In 1900 the RAI presented petitions to the Government of South Australia associated with the Aborigines of Central Australia and, with the Folklore Society, to the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies on the condition of the indigenous people of the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony (see A10/3/3/1-2)
Another petition was presented in 1908 to the Right Hon. H.H. Asquith, Prime Minister requesting an annual subsidy from the Government to establish a Bureau of Anthropology within Institute; a further petition was presented to the Colonial Premiers at the Imperial Conference in London in 1911; no assistance was forthcoming (see A56). Sir Richard Temple suggested a school of applied anthropology in 1913 (see Man, [Nov.]1913, No. 102). From the time of the resolution of the XVIIth International Oriental Congress in Aug. 1928 to approach the Australian Federal Government and the State governments 'to organize the study of the native languages of Australia' the RAI took an active concern in the welfare of the Australian Aborigines and other indigenous people. However it was not until 1937 that Council appointed a Sub-Committee on the Anthropological Implications of the Transfer of Territories which met on 23 Feb.; its report was received on 16 Mar. (see Council minutes, ff. 300-1). The first meeting of the Committee on Applied Anthropology was held on 23 Apr. 1937. Council received its report on 25 May and approved the draft letter to the Colonial Secretary on 15 June. Those present at the meeting on 23 Apr. were Dr H.S. Harrison (in the Chair), H. Coote Lake, Dr R.W. Firth, Dr Audrey I. Richards, Dr Lucy P. Mair (Convener). Dr Mair was appointed Secretary and Prof. B. Malinowski was invited to be Chairman. Dr M. Fortes succeeded as Secretary at the end of 1938 and continued until the final meeting on 16 June 1939. Regular reports of the Committee were published in Man, July 1937, No. 139, Feb.-Aug. 1938, Nos. 22-46 passim, Jan.-July 1939, Nos. 6-96 passim. See also A56, Imperial Bureau of Anthropology and A58, British Joint Committee for Anthropological Teaching and Research.
Contents
1 General correspondence, 1936-40
2 Australian Aborigines, 1928-32 including funding for the Dept of Anthropology, University of Sydney
3 Districts Officers' note-books, 1934
4 Advance of science and the life of the community, 1934
5 Transfer of Territories, 1937
6 Shortage of Native farm labour, 1937
7 South African Protectorates, 1938
8 Bride-price, 1938
9 Correspondence relating to the Transfer of Territories, South African Protectorates, and Bride-price, 1937-8
10 Australian Aborigines, 1938
11 Land tenure among the Ngoni, 1938
12 Soil erosion in East Africa, 1938
13 Anthropological research in the British Colonies, 1940
14 Anthropology in post-war reconstruction plans of the Government of India, [1940]
15 British anthropological research in the reconstruction and development of Burma, 1937, 1944-7
16 Australian rocket testing range, 1946
17 Application for funds for scientific education, 1960
18 Agenda, minutes, discussion meetings, 23 Apr. 1937-16 June 1939 (shelved with quartos)
Abbreviations
GCT Dr Gertrude Caton Thompson, FBA (1888-1985), RAI Vice-President, 1943-6, 1960-3; Council member, 1930-60 passim; Huxley Medallist, 1946
WBF W.B. Fagg, CMG (1914-92), Keeper, Dept of Ethnography, British Museum, 1969-74; RAI Hon. Secretary, 1936-56; Hon. Editor of Man, 1939-56
RWF (Prof. Sir) Raymond Firth, FBA (1901-2002), later Prof. of Anthropology, University of London; RAI Hon. Secretary, 1935-9; President, 1953-5
JHH Prof. J.H. Hutton, ICS (1885-1968), William Wyse Prof. of Social Anthropology, Cambridge University; RAI President, 1943-5
EJL Dr Ethel John Lindgren (d. 1988), Hon. Editor, 1938-47; RAI Vice-President, 1947-50
LPM Dr Lucy Mair (1901-86), later Prof. of Applied Anthropology, London School of Economics; RAI Wellcome Medallist, 1936; Hon. Secretary, 1974-8; Vice-President, 1978-9
ARRB Prof. A.R. Radcliffe-Brown, FBA (1881-1955), University of Sydney, later Prof. of Social Anthropology, Oxford University; RAI President, 1939-40
FS Miss Felicia Stallman, RAI Assistant Secretary, 1941-52
HNCS H.N.C. Stevenson, OBE, Burma Frontier Service; Hon. Director of Ethnography, Governor of Burma Camp, Simla, 1945; author of The economics of the central Chin tribes, Bombay, [1944]; later Managing Director, Scottish Television Ltd
TT Sir Theodore Tasker (1884-1981), OBE, ICS
1/ General correspondence, 1936-40
1936
1 GCT to RWF, 31 Dec. 1936 - wishes RAI to consider the part it 'might play in the Colonial policy questions'; sets out her views and ideas for the RAI. 4 pp. (autogr.)
1937
2 Ibid., 10 Jan. 1937 - his and others reaction to her suggestions fairly similar; thinks some form of discussion at the RAI might be valuable (autogr.)
3 Karl Nickul, Helsinki, author of The Skolt Lapp community, Suenjelsijd during ... 1938, Stockholm, 1948 to LPM, 9 Mar. - on Finnish Lappland and the proposal to administer the area by indirect rule; wishes support for the protection of Lapp culture (tp., annotated by LPM); see Council minutes, 25 May 1937, f. 305
4 - résumé of the proposal of the Society for the Culture of the Lapps (tp)
5 Ibid., 14 Apr. - thanks for her interest; has also heard from EJL; outlines his plans to make the situation of the Lapps generally known (tp.)
6 Colonial Office, London to C.W. Hobley, Member, Standing Committee on Applied Anthropology, 23 Apr. - outlines laws governing the treatment of foreigners, trading rights etc., in British mandated territories and by the Dominion Governments; gives treaties and conventions relating to Africa (tp.); see Minutes, Standing Committee, 23 Apr. 1937
7 K. Nickul to LPM, 5 May - acknowledges information on indirect rule; his Society hopes to persuade the Finnish Government to make proposals on the Lapps; will send detailed account; grateful for support (tp.)
8 Prof. Gunnar Landtman, Helsinki, author of The Kiwai Papuans of British New Guinea, 1927 to LPM, 7 May - on the Society for the Culture of the Lapps and its aims; it has no political purpose (tp.)
9 J.R. Ockleshaw-Johnson, London to RAI, 8 June - has been concerned for many years about the treaty rights of the Six Nations of the North American Indians; wishes to be put in touch with others interested (autogr., annotated)
10 Agnes Dawson, Grantchester to RAI, 5 Aug. - LPM asked about Society for the Culture of the Lapps; stresses it has no political aims; Prof. Landtman has written to the RAI on the subject (autogr.)
1938
11 Prof. Felix M. Keesing, University of Hawaii, Honolulu to LPM, 14 Jan. 1938 - pleased to accept invitation to serve on the Standing Committee; will send information on developments in the Pacific area; international conference in 1936 on 'Education in Pacific Countries' held in Honolulu (tp.)
