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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Home Intelligence Division Weekly Report No. 84
SECRET

13th May, 1942

(Covering the period from 4th May to 11th May, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

With the exception of two Regions where confidence is said to remain “steady”, a further definite rise in spirits throughout the country is reported this week. This is said to be due particularly to the operations in Madagascar and to the Coral Sea naval battle, which, with the continued R.A.F. offensive on Germany and on German occupied territory, have been welcomed as “a sign of greater enterprise and offensive spirit on the part of the Allies and of their ability to give as good as they get”.

Since these events the Prime Minister's speech, “with its notes of courage and determination, confidence, and defiance”, has had “a marked tonic effect”.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 32)

2. The Prime Minister's speech

From every Region come reports of general and enthusiastic approval for what is in many cases referred to as the Prime Minister's “greatest speech”. His “fighting confidence” is said to have been an inspiration and encouragement to the public.

To quote a typical report: “the general effect of the speech appears to have been to increase confidence, to stimulate the militant spirit of the people, to silence a large number of those who have been fretting at our apparent inaction in recent months, and to re-establish Mr. Churchill as the natural leader of the people at this time”.

The main topic of discussion has been his mention of gas warfare, which was thought by some to be the chief reason for the speech. His warning to Germany on this subject has met with general approval. There appears to be little nervousness about the use of gas against this country, and the carrying of gas masks seems to be much less general than “good resolutions” to do so.

Appreciation has been mentioned of the following points from the speech:-

(a) Mr. Churchill's treatment of the “second front”, and his appreciation of the public's offensive spirit. (Five Regions)

(b) His handling of “the bombing true proposals”. (Three Regions)

(c) What is taken as his warning to the Press on the subject of Madagascar. (Three Regions)

The following are referred to only in reports from one Region:-

(d) The mention of German losses.

(e) The position in Malta.

(f) The phrase, “you deserve it”.

(g) The tone of “I have never made such a bad mistake as that”. (Referring to Hitler's blunder over the Russian winter).

There has been little criticism; the following points have been mentioned:-

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

3. Madagascar

The public's first reactions to the British landing in Madagascar, to which we referred last week, have since been confirmed by further reports. These may be summarised, in order of their prevalence, as follows:-

(a) Unanimous approval : People seem particularly pleased that “we have shown that we can prepare and carry through a task as well as the enemy, and are not making the mistake of employing inadequate forces”.

(b) “ Why apologise ?” Considerable surprise has been expressed at what is considered the “apologetic note”, both in the B.B.C.'s announcement of our decision to occupy Madagascar and in the Prime Minister's statement in the House. It is not understood “why an exploit which the public regard as glorious and justified should be presented to the French with even a suspicion of the paternal ‘it hurts me more than it hurts you’ attitude”.

(c) Attitude to the French : No uneasiness has been reported about possible breaches of international law, and no regret is expressed at the possibility of an open breach with Vichy. There is said to be “little heart-burning over the shedding of French blood”, though some comment is reported from Scotland that “it is a pity that it is the French we are fighting, and not the Germans”.

(d) Attitude to America : Some people “would have preferred outright American material support to the moral support given”, though there is also satisfaction that “we did this on our own”, for “reasons of British prestige”. At the same time, many people continue to be “puzzled at America's attitude to Vichy”; they are unable to understand why the United States is still ready to negotiate with Vichy about Martinique after President Roosevelt's statement that resistance in Madagascar would be regarded as a hostile act against the United Nations - particularly as any such negotiations would be with Laval.

(e) Post-war restoration : Some regret is expressed by a minority that we had to make any promises about restoring Madagascar after the war, “since we don't know the conditions which may be prevailing then”.

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

4. The Far East

The Coral Sea Battle : The news of this engagement has caused considerable pleasure, the reasons for which are said to range from “recognition that a valuable object has probably been achieved” to “the hope that, by crippling Japan's maritime power, this may prove to be a decisive battle of the war”.

The news of Japanese losses, however, is being accepted “without too great jubilation, it being considered safer to reserve judgment until we hear what the Allied losses have been”. Nevertheless it is felt that “whatever the proportion of losses, the fact that the U.S. Navy is now well in, at last, and in full co-operation with our units against the Japanese, inspires confidence”.

Burma, China and India : Although slightly more concern is shown about the Burma campaign this week, interest is still on the whole restricted to a minority except in the case of Scotland, where “despondency and irritation” continue to be reported. The loss of Burma now appears to be considered as inevitable, but some anxiety is expressed over the position of our troops and as to whether “they will be able to get clear”. Considerable admiration is expressed for their heroism.

