54147/47
August, 1947.
Dear Gilbert,
Re-establishment of Hong Kong
University
97
Ansel (44).
su(43)
Thank you very much for your letter of the 11th August, which I managed to put before Ar. Creech Jones, prior to his departure for the West Indies. He is, of course, very dissopointed at the outcome of our correspondence, but appreciates the difficulty of pursuing this matter during the present crisis. He is therefore prepared, subject to Foreign Office Viowe, which I am seeking, to accept the view that this scheme must go into abeyance in present circumstances.
Mr. Creech Jenos noted, with satisfaction, the sympathetic attitude of the Treasury towards the proposals. He very much hopes that you will be able to agree now that favourable consideration should be given to them when the financial situation here improves. They have been most unfortunate, as this is the second postponement on account of a crisis the first was, as you know, on account of the outbreak of the recent war.
Mr. Creech Jones also pointed out that considerable public interest has been worked up over the proposal to re-establish the University on an extended basis so as to provide facilities for students from foreign countries, and that a complete abandonment of the scheme will lead to severe criticism as soon as the present difficulties are a little less in the minds of people. He feels therefore that we should do anything that is possible now to ensure that there will be no delay in bringing the extended scheme into operation when the situation permits. WO accordingly propose to examine, in conjunction with the
Bernard
SIR EDWARD GULB R2, K.C.B., K.B.E.
/Governor
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.