54147/47 Hong.Kong.
8th July, 1947.
35
123
Re-establishment of Hong Kong
University.
Thank you for your letter of the 18th June
I expect you will have seen the reply I gave to ¡r. Sorensen's question in the House on the 25th June, but in case you missed it I enclose a copy with this letter.
I am naturally disappointed that it has not yet been possible to mark any progress in regard to the rehabilitation of the University. The fact is of course that the measure we have in mind for its reconstitution and future development will entail very considerable expenditure, and in times of financial stringency like the present, all projects involving expenditure from the Exchequer have to undergo a very careful and detailed critical examination in relation to the many other calls which have to be met. I personally however am quite convinced of the soundness and indeed, necessity, of spending money on the University, and I am hopeful that the money will in fact be forthcoming.
quite apart from the intrinsic merits of the scheme we have in mind, a generous rehabilitation programe for the University wou id as you say, have definite political advantages. I can assure you that the fullest weight is being given to this point.
(sgå) A. CREECH JONES.
Dr. Rita Hinden.