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 95

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DRAFT TELEGRAM

GOVERNOR,

HONG KONG.

7

(26)

+

ry!

My telegram No. 378 and your telegram No.52: Understand that the question has been raised of

source from which cost of minimum first aid

repairs to University buildings may be met.

University has no funds available to meet such

costs and will therefore be obliged either

•I

(a) to secure an overdraft from the Hong

Kong and Shanghai Bank or

(b) to seek a further loan from the

Hong Kong Government.

(My despatch No. 22 of

the 24th May gives details of the loang already

made). If the recommendations of the Hong Kong

University Advisory Committee are accepted the

I I

Treasury will be asked for a large sum from

United Kingdom funds in the fairly near future for the permanent rehabilitation of the Universit

but it cannot be expected that this proposal

1

will be put to the Treasury in the imme

mmediately

future since the Advisory Committee's Report has

unes the not yet been received and another be considered

in consultation with yourself and the

Foreign Office. Would you agree therefore that the cost of immediate minimum repairs might be

made from Hong Kong Government funds, the expenditure to be considered as recoverable from any compensation awarded in respect of war damage and losses. This would mean in effect an advance payment in respect of any compensatio eventually awarded, but in view of the special position of the University vis a vis the

Government you may decide that such a course

/could