A History of the Ministry of Information, 1939-46

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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE DIVISION WEEKLY REPORT NO. 89
SECRET

18th June, 1942

(Covering the period from 9th to 16th June, 1942)

I. GENERAL COMMENTS

1. General state of confidence and reaction to news

During the past week public confidence has continued at a high level, though not quite as high as it was previously. On the one hand, the Anglo-Soviet Treaty, with its hint of a second front in the near future, the continued failure of the Germans to advance in Russia, and the news from the Pacific, have maintained the feeling that ultimate victory is certain. On the other, anxiety over the progress of the Battle of Libya, and evidence of aggresive vigour and recuperative power of Rommel's army have “brought people back to earth” - making them realise that “victory has got to be won , and it may take some time to win it”. There is a slight decline in the prevalence of the belief that the war will be over this year.

On the whole, however, optimism “continues to be the dominant note in the mood of the public”.

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

2. The Anglo-Soviet Treaty

While the Anglo-Soviet Treaty has been widely welcomed in most Regions, it appears to have occasioned “neither great excitement nor marked surprise”. It is regarded as final evidence that the Government is in earnest over Russia, and that “the faint-heartedness of the extreme Right” has either disappeared or been overcome. There is praise for the way in which the secret of the Molotov visit was kept.

Some tendency to regard the long-term nature of the treaty in a cynical light is reported. From Scotland the following comment is described as typical: “I'll tell you in a few years' time what I think of it”.

The two aspects of the Treaty arousing most interest are:-

  1. The Second Front : Approval and interest, not unmixed with anxiety, are reported “among those who interpret the phrase referring to ‘a second front’ as a promise of immediate action on our part”. The majority have accepted it in this sense. Heavy losses are expected, but these are regarded as “a painful necessity”. Speculations are now said to concern “the possible scene of the attack”, and Norway is regarded as a “probable”. A minority note the “carefully ambiguous phrasing “of the second front announcement, but add “if the Russians are satisfied, then we've no cause to be dissatisfied”. (12 Regions)

  2. Post-war aspects : The Treaty's post-war aspects are reported to be the subject of comment in a number of Regions; the following trends may be noted:

    1. Reassurance : People who are interested in post-war reconstruction are said to “regard the Treaty as a reassurance about post-war policy, both internal and foreign”. (8 Regions)

    2. 26 2

      Doubt about its effectiveness : A questioning minority is reported to be concerned over such points as difficulties which “are bound to arise in the reconstruction of post-war Europe”. Russia, for instance, is not expected to relinquish her Polish territories; it is also suggested that “at some future date we might find ourselves in conflict with her”. (5 Regions) From only one Region comes any suggestion that there may be any secret clauses.

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

3. Russia

Ignorance about the actual situation in Russia, combined with a widespread tendency to disbelieve the communiqués of both sides, is reported to be keeping interest in the Eastern front at a moderate level. Confidence remains unshaken in Russia's ability ultimately to hold and defeat Germany, and from one Region the belief is reported “that the fate of Europe will be settled on the Russian front”.

Anxiety about the immediate future of the Kharkov sector continues.

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

4. Libya

Recent reverses in Libya are reported from eleven Regions to be causing anxiety, disappointment and concern. The “wait and see” attitude adopted by the public about the campaign continues. It is asked why, “when we are forced to withdraw if our supply lines are threatened, Rommel is able to case round our defences, and then drive his supply line through our centre”. The public is said to show “a good deal of respect for Rommel's ability”, and particularly ‘his excellent supply organisation, and powers of recuperation’.

In one Region “our comparative lack of success” is attributed to lack of dive-bombers; “‘the dive-bomber mystery’ continues to arouse rather unhappy questions as to its cause”.

Praise and appreciation of the “heroic defence” of Bir Bakeim is reported from five Regions. Attempts to “gloss over” its capture are criticised, as also is the fact that “the Germans get the news out 12 hours before us”.

