SURVEYS OF WORLD OPINION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: R
• Document Page Count: 28
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 26, 2002
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: June 11, 1948
• Content Type: REPORT

COUNTRY International
SUBJECT Surveys of World Opinion
PLACE
ACQUIRED
DATE
ACQUIRED Jur* 48
IN FOR T PORT
Approved For Relreftb2fi b9L;UND0%26A0~
4;IJAZ> ii -I::H#Vj IN EE .'RICT.
DATE DISTR. 11 June 1948
NO. OF PAGES I
NO. OF ENCLS.
LUSTED BELOW)
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
GRADING OF SOURCE
COLLECTOR'S PRELIMINARY GRADING OF CONTENT
COMPLETELY
USUALLY
FAIRLY
NOT
USUALLY
NOT CANNOT
BE
CONFIRMED
OTHER
PROBABLY
POSSIBLY
DOUBTFUL
PROBABLY
T
CANNO
BE
RELIABLE
RELIABLE
RELIABLE
RELIABLE
RELIABLE JUD
GED
SOURCES
TRUE
TRUE
FALSE
JUDGEL
A.
B.
C.
D.
E. F.
1.
2. I
.
4.
5.
6.
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AMC?= THE NATIONAL DEFENSE
OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE REAMING OF THE ESPIONAGE ACT 50
U. S. C.. 31 AND $S. AS ANENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OR THE REVELATION
OF ITS CONTENTS 10 ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PRO-
HIOITED BY LAW. REPRODUCTION OF THIS FORD 15 PROIt181TGD. HOW-
EVER. IRFORNATICN CONtAIN.O IN SOOT OF INS FORM MAY 8E UTILIZED
AS DEEUED NECESSARY NY THE REr.EIVING AGENCY.
SOURCE DOCLAIENTAR!
25X1
UA Library
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION FOR THE RESEARCH
USE OF TRAINED INTELLIGENCE ANALYSTS
On file with CIA is one copy of World Opinion, dated May 48, published by
Surveys of World Opinion, New Yorf Among the questions on which the results
of polls are reported in this issue area
(a) Opinion of proposal for We0tern Union (France, Netherlands, England),
(b) Pessimism of Communists (Franco).
(c) Fear of Communism (France).
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(h)
W
Attlee~s Popularity (England).
Dependence on US (Canada)b
Nationalization of Industry (Australia).
Reaction to Coup in Czechoslovakia (Netherlands).
Orientation Toward East or West (Netherlands)
Desirability of Strengthening Armed Forces (Sweden)?
-end-
CLASSIFICATION BESTRICTJ
ARMY
AIR
-DISTRIBUTION
`1
RESTRICTED
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-0092
 25X1
RLD
PINION MAY, 1948
~A llbidly 207775
IN THIS ISSUE:
VOTING-U.S.A.'s Shameful Record WESTERN UNION-Attitudes of 4
Nations
COMMUNISTS-Unhappy People CANADA-Too Dependent on the
U.S.A.?
DENMARK-East or West? FRANCE-One Hour with Stalin
WOMEN-American Women Heftier BUSINESS-British Voters take a look
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A0003000
Than British or Canadian
SWEDEN-Swedish Gallup Poll interviewer polling a voter on steps of Stockholm concert hall.
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
SURVEYS OF WORLD OPINION
DIRECTOR: George Gallup
EDITORS: William A. Lydgate, Lita Scheel
ASSISTANTS: Lewis H. Bowen, Ted Scheel,
Kathleen Teggart
WORLD OPINION is a quarterly compilation of
some of the more interesting and significant. findings
of Gallup Poll affiliates in eleven nations. Contents
copyright by American Institute of Public Opinion.
