Mr. Harrisson informs me also that the usual endemic dis-
satisfaction with the B.B.C. has since September 3rd assumed epidemic form. The masses have derived the wholly in- correct impression that the B.B.C. have in some manner been taken over by the Ministry of Information and that its former independence has gone. They do not understand, moreover, the reasons for the suppression of alternative pro- grammes and the poor reception which is at moments un- avoidable. They are irritated also by the revival of the songs and slogans of the last war, nor do they in the least appreciate the uplift talks to which they are so frequently exposed. I do not myself regard such criticisms as justified. What could have been better, for instance, than the " Round the Empire " programme which we had last week, ending as it did with Mr. Eden's admirably restrained epilogue? And how could Herr Hitler's Reichstag speech have been more clearly summarised? It is essential, none the less, that in these times of darkness the B.B.C. should be able to re- capture the confidence, and hold the attention of the masses.
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