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 8

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Finance

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B

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On this see my minute of that date above.

With regard to paragraph I (e) or his note, it is true, as he says, that to give to the Committee authority to provide for the retirement of such officers as will not be required to serve in the re-opened University looks at first sight as if it would mean giving to the Committee dangerously arbitrary powers. It is understood from Mr. Slos however, that there are in fact only two members of the present staff apart from those whose contracts will run out in any case within the next few months whose contracts he considers should be terminated. See last column of 6. I think you agreed, therefore, that the power to terminate contract should be included in the authority which it is proposed the Committee should be given, but that there should be a "gentlemen's agreement" that the small Finance Committee would not in fact use this power without prior reference to yourself as Chairman of the Advisory Committee. On this ple.se see paragraph 5 of y minute of 19/11 above.

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The other point is in paragraph I (d) or Mr. Sloss' note. The suggestion that the Finance Committee should be authorized to eke staff appointments again seems at first sight to orde on the functions of the Advisory Committee. As explained in paragraph 7 of my minute of 19/11, however, I think that in fact the only appointment likely to come up for consideration in the Lear future is that of a Secretary. This is mentioned in paragraph 2 of lir. Sloss' covering letter on which I have minuted to you separately. Here again I think the safeguard would be that there should be a clear understanding that the Finance Committee would not make any appointments without reference to yourself and, if you consider it advisable, without reference to the Advisory Committee.

If on these understandings you agree that the functions of the Finance Committee should be as set out in Ir. Sloss' note, I will ask ir. Hastings, who prepared for us an Order in Council in connection: with the conferment or emergency medical degrees, (a copy of which I have attached at 9) to help us again in draïting this one.

The other action outstanding on this file is an informal approach to the Treasury re a grant to enable the University to meet its commitments to its staff on the basis of 5. I will take this up as soon as the file comes back to me.

I have attached a copy or the University calender which as far as I know is the only copy we have of the University Statutes. This will probably be needed in connection with the drafting of the Order in Council.

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