THE, following affiliated polling organizations-members of the
International Association of Public Opinion (Gallup) Institutes
-contribute material to WORLD OPINION:
American Institute of Public Opinion
Princeton, N. J. and New York
British Institute of Public Opinion
Aldwyeh I-louse, London, England
Institut Francais d'Opinion Publique
16 Rue de Monceau, Paris, France
Australian Public Opinion rolls
352 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia
Canadian Institute of Public Opinion
38 King St. West, Toronto, Canada
Svenska Gallup Institutet
Kungsgatan 48, Stockholm, Sweden
Dansk Gallup Institut
Dr. Tvargade 29, Copenhagen K, Denmark
Suomen Gallup
Mikaelsgaten 9A, Helsinki, Finland
Norsk Gallup Institute
Akersgatcn 19, Oslo, Norway
Instituto Brasileiro de Opinao Publica e Estatistica
Rua Mexico 11, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nederlands Instituut voor de Publicke Opinie
Singe[ 90, P. O. Box 104, Amsterdam, Holland
Doxa (Italian Institute of Public Opinion)
Piazza E. Duse 4, Milano, Italy
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
ORLE) OPINION
MAY, 1948
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERNATIONAL.
ENGLAND. .
10
- 12
CANADA .
13
14
AUSTRALIA.
15
- 16
17
- 19
DENMARK.
NORWAY
20
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80,-00926A000300040006-0
INTERNATIONAL
SHAMEFUL VOTING RECORD OF U.S.A.
For a nation which boasts about its democracy, the United
States has a shameful record of voting participation on election
days when compared to ITALY ... and many other countries.
In Italy, 80 per cent of the eligible
voting population went to the polls and
voted in. the April 18 election.
If that high a proportion had voted in the
last U.S. presidential election, 70,000,000
ballots would have been cast.
INSTEAD ... only 48,000,000 votes were cast in the last U.S.
presidential voting, comprising only 55 per cent of the eligible
voters.
This compares very unfavorably even with KOREA, where the
election May 10 brought a turnout of approximately 90 per cent of
the eligible voters.
Here's how the U.S. voting rate compares with other countries:
* ITALY -- General election, (April, 1948): Eligible
voters, 33,500,000. Total. vote cast, 26,163,000.
Per cent of eligible voters voting
* FRANCE -- Constitutional Referendum (May, 1946):
Eligible voters: 25,000,000. Total vote,
20,085,000. Per cent of eligibles voting: 800
Constituent Assembly (June, 1946): Eli-
gible voters, 25,000,000. Total vote, 20,323,000.
Per cent of eligibles voting: 81%
* ENGLAND -- General Election (July, 1945): Eligible
voters, 33,000,000. Total vote, 24,982,000.
Per cent of eligibles voting: 767,
* SOUTH KOREA -- Parliamentary election (May, 1948):
Eligible voters: 8,000.,000. Estimated per
cent of eligibles voting: 9071,
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
INTERNATIONAL (C.o n t ' d )
* CANADA -- General Election (June, 1945): Eligible
voters, 6,952,000. Total vote, 5,155,000.
Per cent of eligibles voting: 7417,
* UNITED STATES -- Presidential election (1944):
Eligible voters, 88,100,000.X Total vote;
48,000,000. Per cent of eligibles voting: 55%
Congressional election (1946): Eligible
voters, 91,6Q0,000.X Total vote, 34,400,000.
Per cent of eligibles voting: 1
X
Estimate by Census Bureau of total
number of adult citizens)
COMMUNIST STRENGTH IN EUROPE.
The Communist Front polled 31 per cent in the Italian elec-
tion.* How much popular strength do Communists have in other
European countries'?
That question is important, with Russia p'F.tting the heat on
Finland and and with other Scandinavian countries becoming uneasy,
Gallup polls in various European countries have recently
tested Communist voting strength., The following table gives the
date of the survey and percentage of voters choosing the Com-
munists:
France
(Feb.,
1948). . . . . . .
24.0%
Finland
(Feb.,
1948) . . . . . .
20.0
Sweden
(Jan.,
1948). . . . . .
12.7
Holland
(Nov.,
1947) . . . . . .
8.0
Norway
(Jan.,
1948). . . . .
