| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Visitor numbers to the Menin Gate and entries in visitor books reported on. Positive responses had been received from the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland as a result of the request for aid due to the fall in the value of the pound. Negative responses from Australia and South Africa. New Zealand still to reply. The inaugurations of the Somme and Arras Memorials was discussed. The Vice-Chairman stressed the importance of the event with the Price of Wales and the President of France in attendance. A complicated ceremony to arrange, the Adjutant-General had been a great help not least with aspects of the religious service. Agreed that the flags would be broken when the Reveille was sounded. The Arras ceremony would be led by the Air Force with Lord Trenchard unveiling the memorial.
Report Of The 208th Meeting Of The Finance Committee
It was decided to continue with the exchange relief for another month. Efficacy of lightning conductors was discussed, but it had been decided to install them on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial. {Following subject struck through on minutes} The Vice-Chairman announced that the Commission had bought approximately £30,000 worth of French francs to allow for any future depreciation of the franc.
Income From Endowment Fund
Resolution presented to split investments in the books of the Bank of England to separate United Kingdom and Dominion investments. This would facilitate direct payments to the Commission and was agreed by the meeting. {Following subject struck through on minutes} The details of the resolution were recorded.
Russian Graves In Persia
The Commission had agreed to erect headstones on Russian graves in the British Military Cemetery at Hamadan. There was discussion as to whether to use the word ‘Imperial’ in the inscription, but it was decided to pass the issue to the Foreign Office.
Anglo-Greek Mixed Committee
Following a clerical error, it was formally agreed that Professor Andreades and General Melas were to be made honorary members of the committee (and not official members), and that Monsieur Catsoyannis and Lieutenant-General Gazis would be official members of the Committee. A meeting was planned to take place in the autumn.
Mitcham Road Cemetery, Croydon
Refers to the purchase of a grave by the widow of Private Mealing which was agreed.
Staff of the Commission
Refers to the terminations of two members of staff which was noted with regret following their exceptionally good work for the Commission. The staff were W.E. Edwards and S. S. Pringle.
Closing Remark
The Vice-Chairman re-emphasised the significance of the unveiling of the Somme Memorial, and how it was a memorial to the battles of the Somme and not just the battle for Thiepval. The ceremony would be broadcast widely.
Attendees:
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 High Commissioner for India)
Lieut.-Colonel G.P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
Major-General Sir Granville Ryrie, K.C.M.G., C.B. (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)
J.L. Murphy, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for Newfoundland)
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.
Captain Lord Stanley, M.C., M.P.
J.J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
General Sir Archibald Montgomery Massingberd, K.C.B., K.C.M.G
There were also present:
Colonel Sir George Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Canada)
Lieut.-Colonel F. Higginson (C.A.O. France)
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.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq. |