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 40

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up another Committee of the University Court to consider

what dovld be d'me within the limits of tho finds availablo

to widcal and extual the Univorelity's activities, not only

for the benefit of Hong Kong, but in the interests of

friendly relations with China. The Committee reported (summary of recommendations in paper H.K. V.A.C. No.22); its

Report was accepted by the Governor and sent with his strong

support to the Secretary of State. The Committee had

realised that even the very modest proposals for development

that it ventured to make would cost far more than was a fair

charge on Colonial resourcos; that if the political function

of the University was regarded as or importance, it was

essential that His Majesty's Government should help both by

way of an initial grant for dofelopment and of annual grants

for maintenance.

F.0. and C.0. APPROVAL.

The Vice-Chancellor was deputed to

visit London in the University vacation

Ideals.

of 1939. The Colonial office was disposed to support

the schemes of devolopment and added very materially

in gaining the good will of the Foreign Office.

The outbreak of war put an end to converaations, but the Senrélaly of for the Colonies in a letter to the Governor

of Hong Kong dated November 9th, 1939, gave his approval

of the scheme of development, suggested that a beginning

should be made towards its achieving, and quoted the

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Lord Halifax, as

sharing his view and being of the opinion that "the

University was a valuable instrument for propagating British Lowls

Pets and spreading British influence in China, and that it

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