5.0
*Outcome of the Italian election was forecast many weeks in
advance by DOXA? the'Italian Institute of Public Opinion,
When conservatives still feared a Communist victory, DOXA
showed the Communist Front polling only 27 per cent, which
proved to be within 4 per cent. of the actual vote cast. The
forecast of the Christian Democrat vote was correct within
3.7 per cent. DOXA polls are directed by Prof, P. Luzzatto-
Fegiz.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80=00926A000300040006-0
INTERNATIONAL (C.gn.t`d)
A. MEMO FROM SWEDEN
Stockholm, Feb. 26, 1948
.MEMO to: George Gallup
FROM: Sven 0. Blomquist, Director Svenska Gallup Institute
(Swedish Gallup Poll)
"Here is an amusing incident which will be made available for
release soon. It provides a good answer to people who wonder how
it is possible to poll opinion with a comparatively few ballots.
"In December, 1945 the government took a big census in
Sweden. To each person who had been born in the month of July a
detailed questionnaire was given, the return of which was com-
pulsory. One of the questions was:
"'Can you swim 50 meters?'
"In all, 519,403_ questionnaires were returned.
"Two weeks after census date we included a question on our
regular Gallup Poll: 'How did you answer the question on swimming
50 meters on the census questionnaire?'
"All told, we had ?180 persons born in July in our sample.
Our figure was 'Yes - 49%', indicating the proportion of the popu-
lation who could swim 50 meters.
"The other day government officials asked for our results.
They were amazed: Total result of the 519,403 official ballots
was 48?%0".
WESTERN UNION
Public opinion is generally favorable toward the idea of a
union of Western European countries, first proposed by Britain's
Be vin.
In FRANCE, (March):
"In general, is your opinion favorable or un-
favorable toward a union of the countries of
Western Europe (France, Great Britain, Belgium,
Holland, Luxembourg, Italy and western Germany.)"
FEBRUARY MARCH
Favorable. . . . . . 68% 74%
Unfavorable. . . . . 14 15
Approved For 1Rele sn2G&2/A7/29 : CIA-RDPd6L00926A00k01300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
INTERNATIONAL (Cont'd)
In HOLLAND. (February):
61 per cent said they had heard of Bevin's proposal for a
Western European union.
They were asked: "Should Holland take part
in such an alliance?"
Yes. . . . , . . . . . 39%
No . . . . , , . . 11
No opinion . . . . 11
In ENGLAND, in February, 58 per cent said they had heard or
read about the Bevin proposal (the proportion would be higher to-
day).
These 58 per cent were asked:
"How fado You think the Union should ?"
*"Should there be close economic association be-
tween the countries?",11
Yes. , > . . . . . . 46%
No . . , , . . . < 4
No opinion 8
* "Should there be a defense alliance?"
Yes. . . . . . , , , . 36%
No 12
No opinion , . . , . . 10
* "Should there be common citizenship?"
Yes . . , . . . . . , 25%
No . , , , . , . , . 20
No opinion 13
A vitally important aspect of the Western European union is
whether the United States will give it GUARANTIES QF MILITARY AIfl
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
INTERNATIONAL (C.o n t ' d )
A poll conducted in the U.S. by the American Gallup Poll in
April, 1948, showed the following:
"Do you think the United States and all the
Western European countries participating in the
Marshall Plan should join together in a perma-
nent military alliance -- that is, agree to come
to each other's defense immediately if any one
of them is attacked?
Yes. . . . . . . . 65%
No . . . . . . . ... 21
No opinion . . . . . 14
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
II. FRANCE
ONE HOUR WITf STALIN
If the French people could talk with any living celebrity for
one hour, they would choose Stalin to talk to first, then de Gaulle,
then Truman.
"If you could have a one-hour talk with any
living celebrity, who would you choose?"
1. Stalin. . . . . . 25%,
2. De Gaulle . . . 24
3. Truman. . . . . . 18
4. Churchill . . . . 15
5. Pope Pius . . . 5
6. Leon Blum . . 4
7. Bidault . . . 3
8. Petain. . . . . , 3
9. M.'Thorez . . . 3
10. George Marshall (U.S.) 3
11. Robert Schivraw,. . 2
12. Vincent Auriol. 2
13, Edouard Herriot. 2%
14. Joliot Curie . . . 2
15. Cerdan . . . . . . 2,
16. Benes. . . . 1.5
17. Henry Wallace. . . 1.5
18. Franco . . . 1.5
19. King George (England) 1.5
20. Princess Elizabeth 1.5
21. Eisenhower . . . . 1
22. Mme. Roosevelt , . 1
23. Tino Rossi 1
24.. Rene Mayer . . . 1
25. Charlie Chaplin. . 1
Of all past figures in French history, Napoleon and Joan of
Arc are the two who seem to be the most intriguing to the present
generation of French men and women.
