CO129-593-5 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45- Provisional Powers Committee 21-8-1946 - 23-12-1946 — Page 6

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committee is to be convened as an ad hoc body for the purpose of advising on the rehabilitation of the University, it might well consider the position prejudiced if it were found that another body had in fact prejudged the position in regard to staff. On examination of the University staff list, however, it emerged that Mr. Sloss was only likely to recommend that the services of two members of the staff should be terminated in addition to those due for retirement in any case within the next twelve months. It was thought therefore that this matter could best be handled by proposing that Mr. Caine's name should be added to the membership of the small committee and that there should be a gentlemen's agreement that Mr. Cox, as chairman of the larger committee, should be kept informed of any action which the small committee proposed to take by way of terminating contracts. Mr.Sloss felt that Mr. Caine would be a particularly acceptable addition to the membership of the small committee, even though he only attended its meetings in connection with the termination of contracts, since he had in the past been a member of the University Council itself.

(6) In regard to the list of European staff enclosed with (3), Mr. Sloss states that the position is as in the note I have added at (6). From this it will be seen that there are four members whose contract will expire within the next twelve months and the two members already mentioned, who, in Mr. Sloss's view, should not return to Hong Kong. The large committee it is thought would think it reasonable that the contracts of the four should be terminated since this would have the effect of clearing the ground for their recommendations rather than prejudging the issue. The question of the two it was thought might well be settled in consultation with Mr. Cox and, if he thought necessary, the larger committee.

(7) Finally, Mr. Sloss suggested that the small committee should have powers to make temporary new appointments until such time as the University Council is reconstituted.

Here again,

the intention is not to encroach on the terms of reference of the larger committee, but to provide the means if necessary to appointing a secretary or clerical help or possibly - if recommended by the larger committee - a member of the teaching staff who might be required in Hong Kong in advance of the restitution of the University proper. Mr. Sloss will write confirm- ing these points and defining what powers it is necessary for the small committee to assume in order to carry out the functions proposed above.

(8) With regard