-2-
Its salient 63
the majority of British opinion was opposed to it.
characteristics were:- It was residential; English was the medium
of instruction; Chinese from China and elsewhere were welcomed; it
was affiliated to Oxford and Cambridge and students were discouraged
from going to England until they had graduated and their characters
were to a large extent formed. (Fuller-particulare of the aims are
in attached sieme
It had been our hope to create a Chinese Faculty with the object
of training men for high administrative and political office in
China who would act as a counterpoise to American influence; but
though supported by both Pekin and Canton who made generous contribu-
tions and sent students, this hope has never been fulfilled, and the
University has been in chronic financial difficulties
The circum-
stances of its foundation precluded an adequate endowment. This
a risk deliberately accepted.
Apart from a sum of £15,000 to pay off debts owing to the
University by Chinese students, a sum of £260,000 only has been allot-
ted to the University from the Boxer Indemnity. (Mr. Amery I think
was in favour of at least a million). The interest on this sum
much would be £10,000 at most, and this will not suffice to do/more than
meet the existing deficit due to the fall in silver which has halved
the salaries of the Staff, and provide some scholarships.
Kong Government which now gives a very heavy subvention(
is unwilling that a new faculty (e.g. Chinese) should be started
unless assured that it will be self-supporting.
The Hong
350,000 )
It is surprising to me that His Majesty's Government has failed
to recognise the immense potential importance of the Hong Kong Univ-
ersity for promoting British influence and trade in China. Properly
used there is no other agency which can compare with it. In refer-
ence to the questions (noted above) from the Secretary of State, I
have conferred with Professor Foster (Education Branch of Arts
Hon. Faculty, Hong Kong University) and with Mr. Silcock Secretary, Chim
China
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Universities Committee, and I submit the following suggestions:-
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