"If you could have a one-hour talk with any
person in French history, who would you choose?"
HISTORICAL PERSONAGES
1. Napoleon. . . . . 30%
2. Jeanne d'Arc. . . 10
3. Henry IV. . . . . 9
4. Louis XIV 8
5. Clemenceau. 7
6. Foch. . . . . . . 5
7. Pasteur . . . . 4
8. Poincare. . . . . 4
9. Robespierre . . 4
10. Richelieu . . . . 3
11. J. Jaures. . . . . 3%
12. Victor Hugo. . . . 3
13. Charlemagne. . . . 2
14. Saint Louis. . . . 1
15. Louis XVI. . . . . 1
16...Gambetta . . . . . 1
17. Aristide Briand. . 1
18. Talleyrand . . . . 1
19. Marie Antoinette . 1
20. Vercingetorix. . . 1
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0 7
FRANCE (C.o n t ' d
FEWER FRENCHMEN LOOK FOR WAR
France is more optimistic now than in 1945 or 1946 about the
possibility of avoiding another world war.
"Do you think. there will be another world war in
the next few years?"
DEC.
1945
DEC.
1946
JULY
1947
MARCH
1948
Yes. . . . . . . .
50%
42%
35%
39%
No . . . . . . . . .
27
28
35
31
No opinion . . . . . .
23
30
30
30
BITTER MEMORIES
France does not forget easily. Six out of 10 Frenchmen are
unwilling to "forgive and forget" the actions of collaborationists
during the German. occupation.
Nor do they feel that collaborationists were treated too
harshly. Almost half the French people think condemned col-
laborators got off too easily.
"Some people say that we must forgive and forget
what was done in France during the German
occupation.. Are you of this opinion?"
Yes. . . . . 2.4% No. . . 63% No opinion. . . . . 13%
"Do you think those persons condemned as.col-
laborationists were judged, on the whole, too
severely, not severely enough, or about right?"
Too severely. . . . . . . 16% Not severely enough. . 47%
About right . . . 18% No opinion . . .19%
",ome people say that ex-Marshal Petain should
be given his liberty.. Are you of this opinion,
or do you think he should remain`on the Isle of
Yeu?"
Given his liberty . . . . 37% Remain at Yeu.. . . . . 47%
No opinion. . . . 16%
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
FRANCE (C.on t 'd)
COMMUNISTS ARE UNHAPPY PEOPLE
Communists in France are chronic gripers and unhappy people,
pessimistic about the future (maybe that's why they're- communists).
At least that is shown in several
French polls.
For example, a poll in March found that the French communists
are the most convinced that things are going to het "worse" in
France in 1948.
Note the following table of relative pessimism among French
political partiesr
"Do you believe that the coming year will be
better or worse than the past year?"
BETTER
WORSE
SAME NO
OPINION
Those who would vote today
for the:
Communist Party.
19%
48%
20%
13%
Union of Left. . . ,. . . . .
36
31
24
9
R.F.P. He Gaulle) . . . .
36
34
23
7
Socialist Party. . . . .
42
24
27
7
M.R.P. . . . . . . .
46
18
26
10
In 1946, the French Institute of Public Opinion conducted a
poll on happiness. This found that the most unhappy group in
France today are the Communists.
The poll asked each person to describe just
what he himself meant by "happiness", and then
put the question: "Do you think that you are
very happy, fairly happy or not at all happy?"
The vote by parties follows:
VERY
HAPPY
Communists. . . . . . . . . .
Socialists. . . . . . . . . . .
Union of Left . . . . . . . . .
M.R.P .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
P.R.L.. . . . . . . . . . . .
