CO129-593-3 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45 12-1-1946 - 27-10-1946 — Page 177

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and give such facilities as would enable the work to be done quickly, the expenditure being recoverable from any compensation eventually awarded.

The Hong Government would of course have to consider the possible repercussion of such a procedure, on the other claimants for compensation, but in view of the spécial position of the University vis a vis the Government may be able to treat this as an exceptional case.

I attach a draft of a telegram which, if you agree, I think we might rend to Sir Mark Young. We should consult the Treasury perhaps before sending it, but I would like to have your views first.

You mentioned the question of reparations from Japan. I am afraid that this is not likely to be of much immediate or practical assistance. I understand that the United Kingdom, Burma and the Colonies together are likely to receive less than 20 per cent of the total reparations to be obtained from Japan, and that less than half of this is likely to go to the Colonies and Burma. The small percentage that is eventually allocated to Hong Kong will I imagine be put into the general fund from which all claims will be met.

Yours sincerely,

P.S. Since dictating this letter the attached telegram

No. 521 has come in from Hong Kong. I am glad to see that things are moving.