CO129-610-2 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University 9-1-1948 - 18-1-1949 — Page 104

that this would be undesirable, not only because of the

decision to defer further considerations of our main

recommendation but also because of certain passages

in the Report, which it was thought might give rise to

some very awkward repercussions. These passages were

ones in which reference was made to the spreading of

British influence and culture in China, British prestige

in the Far East, and the uncertainty of the future

political status of Hong Kong. I was consulted about this,

and, in view of the number of deletions which would have

been required, I agreed that the Report should not be

published. It was, however, decided to issue a statement

on the future of the University, summarising our recommen-

dations and indicating the policy which had been agreed

upon. This statement was made in the House of Commons

on the 7th April this year as an answer to a Parliamentary

Question; I am enclosing a copy of it with this letter.

104

apy of qua

54147/PG.2/48 Way

54126/6/48.

Later in April, when the general financial settlement

between His Majesty's Government and the Hong Kong

Government was being negotiated, it was agreed that

His Majesty's Government should make a grant of £250,000

to assist the rehabilitation and development of the

University. Although this grant, which does not preclude

the further consideration of our main recommendation at a

later date, is clearly by itself inadequate for carrying it out,

it is hoped that it may now be possible to do more than

merely restore the University to its pre-war position.

Now, quite recently, the Hong Kong Government have

made representations urging that our Report should be

published, omitting only a few passages, mainly those

alluding to the uncertain political future of Hong Kong.

This plea has found favour here, and the Foreign Office and

Treasury have both agreed to the publication of the Report on

this basis. I have again been consulted, and have said that,

since Hong Kong desire the publication of the Report and

since the passages which would have to be deleted are now

relatively few, I should personally be prepared to agree.

/ Naturally