point of a question.” There is much appreciation of the Question Master's tact and wit. Among the most successful recent Guest Experts are Commander King-Hall and Dr. Malcolm Sargent. Women listeners appear to appreciate the presence of women Guest Experts, and suggest that Miss Margery Fry and Miss Ellen Wilkinson should be invited again.”

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 17, 21 Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Leeds, P.C.s, 22, 24)

11. Rumours

It is said that the tea ration is to be reduced. A story is going about that members of the A.T.S. are allowed to have three illegitimate children at the Government's expense.

It is said that the persistent small night raids on this country are really used to drop civilian parachutists for the purpose of sabotage later.

A rumour is reported that Mr. Churchill came home a sick man, or met with some sort of accident during the fortnight when his whereabouts were unknown.

There are rumours in the Southampton region that the “Queen Mary” and the “Queen Elizabeth” are being, or will be used to bring U.S. troops to this country, to be ... disembarked in Southampton, and it is thought that this rumour may cause unnecessary fears of renewed air raids.

Cornish people are said to fear intensive bombing, following the rumour that the Government may re-open the tin mines.

The widespread rumour in Dorset of the likelihood of an invasion in February, may, it is thought, be due to certain astrologers' references to such a possibility.

There is a belief that the new A.A. shells will blow an aeroplane to pieces within a quarter of a mile, and that falling fragments will necessitate stronger roofs.

It is said that considerably less than 66 clothing coupons will be allowed to each person next year, and that a monetary value will be attached to them.

A woman is said to have stated in a Bethnal Green Post Office that parcels to British prisoners were being seized by the Germans, and that she had had a letter from a German soldier saying how pleased he was with a pullover out of a prisoner-of-war parcel.

In the South West of Scotland it is rumoured that a £3,000,000 Government factory has been built on a coal bin which is still burning.

In the Brighton district there is a rumour that in mid-Sussex there is a big dump of eggs which are going rotten.

“The reason that there are not sufficient ships in the Pacific is that Metro-Goldwyn will not release the American fleet from a contract to make a film.”

A B.B.C. announcement that the Japanese had landed in New Britain is said to have been responsible for the rumour that the invasion of this country had begun, which is reported to have been agitating those “whose geography is not strong”.

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

12. Industry

“The feeling that production is not what it should be is again in evidence”, and stronger Government control of all essential industry is advocated once more. Allegations continue to be made about “slacking in munition factories and on aerodrome sites, where men are said to go to sleep or go rabbiting during working hours.” Responsibility for a state of affairs which is thought to be “seriously disquieting” to the more thoughtful sections of the public is mainly placed upon the managements, either because these are believed to be incompetent, or else to lack all patriotic incentive to cut down costs and get on with the job. In some instances, (as in the Amalgamted Society of Woodworkers at Harland and Wolff's, in Southampton) the workers themselves are reported to be asking for an inquiry into their enforced idleness, stating that “three quarters of the time they are paid for” is wasted by mismanagement.

Misapprehension about ‘Essential Work’ : “Firms which are now making weapons as well as such things as excavators and agricultural implements report that workers engaged on the latter are very dissatisfied, and do not put their backs into the job because the importance to the war effort is too remote for them to grasp. It would seem that publicity about the importance of the less spectacular types of work is needed to counteract this feeling.” This view is expressed by the R.I.O. North Midland Region, but recently several other reports have made the same point.

Resentment of Soviet Criticism : Although an enthusiastic welcome has been accorded to the Russian Trades' Union delegates by factory-workers throughout the country, three R.I.Os report “some irritation and discontent” in their districts over outspoken criticisms made by the visitors. It is thought to be unfair that “the Russians should come over here to tell us we could do better, when we have left ourselves perilously short in order to supply them”, particularly as “faults in production are held to be due to mismanagement and bad organisation.” “The delegates' remarks to the effect that there are not enough women in our factories are, however, felt to be justified, though it is pointed out that the men most strongly in agreement are the ones who often put up most resistance to the entry of their own wives into industry.”

Wages : Several R.I.Os have reported in the same sense as the R.I.O. Eastern Region, who writes:- “The whole subject of wage standards is now a matter of wide discussion. It would seem to be felt that greater consistency is urgently needed, and that the Government is shelving responsibility by not stepping in and taking control. Some main points of criticism are the discrepancy between the Service and civilian standards of pay, the difference in pay between our own and Dominion Forces, the absurdly high wages paid to unskilled and semi-skilled labour, and the high wages paid to juveniles.”

Shopping difficulties of women workers : These continue to be called “nightmarish in the larger industrial districts”, and both factory managements and shops are severely criticised for “lack of willingness to co-operate” and for “disregarding the obvious needs of women workers who have home responsibilities and who must shop.” Appreciation among the workers is recorded in places where individual factories are tackling the problem, “by arranging earlier hours on certain days, and by making arrangements with firms such as the Co-operative Stores to allow their workers to shop after hours on some evenings. The efforts of the Ministry of Labour Welfare Officers in this matter are much praised, and it seems a pity that all firms cannot be persuaded to co-operate.” It is again pointed out that failure to tackle the problem on a large scale is resulting in unorganised absenteeism, which has a far worse effect on production than regulated absence.

From Luton comes a report that “a very great welcome will be given to a scheme, awaiting Home Office sanction, by which shops will remain open until 9 p.m. on Fridays, and during the evening hours will serve only women with factory passes.” Luton is now said to be working a six-day week and overtime, and “many stories have been quoted of women whose households have been without essential goods.”