12 W.E. Owen, Archdeacon of Kavirondo, Kenya to RAI, 1 June 1938 - inquires if subject of child labour in Africa is of concern; encloses copy of his letter to the Manchester Guardian and leader, 12 May 1938 (see /19 below) (autogr.)
13 Letter to Manchester Guardian, 12 May 1938 and leader
14 Arthur E. Robinson, former Chief Censor, Sudan Government to RAI, 13 July - refers to report in Man on child labour; wrote to Government concerned; understands they were not consulted or sent a proof before publication; not reassured by non-disclosure of names of Committee; lack of courtesy in failure to consult London representatives (tp.); see Man, Jan. 1939, No. 6, 'Child labour in East Africa' by Ven. Archdeacon W.E. Owen
1939
15 A.E. Robinson to RAI, 4 July 1939 - requests names of members on the Applied Anthropology Committee; notes Nos. 95-6, Man, July 1939, 'Some problems of education in East Africa', and 'Native peasant economy and production for international market', reports of the Committee, are unsigned; asks if RAI accepts full responsibility (tp., annotated by WBF, Hon. Secretary)
16 RAI Office to WBF, 5 July - sends letter for reply (autogr.)
17 Hon. Secretary, RAI to A.E. Robinson, 19 July - official of the Colonial Office invariably attends meetings and looks favourably on the work of the Committee; Committee appointed by Council (tpc.)
18 A.E. Robinson to Hon. Secretary, RAI, 19 July - notes Council elects the Committee; has received no notice of meetings; reports in Man serve to put pressure on African governments which may not be able to carry out 'ideal reforms'; at least three other societies whose role is to protect indigenous peoples; fails to see why space in Man is taken for the subject (autogr.)
19 RAI Office to Hon. Secretary, RAI, 21 July - mentions Miss E. Dora Earthy's paper; encloses A.E. Robinson's letter (/18 above) and comments on it (autogr.)
1940
20 WBF to ARRB, 16 Jan. 1940 - names date of sub-committee; refers to draft of appeal to Fellows; outlines his proposal for an International Affairs Committee, suggests its constitution as a form of 'War Cabinet'. 3 leaves (autogr. draft); see Council minutes, 23 Jan. 1940, ff. 361-2
21 Applied Anthropology Committee: arguments for single committee - draft by WBF. 9 leaves (autogr.)
22 Applied Anthropology Committee: arguments for single committee - draft by WBF on the need for the RAI to take an 'official interest ... in international affairs'. 3 leaves (autogr.)
23 A proposed Committee on Anthropological Problems in International Affairs - draft by WBF. 4 leaves (autogr.)
24 Committee on Anthropological Problems in International Affairs - draft by WBF on 'a committee on the anthropological aspects of peace aims.' 2 pp. (autogr.)
25 WBF to Dr Margaret Read, 13 Feb. - asks if she would be prepared to serve as Secretary of the Colonial Section, Applied Anthropology Committee if nominated; refers to his proposal for a new International Affairs Committee and behind the scenes 'manoeuvring' (autogr. draft)
26 WBF to ARRB, 18 Feb. - wide ranging letter covering ARRB's difficulty in chairing meetings and H.J. Braunholtz's willingness to do so; desirability of maintaining a full programme of meetings; Curl Bequest; Council and Executive Committee minutes confidential; importance of Local Correspondents; Committee on Anthropological Problems in International Affairs; Census of Anthropologists; draft appeal. 3 leaves (autogr. draft)
27 WBF to Dr Read, 19 Feb. - on EJL's advice, question of new committees postponed; hopes the possibility of nominating her will arise later (draft autogr.); see Council minutes, 20 Feb. 1940, f. 364
28 Applied Anthropology Committee - list of Committee members (autogr. by WBF); see also Council minutes, 19 Mar. 1940, ff. 366-7
29 Ibid., (autogr. by WBF)
2/ Australian Aborigines, 1928-31 including funding for the Dept. of Anthropology, Sydney University
1928
1 31 Aug. 1928, XVII International Oriental Congress, Oxford - resolution on approach to the Australian government and the state governments on the need for 'immediate steps to organize the study of the native languages of Australia' proposed by Pater W. Schmidt, seconded by Prof. A. Meillet: resolution and summary of Pater Schmidt's speech by JLM. 2 leaves (autogr.); see Council minutes, 30 Oct. 1928, f. 110; 20 Nov., f. 112
2 - ARRB to JLM, 27 Dec. - outlines the coverage of studies of Aboriginal languages; his department funded by the Federal and state governments; some linguistics included; linguist competent to deal with Australian and Oceanic languages required; subject unpopular; representation to the Australian Government 'would do no harm and might do much good'; has been pressing for a National Museum of Ethnology, Archaeology and History at Canberra; government should be persuaded to set up a research institute associated with the National Museum. 6 pp. (autogr., annotated by JLM); see Council minutes, 26 Mar. 1929, f. 121
1929
3 - ENF to JLM, [Jan. 1929] - reports on ARRB's letter; has altered resolution (autogr.)
4 - Ibid., 29 May - encloses pamphlet (/5 below); Revd Lefroy proposes the Aborigines should be brought under the Federal Government rather than with the State governments as at present; wishes to support proposal; suggests meeting with Revd. Lefroy (tp.)
5 'The Australian Aborigines: a noble-hearted race' by C.E.C. Lefroy, Contemporary Review, Feb. 1929
6 Revd C.E.C. Lefroy, former Archdeacon of Perth, Western Australia to JLM, 21 June - has prepared a memo for submission to the British Association; asks for his criticism and if he would sign it (autogr., annotated by JLM); see Council minutes, 25 June 1929, f. 127
7 Ibid., 25 June - following his suggestions has asked the Anti-Slavery Society to deal with his memo; assumes he will take steps in South Africa [Cape Town, venue for the British Association meeting] to secure the claims of the Aborigines (autogr.)
8 Travers Buxton, Hon. Secretary, Anti-Slavery and Aborigine Protection Society to JLM, 25 June - has received copy of Revd Lefroy's memo; will try to obtain signatures; will send it to him in Cape Town as instructed (tp.)
9 'An Appeal on behalf of the Australian Aborigines for the meeting of the [British] Association at Capetown, 1929', dated 4 July 1929 and signed: T.F. Buxton, Olivier, Charles Roberts, W.H. Stoker, C.E.C. Lefroy. 3 leaves (tpc.)
10 Revd Lefroy to JLM, 15 Nov. - inquires about the outcome of the British Association meeting; has heard privately from Sir William Bragg that the Council would consider the matter (autogr., annotated by JLM: no news yet, 18/11/29)
11 ARRB to JLM, 31 Dec. 1929 - difficult to deal with complications of the welfare of the Aborigines; inclined to favour transfer from the states to Commonwealth control; Federal control of North and Central Australia no more satisfactory than that of Queensland or Western Australia; unified control might also assist the preservation of tribal life; further problem of detribalised Aborigines and those of mixed blood; refers to report of Chief Protector of Aborigines for Queensland who proposes missionary control; suggests representation by the British Association should be made to the Prime Minister; is working on a systematic sociological survey of the Aborigines; difficulty of finding competent field workers. 5 pp. and 2 maps indicating areas for Federal control and areas of fieldwork (autogr.)
