CO129-593-6 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45- Advisory Committee papers 1-1-1939 - 31-12-1946 — Page 122

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would be a very good hand to play and I am inclined to think that the academic approach would be the more fruitful at least to begin with, to judge from what Mr. Sloss tells us of his conversations with the Gerneralissimo and the Chinese Minister of Education. Opinions on this may differ, but I have no doubt but that we could togetner make out a strong brief for our champions and. I think we might draft one to help us judge the form. A8 Professor Digby has put it: "however much the post-war Chinese O o vernment may concentrate on Universities, they will fall far below her needs in the mere matter of the numbers they can train. Here is a noble opportunity for England to give friendly aid to China. *>

If a worthy University is to be established I do not think much early financial support should be expected from Hong Kong itself. Hong Kong nees to get liseli réhabilitated and its merchants, British and Chinese, will need all their money and the ir energies for that purpose.

It onld be bad for our prestige if they should be deflected from eficient material recovery. It will be time to ask them to contribute to the University when they have rebuilt their own houses and :ortune 3.

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If a great effort is to be made at Hong Kong, it is to Great Britain and to the Dominions that we must turn for adequate and assured finance, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada all have an interest in Hong Kong and in our prestige in East Asia. They pould probably follow a lead from Ele Majesty's Government and Treasury, Their attitude to the question, whether generally favourable or not, could be ascestained without very much delay, and I am of the opinion taal it "ould be most ill-advised to embark on any grandios • scheme: until we have reasonable hopes for adequate finance end the cooperation and good-will of the Chinese Government.

I think that, if skilfully presented, the canse for a great University at Hong Kong is more likely to help th,n to hinder a satisfactory and honourable settlement of the main Hong Kong issus and of our post-war relations with China, towerds the settlement of which the University question would be an excellent approach. Other Nations besides our own and Caina take a lively interest in Hong Song and its great port. If we show nobility and generosity of purpose our Flag will fly there in general approbation.

Should His Majesty's Government fail to reach an amicable settlement with China and should Hong Kong pronise to be a bed of discord I should rather pee the main British University in the East in Malaya. But I hope to see it flourish at Hong Kong. The situation is a challenging one.