CO129-455 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [7-9] — Page 7

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PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM from the Officer Administering the

Government of Hong Kong to the Secretary of State for the

Colonies.

107

11.55.3, 19

F/35320

(Dated 2nd July Received Colonial Office 1.

July, 1919.)

With reference to your cypher telegram June 21st

hitherto I have refrained from remarking on serious injury

which Eliot's absence has caused to the University from a

desire to assist Foreign Office and not to interfere with

his prospect of obtaining a permanent diplomatic post.

As he has been continuously in East for over 7 years he will

of necessity require long leave after termination of his work

in Siberia and he will therefore not be available until the

end of next year at earliest for the University. The great

increase in the number of students and in the staff and

financial position of the University referred to in my des-

patch 5th May confidential renders it essential that there

should be a responsible and experienced man as Vice Chancellor. I should be glad to know whether Sir Matthew Bathan would be

willing to act for about 15 months from middle September

if he can be seconded. If he would I would consult University

authorities and telegraph terms.

SEVERN.

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