CO129-594-2 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45- Advisory Committee report 1-7-1946 - 19-8-1946 — Page 92

-6-

need and opportunity for a University in Hong Kong which could serve the purpose originally envisaged for it by Lord Lugard namely "the maintenance of good understanding with the neighbouring country of China". The Foreign Office in 1939 had recorded its opinion "that 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". During the war, in February 1945, the Colonial Office expressed to the Far Eastern Committee set up by the War Cabinet its conviction that "from the chaos of war an opportunity has arisen which can be used to establish the University finally on lines intended by its founder and prove it to be an important practical contribution to Anglo-Chinese goodwill and understanding in the future". In August, 1945, the chief representative in China of the British Council, commenting on the function which the University could perform in cementing close cultural relations and friendship with China, stated that "whatever the future extension of the activities of the British Council in China, it is probably true to say that Hong Kong University is, potentially, the largest single 'cultural' contribution to Chinese reconstruction which Great Britain is capable of contributing". The Committee endorses these opinions, the force of which has been increased by the shape of developments since the end of hostilities.

RELEVANCE OF A UNIVERSITY AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR THIS PURPOSE.

9. A university, by the freedom of its discussions, by the dis-interested character of its pursuit of knowledge, by the width of its interests, is a peculiarly fitting instrument to represent the cultural heritage and activities of Great Britain. As a community of students devoted to the advancement of learning it is a living thing, in the growth and adaptation of which all associated with it can share. The profound and permanent effect it has on its members, whether teachers or taught, is demonstrated in all countries by the loyalties of graduates, most of whom experienced its influence during the formative years of their maturity. The depth and intimacy of understanding though not necessarily agreement, among those of differing classes, creeds and races that comes from living together for a period of years with the common purpose of learning for its own sake, in all the informality of debate and mutual education which constitutes the life of a university, is greater than can be provided by almost any other means, such as travel or the diffusion of literature. As an instrument for "the maintenance of good understanding" between the British and Chinese peoples, a university has immense potentiality.

10. Equally with the function of making British standards and scholarship accessible to China, a university in Hong Kong could contribute to the understanding of China by Great Britain. The need for such understanding requires no emphasis. The appropriateness of a university, situated at the chief point of direct contact between the two cultures, as a vehicle for such mutual interpretation and study also requires no elaborate explanation; it is continuous, adaptable, unofficial. if it creates a condition of mutual confidence and respect, it can provide opportunities for truly informed appreciations of Chinese developments in all spheres.

Further

/11.

119