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is for this reason that I am interested in your attempts
to improve the British University in Hong Kong". To
hear our modest institution so entitled, makes one blush
for its inadequacies. It is discreditable to us when it
is compared with the better Chinese and American foundations.
These are now dispersed, largely destroyed, and so we
have another, and probably a last chance, of giving back
to China some thing of value in return for the wealth we
have taken out of the country, and, what is of vastly
greater moment, of gaining a valuable friend in the
East. The recognition of the Imperial Government would
naturally take the form of an annual grant to the
University for general purposes or for scholarships for
Chinese. We do not ask for a large amount, but for
that public recognition of our usefulness which would
enable us to go with far greater confidence to ask the
help of the richer Chinese.
Of the Universities, we want help in
the recruitment of men who may do credit to British
scholarship both on the permanent staff and in leave
vacancies.
There are great practical difficulties, but
I hope that some men in the English academic world will
look at this matter as good imperialists also.
I have written at inordinate length
and have said only part of what is in my mind. Perhaps
you will let me come to see you later in the month to
explain, not more at length, but perhaps with greater
precision, what we are aiming at.
Yours sincerely,
Signed)
D.J. SLOSS.