TNAG-2119-FCO40-3025-Future-of-Hong-Kong-general-1990 — Page 192

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As presently formulated, the Project will embrace research conducted at two levels: r the longterm, by post-doctoral Research Fellows, to be appointed for two year periods; and in the short run, by Visiting Fellows, who will join the programme for periods of up to three months. Seminars and conferences will provide the means of assessing the ongoing research; and publications (books, articles and conference volumes) will provide the means of making available its results to the wider public.

In line with our determination that the Project should have a practical orientation ("practical" in the sense of making available information and analysis which will be relevant to those directly involved in seeking to secure a smooth transfer of sovereignty in 1997), the Project makes provision for the involvement not only of academics, but also of those with a more practical, professional acquaintance with the issues of Hong Kong - China relations, whether in business, banking, administration, the practice of law, or whatever. The interface between such academic and professional expertise has too rarely been tapped and it is one which promises to fulfil a valuable role.

Although the Project will be based in London and conducted under the auspices of the Contemporary China Institute, its very nature requires that preliminary research and fieldwork be carried out in Hong Kong itself (perhaps in China too). In addition, I would expect there to be strong links forged with relevant academic and other institutions in Hong Kong.

The difficulties and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of the principle of "one country, two systems" have been widely commented upon. It would be presumptuous to suggest that this Project can of itself resolve such difficulties. However I do believe that through the establishment of clear programme criteria and guidelines, and the careful selection of research topics, it can make a real and lasting contribution towards their solution. The twin involvement of professional and academic expertise, allied to its embodiment in those traditional academic virtues of independent and objective analysis, promise to make available facts and information which may serve to minimise the dangers and uncertainties widely felt in both Hong Kong and China. Through their analysis of this material, those involved in the Research Project may also assist all parties whose job it is to effect the smoothest possible transfer of sovereignty in 1997. From such points of view, it may not be an exaggerated hope that the Project can be of lasting benefit to the entire community of those living in Hong Kong.

I hope that you will find these proposals of interest. If we are successful in launching the Hong Kong Project, I hope that it will be possible to extend our Research Programme in order to embrace developments in, and affecting both Macao and Taiwan. Indeed, there maybe a strong case for pursuing research on all three regions simultaneously.

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