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 147

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through the University.

It is a view very

firmly held by those who are in authority in

Hong Kong that one of the main avenues of

influence is the University.

..

Moss. In what way would they feel weaker without

a University?

Major MacDougall They feel it is their duty to

provide higher education. It is a justification

for being there.

Moss. Is there any demand for it among the small

people.

MacDougall.

Small people, yes. Bigger people, I

I,

don't think so. The Hong Kong citizen feels better

in himself for theft being a University. All sorts

of unexpected people in H.K. before the war privately

investing in it.

Mr.Sloss. The present position is this. At the very

best, the scientific Instrument makers are prepared to

deliver to us in London in September the very minimum

of the basic equipment for elementary labaratory in

physics, chemistry, biology. That is to say, we could

have stuff shipped out' probably about the end of

September, and could assume that might be landed in

H.K. late in November. It would then have a month or

two before setting up.

Staff. We have not any except 2 medical people,

1 professor and 1 lecturer in English,

The other

Junior lecturers in English have already taken jobs

elsewhere. 1 Professor, economics and 1 lecturer.

Then there is a relic of the Chinese staff. 1 lecturer

in physics, all the rest very junior.

Smith In having something like a University soon there

is the danger of setting up this skeleton staff.

Mr.Slose. We might concede to local to have a minimal

start in January or February next year. The real difficulty

is in trying to find competent teachers. The task of recruiting

is enormous. If you are going to teach oriental pupils they

/must