FAIRLY NOT NO
HAPPY HAPPY OPINION
4%
37%
56%
3%
6
43
46
5
2
53
34
11
11
56
27
6
10
49
35
6
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
National. . . . . . . . . . . . 8 44 40 8
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
M. ENGLAND
SECOND LOOK AT NATIONALIZATION
The weight of opinion in England is that nationalization of
the coal mines has worked out successfully ... But opinion is
pretty closely divided on whether nationalization of transport
will work well, or whether iron and steel should be taken over by
the government.
A January, 1948, survey found this:
"Do you think that nationalization of the coal
mines has been a success or a failure?"
Success.. . .49% Failure. . . 20% No effect. . .14%
No opinion . . . 17%
"Do you think that nationalization of transport
will be a success or a failure?"
Success. . .33% Failure. . 29% No effect. . . 7%
No opinion . . . 31%
"Do you think that .the iron and steel industry
should or should not be nationalized?"
Should . . . .31% Should not . 36% No opinion . .33%
BRITISH SWEEPSTAKES TOO?
"Would you approve or disapprove if the govern-
ment organized state lotteries as a means of
raising revenue?"
Approve. . . .60% Disapprove. .23%
No opinion. . 17%
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
FRANCE: (C.o n t ' d )
RED FEAR
One obstacle which the Communists face in swaying French
minds is that communism is considered a greater political danger
than any other political movement.
"In your opinion, which is the greatest politi-
cal danger to France at the present time --
the Communists, Gaullists (de Gaulle), or.the
`Third Force'?"
(The "third force" formed at a mass
meeting in January, 1948, consists of
France's leading middle parties
ists and M.R.P.)
--
Social-
Communists. . . . . . . .
. .
56%
Gaul lists . . . . . . . . . .
. .
19
Both . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
2
Third I"orce . . . . . . . . .
. .
3
No opinion. . . . . . . .
. .
20
The Institut Francais d'Opinion Publique is directed by
Jean Stoetzel, Alfred Max, Henri Paoletti and Noel Pouderoux.
Its polls are released for publication in France through
the news agency Opera Mundi.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0 * 11
ENGLAND (Cont'd).
ATTLEE'S POPULARITY DOWN
The popularity of Prime Minister Attlee. continues a downward
swing since 1947,
"On the whole, do you approve or disapprove of
Mr. Attlee as Prime Minister?"
AUG. JULY JAN MAR.
1 945 1 947 1 948 1948
Approve. . . . . . . . . 66% 51% 44% 39%
Disapprove . . . . . . . . . 19 36 46 48
No opinion . . . . . . . . . . 15 13 10 13
BIRTH CONTROL AND, DIVORCE:
In England recently a man sued his wife for divorce on the
grounds that she persisted in using birth control and refused to
have children.
Although authorities refused to grant divorce on those
grounds, a poll of the English people shows that sentiment was not
predominantly in sympathy with the decision.
"If one party to a marriage refuses to have
children, do you agree or disagree that titre
other has the right to a divorce?"
Agree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44%
Di s.agree . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
No opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
PAGING G.B.S.
Britishers were asked:
"What age do you want to reach before you die?"
Below 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%
70 - 84 . . . . . . . . . . . 46
85 - 100. . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . 12
Undecided .. . . . . . . . . . . 14
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release. 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
ENGLAND(Cont'd)
CAUSES OF FAMILY QUARRELS
Surveys among families in England and in the United States
were conducted to find out what families, especially husbands and
wives, argue about most.
Chief causes of family spats are:
ENGLAND -- 1) Money, 2) Politics, 3) Children, 4) Food,
5) Personal habits, 6) Punctuality.
U.S.A. -- 1) Money, 2) Personal habits, 3) Upbringing of
children, 4) Punctuality, 5) Where to go and what to do, 6) Politics,
7) Religion.
The British Institute of Public Opinion is directed by
Dr. Henry Durant. Its surveys are published regularly in the
London News Chronicle.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
CANADA (C.on t 'd )
WONDERS. OF THE: MODERN WORLD,
Canadians seem greatly impressed with modern scientific
developments. When asked to name the three greatest wonders of
the world today, only 5 per cent named some natural wonder. The
rest picked something to do with science.
