CO129-593-3 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45 12-1-1946 - 27-10-1946 — Page 50

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7. Those members of the Committee with knowledge of and conditions in China believe that Ohina sould welcome a University in Hong Kong on the lines recommended and, a you

Admiral Harcourt, «ho was in charge when the Colony was under military administration, in a speech which he made on the occasion of the conferment of emergeno, medical degrees, stated that Generalissimo Chiang rai Shek had personally expressed his interest in the re-establishment of the University.

8. with theme indications of present Chinose opinion, it scens that the case for a University in Hong Kong capable of catering for Chinese students from outside the Colony as well as covering the needs of the Oolony itself is as strong as, if not stronger than, it was in 1939, when, it is fair to say, only the outbreak. of war prevented His aajesty's Govertanent from taking steps in that direction. It is felt, therefore, that

This

some consideration has

the Committee's main recommendation should be accepted, will, of course, involve assistance from United - ingdom funds and it is suggested that a joint approach should be made by the Foreign office and the colonial Office to the Chancellor of the axchequer with a view to the scceptance by the Goverment of this recommendation and the financial assistance from United ingdon fudda which it involves. been given to the financial implications of the Committee's proposal in the Colonial Office and certain proposals have been put to the Gover.or of Hong Kong for his views. It is hoped that mis views will be available shortly, sad that definite proposals om be made within the next few days. The proposals put to the Governor, to which it is hoped he will après, would involve contributions from United (ington funds or 2500,000 towards the capital expenditure and 430,000 per annum toxarde the recurrent expeniiture.

9. Where 1a aame pressure ja long cong for an immediato re-opening of the University, but it is felt that who.. it is re-opened, there would be a clear decision on future policy and it has, therefore, been suggested to ti Governor that the re-opening should be deferred until the beginning of next your 1. the hope that a decisioı vill have been taken by then. This delay in the re-opening of the University, however, do68 give rise to difficulties and complications and might be misunderstood. For thesc reusono sad also beonuke sano part of any agreed financial provision from United Kingdom runds ougkat to be included in the 1947/8 ostiotes, an early decision is very desirable.

Colonial office,

October, 1946.

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