CO129-567-12 Hong Kong University 24-1-1938 - 24-1-1938 — Page 219

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Hong Kong University.

Note of a talk with Sir William Hornell on

2nd February.

(Mr. Gent was present).

Sir William Hornell emphasised the great

financial difficulties of the University at

present, owing to Shanghai and other similar

investments. He thought that Dr. Sloss had

begun well, and that his judgement could be

depended on. He saw no objection to the sending

out of experts from home, and hoped that the

University could be got to ask for them. He

thought it essential that such experts should

have some idea as to whether it was definitely

part of the British imperial policy that the Uni-

versity should be an instrument of influence in

China.

Development with such an aim in view would

require far more funds than could possibly be ob-

tained locally. He did not himself think that in

normal times the University, however well financed,

could compete effectively with the very large number

of efficient Universities in China, many of which

were supported by funds raised outside China.

thought that the local Commission's Report was

tactlessly worded, but substantially true and

useful, in its condemnation of a good deal of work

Evidently that had been done in the University.

He

he had a poor impression of several members of the stuff, and he regarded the general standard of work

If the outside the Medical Department as low.

University is to be re-organised, with reference

mainly to local needs, the employment of University

graduates in more responsible Government posts