CO129-593-3 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45 12-1-1946 - 27-10-1946 — Page 195

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C.A.A. Medical Branch,

Hong Kong & Shanghai Bk. Elc Hong Kong,

9th February, 1946. 209

Miss A.. Ruston, Colonial Office, Downing Street, London, S.W.1.

Dear Miss Ruston,

I do not think I have written to you since 15th August, just before my return to Hong Kong. I left Chungking at the end of August, and, after a few days delay in Kunming, reached-Hong Kong again on 7th September on the same day that one of the first parties of C.Ă. members arrived from England. Since then i have been busy acting as A.D.M.S. (C.A.) under he direction of Colonel Fehily.

The magnitude of the problems confronting us when we got back was immense, but it has been very encouraging to see a degree of .order slowly evolving out of chaos. I have greatly enjoyed the work, though of course I am anxious to get back to my real job in the Uni- versity as soon as possible.

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I am enclosing an official acknowledgement of Sir G.E.J. Gent' letter of 19th December (Ref. 53611/7/45) inviting me to become a mem- ber of the Hong Kong University Medical Degrees Emergency Committee. I am sorry to say that the letter did not contain the copy of the order- in-Council said to be attached for reference. None of the other members received a copy either, and I should be glad if we might receive one an early date as our further action is held up pendingits arrival. Hazlerigg has drafted out a provisional form of procedure, and we ar prepared to act as soon as

soon as we receive the text of the Crder-in-Counci

Regarding the future of the University, I am receiving con- stant enquires as to when we shall re-open, and it is my opinion that we should make every effort to open at the beginning of October. The Commander-in-Chief is strongly in favour of this and after inspecting the University at the beginning of last week sent a telegram to Mr. Sloss as follows:-

From Rear Admiral Sir Cecil Harcourt ΤΟ Colonial Office for D.J. Sloss.

After inspection of University I am in favour of immediate reha- bilitation of certain buildings and propose accordingly to take such steps as are possible under present limitations. Lrge re- opening in October and prior return of staff members who are fit within age limit. Suggest also that new personnel be engaged to fill vacancies caused by death or retirement. Suggest immediate placing of orders for textbooks, apparatus and equipment. As soon as you have set the above in motion your presence in tiong Kong wil be of inestimable value.

I am enclosing a copy of a letter 1 have just sent to hr. Sloss on the whole subject, which gives all the details. Any assister which you can give us from the Colonial Office side will be very welcom indeed.

with kind regards.

Yours sincerely,