There is a growing appreciation of the Chinese efforts, and a feeling towards the Chinese not unlike that for the Russians - “gratitude for their stubborn resistance, faith in their capacity to endure and strike back, and a limited but real desire to learn something of them as a people”.

The Japanese seizure of part of the Burma Road has increased anxiety concerning India and China “only amongst the more educated”; from Scotland, however, one of the questions said to be occupying the public mind is, “will China continue to fight”

Corregidor : Its fall was considered inevitable. The heroic stand of the U.S. Forces has been admired and praised.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22)

5. R.A.F. offensive and reprisal raids

Comment continues along the same lines as were reported last week. The heavy scale of our attacks gives deep satisfaction, and “there is an overwhelming feeling that we must not only continue but must vigorously intensify our bombing, regardless of any reprisals that the Germans may make on this country”.

Offensive sweeps : From two Regions come reports that “the offensive sweeps carried out over Northern France are puzzling people. They do not understand what is meant by daylight sweeps”.

Bath and Exeter : Morale is said to be noticeably good in Bath and Exeter “where a kind of exhilaration is showing itself”. The Royal visit, “which did a tremendous amount or good”, has been the main topic.

Although complaints and criticisms are now declining, the following allegations are still reported from Bath:-

There also appears to be some feeling that “organised provision should be made for trekking”, and that “casualty figures should be made widely available”.

Rumours : Widespread rumours continue to be reported along the same lines as after previous blitzes. These include:-

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

6. Russia

Admiration for Russia, and confidence in her strength and fighting skill are still strong, but there continues to be little discussion during this “waiting period”.

Some comment is, however, reported from two Regions to the effect that it is hardly fair of Russia “to demand a second front from us and do nothing to help us in the Far East”.

(2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)

7. Belief in an early victory

Reports from four Regions suggest that the belief in an early victory, or even in victory this year, is growing. This tendency is confirmed by Postal Censorship reports.

(3, 7, 9, 10, 21 Carlisle, Glasgow, York P.C.s)

8. Mr. Herbert Morrison

From five Regions come reports of a good deal of adverse comment on Mr. Morrison's “much misquoted” plea for “justice for the German people”, and a demand that the Germans “should have to take what's coming to them”.

(2, 6, 8, 9, 10)

9. Broadcasting and presentation of news

Sir Stafford Cripps' Postscript (Sunday, 3rd May) : Reports from six more Regions confirm the preliminary reactions mentioned in our Report last week. In general the postscript seems to have been favourably received, though it is said “not to have had quite the effect of his earlier broadcasts”; approval was due, it is thought, “more to his personal popularity than to what he said”. Although “his forthright statement of the objects we are fighting to achieve” is said to have been particularly welcomed, there is an indication that his “references to a somewhat communist ideal after the war have raised the wind among certain Conservatives and people with vested interests”, some of whom “have changed their minds about accepting him as a future Prime Minister”.

Mr. Eden's speech at Edinburgh (8th May) : Appreciation of this is reported from four Regions, his “references to the sort of community he wants to see after the war being greeted by many as a step in the right direction by a Conservative politician”. His “reputation for honesty” is thought to give additional weight to his words.

British battle training schools (News talk, 27th April) : Adverse comment is reported from three Regions at the description of the “Hate Room” and the “Blood Room”, and at the whole account of the “instilling of hatred into the soldiers' minds”. It is particularly regretted that it should have been broadcast at a time when children could hear it. A “great controversy” is said to be “raging” in Scotland as a result of this broadcast, the correspondence columns in the Press being filled with letters on the subject, which is also being debated in trains and pubs.

How to lay up cars : It is suggested that talks by the B.B.C. on this subject would be appreciated.

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

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

10. Industry

From ten Regions this week come indications of an improved outlook on the industrial front; “stories of idle time and inefficiency have practically ceased”. There appears to be less dissatisfaction with labour conditions, and fewer allegations of slackness are made, while in the following extracts Postal Censorship confirms a feeling that production is increasing: “Output is growing everywhere, and to a degree that one would have thought well-nigh impossible a few years ago”. “I am terribly busy at work... on a 23½ hour shift with my mates to get an important job done”.

Various problems continue to be reported, however; they appear chiefly to concern the allocation of man and woman power, and, more particularly, women's problems.

Man and Woman Power : Concern is reported in three Regions over the alleged wastage of man and woman power. There is some feeling “that the Man Power Board is concentrating unwisely on the introduction of women into industry, while wasting reserves of manpower which could be trained more quickly than women”.

The belief is also reported among members of the public that skilled men in the Army are not being used for the work for which they are qualified; cases are cited, such as that of a boot repairer, who “has been in the Army 18 months, during which time he has never done a stroke at his skilled trade, yet the Army sends out repairs to civilian repairers”.

