MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
HOME INTELLIGENCE WEEKLY REPORT

 

No. 164. 25th November. 1943

(Covering period from 16th to 23rd November, 1943)

 

There has been a widespread and, in some cases, considerable drop in spirits from the previous high level of last week; and less optimistic talk about an early end to the war. The fall in spirits is attributed to the loss of Leros, the situation in the Lebanon, the continued slow advance in Italy, and, to a less extent, the Russian setbacks at Zhitomir and various home front matters. The only cheering factors mentioned are Russian successes on other fronts and Thursday's raid on Berlin.

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The release of Sir Oswald and Lady Mosley has caused a storm of indignation, and all but unanimous disapproval.

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Home Front : There are complaints of: war weariness and tiredness (Nine Regions), accentuated by Home Guard and Civil Defence duties, the prevalence of colds and flu, and the onset of winter weather; footwear and housing difficulties; unauthorised strikes; shortage of milk and fish; and lack of supplementary industrial coupons.

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Widespread anxiety about postwar prospects continues.

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The full report is available here.