:
(1)
Mr. Adams,
Cas
Orge sent
m.
4
54403/2/48.
An's (6),
57
1. We spoke this afternoon about your note of the 6th May sending Mr. Sloss' proposals for grants to Hong Kong University (amounting in all to £255,000) from the central C.D. & W. allocation for higher education.
2. I have discussed with Mr. Cox and he, I understand, has discussed with you, I think we are all in agreement that these proposals should be put before the Executive Committee of the Inter- University Council on the 21st May, so that they may consider them from the academic angle.
3.
Before however the Colonial Office could comment on these proposals it would be necessary to have the recommendations of the Governor of Hong Kong. These we have not had.
4. I understand from you that it might be possible for the Grants Committee to give some preliminary consideration to the proposals without their having an official reference from the Colonial Office - if only so that they might become acquainted with the sort of claim it is desired to stake. But obviously it must be made clear at some stage that the proposals have the support of the Hong Kong Government and of the Colonial office.
5. It occurs to me that Mr. 8lose might like to discuss his proposals with the Governor on his return to Hong Kong so that the Governor may then send us his recommendations for submission formally to the Grants Committee. If the meeting of the Grants Commissee is so imminent that there would not be time for this we could perhaps telegraph the substance, of Mr. Sloss's proposals to the Governor and ask them to telegraph back his comments. This would not however be so satisfactory, particularly as it might be of value to the Governor to know of the comments (if any) of the Inter-University Council before making his recommendations and, if Mr. Sloss will still be in this country for the meeting of the Inter- University Council he would presumably be aware of these comments and could inform the Governor of them.
6. Perhaps you would be able to discuss the matter with Mr. Sloss in the light of the above. We also would of course like to discuss this question with him.
7. If you are having copies of Mr. Sloss's letter to you and of its enclosure made for the Inter-University Council I should be very grateful if some copies could be made for us.
h.
11.5.48.