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 24

Professor Hinton's Suggestions - H.K.U.A.C. No. 34

Comments from G.H.Forster (Mrs L. Forster)

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I concur in the proposal to make the President of the Republic of China a Visitor to the University. That one of the Provincial Governors should be a Visitor was suggested by the Council of the original School of Medicine in Hong Kong. The creation of such an office should be pleasing to the authorit- ies in China and would secure a measure of interest and co-oper- ation from Nanking which is desirable; delegates such as the Governor of Kwangtung or Dr Hu Shih, for example, could give valuable assistance. A delegate of His Majesty also could only be a most welcome visitor and of great assistance in improving understanding.

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I regret, however, disagreement with Professor Hinton with whose ideas I have usually found my own in harmony his second suggestion.

If there should be any cleavage, or if there should appear to be any cleavage between the aims, efforts and aspira- tions of the University of Hong Kong and the Government of the Colony, and if in all their efforts they are not to be more closely identified with each other, then we might as well not re-open the University or indeed the Colony of Hong Kong. The function of the University will surely now be fully recognised by the Government, and that recognition will best be demonstrat- ed by full confidence and co-operation between the two. The office of Governor could be a centre of Hong Kong's liaison with China in all aspects, not excepting cultural relations. It is to be hoped that the past seeming cleavage between Colonial Office and Foreign Office opinion will no longer hinder the contribution which Hong Kong, its Governor, Government, University and people can make to understanding and friendship between British and Chinese.

Though in principle I hold the view that the University

should be free to select its own Chancellor t it could be willing to consider nominations from the British Government, Governor or China

the I think a Governor's Chancellorship, especially at this juncture, has a valuable social and political significance.

It is pre-eminently undesirable that the Government of Hong Kong should in any way dictate or hinder liberty of policy and opinion in the University, but given that full recognition of the true function of the University for which we now hope from the Government of the Colony and the community generally I think it should be fortified by active official interest at the highest level, particularly at the outset under the new Government.

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If the Governor of the Colony were not now in a key position in the University of Hong Kong, Chinese opinion might be adversely affected. His absence from close participation in University affairs might also adversely influence the attitude of government servants and the British community whose sympathies too must now be engaged. the influence of the University in China, it must be remembered

While seeking to extend that a considerable number of students will still come from Hong Kong and that the goodwill of the Government of Hong Kong and the community will be an important factor in the develop- ment of the University, and no reorganisation should sacrifice this valuable asset.

As Professor Hinton says, past Governors have usually

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