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

5. U.S. Pacific naval actions

Midway Island engagement : Although the Midway action is stated not to have been widely discussed, great satisfaction is reported at the “hammering” received by the Japanese; this “has encouraged the view that they are reaching the limit of their expansion”. Confidence is expressed that the U.S. is “recovering from the disaster of Pearl harbour”, and people's minds are described as “more at rest” in this respect.

Coral Sea battle : Satisfaction with the official statement about the results of this battle seems to be general. Some criticism is made of the time-lag between the event and publication. The news is now thought to be “stale”.

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

6. R.A.F. offensive

Discussion of the “monster” air-raids on Cologne and Essen continues, though on a reduced scale; renewal of such raids is reported to be “eagerly awaited”, there being a feeling of disappointment that “we cannot do more of them”. From Scotland comes a desire for “a real smasher on Berlin”.

The “bad weather” explanation for the lull in our bombing offensive is accepted in two Regions as satisfactory, but in one some scepticism is reported as to whether this is the sole reason. “Regret is expressed that the lull should take place when the Russians are facing a great offensive”.

Concern is reported in three Regions over the bombing of German women and children. It is hoped that “cock-a-hoop” expressions announcing this “horrible necessity” will, in future, be avoided.

Some desire for the bombing of Italy, and particularly Rome, is again reported. It is asked in Wales: “Why don't we paste the industrial north of Italy?”

Ignorance of the “real value and purpose” of R.A.F. daylight sweeps is reported again.

(2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 21 Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, York P.C.S.)

7. United Nations' Day

The celebrations are stated to have been, on the whole, most successful. But the short notice, and lack of warning, led in a number of areas to a limited public response only. “We knew nothing about it” was a common expression. The celebrations are described as giving “great pleasure to all who enjoy pageantry and crowds”. In a few localities, it was alleged that “Civil Defence and other workers were tired of parades” and this was given as an excuse for not participating.

(2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13)

8. The Far East

Little comment is reported on the Far Eastern situation as a whole; its remoteness is thought to exclude it from the public's interest. The Japanese landings on the Aleutian Islands have aroused little discussion.

China : Sympathy for China, and particularly for her supply difficulties, is reported from three Regions. While the Japanese progress is “not liked”, some feeling is expressed that there is “little reason to fear further spectacular advances”.

(2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11)

9. Broadcasting and presentation of news

This week there is reported to be a revival of familiar criticisms of news, though not in great volume. Repetition, “victories served up again and again”, and the “glossing over of unfavourable news” are particularly commented on. As regards the latter, specific criticism is made of the “Daily Telegraph” headline on the fall of Bir Hakeim (June 12th):- “Garrison foiled Rommel by night withdrawal”.

Favourable comment : Spontaneous praise is reported for Mr. Edward Murrow's Sunday night postscript (June 14th) which was appreciated for its straightforwardness, and frank handling of our relations with Americans.

Favourable comment is also reported on the “Marching On” series, and on Mr. James Greer's broadcast (June 7th); “there is always a big welcome for real information about domestic life in Germany”.

A definite demand is said to exist in the London Region for “more of Group Captain Helmore and more of the radio padre”.

Mr. James Urquhart is again criticised on the grounds of his similarity to “Haw Haw”.

Announcements : There is still some demand for special announcements to be given after the 9 p.m. news instead of after the 6 p.m. “when so many people are not yet at home, or are putting the children to bed”.

(2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10)

10. Blitzed Towns in the South Western Region

Bath : A certain amount of distress and dissatisfaction among bombed persons in Bath is reported over relief allowances. There appears to be some feeling that “too much of the old Poor Law taint still survives throughout the Assistance Board and Public Assistance personnel - and that distress penalises the distressed”.

Exeter : Many Exeter people fear that unless the town is allowed to re-establish itself as a shopping centre, Taunton will gain permanently at Exeter's expense. There is a growing strength of opinion, therefore, in favour of restoration to its former activities as quickly as possible. Profiteering over rents, e.g. for display windows, is alleged. The belief that Exeter has now ceased to be a target continues.

(7)

II. SPECIAL COMMENTS

11. Fuel

Interest in the coal situation continues to be widely reported, but at present it is desultory, no single aspect being particularly stressed.

