CO129-588-8 Hong Kong University- British Council scholarships and Rhodes Studentship 11-1-1941 - 17-12-1942 — Page 42

TELEPHONE

MANSION HOUSE 8541.

Dear Gent,

+

9, GRACE CHURCH STREET,

LONDON, E. C. 3.

March 25th, 1942. 25th,1942.

42

5

53

I have your letter of 23 rd instant with referen ce to £1,000 paid by the British Council to the Crown Agents for account of Hongkong University. If it can be assumed that the Governor of Hongkong actually paid over to the University the equivalent in Hongkong Dollars of the £1,000, then, in my opinion, the matter has passed from the control of the Crown Agents and any question of refund cannot be considered till such time as the Universi ty is in a position to account for the contribution. As most probably the Governor was advised of the credit by cable, I consider it beyond doubt that the amount was paid over, and therefore, as you say, has vanished with the rest of the funds.

Unless the Crown Agents wish to make a payment as an act of grace towards the British Council, I feel that no part of the £1,000 should be repaid and I certainly would not take the responsibility of paying from the University account with the Bank in London.

Yours sincerely,

a

G. E. J. Gent, Esq., C.M.G.,

Colonial Office,

Downing Street, S.W.1.