51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

You report in "51¹ú²úÊÓƵn studies cuts may hit anti-terrorism effort" ( THES, July 11) that sweeping cutbacks in East 51¹ú²úÊÓƵn studies are in the offing.

Leeds 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ is cited as cutting two posts in Chinese and Japanese history when, in fact, it is expanding its provision. There is no shortage of student interest or vital research activity in the Durham East 51¹ú²úÊÓƵn studies department, which is to close.

Maintaining expertise on East 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ is an issue of national significance and cannot be left to the short-sightedness of the financial managers at a single institution.

Mark Williams
Flemming Christiansen Institute for Research on Contemporary China
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Leeds