250
A
4
the training of teachers and for Hygiene and Public Health, we shall get additional help. But we already are spread too wide: our commitments are so multitudinous that there is not money enough to do any single thing well. I am all in favour of excising two Engineering professorships and cutting down by at least one third the cost of administration, which is, I think, wastefully conceived. If the necessity arises other professorships in which nothing more at present than VIth Form work inheres will come under the axe.
This is all rather a dreary story but I don't thing the position is desperate. No-one can say how things will go in China after this fighting ends. Hong Kong is full of Chinese University and professional men and we are trying to give facilities for their continuing their work: surprisingly few, however, have taken advantage of the chances offered. At the moment we are trying to organize a University Red Cross unit to collaborate with either the Chinese Red Cross in Kwantung or with a League of Nations Epidemological unit, the British section, in the Yangtse Valley. Whether we can do anything remains uncertain, but if we can, it should do something towards putting us in the right relation with the Southern Chinese.
As you may see, there is no lack of incident in the work here and so far it has all been very interesting. I am not convinced that a Commission from England is necessary: at the moment I strongly feel that we should set our house in order by our own efforts before asking for such help. In advocating certain changes and economies, I think I can rely on the support of those of my colleagues whose judgment and work I respect and we shall get the support of the Governor who is genuinely interested. If at the end of six months I think that the job is beyond me and if I can get the Governor's acquiescence, I think we shall get the Commission. But, at the moment, I feel that I had more difficult situations and more difficult people to deal with in Rangoon and therefore am not disposed to cry yet for external help.
If we end in deadlock then, I think, a Commission will be necessary. I shall let you know in good time if I see things moving towards this end.
Yours sincerely,
Vice-Chancellor.
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