1930
12 A.C. Haddon (ACH), FRS (1855-1940), Reader in Ethnology, Cambridge University; RAI President, 1901-2 to JLM, 7 Feb. 1930 - has considered ARRB's letter; lists his conclusions which embody all his remarks; thinks the British Association might convey these suggestions to the Australian Prime Minister (autogr.)
13 Henry Balfour, FRS, (1863-1939),Curator, Pitt-Rivers Museum, Oxford; RAI President, 1903-4 to JLM, c. 7 Feb. - agrees with ACH that prime responsibility for the Aborigines should be assumed by the Federal government and detribalized and those of mixed blood by the states; strongly opposed to missionary control; stresses importance of qualified officials; agrees suggestions should be made to the Australian Prime Minister (autogr.)
14 Revd Lefroy to JLM, 6 Mar. - asks if the British Association Council has taken any action (autogr., annotated by JLM - memorandum not yet ready for Council)
15 ARRB to JLM, 10 Sep. - suggests RAI could help by proposing a deputation to the Australian Prime Minister when he visits London; explains the establishment of a chair of anthropology at Sydney University and the difficulties; he was invited to the chair; department started in June 1926; refers to the Rockefeller Foundation grant; gives his priorities; has just started Oceania to provide for the publication of results of field work; continuance of work now threatened due to the financial crisis; makes suggestions to deal with crisis; gives four main points to put to the Australian Prime Minister. 5 leaves (autogr.)
16 'Future of Australian Aborigines', Nature, Vol. 126, No. 3176, 13 Sep. 1930, pp. 391-2
17 JLM to ENF, 19 Sep. - resolution should be sent to Australian Prime Minister and to the High Commissioner; doubts whether it can wait for Council's consideration; is drafting an open letter for consultation; comments on the Indian Research Committee; thinks Council should give a ruling on 'solicitation of outside grants by RAI committees without express authority' (autogr. carbon)
18 President, RAI to the Premier of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, 2 Oct.[i], 3 leaves (tpc., annotated by JLM)
19 Ibid.
20 Private Secretary, Prime Minister, Australian Delegation to Imperial Conference, London to President, RAI, 7 Oct. - acknowledges letter; referred to Commonwealth Minister for Home Affairs (tp.); see also /25-6 below
21 ACH to JLM, 20 Oct. - has received letter from ARRB; glad to cooperate; thinks deputation a sound idea (autogr.)
22 Ibid., 3 Nov. - refers to the Secretaryship of the British Association, Section H; inquires about ARRB's letter (autogr.)
23 JLM to ACH, 5 Nov. - acknowledges letter; will be in Cambridge and wants a long talk; refers to British Association; ARRB has been asked to be President, Section H; Council has approved his letter to Australian Prime Minister; mentions disorder in RAI office; with help of others trying to deal with it (autogr. carbon)
24 British Association Council, 7 Nov. - resolution by ACH requesting the Association to join the RAI on representations to the Australian Prime Minister to prevent the dissolution of the Anthropology Dept., Sydney University (autogr. by JLM); see /27 below
25 President, RAI to Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, [7] Nov. - on the Anthropology Dept., Sydney University; request for reception of a deputation. 4 leaves (tpc.); see Council minutes, 25 Nov. 1930, ff. 153-4
26 Private Secretary, Prime Minister, Australian Delegation to Imperial Conference to President, RAI, 11 Nov. - acknowledges letter; regrets has no time to receive a deputation; representations referred to relevant authorities (tp., annotated by JLM, 12 Nov.). See Man, May 1931, No. 92 for the Prime Minister's, Rt Hon. J.H. Scullin, reply to the RAI. See also MS 169
27 Ibid. to Secretary, British Association, 13 Nov. - ibid. (tp. copy)
28 Ibid. to President, RAI, 15 Nov. - refers to letter of [7] Nov. (/25 above); encloses statement on government policy (/29 below); no objection to publication of letter of [7] Nov. or the reply (/26 above)
29 'Summary of Aboriginals Ordinannce [sic] 1918-1925: North Australia and Central Australia'. 5 leaves (tp.)
30 ACH to JLM, 28 Dec. - encloses summary (/31 below) of Australian government memorandum for Man (autogr.); not published
31 'The Commonwealth of Australia and the Aboriginals Population ...'. 3 leaves with covering note by JLM (autogr.); see Council minutes as /25 above
1931
32 Prof. C.G. Seligman, FRS, FRCP (1873-1940), Prof. of Ethnology, Univ. of London; RAI President, 1923-5 to JLM, 7 Feb. - has read Australian documents; does not think it worth while printing regulations in extenso; can find no letters associated with Rockefeller Foundation that are conclusive; probably handed to ENF (autogr.); see also /15 above
33 Prime Minister (Rt Hon. J.H. Scullin) of the Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra to President, RAI, 28 Feb. - submits observations in reply to letter of 2 Oct. (/18-19 above). 3 leaves with covering autogr. note by JLM (tp.)
34 Ibid. - corrected proof of above letter; see Man, May 1931, No. 92; see also Council minutes, 28 Apr. 1931, f. 169
35 'Summary of subsequent correspondence on 1929 Resolution as to Protection of Australian Aboriginals'. 4 leaves (autogr. by JLM)
3/ District Officers note books, Apr. 1934
1 J.H. Driberg (1888-1946), author of The Lango: a Nilotic tribe of Uganda, 1923 and other works to Revd Edwin W. Smith (1876-1957), RAI President, 1933-5, 9 Apr. 1934 - encloses memorandum (/2 below) on a complete survey of all records in District Offices of tropical African dependencies; collation would influence the development of Protectorates for the benefit of the protecting power and the indigenous people; wishes it to come before Council; hopes for a letter which 'would carry weight with the Colonial Office' (tp.); see Council minutes, 24 Apr. 1934, ff. 239-40
2 Memorandum by J.H. Driberg. 3 leaves (mimeo.)
4/ Advance of science and the life of the community, May 1934
1 'The relations between the advance of science and the life of the community' - statement submitted by the British Association, Section H (Anthropology) in response to 'a memorandum issued by the Council of the British Association to the Organising Sectional Committees' signed: Henry Balfour, Raymond Firth, H.J. Fleure, A.C. Haddon, H.S. Harrison, T.A. Joyce, R.S. Rattray, Edwin W. Smith, J.F. Tocher, F.E. Williams, dated 24 May 1934, 10 leaves (mimeo.)
