CO129-593-3 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45 12-1-1946 - 27-10-1946 — Page 118

Conf, Code

INWARD TELEGRAM

COPY FOR REGISTRATION

53118

FROM HONG KONG (Sir M. Young)

TO S. OF S., COLONIES.

D. 12th September, 1946. R. 12th

No. H.K, 1009 Confidential.

Hong Kong University.

Following for Lloyd. Begins.

aard by 83

09.10 hrs.

Thank you for your letter of 17th August and advance proof of Committee's report. I had hoped that Committee would not adopt the view that if their main recommendation is not accepted, the University, as such, must be wound up and I am glad to see that you doubt the soundness of this view, I confirmed that I entirely disagree with it.

As regards immediate action, if there is a possibility that University will not re-open at all I must necessarily agree to postponement of re-opening until, at the earliest, January 1947. I should like to issue an announcement about recommencement of some classes and opening of hostels for October or perhaps November, but no date can be given for this until we get matriculation results and intimation of arrival of staff. Simpson has telegraphed for this information and as soon as it is received I will consider terms of announcement and question of enlarging the Committee.

It is, of course, most undesirable that the public should suspect that there is any question of the University ceasing to exist as such, and it is going to be difficult/