The election of officers was as follows:—
President, Mr. A. de C. Sowerby Vice-Presidents, Dr. Bernard E. Read an agreement had been made between the Society and the Inter- mr.
H. E. Gibson; Hon. Director of national Institute of China, Inc., which was of mutual benefit to both organizations and of considerable financial benefit to the Museum, Mr. A. de C. Sowerby; Hon.
In his report for 1939, Mr, Arthur de. Carle Sowerby, President of the Society, ed to the splendid respohse to an appeal for funds which häd been made in May fast year. As a result of this response a sum of $16,000 had been received so far, thus substantially reducing the Society's indebtedness to the bank. On behalf of the Society Mr. Sowerby paid a tribute to all those who had responded to the appeal One cultural institution, he said, had done more than extend its sympathy. This was the International Institute of China Inc, originally founded in 1807 by the late Dr. Gilbert Reid, to which an appeal was made last summer. Already, in view of the close similarity in the aims of this: institution and the Royal Asiatic Soviety, a suggestion had been mooted for ce-operation between the Institute and the Society.
In response to the latter's appeal,,|a practical plan of ce-operation was worked out whereby the Royal Asia-tie Society should house and. care for the specimens in the International Testitule's museum. and the books in its library, provide office space for the Institute's staff, and conduct jointly with the Society the holding of public meetings and lectures, while the Institute should contribute a substantial. monthly sum towards - the cost and maintenance of these activities.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.