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resources.
He thought before trying to
ascertain the probable reactions of the Chinese
Government it should be made clear what financial
backing would be forthcoming from H.M.G.
Sir Humphrey Prideaux Brune said that the present
position in regard to the future of Hong Kong was
uncertain and he could offer no opinion as to the
attitude of the Foreign office to the project of
re-establishing a University on the broader basis.
He was not sure that it was prudent at this time
to suggest spending large sums of British money
towards this end..
The Chairman referring to a letter from
Dr. Joseph Needham (HKUAC 6) and the high status of some
of the Chinese Universities said that to aim at
something of less worth for Hong Kong even if it were
necessary to restrict the field, would he thought be
a negation of the
policy of the Founder.
Professor Hinton and other members of the Committee
were of opinion that if money were spent to establish a
first-class University and after a relatively short time
Hong Kong were returned to China such a University
would be justified as a continuing source of British
influence in China.
The Chairman read a letter which had been received
from Dr. Channon and said he thought there was virtual
committment to a University in Malaya. The Committee
agreed that such an institution need not effect discussion
of a University to serve the needs of Hong Kong and
China and that it was undesirable and inappropriate to
attempt to achieve a combined University.
The Chairman suggested that at the next meeting the
Committee should devote itself to making a "blue-print"
for a revived University adequately to represent British
standards. Such a blue print would provide a basis on
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