-2-                             
 
                                                            
 
 
Mail said we must send Russia all we can and attack where 
      and when we can. Daily Herald said Russian belief that we must 
      all strike now called for immediate examination. Manchester Guardian 
      maintained that Maisky's speech was all the more reason for doing 
                 all we can to strengthen Russia.           
 
                                                            
 
 
The theme was revived a few days later when the Daily Mirror 
      said that more than ever was the mood of attack necessary when 
      Russia herself was attacking, and when the News Chronicle political 
      columnist stated that in Russia and Libya the decision would 
                       be gained this year.                 
 
                                                            
 
 
There was also considerable Press comment on the defeat of 
      the Government candidate by an Independent at the Grantham by-election. 
      All newspapers said it was due to public demand for more vigor, 
      urgency and speed in the Government. There was no suggestion 
      that the result was to be deplored. One political correspondent 
      said that local labor parties were increasingly unwilling to 
          support Conservative candidates at elections.     
 
                                                            
 
 
Widespread demand for action was considered by News Chronicle 
      to be the reason for the fall in Churchill's popularity recorded 
      by the latest Gallup Poll in England. This gave 81 per cent of 
      the population satisfied with Churchill as Premier against 89 
      per cent in January. Only 35 per cent were satisfied with the 
 Government's conduct of the war against 44 per cent last Oc
 
                                                            
 
 
                                                            
                      4th April, 1942