Postal Censorship quotes several cases of grumbling and dissatisfaction with men who are “dodging the Services, pushing prams while women work”.

The Derby Campaign : The recent drive at Derby for women war workers is reported to have “drawn a good deal of attention” to problems of woman power. It appears that most volunteers were between the ages of 30-40; that the younger women were apt to be governed by “materialistic” considerations, and were averse to “spoiling their hands”. Few professional women are said to have come forward, those who did so being in the older age group.

The “glamour of real war work” appeared to be a definite attraction, and it is stated that the appeal for part-timers in non-essential trades was therefore unsuccessful. Exemption of part-timers from the Essential Work order is reported to have aided recruiting.

In a number of cases husbands are said to have proved obstructive; “acting as dampers to their wives' enthusiasm”.

Day nurseries and nursery schools : The demand for war-time nurseries continues, from five Regions. This type of care is said to be much preferred to child minding which, “both from the point of view of minding as a job and as a means of care, is extremely unpopular”.

From the Southern Region the suggestion is made that nursery schools should “be linked up with the provision of school meals for older children”, and that it would be helpful if these meals could be extended to include tea and also to provide a play centre for use after school hours.

Hostels for Sick Children : The need to provide hostels for sick children is stressed as, “if a child is taken ill, it is excluded from the war time nursery, and the mother has to stay away from work to nurse it”.

Shopping difficulties : These continue to be reported from five Regions. Both “country dwellers and office workers continue to complain of the difficulty of getting shopping done between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. especially when shops close for an hour at lunch time”.

Women interviewers : “Very strong objections” are reported from two Regions over Ministry of Labour women interviewers, some of whom are described as too young, and as being “uncivil to older women now registering”.

(2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21 Special, Aberdeen, Cardiff, Manchester, York P.C.s)

11. The proposed rationing of fuel

The proposed scheme “continues to alarm and irritate the public”, criticism being described as “widespread and persistent”. In two Regions it is described as “the most discussed topic of the week”. Comment on the following points is reported from several Regions:-

(a) Some form of rationing necessary : On the whole, people appear to regard some form of rationing as inevitable in the present circumstances, but there seems to be a strong feeling that Sir William Beveridge's plan is impracticable. (Six Regions)

(b) “ The Government is to blame ”: “Those who now grudgingly admit that fuel rationing is an unfortunate necessity are in no way disposed to absolve the Government from blame for the necessity having arisen”. (Six Regions)

(c) “ The army of civil servants ”: The point “arousing most bitter comment” is still said to be the “army of officials” involved, in view both of their expense and of the fact that “we are officialised to death” as it is. (Six Regions)

(d) “ Bring back the miners ”: The return of the miners from the Army is regarded by many people as the obvious solution. (Four Regions)

(e) “ Meter dread ”: “Fear of having to cope with meter readings” and, to a less extent, the dread of “complicated form-filling” and yet more ration books, are again reported. (Four Regions)

A large minority express anxiety about the following points:-

(f) Will the gas be cut off without warning in the middle of cooking the dinner? (Two Regions)

(g) There will be a great increase in the number of frozen pipes in the winter. (Two Regions)

(h) The idea of an appeal for economy as an alternative to rationing appears to be particularly unpopular in two Regions as “the unselfish will sacrifice themselves and the selfish will go scot free as usual”.

The Miners : The report from the Northern Region (Newcastle) mentions several points which are thought likely to affect the miners themselves:

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

17. Cleaning and repairs

A “serious situation in regard to cleaning of clothing and repair of shoes and watches” is reported from two Regions. An increasing number of people are said to be “wearing dirty clothes because they cannot do without them for weeks, and sometimes for months, and this is thought to be very bad for the cloth.” It is alleged that one large cleaning firm has told its customers that “they may have to wait months” before their orders can be executed “because the War Office has dumped 18,000 uniforms on their firm for cleaning.”

“The delay of six weeks or two months in getting shoes repaired” is stated to be a hardship to workers, as “extra shoes are needed to fill in the weeks while others are being repaired.”

“Many business and professional people are said to be without watches”; few repairers are now believed to be accepting them.

(3, 6)

18. Coupons for medical necessities

Hardships are said to be caused by the obligation to surrender coupons for certain medical necessities, such as medicated flannel for rheumatism. In view of the fact that “scabies is fairly prevalent in many industrial areas”, and that “its treatment involves meticulous cleanliness, including the washing of sheets and underclothes every day”, it is thought that some extra provision of soap should be available for people with scabies.

(4, 6)

19. Constant topics and complaints

Comments continue to be reported on the following:-

89

REFERENCES