"As you know, at one time people spoke of `the
seven wonders of the world.' What would you
consider the three greatest wonders of the world
today?"
Atomic energy. .
Electrical developments (radar, television,
telephone, electronics, F.M., etc.). . . . . 38
Aviation developments (jet propulsion, super-
sonic speed, remote control, etc.). . . . . 25
Medical developments (penicillin, plasma,
sulpha drugs, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Applied science (plastics, nylon, glass,
chemistry, etc. ) . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Engineering (Quebec bridge, New York sky-
scrapers, Alaska Highway, Grand Coulee
Dam, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Natural wonders (Niagara Falls, Rocky Mountains,
Grand Canyon, etc. ). . . . . . _ . . _ . . 5
Only one per cent of the sample mentioned advances in the
field of education.
Polls of the Canadian Institute of Public opinion,
directed by Wilfrid Sanders and A_.C... O'Grady, are sponsored
by 25 leading daily newspapers of Canada. Three releases a
week are issued by the Institute.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
IV. CANADA
SATELLITE?
"Do you think Canada is becoming more dependent
on the United States, or less dependent, than it
was, say, ten years ago?"
More dependent. . . . . . . . . . .42%
Less. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
No change . . . . . . . .11
No opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
When the 42 per cent was asked whether this dependency is a
good thing or not, opinion divided as follows:
Good thing. . . . . . . . . . . . 18%
a
Bad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Undecided.. . . . . . . . . . . . 6
HEFTY CANADIANS.
Canadian men, on the average, weigh a little more than
English or American men.
On the other hand, American women are a trifle more hefty,
the average, than English or Canadian females.
That's revealed in surveys in the three countries which show
the following:
Average
Height. . . . . . . . .5 ft. 9 in. 5 ft. 8 in. 5 ft. 9-in.
Weight. . . . . . . . . 162 lbs. 154 lbs. 158 lbs.
WOMEN
Height. . . . . . . . . 5 ft. 4 in. 5 ft. 4 in 5 ft. 4 in.
Weight. . . . . . . . . 130 lbs. 130% lbs. 132 lbs.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
V. AUSTRALIA
ANTI-NATIONALIZATION
Australians may have nostalgic feelings about "the old
country" (England), but they certainly do not want to copy England's
policy toward industry.
"Do you think any of these industries.should be
entirely owned and operated by the government?"
Coal
mines. . . . . . .
59%
31%
10%
Steel
works . . . . . .
64
25
11
Fire
insurance. . . . .
65
24
11
Life
insurance. . . . .
65
24
11
Long
distance freight
transportation . . .
69
21
10
Long distance passenger
transportation . . .
66
23
11
SECRET BALLOT BEFORE STRIKES
As in the U.S. last year, Australia is having agitation for
labor union reforms. One change suggested is secret balloting of
workers before a strike can be called:
"Would you favor or oppose a law to make unions
take secret ballots before striking?"
Favor secret ballots. . . . . . .
78%
Oppose them . . . . . . . . . . .
13
No opinion. . . .. . .. . . . . .
9
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
AUSTRALIA (C.ont'd)
SWIMMING
Although Australia is famous for its beaches and swimming
resorts, a survey finds that:
A. out of every 10 adult Australians cannot swim.
Among Australian women, half cannot swim.
The Australian Gallup Poll is directed by Roy Morgan
and is sponsored by the Melbourne Herald and five other
Australian dailies.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
VI. HOLLAND
HOLLAND VIEWS WITH ALARM
? The Czechoslovakian coup, repercussions of which were felt
around the globe, had its share of attention and reaction in
Holland. Ninety-three per cent, or nine out of ten voters, had
heard or read of the Communists' rise to power.