The Government's fuel plan seems on the whole to have been “received without warmth but without serious opposition”. There is a persistent tendency to blame the Government for “the present muddle”. Although there is “approval of their intention of overhauling the coal industry before rationing is imposed”, there is a belief that “rationing would not have had to be considered if the coal situation had been handled with greater foresight and wisdom during recent years”. Some disappointment is reported on the grounds that the fuel plan is “only another improvisation, based on no sound economic planning”, while “those connected with the distributive side of the industry are said to think that there is very little in the scheme, and that it is hardly more than an ‘elaboration’ of existing conditions”.

Nationalisation of the mines : This is favoured fairly widely as a solution, and no protests at the suggestion are reported. Disappointment is expressed that “full nationalisation cannot be carried out during the war”, and some people fear that “the Government is pandering to vested interests”.

The Government's coal economy plan : There is some difference of opinion on this question: while many people are “anxious to respond to the need for fuel economy”, the majority appear to doubt “the efficacy and equity of voluntary economy”. Others again point out that the cost of coal already makes them as economical as possible. Fear and dislike of rationing is no longer mentioned, and reports from two Regions suggest that the public would favour some form of rationing - “especially small wage earners who suspect that otherwise rich people would have all they want”.

Waste of electricity by shops and cinemas : There is criticism in two Regions of “the appeal to the small consumer to economise while shops, hotels, places of entertainment, etc., use so much”.

The poor quality of coal : Reports from two Regions mention complaints that much of the coal now sold is either “slatey or stoney” or full of dust.

Bad seams being worked : The feeling persists, in the Cardiff district as well as in the mining areas of Leicestershire and Rutland, that “coal owners are working the bad seams now in order to keep good ones for themselves after the war”, and an authoritative statement on the subject is asked for.

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 21 Nottingham P.C.)

12. The coal miners

Although sympathy for the miners continues to be reported, anxiety - and in some cases bitterness - at the number of strikes, “especially illegal ones”, is increasing; “it is wondered why the Government permits these stoppages at such a time”. It is said that “the miners' patriotism is not questioned, and miners themselves are reported as showing little sympathy for the attitude of the youths who are primarily responsible for lightening strikes”.

Miners' wages : “The high wages of munition workers, and instances of miners' children earning far more for less exacting work than their fathers” are said to be having disturbing effects on the miners themselves, and there appears to be a good deal of public sympathy with their wage increase demands. It is said that, “if the miners had been given a decent deal and wages which corresponded to munitions and ship-building yards, then the coal would have been produced”. There appears to be some feeling that “in view of the hazardous nature of the work, a week's holiday with pay is essential to maintain production, and should be given to the miners as in other industries”.

The miners' coal allowance : There is said to be a good deal of discussion of fuel rationing in mining areas “where the supply of coal is by way of being part of the miners' remuneration”. There also appears to be some anxiety lest what are considered to be the special claims of miners' homes should not be taken into consideration. A report mentions “the typical case of a family where four members are all working in the mines on different shifts, and often come home wet through and have to dry all their clothing, which could not be done if fires are only burning for part of the day”. “I would rather go without a meal than be short of a fire”, is described as a typical comment from a mining area.

(2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11)

13. Industry

For the third week in succession there is reported to be very little criticism of production as a whole. Reports from two Regions, indeed, while mentioning the absence of “widespread grumbles”, go on to stress the more positive aspect. In the North Western Region “production is generally believed to be very satisfactory, and there is an apparent tendency to discount stories which suggest the contrary”, while in the Midland Region “some factories report that they now feel that a lot of their ‘teething troubles’ are over, that labour has really got into its stride and speeded up - especially the unskilled women”.

Mr. Oliver Lyttelton : Interest in Mr. Lyttelton's visit to America and in his speech on British production is reported from two Regions, his statement being regarded as “good for us and good for the Americans”. He is said to be regarded as “a very able Minister with plenty of drive”.

