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 153

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the Foreign Office and the Treasury with the proposal that, subject to the concurrence of the se.Departments, the Secretary of State would inform the Governor of His Majesty's Government's general approval of the maintenance of the University's aim, and their appreciation of the fact that financial assistance from sources outside the Colony would be necessary. The Foreign Office concyrred in the proposed reply, adding that in their opinion "the University is a valuable instrument for propagating british ideals and spreading British influence in China, and that it should be given all the support and assistance possible in increasing its usefulness in this respect." The outbreak of War made it impracticable however to pursue the question of financial

ssistance and expansion.

Now, five-and-a-half years later, the future of Hong Kong University has again to be considered as a matter of practical importance. Established under the aegis of the Colonial Office is an expanding group of Officers who it is intended should form the nucleus of the Civil Affairs Administration when Hong Kong is liberated. The plans being drawn up by thie Unit are concerned inter alia with the general need for an educational policy and the particular need for doctors and teachers in the conditions that will obtain when we first return. The re-organisation and re-equipment of the University is, therefore, regarded as a measure to be undertaken with urgency.

It is clear that there will have to be something very like a restart, since apart from the problems

rising from the loss of buildings and equipment and the non-availability of staff, there will have been complete interruption of matriculation and graduation. Inevitably therefore, the policy to be adopted towards the University assumes from the moment of reoccupation a long aspect. That the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Slose, feels this very strongly is evidenced by the fact that 46 has contrived to send to the Colonial Office from the camp in Hong Kong where he is interned, a note urging that à decision should be reached now ac tu whether the University is to be regarded. ve on instrument of Britich policy in china or an institution for Be fulfilment of local needs only. If a decision on tala

portant point were not made before the liberation of Hong Kong, be difficulties of re-establishing the University in any catisfactory form would be greatly increased.

In support of the wider aim Sir. F. Prideau-Bruns in a paper (E. (44) 10 of the 30th November 1944) which has already been considered by the Par Eastern Committee has pointed out that the future prosperity and welfare of the foreign community in China will be largely affected by the attitude and outlook of the Chinese educated cleuses. It has also been pointed out that up till now it is largely to America that China has turned for help in the educational field, whilst, unfortunate as it may be, Britain is associated in the Chinese mina with questione of commerce rather than culture. It seems, to the Colonial Office. therefore, that from the chaos of wer an opportunity has arisen which can be used to establish the University finally on the

ines intended by its founder and prove it to be an important practical constitution to Anglo-Chinese goodwill and understanding in the future.

Offices of the

ar Cabinet,

S. W. 1.

20TH FEBRUARY, 1945.