When the 93 per cent were asked "What is your opinion about
what happened in Czechoslovakia?" their answers were:
Very serious, awful . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23%
Communism, terror, no freedom, dictatorship. .21
Warning to other countries, another war athand. 12
Russian imperialism, just like Hitler, Germans 8
It is right, workers should take control o . . 4
Fault of. American and Western powers . . . . 2
Miscellaneous. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .15
No opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
93%
THE ADMIRABLE CHURCHILL
"Which of all men and women now living (ex-
cluding members of the Dutch royal family) do
you admire most?"
The top three most admired are not Dutch, but an Englishman
and two Americans. Fifth most admired is a Russian -- Stalin.
Following are the names listed in order of frequency of
mention:
1) Churchill, 2) George Marshall, 3) Eisenhower
4) Drees (Dutch Labor Party Minister), 5) Stalin,
6) Truman, 7) Pater de Greeve (Catholic radio
priest), 8) Beel (Prime Minister at time of sur-
vey), 9) Professor Schermerhorn (former Prime
Minister).
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
HOLLAND (C.o n t 'd)
FRIENDLY FE ELINGS.
"How do you feel at present toward the following
people, friendly or unfriendly?"
FRIENDLY
UNFRIENDLY
UNDECIDED
German people. . .
27%
50%
23%
Russian people . .
27
48
25
American people. .
76
8
16
English people . .
72
10
18
NEEDED: CLOTHES.
Shortage of textiles is considered the most serious and
pressing by the Dutch people. They feel that they can get along
with limited food, or shoes or fuel, but. they seem desperately
earnest about getting more cloth and textile material generally.
Note the following poll results:
Our country is seriously short of foreign cur-
rency to buy things in. foreign countries..
Taking this into account and remembering we must
export as much as possible to get foreign money,
are there goods of which more should be made
available for everybody in this country in your
opinion? Which goods?"
Textiles. . . . . . , . . . . . . 63%
Butter, fats, oils. . . . . . . . 23
Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Meat, cheese, eggs. . . . . . 15
Pottery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Bread, cereals. . . . . . . . .
Furniture . . . .. . . . . . . .
Shoes . . . . . . . .
Bicycles and tires.
Cigarettes, tobacco . ... . .
6
6
5
5
3
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . 13
No opinion.. . . . . . . . . . . 17
189*
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
HOLLAND, (C.ont'd)
TOO SOFT ON COLLABORATORS.
In Holland, as in France, there'is widespread feeling that
people who collaborated with the_Ge.rmans during the war were not
punished harshly enough.
"In your opinion were the people who collaborated
with the Germans in Holland punished too severely,
or not severely enough?"
Not severely enough. . . . . . . . 55%
About right. . . . . . . . .. . . . 29
Too severely . . . . . . . . . 10
No opinion . . . . ... . . . . . . 6
The Netherlands Institute of Public Opinion is directed
by Dr. Jan Stapel and Dr. W. de Jonge. For an interesting
report of an experiment correlating opinions with physical
and psychological characteristics of voters, see the article,
"The Convivial Respondent" by Dr.Stapel in PUBLIC.OPINION
QUARTERLY, Winter 1947-1948.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
Y 1 1. DENMARK
EAST, WEST OR NEUTRAL?
The Czechoslovakian coup awakened fresh fears in Denmark over
the possibility of maintaining Danish neutrality.
A poll in March put the issue to the Danish people this way:
"W!/ich foreign policy do you think Denmark
should follow during the present state of
affairs between East and West. Do you think
Denmark ought not to take sides, or should the
country actively join one of the sides?"
Take sides . . . . . . . . . . .
46%
Stay neutral . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Undecided . . . . . . . . . . .
22
The 46% who said "take sides" were asked: "Which side?"
95% want to join the Western powers
3% want to join Russia and the East-
2% no opinion
Shortly afterwards, Danes were polled on the specific issue
of a union of western European nations. Their vote:
49% for
15% against
36% no opinion
The ar&ish Institute of Public Opinion is directed by
C. Ditlev Reventlow.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
VIII NORWAY
GOVERNMENT OR. PRIVATE: INDUSTRY?
Norwegian voters were asked in March, 1948:'
"Providing the. pay and working hours were the
same, would you prefer to work for the public
services -- civil or municipal -- or for a
private firm?"
