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Enclosure No.3.
X
(2)
(3)
4.
seriously deficient.
It is improbable that the Site Committee will
report much before the end of the year: I
append its terms of reference which disclose
the immensity of the problem which lies before
the members.
The probability is that removal at any rate of
the teaching part of the University will not be
recommended.
(4) But even if it is, as it is obvious that the Hong
Kong Government would have to bear, at any rate
initially, a heavy share of the expense, very
close investigation of the project by Government
and the Secretary of State for the Colonies would
be necessary before any decision could be taken.
A period of two years for examination from start
to finish was not an unreasonable estimate.
Given approval in principle very probably funds
might not be available.
(5)
(6)
(7)
8.
Assuming all such difficulties to be surmounted
the drawing of plans, letting of contract and
work of erection would consume another year or
two before the new laboratories would be ready
for use.
In short, while admittedly to build now was a
gamble, nearly all the odds lay on that side.
I feel that at the moment I cannot do more than
seek your agreement in principle with the arguments of
and the conclusions reached by the University Development
Committee. Apart from other considerations, the more
material recommendations of the Committee await discussion