Hong Kong to consider these important matters on the spot (without which it feels unable to make its recommendation) until March next, and in the meantime the University's final decisions on planning are held up. An important letter emphasising the Secretary of State's concern over continued support for the Hong Kong University has recently been sent to Mr. Adams for the information of the Inter-University Council following discussions between the Department, Mr. Walter Adamse and Mr. C.W.M. Cox.
In general, I think it would not be reasonable to charge the Government of Hong Kong with any laissez faire attitude over education. Looking at the Hong Kong rehabilitation picture generally, I feel that the Education Department is doing the best it can with the means (labour, material, etc.) available to encourage and develop education in Hong Kong, but that its skilled labour and material are alike limited and are thinly spread, having regard to the vary large amount of other reconstruction work not yet completed in the Colony.
Now in addition has had to undertake as part of its military effort a large amount of construction work, temporary camps, etc. not only for the military but for refugees, etc. I should certainly wish to see the progress of education moving at a faster tempo, but it is, in my view, no use flogging the willing horse.
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