TNAG-2484-FCO40-3615-UK-Hong-Kong-Scholarship-Scheme-donation-to-the-UK-Governme-1992 — Page 73

The Association of Commonwealth Universities

MARSHALL AID COMMEMORATION COMMISSION

Brief History of Marshall Scholarships Programme

to be

The Marshall Scholarships scheme was established in 1953 by Act of Parliament as a national gesture of thanks for assistance received by the United Kingdom under the

The purpose of the European Recovery Programme (Marshall Aid) after World War II. scheme, as set out in the Act, was to provide 'in each year, up to twelve Scholarships (to be known as Marshall Scholarships)'. These Scholarships were to be open to American college graduates of either sex, married or single, and under the age of 26, and would be tenable for a degree course at any British university; they were awarded for two years in the first instance and might be extended for a third year at

The number of Scholarships to be awarded annually the discretion of the Commission. was increased from 12 to 24 by Act of Parliament in 1959 and, to mark the twentieth anniversary of the scheme, an Order in Council was laid before Parliament in July 1972, increasing the number of Scholarships from 24 to 30 per year with effect from academic year 1973/4. A further Order in Council was laid before Parliament in May 1990 increasing the annual number of awards to 40 with effect from academic year 1991/2.

Administration of the programme is the responsibility of the Marshall Aid

Members of the Commission a maximum of ten - are appointed Commemoration Commission. by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (see attached list

The Commission's secretariat has, from the establishment showing current membership). of the programme, been provided by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (formerly the Association of Universities of the British Commonwealth) and the Secretary General of the ACU has held the post, ex officio, of Executive Secretary of the Commission. The programme is funded by an annual Parliamentary grant which is part of the vote to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

For

The competition for the awards takes place entirely in the United States. this purpose, the country is divided into five 'Regions' based on the British Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco and the Embassy in Washington DC. Regional selection committees comprised of US citizens (often former Scholars) and including one British representative, such as H.M. Consul-General, shortlist and interview candidates. The selection committees are chaired by one of the American members. The applications of the recommended and reserve candidates are considered by an Advisory Council in Washington DC, chaired jointly by Her Majesty's Ambassador and

The selection of Scholars the Chairman of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission.

is subject to their satisfactory placement at UK universities by the Commission in London.

Since 1954 around 1000 candidates have been awarded Marshall Scholarships and many have had distinguished careers in a variety of fields from academia to journalism to politics. A tracer study, funded by the Commission, was set up in 1986 to try and trace as many former Scholars as possible, following which the alumnus society (the

In 1989 Association of Marshall Scholars) was re-established on a more formal footing. H.R.H. The Prince of Wales agreed to become Honorary Patron of the Association of Marshall Scholars and has attended two Receptions hosted by Her Majesty's Ambassador in Washington.

With effect from academic year 1988/89, the name of the awards was changed for promotional purposes to British Marshall Scholarships.

9/92