UA-R-GC-1914-01-01-1914-11-30_Page-018

Appendix B. November 30, 1914 Resolutions passed by the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in response to the invitation to cooperate in the Cairo Christian University movement. ifif-X-~.~#44-1888HPA-48 ,88R-* April 6, 1914. Whereas the Board has received a communication from Dr. Charles R. Watson of the United Presbyterian Church, outlining a plan for a Union University for higher education in Cairo, and inviting the Board to join in the enterprise by electing four trustees for this Univ-ersity, the Board would reply: First, that it has considered the plan with the greatest care, and would express its interest and sympathy with the general idea of an institution for higher education at so strategic a spot as Cairo, and one that lays special emphasis upon the work among the Moslems. Secondly, the Board is compelled, however, to reply that it feels that the natural bodies to join in such a cooperative work should be those Missions having work in Egypt as they are necessarily more immediate-ly concerned, and would note the fact that so far as its own work in Syria, Persia and also in the Punjab in India is concerned, there are already established efficient institutions for higher educational work, and that the Boards' relationships with them are close and vital. Third: For this reason the Board feels that its present obligations towards higher educational work are absorbing as i1iuch of its thought and strength as is possible at the present time. Fourth: While the Board has noted the state:_ ent that it is not to be directly responsible as a Board for the financial support of such an institution, it feels that its connection with the Univerdty and its representation on the Board would inevitably open the door of appeal to its own constituency in a way that would seriously conflict with plans alread