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Official recognition of people connected to the Commission was noted: Sir George Perley had been granted a G.C.M.G; Mr Frank Ray, a gardener in France living in Pozières and with responsibility for Courcelette Cemetery, had received an O.B.E.; Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd had been appointed as Chief of the Imperial General Staff, and Major Ingpen had been made an Officer of the Order of Leopold by the Belgian Government.
It was reported that a dedication service had been held in Up Park Camp Cemetery in Jamaica when the Commission’s screen wall was unveiled.
Imperial Economic Committee
Report on the Vice-Chairman’s proposed appointment to the Imperial Economic Committee, following an invitation from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to join Sir Horace Wilson as UK representatives at the Ottawa Economic Conference. The Vice-Chairman sought approval from the meeting. Mr Kipling supported the appointment, praised the Vice-Chairman’s diplomatic qualities, and queried interim arrangements. The Vice-Chairman confirmed he could continue attending Commission meetings and, if needed, Sir George Macdonogh would deputise. This arrangement was accepted.
Anglo-Belgian Mixed Committee
Approval of the appointment of Colonel Bouty, Directeur Général du Service Technique du Génie as the member of the Committee to replace General-Major P. Carbonnelle. The departure of General Carbonnelle was noted with regret and thanks were expressed for his work for the Commission.
Anglo-Egyptian War Cemeteries Executive Committee
Refers to resignation of Air Commodore R. Peel Ross, D.S.O., A.F.C. from the Committee. Approval of the appointment of Group Captain R. G. Bromet, D.S.O., O.B.E. in his place.
Report Of The 216th Meeting Of The Finance Committee - Annual Estimates
Mentions that Items 1–5 were approved with minimal discussion. The Vice-Chairman outlined a proposed budget of £263,000, noting a shortfall due to falling interest rates and currency depreciation, particularly in France and Belgium. The Commission anticipated income of £233,960 and aimed to limit requests to £233,000, necessitating significant reductions. Topics discussed included staffing, salaries, transport costs, and memorial expenditure. The Australians suggested cancelling the Villers-Bretonneux memorial to save £18,000. The report and estimates were formally approved.
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 Secretary of State for India)
E.P. Luke, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
Major L.E. Beavis, D.S.O. (For the Minister representing the Commonwealth of 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)
Rudyard Kipling, Esq.
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.
Captain Lord Stanley, M.C., M.P.
J.J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
There were also present:
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.
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