CO129-610-3 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University 15-2-1949 - 7-2-1950 — Page 13

13 view was put to the Governor (45/48), who replied (51/48) that the developments contemplated were to meet local needs and all were projected before the war. Except for the substitution of a residential hall for men for the hostel for women students (the money for which has since been given by Sir R. Ho Tung) the schemes referred to in (2) and listed in paragraph 7 above are identical with those referred to last year by the Governor in (51/4'). It was felt then, that the case for C.D.W. assistance for these projects could not be considered without detailed information as to how the University proposed to use the £ million it had already been assured by the Hong Kong Government and H..G. respectively. Governor was therefore asked (75/48) to suggest to the University that they should work out and submit aetailed plans for the rehabilitation and develop- ment of the University as a whole and we promised that the case for C.D.W. assistance would then be impartially considered. The aespatch at (2) is the

result.

10.

The

This history makes one a little unhappy about the view of the Executive Committee of the Inter-University Council that it would be best for them to postpone comment on these proposals until after their representatives have visitea Hong Kong. (r. Adam's minute of 31st May). I understand from Mr. Adams that this visit will not take place until after Christmas at the earliest, which means that these proposals, under discussion as long ago as May 1948, are not likely to received a veraict pefore May 1950. I appreciate that the delays so far have been largely due to the fact that Hong Kong has not until now submitted detailed or comprehensive proposals. But it is for consideration whether, in view of the developments in China and the increasing importance of preserving British influence in the far East as part of the front against the rising tide of Communism, we can afford to appear dilatory or half-heartea in restoring the University - at least to the point accepteu in 1940* It is certain that the Treasury would not, at the present time, agree to any furthurdirect practical implementation of the "Lugard" purposes, but I feel that we should press on with such development as can be achieved from the resources already available..

11.

I suggest, therefore, that Finance should now see ana considee these proposals and perhaps, in particular, they would

M

(a) give us their views on the plan fort the investment and withdrawal of H.M.G.'s grant of £250, COO see paragraphs 2, 3 and 4

above; and

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(b) say if the projects listed in paragraph 7 above are appropriate for C.D.W. assist- ance bearing in mind that with regard to the first project the Tung Wah Hospital scheme the Executive Committee of the I.U.C. are definitely unable to recommend that it should be financeu from the Higher Ecucation allocation see minutes on

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54403/2/1

In connection with the proposal to builá accomodation for the training of teachers, I should say that, in this connection the Hong Kong Govern- ment has supported a request from the University

that/