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 98

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Dominion) staff, and that opportunity for training in the United Kingdom should always be provided for Chinese members who have not already had such training.

(f) Scholarships.

22. Lastly, the system of scholarships and aided maintenance within Hong Kong which it will be necessary to establish for students from China should be as flexible as possible. It should provide for both undergraduate and postgraduate students while it is hoped that many of such scholars will return to China to become teachers in schools, college s and universities, the scholarships should not be restricted to that vocational purpose. The scheme should be adaptable enough to cover short-term and "refresher" courses. One

of its special features should be to enable graduates of Chinese universities to undertake research and other forms of post-graduate activity at the University of Hong Kong (for example, professional studies in the social sciences and specialist training in medicine).

THE NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITY FOR A WORTHY UNIVERSITY.

23. The Committee realized that there were many practical difficulties such as the present acute shortage of university teachers, which would delay the full realization of a university in the form envisaged. The essential need, however, if the University is continued, is that it should have a clear under- standing of its purpose and ultimate scope and that it should be assured of a firm financial basis; granted that, it can develop to its full stature as conditions

allow. The Committee do not think it desirable or possible to make precise suggestions as to the size that the University should attempt to attain. They merely emphasize that the University should never make size the test of its success, but should deliberately relate the scope of its studies and the number of its students to the means at its disposal, and concentrate on doing a limited task supremely well. In the new era of political, industrial and social reconstruction, China will need more trained leaders than her own resources can produce, no matter how quickly her own universities are rehabilitated, and she will need to draw on the friendship and experience of other peoples, especially Russia, America and the British Commonwealth. The British have a unique opportunity, by offering an instrument of mutual aid and understanding such as a reconstituted University in Hong Kong could provide, of assisting the New China. The College of Medicine numbers Dr. Sun Yat-sen among its first students; University was founded in the year of the fall of the Manchu dynasty; with the Chinese universities it endured the hardships of the attack by the common Japanese enemy. In the new period of reconstruction in the Far East the University has greater opportunities of commɔn service and understanding, rooted in past friendship and fructifying in the sharing of ideals. It can seize those opportunities only if it worthily represents British standards.

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/PART III.