24
Mr. Gent.
You will I think wish to see this file in connection with Dr. Sloss' visit tomorrow.
Unfortunately it has been missing for some time and it was only yesterday after a search list had proved fruitless that it occurred to me Mr. Paskin might have it. Mr. Paskin had intended to minute on the file on the immediate action which might be taken to order the minimum essential supplies and equipment needed before the University can be re- opened. He has, however, not been well enough to do so.
On this account the draft of a reply to Sir Andrew Caluecott's letter at (29) has not reached you. You will probably wish now to wait until we have had a talk with Dr. Sloss.
The letter at (38) from the British Council's representative in Chungking (which I had not reąd until today) is of considerable interest, particularly the opinion that "Hong Kong University is potentially the largest single cultural
contribution to Chinese reconstruction which Great Britain is capable of contributing".
I had a brief talk with Dr. Sloss yesterday and it seems to me that two main problems now demand consideration; -
(a) The policy which is to govern our planning in the future of the University, and
(b) The detailed questions of administration including those connected with staff and those students, (Dr. Sloss mentioned White Russians and others) who had been in internment.
0
As to (a) Dr. Sloss tells me that there is nothing left at all of the University and that it will have to be reconstituted from the beginning", In his view this endorses the need for a decision now as to whether or not it is going to be regarded as an Imperial responsibility. To discuss this, it
might be useful to call an informal meeting to which it seems
the following should be inviteŭ:-
ܧ ܩܫܘ
Mr. Gent.
Mr. Cox.
تو
Dr. Kauntze.
Mr. N.L. Smith.
Mr.
Sterndale-Bennett.
Dr. Sloss.
Mr. Morse.
? Sir Andrew Caldecott.
? Someone from the Treasury.
? Someone from the British Council.
lish
I told Dr. Sloss of our intention to establis
a small informal Committee to represent the
University and explained that, in fact, it had not met. The two members of this proposed Committee who are
ced the names suggested above are
Dr. R.E. Priestley and Mrs. L. Foirster.
Dr. Sloss is coming in before his meeting with you tomorrow morning to look at the relevant files which I have here ready for him so that he may be appraised of the situation.
Dibe
11. 10. 45.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.