The first session of the National Development Seminar of the Republic of China came to a successful conclusion on July 21, 1979. The government of the Republic of China has held seven national development seminars, each of which has had its own character and made its own contribution. The latest one, however, has undeniably been the most fruitful and significant, since it was the first gathering of scholars from abroad and within Taiwan to be held since the United States severed relations with the Republic of China. Braving the hot weather, the participants candidly contributed their wise counsel and delivered their opinions without reservation. Their views will be used by the government as a reference and for adoption in future policies.

At the opening ceremony, Premier Sun Yun-suan of the Republic of China said:

"For the last 30 years, the government and people of the Republic of China have endeavored to develop freedom and democracy, provide progress and prosperity, and assure a life of stability, peace and happiness. We have tried to make this a blueprint for reconstruction of the whole country--to present a unified new China of wealth, strength and liberty. Thanks to the hard work of our compatriots at home and the encouragement and support of the overseas Chinese, the Republic of China has recorded outstanding achievements in political, economic, social and cultural undertakings. Our compatriots on the mainland have envied us for these achievements....

"I hope sincerely that in your discussions you will give attention to the balanced development of the parts and the whole and consider the necessity of coordinating development in the short and long runs. I hope you will speak out candidly, ignoring protocol and saying what is in your heart. I promise consideration of your proposals with maximum earnestness. We want to adopt as many suggestions as can be implemented. If there are difficulties, we shall explain them honestly. . . . For 30 years we have successfully cultivated vigorous "seedlings" in the soil of Free China. I am sure that as a result of our confidence and hard work we shall eventually transplant the robust seedlings of Free China to every corner of the Chinese mainland. . . ."

President Chiang Ching-kuo hosted a tea party at the Grand Hotel on the shores of the Cheng Ching Lake in Kaohsiung for the participants and their families on July 12. He pointed out that the primary goal of the nation's endeavors is to "assure the single-hearted unity of our people at home and abroad, and to enable the mainland compatriots, who have suffered under Communist tyranny for 30 years, to enjoy democracy, freedom and happiness together with us." The President also analyzed that there were two basic conditions for national development-one is talented people and wisdom, the other is unity, patriotism and support for the government. He said he appreciated the enthusiastic participation and discussions of the scholars and hoped they would maintain close connections with the various departments of the government and give their friendly counsel for all time to come.

Representing the scholars, Yang Jih-hsu also delivered a speech to assure the people and government of the Republic of China that the Chinese people at home and abroad will unite together, firm up their belief in the democratic constitutional policy and support the government. He also pointed out that "after the severance of ROC－U.S. diplomatic relations, we have come to understand that only we can save our own country." He also extended his respects and appreciation for the government's strenuous efforts to hold the national development seminar and to refer and adopt the views growing out of the participants' thinking. As a representative of the participants, he assured the government that the "seedlings" cultivated in the seedbed of freedom and democracy of the Republic of China will grow vigorously in every corner of the mainland.