| Content Note | Topics discussed:
The previous minutes were approved with one amendment. Honours were noted: Major Chettle had been awarded the CMG, while Mr Layland and Mr Luxton had each received the BEM. A collection of war maps from the late Sir Perry Robinson's estate had also been received.
Correspondence included a letter of thanks from the British Legion regarding a recent wreath-laying, and — notably for the first time — a letter from America expressing gratitude for assistance provided to the Gold Star Mothers. The Indian Sailors' Home in Bombay, which incorporates a naval memorial, had been formally opened.
Press coverage of the Commission's relocation to Grosvenor Gardens was noted; “The Times” correctly attributed the move to cost reduction rather than a need for additional space.
The Arras-Cambrai Social Club reunion in December was reported as well attended.
Colonel Osbourne in Canada had issued a public warning to families regarding agencies profiteering from wreath-laying and grave photography. Wreaths had also been laid on British War Graves adorned with Danish national colours.
Appointment of Member to Finance Committee
The High Commissioner for Canada, the Hon. G. Howard Ferguson, agreed to serve on the Finance Committee.
Appointment of Members to Mixed Committees
Membership of the various Anglo-Allied Mixed Committees was confirmed. General Muspratt and Mr Roy would serve on the Anglo-French Committee; the Earl of Cavan would continue on the Anglo-Belgian Committee, joined by the High Commissioner for Canada. Lord Plumer would continue on the Anglo-Italian Committee, and Sir George Milne on the Anglo-Greek Committee.
Anglo-French Cemetery at Thiepval
Progress on the proposed joint Anglo-French cemetery at Thiepval was reported. Differences arose over scale, with the French favouring a larger cemetery while the Commission's concerns over the moving and re-burial of British remains necessitated a smaller one. Following minor design revisions, the matter was considered by the Anglo-French Mixed Committee in Paris, chaired by General de Castelnau. A total of 600 graves was agreed, with burials to be completed prior to the memorial's unveiling. Provision was made to expand the cemetery should the French remain dissatisfied. Maintenance would be the Commission's responsibility, at a total cost of 66,000 francs.
Graves of German Interned Civilians in the United Kingdom
The Vice-Chairman withdrew this item, noting that the Commission could only receive instruction directly from Government and was therefore unable to respond to the German Embassy. Discussion turned to the broader question of war graves worldwide. The Commission would continue to maintain all war graves, including German graves in the UK. However, a growing number of families with privately-held graves were approaching the Commission to assume their care. A report on the maintenance of individual graves was in preparation.
Superannuation Policy – Mr Weightman
The meeting agreed that staff who left the Commission other than due to misconduct, should be allowed to take the Commission’s insurance policy with them.
Staff of the Commission
Transfers within the Commission of T.H. Newton and A. MacFarlane, and the termination of A.C. Gardiner’s employment were approved.
Cemetery and Memorial Registers
It was reported that 923 Register parts had been published to date containing 1,035,356 names. 16 parts remained to be printed.
Report of the 205th Meeting of the Finance Committee
In line with other Government Departments, the exchange relief was extended to staff earning over £500 per annum. Expenditure for the Cross of Sacrifice at Thiepval Cemetery was approved, with half of the 66,000 franc cost to be met by the French Government. A query regarding the salary threshold was raised but clarified by Colonel Oswald.
[Several sections of the following minutes were redacted.]
The 1931-32 Estimates were discussed. Approximately £44,000 annually would be drawn from the Endowment Fund, to which the Dominions had contributed but the United Kingdom had not. The Treasury was satisfied that income would cover expenditure, allowing for ongoing construction. However, depending on the exchange rate applied, a potential shortfall of £47,000 was identified. Possible economies included deferring headstone erection or adjusting salaries. Any recommendation to increase the UK's share of the Vote would require consultation with the Dominion Governments. An existing £200,000 Government liability was noted as a postponement. Dominion representatives indicated general agreement, subject to consulting their respective Governments.
The Vice-Chairman highlighted the anticipated reduction in staff numbers and raised concern over the Endowment Fund's capacity to meet unforeseen emergencies, citing the recent Jerusalem earthquake as an example.
The terms of a special resolution before the Commission were explained; if not passed, a special meeting might be required at very short notice.
Attendees:
The Right Hon. Viscount Hailsham (Secretary of State for War, in the Chair)
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman, in the Chair)
Major-General S. F. Muspratt, C.B., C.S.I., C.I.E., D.S.O. (Representing the Secretary of State for India)
The Hon. G.H. Ferguson, K.C. (High Commissioner for Canada)
Thomas Trumble, Esq., C.M.G., C.B.E. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
V.G. Housden, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
R. Webster, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
Lieut.-General Sir George Macdonogh, G.B.E., K.C.B., K.C.M.G.
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.
Lord Stanley, M.C., M.P.
J.J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
General Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd, K.C.B., K.C.M.G
W.P. Spens, Esq., O.B.E., K.C.
There were also present:
Lieut.-Colonel G.P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C., (Canada)
Colonel Sir George Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
Lieut.-Colonel C.P. Oswald, O.B.E. (Assistant Secretary, Finance)
Lieut.-Colonel H.F. Robinson, C.M.G. (Director of Works)
Major H.F. Chettle, C.M.G., O.B.E. (Director of Records)
Captain E.J. King, M.C.
F.C. Sillar, Esq.
F. Tyrrell, Esq. |