192

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Weekly Report by Home Intelligence Division No. 73
Copy No. 203

25th February, 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.

193 194 2 195 3 196 4 197 5 199 7 200 8

SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 73

25th February, 1942

(Covering period from 16th to 23rd February, 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)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

(No reports have yet come to hand of public reactions to either Mr. Churchill's speech in the House of Commons on 24th February, or President Roosevelt's broadcast on the same day.)

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

This week there are indications of an undoubted, though partial, recovery of spirits. Although the state of public feeling appears to be very confused, and several R.I.Os still report anger, criticism and frustration, as well as a realisation of the possibility of defeat, a greater number suggest that the “slump in spirit caused by the fall of Singapore seems to have passed away”, and that “on the whole, morale is showing itself resilient after a succession of hard blows”.

As yet, however, this recovery does not appear to be very vigorous, and comparisons which are made with the state of public feeling after Dunkirk suggest that there is not the “same spirit of national resurgence which was so inspiring at that time”. In spite of Cabinet changes, lack of confidence in the “higher direction of the war” continues to be widely reported. Our methods, which have frequently been unfavourably compared with those of Russia, are now contrasted with Australia's “total mobilisation of man-power and resources”. There appears to be a strong feeling that “the country should be put on a real emergency basis” and that “the Government have a golden opportunity now, if they will strike while the iron is hot. Actions, not words, are the only thing which will count from now on”.

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

2. The Cabinet changes

The reorganisation of the war Cabinet is said to have “done much to restore Mr. Churchill's popularity”, and there is reported to be relief, not unmixed with surprise, that he had “at last yielded to pressure”. There is some feeling that “he has conceded to his critics just sufficient ground to avert a major crisis”, and that he has done it only “just in time”.

Satisfaction is expressed that Mr. Churchill will now be relieved of some of his routine duties, though opinion seems to be divided as to whether he should continue to be Minister of Defence as well as Prime Minister; “but, on balance, the view is taken that in war time a Prime Minister's first preoccupation must be with defence in its broadcast sense”.

The Cabinet changes have, on the whole, been well received, though some disappointment has been expressed, and there appears to be a tendency to “reserve judgment”. The reaction of many people seems to be, “They can't be any worse than their predecessors; let's wait and see what sort of a job they make of it”.

Sir Stafford Cripps : There is no tendency, however, to reserve judgment on Sir Stafford Cripps. His inclusion in the Cabinet has evoked unanimous approval, of which the three chief grounds are said to be: (1) “relief that a personality is looming up who should really be able to take some of the strain off the Prime Minister's shoulders and could, if necessary, succeed him, (2) the feeling that Sir Stafford's presence in the War Cabinet will “mean a closer and more fertile relationship with Russia”, (3) The hope that his inclusion will have a “ginger effect”, and that “now we shall see more butting in instead of standing back”.

Lord Beaverbrook : The fact that Lord Beaverbrook is no longer in the Cabinet has aroused rather mixed feelings. It is thought “omnious that the one man with no fear of red tape should go”, and there is some regret at his departure, as it is felt that “he could have made a job of the Ministry of Production if he had been given full powers”. Many people, however, feel that his “appointment as Production Liaison with America is far more appropriate”. The “reasons of health” have been sceptically received, as many people apparently believe that “he and Bevin, and he and Cripps do not get on well together”.

The other changes : Some disparaging comment is reported on the retention of Mr. Attlee, “which is thought to be for political reasons”. Though only preliminary reports have so far been received of public reaction to the further Government changes announced on February 23rd, these seem to have aroused considerable discussion and to have been widely welcomed. Particular satisfaction has been expressed that Captain Margesson and Colonel Moore-Brabazon are no longer in the Government. Some doubt is reported about Sir James Grigg's appointment, partly because he is a Civil Servant, and also because it is felt “he has been behind the scenes all the time, and must therefore have been partly responsible for Margesson's policy”.

3. The Prime Minister

There is reported to be less criticism of Mr. Churchill this week, and “speculation about his being forced out of office has ceased”. “Great store is set on his leadership and the public has not been slow to appreciate his timely decisions”, but there are said to be “indications that he has yet to recover the complete command of public confidence which he enjoyed a year ago”.