5/ Transfer of Territories, Feb. 1937
1 Sub-Committee on Anthropological Implications - report to Council, 23 Feb. 1937 'on the anthropological implications of the transfer of territories from one power to another' signed: J.H. Driberg, E.E. Evans-Pritchard, R. Firth, Lucy Mair, J.L. Myres, Audrey Richards, C.G. Seligman, E.W. Smith. 6 leaves (mimeo.); see Council minutes, 26 Jan. 1937, f. 297, 23 Feb., f. 299, 16 Mar. ff. 300-1
2 Ibid. - Minority report by H.S. Harrison with note by C.W. Hobley. 3 leaves (mimeo.)
3 Ibid. - annotated copy
6/ Shortage of Native farm labour, Nov. 1937
1 Memorandum on the problem of farm labour submitted to the Commission Enquiring into the Shortage of Native Farm Labour by H.M. Gluckman, dated 1 Nov. 1937. 14 leaves (mimeo., annotated)
7/ South African Protectorates, Feb. 1938
1 Memorandum to the Royal Commission on Closer Union of the Rhodesias and Nyasaland. 3 leaves (mimeo., autogr. corrections); see Council minutes, 22 Mar. 1938, f. 324
2 Ibid., with variant autogr. corrections
3 Ibid., with variant autogr. corrections, dated 22 Mar. 1938
4 Draft notes by LPM. 3 leaves (autogr.)
5 The Proposed Transfer of the South African High Commission Territories to the Union - Notes for the use [information] of the deputation of members of the Applied Anthropology Committee to the Secretary of State for the Dominions. 12 leaves (leaf 10 missing).(tp. annotated by LPM)
8/ Bride-price, Feb. 1938
1 Memorandum - progress report (mimeo.)
2 Ibid., with autogr. annotations by LPM
3 Plan of Research on Modern Developments of Bride-price in Africa. 4 leaves (mimeo.)
4 Ibid., verso of leaf 4 with autogr. notes by H.J. Braunholtz
5 Ibid., retyped on leaves 1-3 with leaf 4 additionally listing names of experts for specific tribes, signed Lucy Mair (mimeo.)
9/ Correspondence relating to Transfer of Territories, South African Protectorates, and Bride-price, /5, 7-8 above, 1937
1937
1 [LPM] to - McLean, 2 Nov. 1937 - Applied Anthropology Committee to discuss Makerere Report on 26 Nov.; asks if he will give an introductory talk (tpc.)
1938
2 LPM to RWF, 14 Jan. 1938 - Standing Committee adopted two resolutions for submission to Council: (1) requests Council to give evidence before the Royal Commission on the Union of the Rhodesias; (2) asks Council to approve a statement on the future of the Australian Aborigines for submission to the Federal Conference (tp.); see Agendas (no minutes held) for 29 Apr. and 27 May
3 Hugh Ashton, High Commissioner's Office, Cape Town to LPM, 19 Feb. - regrets delay in replying to letter; on question of the transfer of the Protectorates to the Union of South Africa; gives detailed account of means of ascertaining Native opinion, both official and unofficial in Basutoland. 7 leaves (tp.); see Agenda (no minutes held) for 25 Feb.
4 'South African Natives - Reconditioning the Protectorates' - letter to The Times, 5 Mar. 1938 from Arthur Southampton
5 Lord Raglan (1885-1964), RAI President, 1955-7 to RWF, 7 Mar. - transfer of South African Protectorates a political issue and the RAI as a scientific body should avoid interfering in politics (autogr.)
6 'Transfer of Colonies', Manchester Guardian, 7 Mar. 1938 - appeal by the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society
7 Permanent Secretary of State for the Colonies, Colonial Office to President, RAI, 11 May - has been away and regrets delay in replying to letter of 26 Apr.; will send an official answer (tp.)
8 President, RAI to Permanent Secretary of State for the Colonies, 27 May 1938 - would be glad to receive official reply (tp.)
9 Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office to President, RAI, 31 May - has noted correspondence during 1937 received on questions of applied anthropology; brought to the notice of various Colonial governments, most have submitted their views; on the suggestion that an observer from the Colonial Office should be nominated to the Committee, Secretary of State proposes the attendance of the officer concerned with the territory under discussion; asks that notice of meetings should be sent so this may be arranged (tp.)
10 President, RAI to Under Secretary of State, 1 June - Secretary of State's proposal an excellent one; will be much interested to learn views submitted by Colonial governments in reply to Dr Harrison's letter of 25 June 1937 (tpc.)
11 Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office to RAI, 20 July - encloses memorandum (see /12 below) covering observations from Colonial governments in response to Dr H.S. Harrison's letter, 25 June 1937 (tp.)
12 Memorandum covering observations from Colonial governments. 9 leaves (tp.)
13 GCT to RWF, 3 Dec. - encloses motion (see /14 below) to be placed on the agenda of next Council (autogr.)
14 - Motion viewing Germany's claim to Colonies with apprehension; may be made as a result of 'European expediency ... without reference to the wishes of the natives of transferred territories' (autogr.); see Council minutes, 13 Dec. 1938, ff. 338-9, 24 Jan. 1939, f. 340
10/ Australian Aborigines, July 1900, Feb. 1938
1 To the Government of South Australia - petition urging the necessity of securing an accurate record of some of the Aboriginal tribes in their territory especially of the tribes between the Macdonnell Ranges and the Gulf of Carpentaria, signed by 77 eminent academics and MPs, dated by (Prof. Sir) John L. Myers, Hon. Secretary, RAI, 27 July 1900 (printed)
2 To the Government of Victoria - petition as above urging co-operation with the Government of South Australia, signed and dated as above
3 Memorandum on the Condition of the Australian Aborigines. 8 leaves (mimeo., leaf 1 annotated by LPM); see Council minutes, 25 Jan. 1938, f. 320; and 'Report of the Council, 1938', JRAI, vol. 68, 1938, pp. iv-v
4 Ibid., leaves 3, 6 and 8 verso annotated by LPM, dated 25 Jan. 1938
5 Premier's Department, Perth, Western Australia to RAI, 26 Mar. - acknowledges memorandum; will be considered (tp.)
6 Prime Minister's Department, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra to RAI, 30 Mar. - acknowledges memorandum; will be given full consideration (tp.)
7 Premier's Department, New South Wales, Sydney to RAI, 2 Apr. - acknowledges memorandum; passed to appropriate department for information (tp.)
8 Premier's Department, Victoria, Melbourne to RAI, 4 Apr. - acknowledges memorandum (tp.)
9 Premier's Office, South Australia, Adelaide to RAI, 13 Apr. - acknowledges memorandum (tp.)
10 Secretary, Aboriginal Welfare Conference, Department of the Interior, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra to RAI, 20 Apr. - acknowledges memorandum; intention that the Conference of Chief Protectors and other officers should be held annually; unlikely to take place this year as a conference of Commonwealth and State ministers will probably meet to discuss Aboriginal welfare (tp.)
11/ Land tenure among the Ngoni, Apr. 1938
1 Land tenure among the Ngoni by Margaret Read. 11 leaves (tpc., annotated by LPM)
12/ Soil erosion in East Africa, June 1938
1 Report of discussion, 24 June 1938. 11 leaves (tp.); address by Mrs Elspeth Huxley with contributions by C.W. Hobley, ARRB, ... Stamp, Dr Margaret Read, (Prof.) M. Fortes, Dr Wagner; see Man, Aug. 1938, No. 146
13/ Anthropological research in the British Colonies, May 1940
1 List by WBF of 'Documents relating to a Memorandum on Anthropological Research in the British Colonies, addressed to H.M. Secretary of State for the Colonies by the Institute on May 23rd 1940 (autogr.)
