CO129-567-12 Hong Kong University 24-1-1938 - 24-1-1938 — Page 9

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Mr. Cowell.

The only question on which the Governor

asks for instructions from the Secretary of State,

a question kept open so far at the wish of the Secretary of State, is whether the idea of an enquiry

by outside experts in the near future should now

In view of the Governor's definitely be abandoned.

strong recommendation to this effect, and in view of his concurrence, and apparently that of the Vice Chancellor, in the action on the report resulting by the University, it seems necessary now to drop the idea. We can rely on the Governor's judgment and knowledge of local conditions and on the Vice Chan- cellor's expert knowledge of University affairs

under Eastern conditions.

Both the Governor and

the Vice Chancellor approached the Commission's report with impartial minds, and had not previously Their views are objec- been committed in any way.

tive and completely impartial.

For the same reasons, and in view also of the constitutional position of the University, it would be unwise in my opinion for the Secretary of State to attempt to formulete any views on the course of action adopted or proposed by the Univer-

sity.

He has at his disposal no expert advice backed by local knowledge that would justify criti-

The more obviously cism or suggested amendment.

objectionable features of the Commission's report have, I think, been mitigated by the subsequent debates in the University. The only alternative to an enquiry on the spot by outside experts is acquiescence by the Secretary of State.

This need