53
hinese
the position of the University has to be viewed has changed substantially. Communist forces have overrun the larger part of the mainland. His Majesty's Government have públicly stated in Parliament and elsewhere their intention to maintain their position in long Tong; and, while anxious to live on friendly terms with: their neighbours, felt it desirable some moɛtha ago substantially to reinforce the garrison of Hong Kong against possible external aggression. There is at the present time no indication that such aggression is likely to take place. Indeed it is hoped that, in due course, the normal avenues of trade and intercourse will be reopened, siace it
is felt that the new authorities in China will feel the need for a well-established and prosperous port for the
conduct of business with the external world, without which it appears most unlikely that China's own prosperity can ever be achieved.
b.
Hong Kong thus remains a very valuable and important outpost of British trade and influence in the Far East. Unable, at present, to admit all the studente who make application, with its buildings not fully restored since the Japanese occupation, and with totally inadequate hostel and other accommodatim, the position of Hong Kong University in one of quite exceptional importance, now that the Chinese
Universities are closed, and are likely to remain closed so far as can be seen for an indefinite period, to British cultural influence. While it camot, vis-a-vis China, expect to fulfil, at any rate for the time being, the wider functions originally envisaged, it can nevertheless play an exceedingly important part educationally both for Hong Kong itself and for a far wider area also.
5.
As the Council are, no doubt, avare
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