SECRET
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT NO. 70
4th FEBRUARY, 1942
(Covering period from 26th January to 2nd 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
1.
General state of confidence and reaction to news
There is little appreciable change in the state of public confidence this week. If anything, there is slightly more anxiety over the immediate war situation in the Middle and Far East. Throughout the country, however, confidence in final victory has been strengthened by the Prime Minister's speech in the debate on the war situation. The other most important factor in sustaining public spirits is the continued success of the Russian armies.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
2.
The House of Commons' debate on the war situation
News from the battlefronts has this week taken second place to reports of the three days' debate in the House of Commons. Although there appears to be a general conviction that this free debate was salutary, in that “so many points were raised which had been worrying the public”, there is a very definite division of opinion as to whether the debate actually did or did not help the war effort. Among people holding the latter opinion are:
Those who feel resentment that the Prime Minister should have been compelled by the House to add the strain of a full-dress debate to his already great burdens.
A minority who feel that the frank criticism in the House was rendered ineffective by the fact that the vote of confidence in Mr. Churchill had also to imply confidence in the Government.
In the opinion of the great majority of the public, the debate is, however, already “bearing fruit”. The promise of a Minister of Production and an Imperial War Cabinet has been welcomed widely “as a concession of the first importance”, and the Prime Minister's winding-up speech “gave great satisfaction in that he promised to take heed of advice”.
The Voter of Confidence
:
The public, who are “behind the Prime Minister almost to a man”, are genuinely pleased at the overwhelming vote of confidence obtained by him. Eleven R.I.Os, however, refer to continued criticism of members of the Government and the call for Ministerial changes. The hope is expressed that
“Mr. Churchill will not misinterpret an overwhelming tribute to himself as a declaration of confidence in all his colleagues”.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
3.
Libya
The rapid advance of General Rommel's forces has come as a shock to most people, and profound disappointment is everywhere expressed at the unfavourable turn of events. The public were unprepared for such a violent and successful come-back and cannot understand how, after we had supposedly destroyed two-thirds of his army, Rommel has gained access to so much additional strength. Doubts are expressed about the reality of our control of the Mediterranean and of the air over Libya, and there is a feeling that “we have been out-generalled and caught napping again”. There is continued and even more violent criticism of “over-optimistic announcements about the Libyan campaign which raised false hopes”.
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
4.
The Far East
The Premier's warning of further reverses has been taken by a number of people as referring to Singapore, the loss of which is now generally expected. The grave anxiety over the whole situation in the Far East has, however, been somewhat relieved by:-
The Prime Minister's expressed confidence that we can and will punish the Japanese.
The combined Dutch and U.S.A. attack on the convoy in the Macassar Straits, which is accepted as the first indication of Allied co-operation and of the presence of the United States' fleet in the Pacific.
The stand made by General MacArthur in the Philippines, which is generally commented on as proving that American troops are made of “stern material”.
The successful air battles over Rangoon.
Australia
: There is some belief that the attack on the Japanese convoy in the Macassar Straits has at least postponed invasion of Australia. While considerable anxiety is still felt about her position, there is renewed criticism that “Australia is squealing”. This outcry is contrasted with the relative silence of the Dutch - for whom there is increased praise - upon the question of support.
The loss of the “Prince of Wales” and “Repulse”
: Two R.I.Os report that some people are still dissatisfied over the non-protection of these battleships by aircraft, in spite of the explanation given by the Prime Minister.