2 Official documents relating to the Colonial Development and Welfare Bill, 1940 with covering note by WBF
.1 'Statement of Policy on Colonial Development and Welfare', HMSO, 1940
.2 'Parliamentary Debates, House of Lords, 2 July 1940', HMSO, [1940]
3 Press cuttings on Colonial policy: The Times, 21 Feb. 1940: More money for the Colonies; The Black man's burden (leader); West Indian reforms; Developing the Colonies; Colonial policy, Mr M. Macdonald's statement; Colonial policy, Lords and Moyne report, House of Lords; 7 May 1940: The war against leprosy, hope of help under new government plan; Colonial Welfare Bill; 8 June 1940: Colonies' help for allies; 15 June 1940: War and Colonial development. Daily Telegraph and Morning Post, 21 Mar. 1940: Colonies plans welcomed
4 Dr M. Fortes (1906-83), RAI Hon. Editor, 1947-53, President, 1965-7 to WBF, 26 Feb. 1940 - notes Colonial Office's plans to spend 'large sums of money on research in the colonies'; suggests memorandum from the RAI would 'carry weight with the Colonial Office' (tp., annotated by WBF); see Council minutes, 19 Mar. 1940, ff. 366-7
5 EJL to Prof. C.G. Seligman, FRS, FRCP (1873-1940), RAI President, 1923-5, 29 Mar. - 'unofficial committee' has considered no scheme of research yet; he will be receiving an invitation to serve on the committee; refers to Dr M. Read and her work on the nutrition survey; mentions Dr Mumford (tpc., autogr. correction by ?EJL)
6 WBF to Miss B.M. Blackwood (1889-1975), Demonstrator in Ethnology, Pitt-Rivers Museum, Oxford; RAI Council, 1939-63 passim, Vice-President, 1957-60, 8 Apr. - refers to reprints of her paper on Oxfordshire villages; first draft of memorandum to be considered by Council; material culture 'will require staunch champions' (autogr. draft)
7 EJL to WBF, 20 Apr. - has received draft and noted alterations; will leave for JHH to see; at JLM's suggestion, the Royal Geographical Society has urged her to see members of its Council; lists names of RGS Council who might be interested (tp., annotations by EJL and JHH)
8 JHH and EJL to WBF, 23 Apr. - essential for amended memorandum to be retyped before Joint Committee meets (telegram); see Council minutes, 23 Apr., f. 369
9 WBF to EJL, 24 Apr. - telegram suggests she and JHH feel strongly that the memorandum should be retyped; gives reasons why he feels unable to do so; financial considerations most important reason (autogr. draft)
10 EJL to JLM, 26 Apr. - notes his comment that the memorandum must be carefully edited before it goes to the Joint Committee; necessity of retyping; revised memorandum 'unimpressive'; discusses memorandum in detail. 5 pp. (tpc., annotated by JLM)
11 JLM suggestions for memorandum (tpc.)
12 JHH's additions to JLM's suggestions (autogr.)
13 Memorandum on the Hailey Report to be submitted to the Colonial Office. 6 leaves (tpc.); annotated by WBF: Alternative draft by Prof. Radcliffe-Brown, considered at second meeting of sub-committee of Council; some passages accepted
14 Memorandum - first draft prepared by ARRB and Dr Fortes with JHH's proposed changes. 12 leaves (mimeo., annotated by JHH) with covering note by WBF
15 Ibid., with EJL's proposed changes
16 Suggested redraft by JLM (autogr.)
17 HNCS's suggested order of paragraphs (autogr.)
18 Memorandum - first draft incorporating EJL's amendments with comments and amendments by JLM. 18 leaves (tpc., leaf 18 autogr., heavily annotated by JLM)
19 Ibid., second draft as presented to Council by sub-committee, 14 leaves (mimeo.) and Addenda and corrigenda, 2 leaves (mimeo.) with covering note by WBF; see Council minutes, 23 Apr. 1940, f. 369; see also /8-10 above
20 Ibid., with suggested alterations made by Council and from other sources. 14 leaves (mimeo., annotated) with covering note by WBF attached to this draft
21 Comments on the memorandum, second draft, made by H.J. Braunholtz at Council (autogr.)
22 RAI - Joint Committee on Anthropological Research and Teaching - preliminary notice of meeting on 30 Apr. from WBF, Hon. Secretary, RAI (mimeo., annotated by WBF on verso)
23 Ibid., from WBF, Hon. Secretary, Joint Committee (mimeo.); fuller notice
24 Draft of a Memorandum on the Place of Anthropology in Colonial studies. 14 leaves (mimeo.)
25 A Memorandum on Anthropological Research in the British Colonies presented to HM Secretary of State for the Colonies. 22 pp. (mimeo.); see Council minutes, 28 May 1940, ff. 372-3
14/ Anthropology in post-war reconstruction plans of the Government of India, [1940]
1 Letter from JHH to the Secretary, Government of India in the Department of Education, Health and Lands, New Delhi. 4 leaves (tpc.)
2 Government of India, Home Department, Ethnographic Survey of India in connection with the Census of 1901 - extracts from various documents. 9 pp. (printed)
15/ British anthropological research in the reconstruction and development of Burma, 1937, 1944-7
1937
1 'Languages of Burma' by L.F. Taylor (Indian Educational Service, retired), letter to The Times, 12 July 1937 - appeal for assistance for the continuation and completion of the Ethnographical and Linguistic Survey of Burma; see also /67 below
2 Council agenda, 13 July 1937 heavily annotated by H.J. Braunholtz, President, 1937-9 including note on The Times letter (mimeo.)
1944
3 'The case for applied anthropology in the reconstruction of Burma' by H.N.C. Stevenson - lecture at the RAI, 10 Oct. (printed card, annotated on verso)
4 FS to JHH, 17 Oct. - on meeting, 31 Oct. of officers and others arising from HNCS's lecture (tpc.)
5 Ibid., to HNCS, 18 Oct. - Burma is on the agenda for next Council, 24 Oct.; suggests he should be available; mentions publication of his lecture in Man (tpc.); see Council minutes, 24 Oct. 1944, CM/74/2, Item 6
6 Ibid., to JHH, 26 Oct. - Council decided the officers, Col. J.H. Green and HNCS should see what action could be taken over Burma (tpc.)
7 Ibid., to HNCS, 27 Oct. - on meeting, 31 Oct., of officers, Col. Green, JHH, and Dr Phyllis Kaberry (tpc.)
8 Minutes of the meeting on 31 Oct. 'to examine in what way anthropology could or should be used to assist in the reconstruction of Burma'; present: JHH, WBF, HNCS, Col. Green, Dr P. Kaberry (tp.)
9 Ibid., as amended by WBF (tpc.)
10 JHH to FS, [early Nov.] - encloses draft of memorandum for Council by HNCS and himself; not satisfied with it but will serve for a start (autogr.)
11 Draft memorandum by JHH and HNCS (autogr. by JHH)
12 FS to WBF, [early Nov.] - encloses copy of draft memorandum (/13 below); notes points recommended but omitted (tp., annotated by FS)
13 Draft of memorandum to Secretary of State, Burma. 2 leaves (mimeo., faint annotations by WBF)
14 Draft of memorandum to Secretary of State, Burma, retyped. 3 leaves (tpc.)
15 JHH to WBF, 23 Nov. - his The Times letter not published yet; with HNCS has drafted letter for Burma Office; does not feel the Joint Committee need be involved; British Association might provide useful support if necessary (autogr.); see also /35 below
16 FS to JLM, 29 Nov. - outlines developments; encloses notes on talks on 31 Oct. (/8-9 above) and JHH and HNCS's draft memorandum; neither WBF nor herself think it is satisfactory; hopes he will have time to amend the draft; asks if he thinks the Joint Committee should be involved (tpc.)
