H.K.U.A.C.
No. 34.
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HKUAT. NO 39
Comments from G.H. Forster (Mrs. L. Forster)
I concur in the proposal to make the President of the Republic of China a Visitor R to the University. That one of the Provincial Governors should be a Misitor was suggested by the Council of the original School of Mådicine in Hong Kong. The creation at such an office should be pleasing to the authorities in China and would secure a messure of interest and cooperation from Nanking which is desirable; delegates suck as the Governor of Kwang- tung or Dr. Hu Shih, for example, could give valuable assistance. A dele- gate of His Majesty also could only be a most welcome visitor and of great assistance in improving understanding.
with whose
I regret, however, disagreement with Professor Hinton ideas I have usually found my own in harmony on his second suggestion.
If there should be any cleavage, or if there should appear to be any cleavage between the aims, efforis and aspirations of the University of Hong Kong and Shn Government of the Colony, and if in all their efforts they are not to be more closely identified with each other, then we might as well not re-open the University or indeed the Colony of Hong Kong. The function of the University will surely now be fully recognised by the Gov- ernment, and that recognition will best be demonstrated by full confidence end cooperation between the two. The office of Governor could be a centre of Hong Kong's liaison with China in all aspects, not excepting cultural relations. It is to be hoped that the past secming cleavage between Colon- ial Office and Foreign Office opinion will no longer hinder the contribu- tion which Hong Kong, its Governor, Government, University and people can make to understanding and friendship between British and Chinese.
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Though in principle I hold the view that the University should be free to select its own Chancellor it could be willing to consider nominations from the British Government, the Governor or China I think a Governor's Chancellorship, especially at this juncture, has a valuable social and political significance.
It is pre-eminently undesirable that the Government of Hong Kong should in any way dictate or hinder liberty of policy and opinion in the University
for which we now hope from the Government of the Colony and the community generally I think it should be fortified by active official interest at the highest level, particularly at the outset under the new Government.
If the Governor of the Colony were not now in a key position in the University of Hong Kong, Chinese opinion might be adversely affected. His absence from close participation ir University affairs night also adversely influence the attitude of government servants and the British community whose sympathies too must now be engaged. While seeking to extend the influence of the University in China, it must be remembered that a considerabiu number of students will still come from Hong Kong and that the goodwill of the Govern- ment of Hong Kong and the cumunity will be an important factor in the devɛl- opment of the University, and no reorganisation should sacrifice this valuable asset.
wand
As Professor Hinton says, pasi Governors have usually been aware of the importance of the work of the University notably Lord Lugard, Sir Cecil Clementi and Sir Geoffry Northcote, and Sur Claud Severn when he was Acting- Governor and Colonial Secretary.
Sir Mark Young's meeting with the Advisory Canttee augurated extremely well for the new fucre,
It might however be advisable to limit the number of Governant represen- tatives on University bodies.
I think also that this is no time for the creation of a super post of Chancellor on the lines which Professor Hinton suggests. The appointment of a Chancellor who was an active member of the Univwsity's administration would give a new meaning to.this office from an English standpoint and a new interpretation also to the office of Vice-Chancellor, It would necessarily lower the status of the Vice-Chancellor and exclude candidates who normally could be approached to occupy the post. It would certainly limit the area
of choice.
The liaison with China can easily be maintained by a Vice-Chancellor and by the staff of the University seeing that any part of China can now be
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