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Synopsis :

The forum, actually a TV programme, is also broadcast over Radio I (English). Forum Chairman introduces the guest, Herman Kahn, as American defence analyst, author and futurist. Currently he is Director, Hudson Institute, New York. Three panellists putting questions to him are: Tommy Koh Thong Yue,  Lim Chong Keat and G. G. Thompson.

Tommy Koh starting the discussion, asks about Mr Kahn's work of the Hudson Institute and his reasons for coming to this part of world.
Other topics/issues raised include:
1) Wester Rim of Pacific Basin would be dynamic area;
2) Japan's vast economic power - how could it feed in with its relations with South-east Asia particularly;
3) vast GNP difference between developed and developing countries - how would that level up;
4) Japan has problems in industrialisation;
5) do countries of South-east Asia have any reasons to fear - re-armed and military Japan in forseeable future;
6) referring to series of decisions by President Nixon's US government in last two months - is US seeking Japan's confidence in capacity of US security umbrella;
7) discounting statement of Peking on South-east Asia;
8) Japan high rate of economic growth over next 3 decades and its national commitment to economic development remains unfaulted, it is possible to reconcil this position with national mood of questionin havoc Japan's economic development has wreaked on environment;
9) Japan's foreign trade only 10% of its GNP, but its goal is 20% - is it difficult or impossible to achieve in view of economic policies of US and EEC;
10) agree that various races in South-east integratiing together;
11) rate probability of proposition of war between China and Soviet, China and Japan; in the event of conflict between China and Soviet with both sides deploying nuclear weapons, is it possible for China to survive such an exchange; should these nations be at war, what likelihood of US participating to deliver coup de grace;
12) is it possible for America to be at war with China and Soviet;
13) what scenario will lead Japan and China into conflict - is it over South-east Asia;
14) what prevents China from having conflicts with Japan or neighbouring countries;
15) what is China's foreign policy and its system in US perspective; does China have problem of no overseas market;
16) classification of Middle East situation;
17) In Singapore it is not possible to build a society in long term where people have time for arts, acquire habit of reading, time for other recreation. But in western situtation, culture has a place, where people seem to have time for it. How does culture fit in industrial pattern of a country.
18) related question - is there a need or useful to have some subisidy for the arts; in the west parts of culture are traditional; building up habits of reading;
19) optimistic of Singapore's future, and unkind to say that Singapore puts culture consistent with making money and playing of mahjong.  The prospect is in future, the sound of music will also be heard along with the sound of mahjong and acquiring the habit of reading.
20) view of projected role of Singapore within regional context.