| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Report of visits by Mr Lyons (Prime Minister of Australia) to France and Belgium and Mr Lawson to Italy reported on. Mr Lyons to raise profile of the Commission’s work in Australia. First meeting of the Anglo-German Committee planned for September: to be based on the model of the Anglo-French Committee.
Report on commemorative ceremonies held over the summer, including military groups, ex-service men and the Association of Cemetery and Crematorium Superintendents. Several visits by French authorities to Commission cemeteries and monuments. British Legion visit to the Stahnsdorf, Cologne South and Ohlsdorf cemeteries in Germany with wreaths laid by British and German attendees, including the Nazi Youth. Numbers of visitors reported in the press probably misleading as books easier to find in cemeteries than at memorials, and the articles focused on Verdun.
Colonel Higginson represented the Commission at the funeral of H.M. the Queen of the Belgians. Increase in visits by French ex-combatants a result of suggestions made by their organisation. The Commission extended thanks to the organisation.
Report of the 244th Meeting of the Finance Committee
Mentions the Committee noted the likely increase in costs due to currency fluctuation.
Report of the 9th Meeting of the Education Committee
References demand for scholarships lower than expected: a preference for local education or difficulty securing accommodation suggested as the reason. Many of the children were becoming French – some could not speak English. Local transport to be provided for some children attending the school in Ypres.
Anglo-French Mixed Committee
Announcement that French Ambassador, M. de Fleurieu to become a ‘Membre d’Honneur’ of the Commission.
Agency of the Commission in Iraq
Discussion of clause relating to Committee membership was discussed. Aim to make it similar to the Anglo-French and other treaties.
Tower Hill Memorial
Proposals to make the memorial less austere. It was cared for the Port of London Authority. Memorial seldom visited in a repulsive condition and was un-welcoming. The PLA had requested the removal of the seats. Letter from the Revd. P. B. Clayton on the matter read out. Agreed to keep the seats and to add a notice as suggested by Revd. Clayton.
Agreement For Maintenance Of War Graves In Birmingham Corporation Cemeteries
Refers to an agreement between the Commission and the Corporation of the County Borough of Birmingham for the maintenance of 1400 graves in the Corporation’s cemeteries.
Discovery And Reburial Of Bodies In France And Belgium
Decrease in the number of bodies found was reported, and most of these were by metal-searches.
Appointment Of Mr A.L. Watson
Approval of the appointment of Mr A. L. Watson (Canadian Agency of the Commission) to be at the level of Assistant Secretary-General.
Transfer Of Battle Exploit Memorial Sites To The Belgian And French Governments
Reported that discussions were under way between the French and Belgian Governments and the Governments of Canada, New Zealand, Newfoundland, and Australia over the transfer of battlefield memorials.
Attendees:
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman, in the Chair)
Colonel G. L. Pepys, C.B., D.S.O. (Representing the Secretary of State for India)
Lieut.-Colonel G. P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
V.C. Duffy, Esq., M.V.O. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
S.R. Skinner, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
G.W. Klerk, 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.
There were also present:
Lieut.-Colonel C.P. Oswald, C.M.G., 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)
F. Tyrell, Esq.
O. Holt, Esq. |