CO129-454 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [4-6] — Page 401

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requisitioning of ships to this object, and if Your Lordship approves of this proposal I should be glad to learn by tele-

-graph.

3.

The University is now making great efforts to cope with the demands made on it. The Staff of Professors

and Lecturers in ech faculty is being increased, and the

conditions are being made sufficiently attractive to secure men of a high standard. Though many of the students have hitherto come from the Straits Settlements and Federated

Malay States Sir Charles Eliot considers that it is to China

that we must look almost entirely for students in future, and

our efforts are, therefore, being directed to that object. A new and promising source has also recently been found in Siam, where the King is taking a keen interest in the matter, and it is probable that five students will be sent to the

University every year.

4.

There is I understand a movement on foot

to start a University in the Straits Settlements, but, however, that may be our policy in the future will be to look to

China and Siam for the bulk of our students. Even with the

increased staff it will hardly be possible to provide effect- -ively for more than three hundred students, and that is the

maximum number at present in view.

5.

I would prefer to await the arrival of the Governor before making proposals for the disposal of the balance of the money available.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient,

humble servant,

Amotivem

Officer Administering the Government.