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 24

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There are several matters outstanding on this file and I apologise for the delay in sending it forward.

The fact that Hong Kong is now in our hands again makes it necessary, I think, to reconsider our plans for the establishment of a Committee to represent the University. Mr. Sloss, the Vice Chancellor and a strong supporter of an enlarged University capable of being regarded as an expression of British culture in the Far East is (or very soon will be) on his way home from internment. No doubt others of his colleagues on the staff of the University will be with him, and it will probably be agreed that, in these circumstances, it would be inappropriate for a Committee to be set up until Mr. Sloss can be consulted and take part in its deliberations.

This might, however, mean delay in taking steps towards the rehabilitation of the University for two or three months and the question arises, therefore, whether any work could usefully be done in the meanwhile in estimating, and possibly collecting the supplies and equipment which will be needed before the University can re-open.

I do not know whether such work could suitably be undertaken by a potential Registrar, but we have received an application from a Mr. John Wilson in this connection (183). It was suggested (I think at the meeting held on the 29th of December last, although it is not so recorded at (9)) that it would probably be necessary to appoint at least one full-time officer to undertake the details of planning for the restoration of the University, and that such an officer might act as Secretary to the proposed Committee and later become Registrar of the University. (It will be recollected

that Lt. Davis, now Chief Printer in the Hong Kong Planning Unit, was at one time proposed for this post).

The position in regard to Mr. Wilson is that Mr. Thomson sent him an interim reply to his letter, a copy of which is behind 18B, and we referred to the Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh University for an opinion on his suitability for the post in mind. The Vice Chancellor's reply is at (35).

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I am not sure that, in the new circumstances, should be justified in holding out to Mr. Wilson the prospect of becoming Registrar in Hong Kong University until we know the position as regards the present Registrar. Nevertheless ? we might take up the reference suggested by the Vice Chancellor at the end of his letter (35) and consider whether there is anyone who meanwhile could be looking into the question of supplies and equipment.

With regard to Sir Andrew Caldicott's letter at (28) Mr. Gent may like (a) to invite him to have an informal discussion on the points raised in it, with himself and Mr. Cox, or (b) to write to Sir.A.Caldicott saying that his arguments have been carefully studied but that, in view of the changes which have taken place since our original proposal to establish a Committee, and as it is hoped that the Vice Chancellor and other members of the staff of the University will soon be in this country, it seems best that the matter should be left in suspense until it can be discussed with himself, Mr. Sloss and members of the Colonial Office.

I submit two alternative drafts.

6. 9.45.