CO129-531-10 Hong Kong University- encouragement of Chinese students to counteract American influence 30-5-1931 - 1-9-1931 — Page 78

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That the Secretary of State as President of the Empire Market-

ing Board should induce that Body to recognise the importance

of the University for British trade in the Far East and provide

a certain number of scholarships for Chinese students from

China to Hong Kong, and enlarge the engineering faculty, which

has

at present there.apex about 80 students.

That he should use his influence to obtain a grant from the

Colonial Development Fund to meet capital expenditure, (extension

of buildings &c.,).

X

Also to obtain out of the £200,000 allotted to the China Univ-

ersities Committee a certain number of scholarships for Hong

Kong graduates from the mainland of China to British Universi♦

ties and to be attached to industries here. Firms in Germany

and in America gladly attach Chinese as learners, and so get

orders for machinery &c., on their return. No single British

firm has done so, fearing they might divulge trade secrets!

Valuable assistance to Chinese graduates who wish to come to

England for a post graduate course would be afforded if steamship

lines would give free (or greatly reduced) passages to students

coming to England, especially in the off-season when passengers are

few. The Blue Funnel Line have done so occasionally. The P. & 0.

and Ben lines (cargo vessels) could also be asked.

Another matter which I think might appropriately be taken in

hand by the China Universities Committee in association with the

China Society, is the provision of a Hostel or Club for Chinese

Students in London. They are as a rule quiet law-abiding youths who

give little trouble, but they (like Indians and Africans) resent be-

ing put under control and regulations. A Club with some sleeping

accomodation would probably be the best. Mr. Silcock thinks the

China Committee might have its offices in the same building and this

would reduce the cost. He estimates the capital cost at £6,000.

x The Hong Kong degree is the only one accepted by Bri ti sh Univers-

ities. Its high standard is recognised.