CO129-594-3 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45- Advisory Committee- minutes of... 18-1-1946 - 9-4-1946 — Page 108

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resources.

He thought before trying to

ascertain the probable reactions of the Chinese

Government it should be made clear what financial

backing would be forthcoming from H.M.G.

Sir Humphrey Prideaux Brune said that the present

position in regard to the future of Hong Kong was

uncertain and he could offer no opinion as to the

attitude of the Foreign office to the project of

re-establishing a University on the broader basis.

He was not sure that it was prudent at this time

to suggest spending large sums of British money

towards this end..

The Chairman referring to a letter from

Dr. Joseph Needham (HKUAC 6) and the high status of some

of the Chinese Universities said that to aim at

something of less worth for Hong Kong even if it were

necessary to restrict the field, would he thought be

a negation of the

policy of the Founder.

Professor Hinton and other members of the Committee

were of opinion that if money were spent to establish a

first-class University and after a relatively short time

Hong Kong were returned to China such a University

would be justified as a continuing source of British

influence in China.

The Chairman read a letter which had been received

from Dr. Channon and said he thought there was virtual

committment to a University in Malaya. The Committee

agreed that such an institution need not effect discussion

of a University to serve the needs of Hong Kong and

China and that it was undesirable and inappropriate to

attempt to achieve a combined University.

The Chairman suggested that at the next meeting the

Committee should devote itself to making a "blue-print"

for a revived University adequately to represent British

standards. Such a blue print would provide a basis on

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