The Prime Minister's speech in the House of Commons (17th February): Comment on the Prime Minister's statement in the House appears to be confined to his account of the escape of the German warships. Many people are said to be unconvinced by his explanations and particularly by his statement that it is to our advantage that the ships are now in German waters rather than at Brest. His announcement of the setting up of an enquiry has aroused great interest and some scepticism, and the outcome is eagerly awaited; there is feeling on the part of a good many people that “we shall be just as liable to allow similar instances in the future”.

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

4. The Far East

Angry criticism of our handling of the situation in the Far East is said to have died down to some extent this week, anger about Singapore giving way to anxiety over Burma. People with relatives out there, however, are reported to be very bitter, “feeling that the Government knew Singapore couldn't hold out, and that it was a murderous act to send so many men”. Criticism of “the Malay Command” is not, however, confined to this section of the community, and is more widespread. There are sour comments on “lack of air support”, and on the “sacrifice of men and junior officers to inefficiency higher up”. It is feared that “our leaders lack tenacity and the aggressive spirit”, and “scathing comparisons” are reported by five R.I.Os “between General MacArthur's resource and endurance in defence of the Philippines, and what is called our speedy surrender at Singapore”. Comparisons are also made “between consummate bravery in the ranks and unexplained timidity in our war direction”.

Burma : Interest in the Far East now appears to be focused on Burma, and “expressions of cynical resignation to another major defeat are commonly heard”. Admiration and gratitude for what the Chinese are doing is stronger than ever, and much anxiety is expressed lest we may not be able to go on supplying them should the Burma Road be lost. The announcement that an “alternative and better supply route to China can now be used has been the target for particular criticism”, as it is felt that if it were true this route would have been used earlier. This announcement, however, has also caused some relief.

India : Anxiety about India appears to be growing, and several R.I.Os indicate that “the demand for generous recognition of the grievances and aspirations of Indian nationalism is growing noticeably and can be heard in unexpected quarters”. The impression is reported that “Mr. Churchill is personally responsible for our slowness in making a move”. The visit of General Chiang Kai-shek to India has caused great satisfaction, not unmixed with a “feeling of humiliation” that, “in view of our past relationships, we had to get China to do the talking for us”.

Australia : “Fears for Australia's safety do not yet appear to occupy a front place in the public mind”, though some anxiety is reported at the bombing of Darwin, which is thought by some people to be a prelude to invasion. A more sympathetic tone towards Australia is apparent, chiefly, it is thought, as a result of “their example of a full-placed mobilisation, control of speculation, drastic penalties for black marketeers and for absenteeism - on the Russian model”.

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

5. Russia :

No change is reported in the general attitude of admiration for Soviet effort and achievement, but their successes are said to be no longer causing the “wondering elation” that prevailed until a month ago. This slight decline in optimistic outlook is thought to be due to apprehensions about the Germans' spring offensive, and to “some slight concern over the apparent slowing-down of the Russian advance.” These views appear to be tempered in some quarters by hopes of “great news” to be announced in the near future.

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

6. Libya :

Interest in this battlefield still seems to occupy the background. Speculations are inclined to be pessimistic, and the public is reported to be adopting a “watching and waiting” attitude for further developments, and to be “reserving comment.” There appears to be an inclination no longer to regard this sphere as being of primary importance.

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

7. The Services :

Following recent events in the Far East and the English Channel, reports have been received from three R.I.Os of public feeling about the three fighting Services; these confirm what was said in our report last week (Section 2).

The Navy : Public confidence in the Navy (and in the Merchant Navy) is said to remain high, and little unfavourable comment is heard. There are some fears that we must be very short of warships, or we should have sent something larger than destroyers to attack the German battleships. Some feeling is expressed that the Navy should have charge of Coastal Command.

The Army : “Scepticism and despondency about our military leadership” are said to be everywhere noticeable. (Several R.I.Os mention this.) “Stories told by men on leave of inefficient officers, and of waste of time and materials” are quoted as deepening this feeling. The difference in the bearing of the Army - “dull, dejected and bored”-is compared with the bearing of Naval men - “proud and confident”.

The R.A.F . Confidence in the Air Force is said to be diminishing, and appears to have suffered a further decline as a result of the Channel episode. There appears to be considerable disappointment (frequently mentioned in these reports) that the “promises that Germany was going to be decisively bombed this winter” has not been fulfilled.