Private firm. . . . . 40%
Another survey, made in February, 1948, asked:
"Do you think that the government should interfere
more, or less, in trade and commerce than it
does at present?"
Should interfere less. . 54% Should interfere more. . 25%
Think present situation suitable. . .21%
WHEN LITTLE LIFE IS LEFT
"If your doctor knew that you had only a few
more months to live, would you prefer to be
told or not?'"'
Would prefer to be told. . 64% Prefer not to know. . 24%
Prefer to be told if in great pain. . 2%
Don't know. . 10%
"If a person is suffering from an incurable,
painful illness, do you think that the doctor
should be allowed to end that person's life in a
painless manner, provided the patient himself
wants it?"
Yes. . . 53% No. . . 47%
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
IX. SWEDEN
A CHAT WITH THE PRIME MINISTER
"If you bad a chance to sit down with the Prime
Minister this week what would you want to dis-
cuss with him?" (March, 1948)
First on Swedish voters' list was the reduction of public
expenditures, supply of goods, money value and rationing.
Next came social problems followed by general problems.
Taxes, salaries, wages and working.conditions were among
other topics listed while foreign policy came last of all.
SWEDEN'S DEFENSE
In the wake of Czechoslovakia, the Swedish people were polled
(in April) on whether Sweden should do anything about strengthen-
ing her armed forces.
A total of U per cent said the
forces should be strengthened, while 25
per cent; were opposed to a increase and
23 er cent had no opinion.
Of those in favor of building up the armed forces, the
largest number favored strengthening the air force.
RADIO BAN ON COMMUNISTS?
The people of Sweden distrust the Communists, but at the same
time are opposed to banning Communists from political discussions
over the Swedish radio.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
SWEDEN (Co n t ' d )
An April survey found:
"Do you consider communism. in Sweden democratic
or undemocratic?"
DEMOCRATIC
UNDEMOCRATIC NO
OPINION
Total. . . . . . . .
10%
61%
29%
Conservative . .
1
83
1`
Liberal. . . . . .
5
78
17
Agrarian . . . . . .
7
69
24
Social democratic. .
9
65
26
Communist. . . .
75
9
16
Non-voters . . .
11
45
44
"If Sweden should come into conflict with
Russia, do you then believe the Swedish com-
munists would be for Sweden or Russia?"
TOTAL COMMUNISTS
For Sweden. . . . . 17% 57%
For Russia. . . . . 55 16
No opinion. . . . . 28 27
"Do you think that the Communists should be
allowed to take part in the political dis-
cussions over the Swe,.'ish radio?"
Should be allowed to take part.. . . . . . . .60%
Yes, with reservations. . . . . . . . . . 5
Should ;got ;)p allowed to take part. . . . . . . 23
Don't know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The !Norwegian. Ins.titute.:'of Public 'O.p:inioh is directed by'
Bjorn Balstad; the Swedish Institute by Sven 0. Blomquist.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
 * 24 Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0
Xe FINLAND
MOVE AWAY?
About one-third of the people of Finland would like to get
out and settle in another country. The two favorite countries are
the U?5. and Sweden.
"Would you settle permanently in another country
if you had the possibility?" (April)
Would settle. . .30% Would not. . .64% No opinion. . .6%
If "would settle": "Where would you like
to go?"
U.S.A .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58%
Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Russia. . . . . . . . . . . 3
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Other countries . . . . . . . . . 6
The same type of survey was conducted in March in seven other
nations. The largest percentage of people who would like to
move away was found in England and in Holland.
MOVE
STAY
NO
OPINION
Poll in:
England. . . . . . . . , . . .
42%
53%
_5%
Holland. . . . . . . . . .
33
56
11
Italy. . . . . . . . . . . .
29
64
7
Norway . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
66
6
France . . . . . . . . .
25
72
3
Sweden . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
85
2
U.S.A . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.
94
2
Polls in Finland by the Suomen Gallup organization of
Helsinki are directed by A. Raula, research and advertising
expert, who is the author of a Finnish textbook on adver-
tising methods.
Approved For Release 2002/07/29 : CIA-RDP80-00926A000300040006-0