95
could be justified.
*
It is
In his unclassified telegram of 28th January
the Commander in Chief stated that he proposed to
take such steps as were possible for immediate
rehabilitation of University buildings and he urged
that the University should reopen in October.
understood that there is a strong demand locally for
an early reopening and that this has your support.
The Provisional Powers Committee established by
Order in Council has therefore authorized expenditure on equipment and the engagement of such minimum staff as will be necessary whatever the decision reached on
the recommendations of the Advisory Committee but these steps will be of little avail if the buildings cannot
LIW VIDEnem be occupied by the Autumn. I understand you have
instructed the P.W.D. to estimate the cost of minimum
and r
repairs and I should be grateful to know in the light of this estimate whether you agree that the necessary expenditure should be incurred from Hong Kong funds in the first instance and how soon it is thought
that the University buildings can be made habitable.
XX.