A feeling of disquiet is reported that “our whole bombing policy may have been wrong”, and people are asking “whether the imagination and initiative of the Staff of the Air Force are equal to the skill and courage of our pilots”.

(6, 11, 12)

8. Invasion prospects

Many people are now said to be taking the possibility of invasion seriously as a direct result of the escape of the German battleships. This appears to have been heightened by reports that Germany is amassing gliders, and there is said to be some expectation that Hitler may attempt invasion as a “short cut to victory”. Anxiety, though increased, is still apparently confined to the minority. There is again reported to be a demand for a “clarification of the role of the civilian in the event of invasion”, and there is further sarcastic comment on the usefulness of the Home Guards' pikes.

(2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12)

9. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Minimising of news : The irritation and distrust with which many people regard the news, as presented by the B.B.C., is still apparent. Almost all R.I.Os allude to misgivings of one kind of another with which the news bulletins are received. It is said that official news is misleading; that reverses are ‘glossed over’, and minor successes boosted to an exaggerated extent (e.g. ‘one tank’ destroyed; ‘two aircraft’ shot down, etc.) Demands are again reported for bare official statement as opposed to “upholstered” news, and there is condemnation of the geographical and meteorological explanations which are advanced in order to explain away reverses. The Cairo spokesman is reported from one Region as still acting “like a red rag”.

Enemy broadcasts : There is some slight evidence that interest in enemy broadcasts is being renewed. It is felt that the announcements of our misfortunes are delivered with greater promptitude and clarity than at home.

The Press : There are indications that forecasts by newspaper “experts” are deprecated as they so often turn out to be inaccurate. There are objections to the “raising of false hopes by headlines” only for these hopes to be subsequently dashed. One R.I.O. reports objections from “quite a number of responsible citizens” to the circulation of the “Daily Mirror” and the “Sunday Pictorial” on the grounds that these papers are “a danger to the morale of the people”. It is pointed out that as these papers contain much sensational matter there is a very large and “unsatisfied” demand for them.

Eire Newsreel : “Ireland: the plain issue” - This newsreel, produced by Paramount, was shown in an area where some hundreds of Irish workers are living. It provoked considerable agitation, and a disturbance was planned. Owing, however, to its brief showing no trouble arose.

(2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21, 22)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

10. Industry

The widespread tendency to criticise the whole conduct of the war, mentioned in the first part of this report, seems to be connected with a growing feeling that “the people who are in control of industry may not be the best people for the job”. The public is said to be “willing - almost eager - for the national effort to be reorganised by drastic measures if necessary, to allow of the maximum output in the minimum of time”.

Enforced idleness : Ten R.I.Os report that workers “who are in the main only too anxious to pull their weight” continue to complain of enforced idleness in war factories. The alleged hold-ups are variously attributed to mismanagement or lack of materials. Complaints are more specific than in the past and factories concerned are in some cases mentioned by name. Postal Censorship confirms the view given by other contacts, the following being a typical quotation: “You will hardly credit the fact that despite the country's great need of armaments, planes, etc., we have hardly had a day's work during the past eight weeks; you know the importance of the work I am on and the dreadful shortage of the article we turn out, yet there are men here by the scores, waiting day by day for a job to turn up. I quite admit the situation angers me as it does all those who, like us, are truly loyal”.

Reference is again made to workers being transferred or directed to factories “only to be kept hanging about”.

Criticism of managements : There appears to be a tendency amongst the public to consider that financial interests are interfering with the all-out prosecution of the war. The following reasons are given:

Slacking by workers : Although reports of deliberate slacking have been less numerous for some weeks past, there is no reference to any heightened morale or effort similar to that which succeeded Dunkirk. On the contrary, there seems to be “a growing belief that the products of the people's war effort will just be dissipated in misdirection and waste. This attitude is disquieting in that it creates a tendency in the individual to sit back and cease from effort”.

References to absenteeism continue on a small scale, and it would appear that miners are still the worst offenders. In other industries, “young male workers on piece rates are said to stop when they feel they have earned enough”. It is also suggested that there is a tendency on the part of piece rate workers to “go slow” for fear that, in spite of assurances given by their employers to the contrary, their rates will be cut.

