British Policy Towards the Soviet Union during the Second World War

Abstract

British public opinion strongly favoured the closest possible cooperation with the Soviets, thus making the Russian card a tempting one for ambitious politicians to play. Shortly after the German attack the British Institute of Public Opinion conducted a survey on the question ‘Do you feel that Britain has taken or has not taken full advantage offered by the German attack on Russia?’ The replies were: Has taken 29%; Not taken 49%; Don’t know 22%.1 The Home Intelligence Weekly Reports, based on an extensive survey of public opinion, continued to show concern that Russia was fighting the war for Britain with insufficient help. One such report stated that ‘People realise that every Russian killed is one Englishman less to die, and they are not only thankful, they are grateful.’ There were also widespread complaints that there was not nearly as much enthusiasm at the top to help the Soviet Union as there was among the working class.2 Another report spoke of annoyance at ‘persons in high position who are not one hundred per cent in favour of assisting the Russians’. It was pointed out that such people still refused to sit on the same platforms as Communists even though the Soviets were now comrades-in-arms.3 At least until the end of October 1941 there was a strong desire for a second front to be opened as soon as possible.