Mr. Hall
FA-19
9. JA.
10. 9. Vicoll
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reply to (10)
Giftant A. J. Pandanch
11/5/50
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12.5.50
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Mr. Nicoll and I saw Professor Firth on Wednesday the 17th and discussed with him the proposed survey of the New Territories in Hong Kong. Professor Firth agreed that Mr. Tsui would probably be able to carry out their investigations. He thought however that he might require some assistance in planning the investigations and further information about the technique in carrying them out. He said that, for example, the preparation of questionnaires required very careful thought and that ther any safeguards to be considered. It was not possible to produce complete answers merely from questionnaires and very careful investigation of the life and habits of the people would also be necessary. He thought that Dr. K.K. T'ien who had completed a similar survey in Sarawak and was at present in London completing his report might be able to assist Mr. Tsui in planning the investigations. Dr. T'ien was due to return to Hong Kong about the end of June on his way back to China. Miss Barbara Ward who had been assisting Dr. T'ien in writing his report was also going out to Hong Kong on a Treasury scholarship to investigate the employment of women in the Colony. Proposals were under consideration to attach her to the Hong Kong University. It might be useful to be able to consult her at various stages of the investigation as she had recently been concerned in a somewhat similar survey in West Africa and was quite well experienced.
Mr. Nicoll stressed the political trouble which might follow any but tactful handling of the investigation and thought that it would probably be saferrto use local people for this. Before considering whether Dr. T'ien could be used or not he thought we would have to see whether this would give rise to any difficulties.
/I