CO129-588-9 Hong Kong University- relief work 11-8-1942 - 19-11-1943 — Page 17

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! statutes

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The discussion arranged in the minutes

above was held in Mr. Paskin's room this morning. Professor Channon, Dr.Kauntze, Mr. Roberts Wray and myself being present.

Professor Channon stated at the outset that he regarded the proposal put in the G.M.C's letter enclosed in 39, as a retrograde step in medical education since it involved virtually the recognition by the G.M.C. of Chinese degrees and might if pressed to its logical conclusion remove incentives of Chinese students to study at Hong Kong in future. Dr.Kauntze thought that the G.M.C. were relying on Dr.King's advice in the matter and that we could for our part leave the Executive Committee to raise this point if they so thought fit. What we had received so far was in fact only the views of the Registrar.

Mr.Roberts-Wray advised us that the legal position of the University in present circumstances might be summed up by saying that it existed but did not operate. Professor Channon pointed out that Universities in this country had in war time practically been given carte blanche to dispense with their (studies) by order in council and it was suggested that a preliminary

SRO.1855 order in council might be made which would allow

91939

for the modification of the Hong Kong University statutes and the constitution here of a Committee which could confer medical degrees on the lines suggested in the G.M.C's letter. Academically the Committee would have to be guided by the advice of Dr.King but it would be useful to include on it other interested persons such as Sir William Peel and Mr. Morse. The Comittee might also, I suggest, relieve Mr. Morse of some of the financial responsibilities he has assumed in respect of the University.

Mr.Roberts-Wray pointed out that there was already a statute which allowed that persons granted a degree in medicine and surgery need only spend two out of their five years course at the University of Hong Kong and Professor Channon strongly urged us to maintain this stipulation for two years attendance in any regulations we might make for deferred degrees in free China. The problem of the

student