Demand for Day Nurseries : This continues to be reported “very strongly” from many regions. It is said that there is little understanding by the public as a whole of the difficulties in the way of adequate provision: “day nurseries appear to be generally regarded as an easy solution to the problem of married women in industry”, and little attention is paid to the troubles of staffing, or even to the number of women who might actually be released for war work by the opening of nurseries. Impatience is shown at reports by local welfare and health authorities, who state that a local need has not been proved, as it is felt that “the cart is being put before the horse, and day nurseries should be available before married women are asked to work.” It is felt that more information should be given to the public on the difficulties of this problem.

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

13. Civil Defence Regulations

“Little comment is heard except general satisfaction that the personnel of Civil Defence Services should not be allowed to resign when they like. It is felt that the recent pronouncements will effect only a few of the faint hearts, and that the right men and women will remain at their posts.” Boredom having become a serious factor of discontent in many warden's posts, it is hoped that the proposals for part-time employment of Civil Defence workers, on useful work during periods of inactivity, will be successfully implemented.

(7, 12)

14. Pensions and allowances

Old Age Pensions : Several R.I.Os have reported “a strong demand for an all-round increase in Old Age Pensions to meet the increased cost of living, without any means test such as is now applied before the present supplementary allowance can be given. It is asked why old people who have been thrifty enough to save a little money for their old age should now be penalised, to the benefit of the less careful.”

Pensions for Servicemen and Dependants : “Considerable interest is being taken in the new rates for Service casualties, widows, etc., and it is hoped that the increases will be generous enough to meet the many criticisms which have been made recently.”

Service Dependants' Allowances : Dissatisfaction on this subject is voiced once more, both as to the time taken in granting relief in cases of special hardship, and also because of the ‘charity’ principle which is thought to be involved.

(5, 6, 8, 21 Glasgow P.C.)

15. Income Tax

R.I.O. reports from six regions speak of misunderstanding and widespread discontent among ‘first payers’. The belief still appears to be general that the post-war credits will not materialise - the Government is thought to be merely sugaring the pill, to make the higher tax and lowering of allowances easier to swallow. The series of broadcast explanatory talks “continues to be praised, but, it is pointed out, they omitted any mention of the tax paid by married women workers.” Demand for separate assessment of married incomes, or for some other form of rebate of the joint tax, is again strong: it is thought that as it stands, it is adversely affecting the willingness of women to work: a typical comment from a potential married woman worker is, “Why should I work, if half my wage is to be taken?” In many cases it is said to be “cheaper for the woman not to work”, and a certain amount of absenteeism is put down to dissatisfaction with the existing regulations. Opinion appears to be divided as to whether over-time pay should be tax-free.

(3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 32)

16. Food

Satisfaction continues. The cut in rations was accepted as unavoidable; queues are now unusual, except for confectionery, and many letters in Postal Censorship express satisfaction with the adequate supplies. Praise of Lord Woolton is reported from many quarters. Some dissatisfaction continues at preferential treatment for favoured customers, and at the fact that wealthy people can afford to take meals in hotels, which is described as “robbing the poor to feed the rich.”

Milk : Complaints of irregular deliveries continue, and are reported from four Regions. Owing to the small adult ration, “pooling” of milk is said to go on within the family, which vitiates the scheme for giving priority to children. Adults are said to buy infants' foods, such as “Ostermilk”, for cooking purposes.

Fruit : Allotment holders, not being good customers of the greengrocers, are said to have little chance of getting any fruit. The wish is expressed that fruit juices, etc., for children, could be obtained through shops on production of the child's ration book, rather than from “Centres”; it is pointed out that shopping now takes so long that the mothers cannot spare time to make a special call at the Centre. There are complaints in one Region that dealers are often unable to supply mothers of more than one child with the oranges to which they are entitled.

Fish : The shortage of fresh fish is complained of in eight Regions.

British Restaurants : Their popularity increases and the demand for them still grows. Lord Woolton's declaration that they are only a war-time measure was badly received. At Christchurch, protests by local traders are said to have induced the Council to postpone opening a new restaurant.

Points rationing : Preliminary reports suggest that the latest extension of points rationing is accepted philosophically, and, in some cases, with approval.

Slaughtering of Calves : What is described as “the indiscriminate slaughtering of calves, irrespective of sex,” is said to be causing alarm in some country districts. In view of the milk shortage, people are said to be anxious to know “whether the number of dairy cattle is gaining or losing in the country as a whole."

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21 Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Newcastle, P.C.s)

17. Constant topics and complaints

Transport : Complaints of inadequate transport for war workers continue, and there are appeals from industrial areas that the formation of bus queues should be made compulsory.

Salvage : Complaints continue of the non-collection of scrap metal from dumps and from bombed areas. It is also said that, when private railings are requisitioned, the collection of 5/- worth of scrap may involve £5 worth of damage. There is still comment on the waste of paper by Government Departments.

Wireless sets : Apart from the continued shortage of batteries and valves many sets are said to be out of commission because they are in need of repair, as a result of the call-up of so many skilled radio mechanics. For example, one firm has been unable to accept a set for repair for three months.

Shortages : The following shortages are still reported:- crockery, glassware and hardware; hot-water bottles, elastic and everything made of rubber; prams, bicycles and typewriters; blankets, sanitary towels, hairpins, combs, children's and infants' clothing, footwear for children; cigarettes, tobacco, matches, flints, lighters and torch batteries; razor blades; fresh fish, confectionery, eggs, and beer.

The “scandalous” price of crockery is mentioned, as much as 3/11½ having been asked for a cup and saucer.

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

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