CO129-610-1 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University 3-1-1947 - 29-12-1947 — Page 97

from any grant subsequently made from U.K. funds.

This would at least enable us to make a start with

schalilitation of the University

the realise on of the Committee'd recommendations,

beemme:

even if the bulk of the programme had to be left until

the general financial situation improves, when the

question of a grant from Imperial Funds could again be

taken up.

3. We do not yet know how the Treasury will react to

this proposal. Assuming however they agreed, and that

limited funds could be made available in this way, do you

consider there would be a good chance of securing substantial

contributions from local Chinese if we were able to announce

that H.M. G. view the Committee's recommendations with

sympathy; that, although their present financial position

precludes them from assisting the University financially

for the time being, they will be prepared to give the

question further favourable consideration when the financial

situation here improves; and that meanwhile certain sums

have been found from other sources, without prejudice to

the question of an eventual grant from the Imperial Government?

We will certainly discuss this question with Sloss when

he arrives, but meanwhile it would be very useful to have

your views on this suggestion, together with any estimate

you might feel able to give of the sum likely to be forthcoming

in such circumstances from private subscriptions.

Ends.