| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Report from the Vice-Chairman that the South African Government had agreed to increase its financial contribution following the identification of additional graves of South African soldiers. Owing to exchange rate fluctuations, the Commission had incurred an overspend of approximately £27,000. The Governments of the United Kingdom and Canada had agreed to provide additional support, and discussions with other Governments were continuing. As part of necessary cost-saving measures, it was agreed to terminate Major Ingpen’s role on the Anglo-French Mixed Committee.
Reports received on visits to East Africa (Sir Percival Marling) and Iraq (Colonel Hughes). Major Menzies reported significant damage to cemeteries in Salonika and Egypt resulting from recent severe cold weather.
Administrative arrangements were revised: work previously undertaken by the Soissons office would transfer to Albert, while cemeteries in Paris and Marseilles would be administered from Arras.
Report on a dinner held by Commission staff abroad, at which appreciation was expressed for their assistance during recent exchange rate difficulties. Additional reports noted a ceremony in Arras organised by the Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Association and a wreath-laying ceremony in British cemeteries in Germany conducted by the German War Graves Commission.
Appointment of Mr Bruce as Australian High Commissioner in London was noted. It was further reported that Sir Edwin Lutyens had granted the Commission copyright of the Great War Stone.
Report Of The 207th Meeting Of The Finance Committee
Repairs to the Loos Memorial were estimated at 18,500 francs. As the damage resulted from mining subsidence, it was hoped the companies responsible would meet the cost, as they had done for similar nearby repairs. Although consideration was given to delaying works until the subsidence stabilised, it was agreed to proceed immediately to prevent further deterioration.
A payment of £17,000 was approved on account to the Canadian Government in respect of the names commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.
An offer of 25,560 French francs was made to Monsieur Blaton in full settlement of his recent claim. In response to a claim of 800,000 French francs from Messrs Finney & Broadhurst, the Commission resolved to offer 158,000 francs in settlement.
Salary relief measures were extended for a further month, and it was noted that the exchange rate had improved to 93 francs to the pound.
The annual delegation of financial powers to the Vice-Chairman was approved.
Report On Headstones Affected By Salt
Report on recent experiments in Egypt and Iraq monitoring the condition of headstones. Regular washing of unaffected stones proved effective. Harder stone showed greater resistance, though it was more difficult to carve. Standard Hopton Wood stones set in gravel and enclosed by kerbs were affected to a lesser degree. Particular attention was to be given to the slate stones at Amara, which were largely unaffected except at ground level. The potential benefits and risks of chemical treatment were considered, and it was agreed that the study should continue for at least a further year.
Inspection of the Cross of Sacrifice in Thiepval Anglo-French Cemetery
Mentions that the exact location of the English and French text on the drum of the Cross of Sacrifice was agreed.
Anglo-Greek Mixed Committee
Report on progress in bringing the membership of the Committee was being made, and it was agreed that Professor Andreades and General Melas should be appointed as members.
Cemetery Registers
Report that except for a few South and Central American Registers and the Register of graves in New Zealand there were no more to be printed. Those for the Irish Free State were due to be complete by Christmas 1933.
Attendees:
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman, in the Chair)
Colonel W.W. Chitty, C.M.G., C.I.E. (Representing the Secretary of State for India)
Colonel Sir George Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
Thomas Trumble, Esq., C.M.G., C.B.E. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
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.
J.J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
There were also present:
Lieut.-Colonel Sir Frederic Kenyon, G.B.E., K.C.B.
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, O.B.E. (Director of Records)
Captain E.J. King, M.C.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq. |