Production Committees : According to the report from the Scottish Region, “the establishment of production committees in the engineering trades is being attended by considerable suspicions on the side of the employers and employees. Workers believe that the employers attend to the letter of the law only, and meetings are formal and of little use. There are innumerable objections on the workers' side; these come mainly from older workers - strong trade unionists - who hold that workers' organisations exists to bargain with employers for better conditions and that these joint production committees are really "picking the brains of the workers for the benefit of the employers”.

(5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13)

14. Shopping difficulties

These are reported from five Regions. According to the report from Scotland, “increasing shopping difficulties are considered to be the chief cause of housewives refraining from offering their services for war work, particularly in the West”. The North Midland report stresses the difficulties caused to rural housewives through the midday closing of shops. It is pointed out that, “as the tradesmen no longer deliver to the outlying villages housewives are obliged to come to the market town by bus, and the middle of the day is naturally their best shopping time” - besides being the time when non-workers are officially encouraged to shop. The discourtesy of shop assistants is again the subject of comment.

(3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11)

15. Transport

Transport difficulties are reported from four Regions, in three of which rural areas are specified. “The difficulties and real hardships of country women unable to get on buses passing through their villages are a continual worry and are complained of in very many villages”, according to the report from the South Western Region. It is pointed out that “there are in most cases as many buses as before the war, but a great increase in the number of users”.

References to “short-journey passengers occupying seats which should be available to passengers travelling long distances” come from the South Eastern Region. Maidstone people working in Chatham are said to be prevented from boarding their return bus to Maidstone (a distance of about 9 miles) by travellers between Chatham and Fort Horsted on the Maidstone Road (a distance of about one mile). Considerable inconvenience is reported in the Horsham area where troops are blamed for crowding civilians off the buses.

There is “a growing tendency to watch cars on the roads and to criticise apparent waste”; especially by the Forces, by high-powered cars in official use by the wives of high officials using their cars for shopping, and by farmers.

(7, 8, 9, 10, 12)

16. Wages and prices

Wage inequalities : Comment is again reported on the disparities in pay between:

a) Skilled and unskilled men : It is said that “skilled men normally making office supplies but now on aircraft construction are being paid lower wages than unskilled workers recently brought into the factory, because the skilled men are still only receiving their normal Trade Union rate for their peace-time occupation, while the others are paid war rates”.

b) Miners and their female relatives : “Disturbances caused by mother and daughter earning more than father” are apparently complicated by the “tradition that the owner of the larger income does not do the housework”.

c) Fixed incomes and rising wages : “The position of people with fixed incomes”, particularly old-age pensioners, is contrasted with “the demands for increased wages by colliers and others”.

Price control: There is reported to be some feeling that controlled prices are sometimes fixed too high, the case of furniture being particularly mentioned. It is regretted that there is no “established formula by which it can be decided what is an extortionate price for furnished houses.”

The value of money : What is described as “a small but noteworthy number of people” are reported to be saying: “Our money won't buy so much in two years' time”, and this is believed to “explain some people's readiness to buy furniture, etc., at the present time, even in spite of the very high cost”. There is no indication as to whether the “free spending of the new clothing coupons”, which is reported from two Regions, is in any way connected with this belief in the declining value of money.

(1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 32)

17. Post-war conditions

Discussion and interest in this subject continue to be reported, points of particular interest being:

  1. The “believed inevitability of unemployment”. An M.O.I. speaker reports some interest in “the abolition of unemployment by Hitler”.

  2. The “position of public schools in post-war education”.

  3. The Church, and “the part that organised and non-organised religion can play in the nation's life”.

(4, 10, 16)

18. Salvage

Complaints continue to be reported about “the inadequate arrangements for the collection of salvage”, and particularly of “uncollected metal salvage dumps” in different parts of the country.

Paper from straw : Farmers from various areas state that thousands of tons of straw are still lying uncollected. It is said that out of 350,000 tons of straw allocated to paper control, only 280,000 have been collected. Farmers are concerned about storage as they expect a large surplus after the next harvest and they will have no room for it.

(2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 23)

19. Food

Satisfaction with the general food situation continues, as does also “commendation for Lord Woolton and the Ministry of Food”.

High price of vegetables : Feeling ranging from “complaint” to “bitter criticism” continues to be reported about the high price of vegetables. “The difference between the prices paid to growers and the prices charged the public” is also criticised.

