40
(2 2.
"mind always the importance of co-
operation with the Universities and educational institutions of China.
I am
sure the importance of Haison with China is going to be a great factor in the future history of the University which numbers amongst its first students Dr. Sun Yat-sen. When I was in Chingking, the Generalissimo displayed great interest in the rebuilding of the University and spoke to me about the importance of getting the University going again as soon as possible, a view which I naturally very much shared with him".
This statement may suffice as answer to the fears that, in the changed conditions, the Chinese might not welcome an extended British University. Manifestly, to build up a worthy British University in the certainty or with a reasonable suspicion that it would not be welcome would be foolish. There is nothing in the recent experience of members of the Committee who know China to suggest this conclusion. But it might be referred to the Foreign Office which is able to speak with authority on the political value of our major proposal, and on how it would be received by the governing authorities in China. Acting on the evidence that we have, wamkure sketched in outline (Appendix II) what we think might be the next stage in an institution which in process of natural growth would become an effective British University for Hong Kong and China.