| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Approval of the minutes of the last meeting.
Reference to a letter from M. de Fleuriau on his appointment to the Anglo-French Mixed Committee.
Report circulated of Mr Lawson’s recent visit to Italy. A friendly welcome had been accorded despite the rather difficult relations between the two countries. Of note was the friendly and caring attitude of gardeners and caretakers.
Report of various ceremonies which had taken place since previous meeting. Visits by the French President and Lady Haig had paid visits to different parts of the battlefields. Several ex-Service and British Legion visits. Ypres and Arras Branches of the Legion held flower shows. Reports on cemeteries in Copenhagen and Germany, including a report from Mr C.A. Griggs, Head Gardener of the Paris Group who visited Denmark on his annual leave and inspected the graves in Copenhagen Western Cemetery. Report on the number of visitors signing Visitors’ Books at memorials and cemeteries in France and Belgium during September 1936.
Report of the 245th Meeting of the Finance Committee
Mention that the Exchange Relief was to continue for a further month. A plaque to the Million Dead was to be installed in Arras Cathedral. Problem of getting children to the school in Ypres reported on. Special bus chartered at cost for six children for whom public transport wasn’t available. Authorities to be asked if it can be resolved by other means.
Anglo-German-French Agreement
Discussions on the proposed Anglo-German-French agreement were on-going following the Vice-Chairman’s trip to Berlin. (Proposals were to be submitted to all Governments and as regarded as secret, minutes of Berlin discussions would be sent separately to the Commission members and added to the Minute Book as an appendix).
Erection of headstones on German graves in British cemeteries in France
This matter had been discussed in Berlin. German Government stated they couldn’t afford individual headstones (over two names per stone) but they agreed to the matter so long as there was no duty payable on import and the Commission would pay the cost of erection. Matter referred to the Finance Committee.
German headstones in the United Kingdom
Mention that the stones had been supplied by Germany and sent to England – the Commission paid for their erection. Poor quality had required replacements but the Germans initially declined to supply these. They now agreed to do so, but requested the Commission paid for their erection. Matter referred to the Finance Committee.
Anglo-French Mixed Committee
Resolution that Lord Allenby was appointed as an Honorary Member.
Iraq Committee
Resolution that Colonel C. E. Hughes and Captain G. H. Peek appointed as Secretary and Assistant Secretary.
Efford Cemetery, Plymouth
Resolution that the grave of Corporal H. J. Thomas in Efford Cemetery, Plymouth, would be taken into the care of the Commission.
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. (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
S.R. Skinner, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
H. Worthington, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
Admiral Sir Morgan Singer, K.C.B., K.C.V.O
J.J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
W.P. Spens, Esq., O.B.E, K.C., M.P.
There were also present:
Colonel Sir George W. Badgerow, C.M.G., C.V.O., M.D., F.R.C.S., (Canada)
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)
F.C. Sillar, Esq.
F. Tyrell, Esq.
B.S. Conyngham Greene, Esq. |