CO129-593-2 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45. Includes 32 photographs depicting-... 10-1-1945 - 20-1-1946 — Page 207

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both of which were chiefly conditioned by the University's

income. Indeed, at that time, it was in serious financial straits. The Committee stated, and on this there has been general agreement, that to carry out the original aim of the University in respect of China, a substantial increase in its income must be made available. Inasmuch as Hong Kong would

be acting in this matter on behalf of the British Empire as a whole, it was suggested that the Colony had a right to look to the British Government for help in defraying the increased scale of expenditure that would be necessary a. scale that would need to be much higher than would be appropriate for an institution designed merely to serve the Colony.

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The Committee's recommendations, and the Governor's views (which were in strong support of them), were reported fully to the Foreign Office and the Treasury with the proposal that, subject to the concurrence of these Departments, the

Secretary of State would inform the Governor of H.M.G.'s

general approval of the maintenance of the University's

aim, and their appreciation of the fact that financial assistance from sources outside the Colony would be necessary The Foreign Office concurred in the proposed reply, adding that in their opinion "the University is a valuable instrument for propagating British ideals and spreading British influence in China, and that it should be given all the support and assistance possible in increasing its usefulness in this respect." The outbreak of war made it impracticable however to pursue the question of financial assistance and expansion.

•

Now, five-and-a-half years later, the future of Hong Kong University has again to be considered as a matter of practical importance. Established under the aegis of the Colonial Office is an expanding group of Officers who it is intended should form the nucleus of the Civil Affairs Administration when Hong Kong is liberated. The plans being draw up by this Unit are concerned inter alia with the general need for an educational policy and the particular need for

octors and teachers in the conditions that will obtain when

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we