17 JLM to FS, 30 Nov. - has redrafted the memorandum (/18 below); thinks the Joint Committee should be convened or the memorandum circulated to members (autogr.)
18 Redrafted memorandum by JLM. 3 leaves (autogr.)
19 Ibid., 3 leaves (tp.)
20 FS to HNCS, 6 Dec. - outlines revised memorandum (/19 above) (tpc.)
21 HNCS to FS, 8 Nov. i.e. 8 Dec. - encloses revised draft with some suggestions; urgent as Burma's future will be discussed in Parliament next week (autogr.)
22 Revised draft amended by HNCS (tpc.)
23 Ibid., amended by JHH and with notes by WBF (tpc.)
24 Memorandum on Reconstruction in Burma by WBF - covering note for Council on 19 Dec. (autogr.); see Council minutes 19 Dec. 1944, CM/74/3, Item 7
25 Revised draft with amendments for Council (autogr. by WBF)
26 Covering note for Council (mimeo.)
27 Draft of memorandum (as /25 above) for Council (mimeo. with Council amendments by WBF)
28 JLM to FS, 22 Dec. - regrets enclosed draft memorandum (/29 below) too late for Council; thinks draft should be circulated to Joint Committee members (autogr.)
29 Original draft (/11, 13 above) with amendments by JLM. 3 leaves (tp., heavily annotated by JLM)
1945
30 Draft letter by WBF to members of the Joint Committee to consider the memorandum to the Burma Office (autogr.)
31 WBF, Hon. Secretary, Joint Committee to members of the Joint Committee, 4 Jan. 1945 - requesting consideration of the enclosed memorandum. 5 leaves (mimeo., autogr. corrections by WBF); see Council minutes, 16 Jan. 1945, CM/74/4, Item 5
32 Note by JLM hoping the Joint Committee will adopt the memorandum (autogr. on envelope)
33 Letters from members of the Joint Committee received in support of the memorandum 8-13 Jan. from: a) Charles S. Myers; b) National Institute of Economic & Social Research; c) Grahame Clark, Prehistoric Society; d) R.E. Enthoven, Royal Asiatic Society; e) Sir Arthur Keith, Royal College of Surgeons; f) Louis G. Clarke, Royal Empire Society; g)Miss M.M. Green, School of Oriental and African Studies; h) R. Kerr, Scottish Anthropological and Folklore Society; i) Prof. F. Davies, Dept. of Anatomy, Sheffield University; j) University Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Cambridge; k) Prof. R.D. Lockhart, Dept. of Anatomy, University of Aberdeen; l) Prof. W.W. Jervis, Dept. of Geography, University of Bristol; m) Prof. E.O. James, University, Leeds; n) Miss Kathleen M. Kenyon, University of London, Institute of Archaeology; o) Prof. H.J. Rose, University of St Andrews; p) Alexander Farquharson, 24 Jan. - hopes general approval secured; letters of acknowledgement (not retained) from: Nuffield College Colonial Research, Oxford; University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, Cardiff; University, Glasgow; University Registry, Oxford; see Council minutes, 19 Dec. 1944, CM/74/3, Item 7; and the decision to forward the memorandum, 16 Jan. 1945, CM/74/4, Item 5
34 WBF to JHH, 14 Jan. - on his unpublished letter to The Times (see /15 above); gives views on suggested conference (autogr.)
35 Notes on memorandum by FS (autogr.)
36 FS to HNCS, 19 Jan. - encloses draft memorandum (tpc.)
37 FS to Harrison & Sons Ltd., printers, 19 Jan. - encloses typescript of memorandum; should be printed 'in the most dignified and impressive manner' (tpc.)
38 Memorandum. 4 leaves (tp., annotated)
39 Harrison & Sons Ltd., 26 Jan. - estimate
40 Ibid., delivery slip (autogr. carbon)
41 Draft covering letter by WBF, 9 Mar. (autogr.)
42 Ibid., (tpc., with added paragraph)
43 FS to JHH, 12 Mar. - note to covering letter now ready for his signature (tp.)
44 Covering letter to memorandum signed by JHH; with paragraph on linguistic problems added (tp.)
45 Note from Miss M.M. Green regretting inability to stay for Council discussion; her colleague, Prof. Stuart thinks a linguistic survey should be undertaken at the same time as the ethnographic survey (autogr.)
46 FS to JHH, 16 Mar. 1945 - memorandum ready to be sent; covering letter received with his signature; refers to Miss Green's note on linguistic survey of Burma; memorandum already printed; WBF has drafted a paragraph for possible insertion in covering letter; asks for his views (tpc.)
47 JHH to FS, 21 Mar. - deprecates mention of linguistic survey in memorandum; agrees WBF's 'formula' if necessary (telegram)
48 President, RAI to Rt Hon. L.S. Amery, Secretary of State for Burma, [22 Mar.] - covering letter to memorandum
49 'A memorandum on British anthropological research in the reconstruction and development of Burma'. 2 leaves (2 copies) (printed)
50 Lord Hailey, Colonial Office to JHH, 11 Apr. - thanks him for memorandum; proposals in accord with policy adopted for Africa (tp.)
51 L.S. Amery, Secretary of State for Burma, 17 May - acknowledges memorandum; greatly appreciates interest; cannot give full reply at present as memorandum under consideration (tp.)
52 HNCS, Governor of Burma's Camp, India, Simla to FS, 14 June - asks about memorandum and for information on other points (tp.)
53 Notes by WBF and FS. 2 leaves (autogr.)
54 Burma Office to FS, 3 July - passes on HNCS's inquiry about memorandum and bibliography for Burma (tp.)
55 Capt. R.E. Stanner to FS, 4 July - returning to Burma for war service; wishes advice on anthropological documentation (autogr.)
56 FS to Capt. Stanner, 5 July - sends encouragement; sends copy of HNCS's lecture; suggests he should call (tpc.)
57 HNCS, Simla to FS, 10 July - hopes she received message from the Burma Office; appointed Hon. Director of Ethnography; asks advice in obtaining grants for the Burma Survey and possibility of Horniman Research grants; inquires about Burma bibliography (tp., annotated by FS)
58 FS to Burma Office, 11 July 1945 - on reply to HNCS and bibliography (tpc.)
59 Burma Office to FS, 12 July - on message from HNCS (tp.)
60 FS to HNCS, 17 July - glad he has found copy of memorandum; bibliography not ready; response to memorandum satisfactory; present plan to produce a plan for an ethnographic survey; much to learn from African survey though very different (tpc.)
61 FS to Lord Hailey, 17 July - thinks his advice would be helpful for planning a Burma survey; RAI representative would be glad to discuss the matter (tpc.)
62 Lord Hailey, Colonial Office to FS, 18 July - doubts if preparation of African survey would help with Burma survey; suggests getting in touch with the International African Institute (tp.)
