the proposal in my letter of the 23rd August
that we should now attempt to find funds from
sources available to Hong Kong (including C. D. & W.
moneys) for the purpose of making a start at least
with the realisation of the Committee's recommendations,
on the understanding that any such expenditure will
be eligible for repayment from any grant subsequently
made from U. K. funds when the financial situation
here improves.
We are asking the Governor by telegram for his
views on whether local support would be forthcoming
on a substantial and generous scale if we were able to
make an announcement to the effect that H.M.G. view
the Committee's recommendations with sympathy; that,
although their present financial situation precludes them
from assisting the University financially for the time
being, they will be prepared to give the question further
favourable consideration when the financial situation
here improves; and that meanwhile certain sums (if in
fact we succeed in finding any) are being found from other
sources, including C.D. & W. Funds, without prejudice to
an eventual grant from the Imperial Government. We will let
you have the Governor's views on this as soon as possible,
but meanwhile we would be grateful if you would consider,
in conjunction with the proposals in my letter of the 23rd
August, the possibility of our making an announcement
somewhat on the above lines, assuming the Governor's view
is that it would be likely to secure substantial contributions
from local private sources.
I am sending a copy of this letter to Orme Sargent.
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