Annex G to D/DS6/7/B(69) 32
INTER-SERVICES CHINESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL, HONG KONG
The Services' Chinese Language School, at Lyemun, opened in September 1967.
2. Previously, Army students attended the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London, for one year. This was followed by two years at Hong Kong University for those working to Interpreter standard, and by one year for those working to linguist level. RN and RAF students followed a two year course at RAF North Luffenham. Those working for interpreter standard subsequently attended Hong Kong University for one year.
3.
The results achieved by these arrangements were not satisfactory academically and they gave rise to difficulties of an administrative and personnel nature.
4.
The Defence Language Committee therefore decided, with the approval of the PPOS, that we should set up our own tri- Service school of Chinese in Hong Kong. This is administered by the Army: the Commandant is an RAF officer Squadron Leader SLOSS who is a qualified National (Mandarin) interpreter and an internationally known expert in Chinese. The bulk of the staff are Chinese nationals and both National (Mandarin) and Cantonese are taught there.
5.
The Interpreter course lasts for 2 years and the Linguist course for 18 months. Additionally, there is a course of 15 months' duration in Cantonese to Colloquial level.
6.
The School can accommodate 25-30 students and includes students from the Australian and New Zealand Services. Discussions are at present being held with the Diplomatic Service about the possibility of accepting Diplomatic Service students also.