1946
63 FS to TT, 21 Feb. - sends note from President and memorandum; plans for ethnographic survey of Burma; encloses HNCS's paper (/64 below) (tpc.)
64 'The case for applied anthropology in the reconstruction of Burma' by HNCS; communication to RAI, 10 Oct. 1944, Man, Jan./Feb. 1945, No. 2
65 TT to HJF, 23 Feb. - cannot attend meetings before March; agrees JHH should attend meeting (autogr.)
66 TT to FS, 6 Mar. - has asked the India Office whether he can see someone about the memorandum; asks her to obtain JHH's views (tp.); postcard, 16 Mar., on delay meeting official dealing with Memorandum not retained
67 Lt Commander L.F. Taylor, RNVR to RAI, 22 Mar. - on his work on the Ethnographical and Linguistic Survey of Burma started in 1926 with RAI support; 1939-45 war intervened; now wishes to restart his work; asks for RAI support again (autogr.); see /80 below for reply; see also /1-2 above
68 Ibid. with extracts from Council minutes, Jan.-Oct. 1926 tp.)
69 JHH to FS, 24 Mar. - no grounds for modifying TT's submission of Dr B.S. Guha's name; stresses Dr Guha's integrity (autogr.)
70 TT to FS, 8 Apr. - no word from Burma Office; Committee for Cultural Relations with India will meet; requests JHH's view on Dr Guha (tp.)
71 FS to TT, 26 Apr. - gives JHH's opinion on Dr Guha; stresses his integrity (tpc.)
72 TT to FS, 15 May 1946 -comments on change of normal time for Council and lecture meeting; asks if there are other papers on Burma showing what its government is doing (tp., annotated by FS)
73 TT to FS, 16 May - Treasury approval for appointment of an anthropologist in Burma; sets out salary and conditions; asks for RAI help in suggesting names (tp.)
74 FS to TT, 17 May - HJF will be available on 18 June; asks if he will dine with him; no direct communication with the Burma Office; HNCS now in charge of scheduled areas in Burma (tpc.); FS to HJF, 21 May on TT's letter (/73 above) and necessity of acting quickly not retained
75 TT to FS, 21 May - delighted to dine with HJF; hopes JHH can attend too; does not know name of Canadian candidate [R.F. Fortune, RFF](tp.)
76 HJF to FS, 22 May - suggests names for Burma appointment (autogr.)
77 FS to TT, 24 May - on names for Burma appointment (tpc.)
78 FS to HJF, 24 May - Ibid. (tpc.)
79 FS to JHH, 24 May - Ibid. (tpc.)
80 FS to L.F. Taylor, 25 May - will present his letter before President and Council (see /67 above)
81 JHH to FS, 28 May - comments on possible applicants for Burma appointment; not able to take on Man (tp.)
82 TT to FS, 4 June - Burma Office has informed him the Canadian has accepted the appointment (tp.)
83 Ibid., 4 June - on (Prof.)C. von Fürer-Haimendorf and his time in Hyderabad (tp.)
84 Ibid., 20 June - RWF appointed; returning to UK; he should meet HJF before flying to Burma; Burma Government very short of funds and unlikely to implement the memorandum in full; RAI willing to help wherever possible; HJF and JHH did not appear for dinner as arranged (tp., with autogr. note)
85 FS to HJF, 2 July - RFF will be in London a few days; suggests a meeting (tpc.)
86 FS to TT, 2 July - on meeting with RFF and HJF; hopes he can attend; comments on failure of HJF and JHH to dine with him (tpc.)
87 TT to FS, 3 July 1946 - regrets cannot attend meeting between HJF and RFF; suggests she draws the latter's attention to (Prof.) Haimendorf's books; failed dinner engagement enabled him to fill in another engagement (tp.); FS to RFF, 7 July passed on TT's message (not retained)
88 Mrs Eileen M. Fortune to FS, 20 July - husband had no time to reply to her letter; is grateful for information (autogr.)
89 FS to JHH, 9 Aug. - HJF and RFF had discussion; RAI to draw up draft plan for an ethnographic survey of Burma; proposed that he and TT should provide first draft; RFF and HNCS would then amend it (tpc.); similar letter to TT, 9 Aug. not retained
90 JHH to FS, 15 Aug. - has difficulty in formulating any plan; depends on who and what funds are available; regrets RAI is committed to drawing up plan; Burma Office unlikely to agree to proposals; hopes to meet TT (tp.)
91 TT to FS, 20 Aug. - does not think he is the right person for the draft; not an experienced anthropologist and does not know Burma or NE India; makes suggestions (tp.)
92 FS to JHH, 28 Aug. - sorry to read his letter; will put it before HJF on his return; feels a draft plan should be put up (tpc.)
93 JHH to FS, 4 Sep. - has heard from RWF; is trying to teach forty new recruits to the Foreign Service; if each works in a different area with RWF co-ordinating a scheme could be drafted (tp.)
94 Note of conversation between FS and HNCS, 12 Sep. - HNCS undertook to draft plan; coverage noted; suggests should be under RAI auspices not the government (tp.)
95 Memo dictated by HNCS after meeting on 12 Sep. with HJF, WBF, HNCS, FS - statement for RAI files on bankruptcy of the Burma Government and proposal in the light of lack of finance (tp.)
96 HNCS, Burma Office, Whitehall to WBF, 14 Oct. - will speak to Karens about talk for RAI; suggests Dr Karl Gustav Izikowitz (author of Music and other sound instruments of the South American Indians, Göteborg, 1935; Lamet-hill peasants in French Indochina, Göteborg, 1951) should get in touch before making firm plans to visit Burma; keen to support such efforts but others disagree (tp.)
97 HJF to Dr Henry Clay, Warden, Nuffield College, Oxford, 15 Oct. - refers to HNCS's hopes for Burma survey and for independent researchers to work there; RAI is helping with a Horniman scholarship for this purpose; HNCS anxious to meet him (tpc.)
98 Dr Henry Clay to HJF, 16 Oct. 1946 - will be pleased to see HNCS; doubts that he can help (tp.)
99 C.E. Coffin, Burma Office, Whitehall, 26 Oct. - accepts invitation to Saw Tha Din's lecture on the Karens (tp.)
100 'Note on extending the use of museum collections' by HNCS, nd (tp.)
101 Press cuttings on the Karens, Aug. - Dec. 1946: The Times, 8 Aug..: Letter to the Editor; 24 Aug.: A Karen mission; 4 Sep.: A new phase in Burma; 4 Sep.: Burmese perspective: need for reassurance on British intentions: tasks facing new Governor; 24 Sep.: British guidance in Burma: Governor's consultations with party leaders ...; 4 Oct.: Karens in London; Daily Mail, 7 Dec.: British are kind but so queer (says Saw Tha Din); 24 Dec.: Saw Tha Din toasts 2686 ...