The National Loaf : Complaints of “National Bread pains” still continue, but to a lesser degree; complaints of “the bad keeping qualities of the National loaf,” however, appear to show a increase.

Ban on tea for under fives : “General approval for the withdrawal of children's tea ration” is reported from two Regions.

Difficulties of people living alone : Over the last two or three months there have been isolated references from different Regions to the difficulties experienced by people who live alone “because individual rations are small”. Special mention is made of the tea and bacon rations. Such people are also said to find that “the points rationing is difficult for them as such large numbers of points are required for various items”.

Miscellaneous matters :

  1. A continued demand for wider rationing.

  2. The belief, held by some sections of the public, that all restaurant feeding is unfair in that it allows some individuals to secure food “off the ration”.

  3. Lack of variety in food.

  4. Shortage of offal.

  5. In view of the waste of milk turned sour in private houses during the recent hot weather, recipes for cheese making, etc., should be given publicity.

  6. Reluctance among many working class families to try out new dishes and new combinations of food: “If my family can't have so and so, they would rather go without”.

  7. An expectation that an allocation of sugar will shortly be made for jam making. There is some fear among country dwellers that a proportion of their fruit will rot this year, while town dwellers, who are counting on getting fruit, will be crying out for it.

(2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21 Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, York P.C.s, 32)

20. Clothes rationing

Loss of clothing cards : Suspicion continues to be reported that the frequent loss of clothing cards may be due to “a lot of stealing of cards”. It is suggested that “it should be compulsory for people to show their identity card at the same time as their clothing card when purchasing clothes”.

Supplementary clothing coupons for industrial workers :

“Strong discontent” is reported at “the unfairness whereby workers, who are allowed no concessions and yet do jobs which are destructive to clothes, work alongside others, who, because their job comes into a certain classification, are entitled to extra coupons”. The workers specifically mentioned are:-

  1. Machine setters “who have to work on the machines without the guards and get soaked in oil. They get no coupons; whereas the operators are entitled to them”.

  2. Women workers at a Naval Armament Depot “do not come under any eligible heading though the work is rough. In loading and unloading, clambering over boxes and handling shells covered in grease, their clothes suffer considerably. At the same time, the canteen workers in the same factory get an allowance because their work is greasy”.

It is pointed out that “workers who have real need of the extra coupons and were awarded them by the Factory. Inspectors under the old arrangement, are now just not catered for at all”.

Men released from the Army : There is some comment on the alleged delay in issuing clothing coupons to those released from the Army. Another difficulty of some of the men returning to civilian life is said to be lack of means for purchasing clothes.

(5, 7, 8, 9, 10)

21. The small trader

The “precarious” position of the small trader is again causing some concern. It is felt that “if the present tendency of Government Departments to deal with large firms continues, the small trader is likely to be crowded out.”

(1, 3, 7, 10)

22. Constant topics and complaints

  1. Shortage and high price of crockery. (3, 5, 6, 8, 10)

  2. Shortage and high price of furniture. (2, 4, 6, 10, 11)

  3. Jehovah's Witnesses and their “pestering of householders”. (3, 4, 6)

  4. Damage to property through removal of railings. (1, 2, 4).

  5. Careless talk. (2, 6, 10)

  6. The “hard lot” of old age pensioners. (4, 10, 11)

  7. Anti-Semitism. (2, 4)

  8. Insufficient clothing coupons for growing children. (1, 5)

  9. Shortage of perambulators. (9, 12)

  10. Cost, delay and poor quality of shoe repairs. (5, 6)

  11. Delays caused by shortage of staff in hairdressers. (6, 12)

  12. Shortage of housing accommodation. (5, 12)

  13. Shortage of kitchen utensils. (2, 3)

  14. Astrologers “considered undesirable at this juncture”. (8, 9)

  15. The preliminary announcement of goods shortly to come off the market, which “penalises poor people who cannot afford, like the rich, to take advantage of the warning and lay in a supply”. (1)

  16. Lack of precise instructions for civilians in the event of invasion. (6)

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