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 189

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Sir George Moss asked for a prcoise statement of the reasons why those in authority in Hong Kong wanted an carly re-opening of the University.

Brigadier MacDougall replied that apart from the provision of higher cducation which it was felt was one of the justifications for a British administration, it was believed that the University might have a profound influence on the course of affairs in the For East. The dem::nd for an early re-opening came from people in widely varied ciroumstances. There was no doubt that Hong Kong was proud of having a University but both influential Chinese and Europeans hoped for a University more generously plamed and more adequately supported than in the past.

Mr. Sloss explained the delays that must be faced in getting staff and equipment from England. Equipment could be delivered in minimum quantities for Elementary science teaching by Scptember which ment that laboratories could not be re-equipped in Hong Kong before January or February. The available staff consisted of two medical professors, a professor and lecturer in English, a lecturer in physics a professor and perhaps a lecturer in economics and an uncertain remnant of Chinese staff. New men were difficult to find. The idea of teaching Elementary Sciencc by demonstration and without practical teaching appeared to him entirely unsatisfactory in the case of Oricntal students.

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Brigadier MacDougall wondered if an early announcement of intentions about the future of the University could be made. the whole, however, the Committee thought that it would be unwise to make such in announcement until a decision had been reached on the recommendation which would be made to the Secretary of State.

Professor Pens.n pointed out that new professors and lecturers could not be recruited until it was possible to indicate the scope and prospects of the work for which they were required. The Chairman in summing up the discussion pointed out that it showed the importance of an carly decision by the Government on the Committee's recommendations. To expedite matters he thought that an early report should be made on the Committee's general recommendations with a "blue print" of the type of University that the Committee would wish to see established attached. A second report could be prepared making recommendations for action to be taken if the first report were rejected. It was his hope that a decision by His Majesty's Government should be reached by October. at the latest and an announcement could then be made in Hong Kong. Mr. Cox added that he thought that much could be done to expedite a decision if Brigadier MacDougall from Hong Kong were to see that the Colonial Office was kept fully aware of the need for an early decision. It might also be possible to secure the intervention of statesmen with the effect of accelerating matters since the aim of the University would be primarily political rather than educational.

·Brigadier MacDougall welcomed the se suggestions and said that in addition he thought it would have a valuable effect on local opinion if it could be arranged for a few members of the Committee to visit Hong Kong. In the meanwhile he would report to the Commander-in-Chief and Sir Mark Young on the present position in the light of the statements which had been made at the meeting.

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