1947
102 WBF to the Editor of The Times, 12 Feb. - letter on 'Frontier areas in Burma' (tpc., signed by WBF)
103 E.R. Leach (later Prof. Sir Edmund Leach) to HJF, 29 Mar. - has not heard result of the Horniman meeting; HNCS has written advising him against going to Burma at present; has now accepted Colonial Office's offer to go to Sarawak; has written to the Burma Office (autogr.); Burma became independent on 4 Jan. 1948
104 Notes by HJF covering E.R. Leach's proposed Burma visit; Prof. Jiri Kral; lunch with E.J.H. Jones; memo., public value of anthropology; should be prepared to move to South Kensington; possible submission to Herbert Morrison (autogr.)
16/ Australian rocket testing range. 1946
1 President, RAI to the Editor of the Glasgow Herald, 15 Oct. - states RAI's concerns regarding the effect of policies on pre-literate people; making inquiries regarding effect of bombing ranges on the Aborigines (tpc.)
2 Donald F. Thomson (DFT), Dept. of Anthropology, University of Melbourne, 31 Oct. - has heard he is concerned about effect on the Aborigines of proposed rocket range in Central Australia; asks for help in bringing pressure on the government (tp., annotated by WBF on verso)
3 Draft letter by HJF (autogr. with annotations by WBF)
4 Draft letter from WBF to DFT and Prof. A.P. Elkin, University of Sydney on RAI's concern and requesting the views of Australian anthropologists (autogr.)
5 Ibid., 9 Nov. (tpc.); similar letter to Prof. Elkin (/7 below)
6 Draft letter from WBF to DFT, [9 Nov.] 1946 - on developments since speaking to DFT's brother in Cambridge; RAI wishes to hear more from Australia before considering any statement; mentions (Sir) Gilbert Murray's correspondence in the press, and draft telegram. 2 leaves (autogr.)
7 Ibid., 9 Nov. (tpc.)
8 WBF to Prof. Elkin, 11 Nov. - as /5 above (tpc.)
9 Statement by the Prime Minister of Australia, Canberra, 19 Nov. entitled: Defence - guided projectiles (tp.)
10 Draft letter from WBF to the Office of the High Commissioner for Australia, London, [22 Nov.] - RAI notes proposal for rocket-testing range and voices its concern for the protection of the Aborigines; asks whether the High Commissioner could supply information; press reports have been inconclusive; wish to make a balanced decision (autogr.)
11 Ibid., 22 Nov. (tpc.)
12 'The position regarding setting up of guided missile range and a supporting development establishment in Australia' - statement by the Minister of Defence in the House of Representatives on Friday, 22nd November 1946, [Canberra]. 5 leaves (mimeo.)
13 Prof. Elkin to WBF, 22 Nov. - acknowledges letter of 11 Nov. (/8 above); keen interest in range by anthropological and missionary organizations; some assurances given by the government; Director, Native Affairs, Northern Territory appointed to see the welfare of Aborigines is not jeopardized; thinks these steps satisfactory; main protests from the Presbyterian Missionary authorities whose mission at Ernabella is in the range area; gives the Missionaries reasons; pleased to hear the RAI has asked for information from the High Commissioner; autogr. notes his views on DFT (tp. with autogr. note)
14 Australian Deputy High Commissioner to WBF, 26 Nov. - official details not yet received; letter forwarded to the Prime Minister's Dept., Canberra (tp.)
15 Ibid., 30 Dec. - encloses copy of the Prime Minister's statement (/12 above) (tp.)
16 Press cuttings, Aug.-Dec. 1946: Melbourne Herald, 11 Oct.: Rockets will doom Aborigines by DFT; Daily Mail, 6 Sep.: Rocket experiment alarm; Manchester Guardian, 9 Aug.: Rocket-testing in Australia: danger to Aborigines; 3 Sep. letter to the Editor; 4 Sep.: Work on "guided projectiles": Australia's efforts; 6 Sep.: Transfer of industries to Australia; The Times, 10 Aug.: Rocket tests in Australia: safety of Aborigines; 2 Sep., letter to the Editor from Sir Gilbert Murray; 10 Sep.: ...Aborigines safeguarded; [c. 11 Sep.], letter to the Editor from Sir Gilbert Murray; 3 Oct., letter to the Editor from Charles Duguid, Adelaide; 5 Oct.: Cost of rocket-testing in Australia; 11 Oct.: Rocket-testing range in Australia; 15 Oct., letter to the Editor from Guy Pentreath; 22 Oct.: Rocket ranges in Australia: possible sites; 25 Oct.: Australian Aborigines and rocket tests; 21 Nov.: Rocket-test plans in Australia: 3,000-mile flights
17/ Application for funds for scientific education, 1960
1 Summary of a discussion held on 27 Jan. 1960 to advise on a possible memorandum to the government by Audrey I. Richards (1899-1984), RAI President, 1960-1 (mimeo.)
2 Memorandum by Dr A.E. Mourant, FRS (1904-94), Hon. Advisor, Blood Group Centre and Secretary, Blood Group Committee, Feb. (mimeo.)
3 Ibid., by Dr Marian W. Smith (1907-61), RAI Hon. Secretary 1956-61, Mar. (mimeo.)
4 Notes on a talk with Dr D.A. Smith, Assistant Secretary, Overseas Research Council, held at the Ministry of Science, 3 Mar., by Audrey I. Richards (mimeo.)
5 Notice of a meeting on 6 Apr. (mimeo.)
18/ Committee on Applied Anthropology - Agenda, minutes, discussion meetings, 23 Apr. 1937-16 June 1939 (shelved with quartos)
1 23 Apr. 1937 - Agenda: Plan of future work; Draft statement ... proposed modification in the status of colonial territories. [3] leaves
2 Ibid., Draft statement. 2 leaves (annotated)
3 Ibid., Constitution of Applied Anthropology Committee; Proposed letter to the Colonial Secretary. 2 leaves (annotated)
4 23 Apr. Minutes
21 May Agenda: Plan of future work; Draft letter to the Colonial Secretary. 5 leaves
5 3 Dec.1937. Minutes: Constitution of the Committee; Procedure at meetings (annotated)
14 Jan. 1938. Agenda: Future of Australian Aborigines; Royal Commission on closer co-operation between the Rhodesias
6 25 Feb. Agenda: Co-operation with the Aborigines Protection Society; Transfer of the Protectorates to South Africa; Memorandum on Bride-price
7 18 Mar. Agenda for discussion meeting on Public Health Administration in Kenya with reference to Local Native Councils; speaker: Dr A.R. Peterson
8 29 Apr. Ibid., on Some problems of indirect rule in Northern Rhodesia; speaker: Sir Alan Pim
9 27 May Ibid., on the Australian Aborigines; speaker: Dr Donald F. Thomson
10 25 Nov. Agenda: course of lectures on applied anthropology; fund for publications; expansion of Committee's scope; discussion on Lord Hailey's African Survey; speaker: J.L. Keith
11 16 Dec. Agenda: business meeting; discussion on Land and the Native in South Africa; speaker: Senator Rheinhalt-Jones
12 24 Feb. 1939 Agenda: business meeting; discussion on Some problems of Native education in Africa; speaker: H.S. Scott
13 12 May Agenda: business meeting; discussion on Native peasant economy and production for international markets; speaker: Dr Charlotte Leubuscher
14 16 June Agenda: elections; discussion on Problems of culture contact and Colonial administration in the Dutch East Indies; speaker: Prof. B. Schrieke
