COPY
C
Central Hospital,
•
Koloshan,
Chungking, 3rd May, 1943.
51
Dear Mr. Sedgwick,
You asked me recently to let you have a memorandum on the subject of interest on Hong Kong University Funds which may become available in sterling from time to time in the University Account with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, London.
First of all, I should like to be quite certain that this money is not in any way connected with the Sterling Superannuation Fund. If this is not the case, it might be arguable that the money should be used to finance some of the relief projects being undertaken on behalf of Hong Kong University students in Free China. On the other hand, it
is quite certain that there will be a very great need for funds if, at any future date, an effort is made to re- establish the University. In this event the accumulated interest of the Sterling Fund over the period of a few years would be of the greatest benefit.
My considered opinion, therefore, is that it would be better to continue to finance the Hong Kong University Relief Scheme out of funds advanced by the British Government and to leave the decision regarding the reimbursement of the Government Loan until after the war when something more definite will be known about the future of the University I do not feel that I personally have the authority to make any decision in this matter and I should prefer to see the matter suspended until a body capable of representing the University can make a formal recommendation. In the
P.C.M. Sedgwick, Esq.,
British Embassy,
Chungking.
meantime/