Women workers : Shopping difficulties still appear to be responsible for “a great deal of absenteeism among women, particularly married women” and it is felt that managements do not always take a sufficiently sympathetic attitude on this subject. In fact, according to the R.I.O. North Midland Region, “the managements do not always realise the connection between absenteeism and “the difficulties of running a home”. The welfare supervisor of one large concern is quoted as saying: “The personal problems of the workers are no concern of ours”.

Sir Stafford Cripps' broadcast is reported to have been the direct cause of applications for work from women who had not yet found a place in the war effort.

Transport : Workers continue to complain about time lost in queueing for buses to take them to and from work, and about being “left in the roads by buses which fill up at the starting points”.

From the Northern and North Eastern Regions come reports of alleged waste of petrol during the recent bad weather when workers were taken to outdoor jobs when little or no work could be done.

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

11. The Services

Service pay and allowances : Anger at the high wages earned by munition and dock workers is still said to be prevalent among members of the Forces, and the “nest egg of the soldier is regarded as a miserable pittance in comparison with the civilian worker's possibilities of saving”. This feeling is not, however, confined only to Servicemen.

Skilled man-power : The publishing of the second report of the Beveridge Committee on Skilled Men in the Services is said to have “led to the hope that something will be done to use technical men on suitable work”. It is also said “to have increased vague references to man-power being wasted everywhere”.

(2, 5, 10, 11, 21 Special)

12. Food

General : The general situation appears now to be taken for granted, and not much dissatisfaction with regard, to supplies is reported. One R.I.O. mentions anticipation of increased shopping difficulties due to the rationalisation of retail trade transport; “people are asking if they can re-register at shops nearer their homes”.

Black markets : Strong and widespread indignation is reported from four Regions at the continuance of black markets. It is felt that there is a lack of severity in the punishments which are being meted out, and that the fines are wholly inadequate. Some satisfaction is reported where these activities and prosecutions can be traced to Jews.

Soap rationing : The public appears to be settling down to this restriction, though it is said that limitation of supplies is now becoming noticeable. There are few complaints, but it is presumed that the demand for reasonable readjustments will be eventually conceded on a priority basis. There is some criticism of an alleged shipment of 500 tons of soap to Spain immediately prior to rationing.

Fruit : This is described by an R.I.O. as being “constantly missed”. There is also a complaint that tinned fruit, the release of which is welcomed, is only to be obtained at chain stores.

Sweets and tobacco : There are grumbles from one Region at the unequal distribution between town and country areas, and it is felt that the former are the more favoured. There is also said to be a feeling in another Region that Servicemen, by buying at both canteens and shops, have a double opportunity of obtaining sweets, and that this reacts to the disadvantage of children.

Milk : Some disappointment appears to have been caused by the prolongation of rationing, and it is pointed out that the reasons for the drying of milk are not yet realised. It is suggested that more information about this, and about the properties of powdered milk in general might be made public, as there appears to be some scepticism as to its value.

Restaurants : Three R.I.Os report dissatisfaction among people whose work compels them to eat at cafes and restaurants where they complain of poor meals and “appalling prices”. This is contrasted with the easier conditions in more expensive restaurants.

Malnutrition : There is evidence that the public are attributing some illness to undernourishment. References are noted to people succumbing to “intestinal diseases” of various kinds due to poor food.

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

13. Constant topics and complaints :

Inadequacy of bus services : long queueing-up in cold weather; overcrowding, and resultant discourtesy are reported from various Regions. Greenwich workers seem to experience particular difficulty with regard to transport.

Scrap metal is said not to be collected in the Welsh Region.

Again there are complaints of petrol wastage by the Services.

(2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13)

14. Rumours

Rumours of the loss of battleships and troopships still persist. Their names include the “Nelson”, the “Rodney”, the “Queen Elizabeth”, the “Duke of York”, and the “Renown”. H.M.S. “Suffolk” is also said to have been sunk. The most widely rumoured sinking is that of the “Queen Mary”; according to one version, there were 7,000 troops on board.

The “Barham's” loss is said to have been due to her use as cover for the Australians' retreat from Tobruk. The Australian Government is said to have insisted on this against the wishes of the High Command.

Rumours reported from the Manchester area are that 1947 Ration books are being printed, and that the tea ration is shortly to be halved. Other rationing rumours refer to:- potatoes, flour, cocoa, coffee, salt, mustard and pepper.

Civil Servants, it is said, are shortly to wear uniform.

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