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 96

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could be justified.

*

It is

In his unclassified telegram of 28th January

the Commander in Chief stated that he proposed to

take such steps as were possible for immediate

rehabilitation of University buildings and he urged

that the University should reopen in October.

understood that there is a strong demand locally for

an early reopening and that this has your support.

The Provisional Powers Committee established by

Order in Council has therefore authorized expenditure on equipment and the engagement of such minimum staff as will be necessary whatever the decision reached on

the recommendations of the Advisory Committee but these steps will be of little avail if the buildings cannot

LIW VIDEnem be occupied by the Autumn. I understand you have

instructed the P.W.D. to estimate the cost of minimum

and r

repairs and I should be grateful to know in the light of this estimate whether you agree that the necessary expenditure should be incurred from Hong Kong funds in the first instance and how soon it is thought

that the University buildings can be made habitable.

XX.