| Content Note | Topics covered:
Mention that Sir Patrick Spens was elected as Chairman in place of the absent Vice-Chairman.
Matters arising from the Minutes of the 410th Meeting
Details of the unveiling ceremony for the Rangoon Memorial, which was unveiled by General Sir Francis Festing on 9th February, and visit by the Vice-Chairman to Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery; account of Mr Wynne Mason’s tour in Africa, which included visits to 25 cemeteries in Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika, South Africa, and the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and discussions with local officials regarding maintenance and horticultural treatment.
Report of the 455th Meeting of the Finance Committee
Discussion concerning the supply and erection of synthetic replacement headstones at El Alamein War Cemetery; appointment of twelve members to the Permanent Maintenance Staff; construction of a paved path at Holten Canadian War Cemetery; expenses in connection with the unveiling ceremonies for the Delhi Memorial and Karachi Memorial; revision of temporary currency and local allowances for staff in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
Membership of Commonwealth-European Joint Committees
Proposal regarding a new system that would ensure a reasonable pattern of representation for participating Governments in all Joint Committees.
Revised sketch design for the Ottawa Memorial
Refers to revised design for the memorial, including the proposed use of granite as an alternative to limestone to construct the memorial.
Maintenance of the 51st Highland Division Memorial, Beaumont-Hamel, France
Refers to the financial arrangements for the maintenance of the 51st Highland Division Memorial at Beaumont Hamel, France.
Talpioth Indian War Cemetery, Jerusalem
Refers to arrangements concerning the tenure of land forming the site at Talpioth Indian War Cemetery and adjoining land, which contained the graves of Turkish prisoners of war.
War graves and memorials, West Africa
Report of the Commission’s work, responsibilities and progress in Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria, and arrangements with the Governments to review the permanent maintenance of war graves and cemeteries.
General Notes
Refers to the deaths of Lieutenant-Colonel H. F. Chettle, former Deputy Controller of the Commission, and Major W. K. K. Kinnear, former Registration Officer in France and Area Inspector, Eastern Region, United Kingdom, were reported; attendance by the Secretary of the Commission at the annual dinner of the New Zealand Society; completion of a Roll of Honour of the Merchant Navy War Dead from the Second World War.
ATTENDEES:
The Right Hon. Sir Patrick Spens KBE GC MP (in the Chair)
Campbell Moodie (Representing the High Commission for Canada)
E. J. B. Foxcroft (Representing the High Commissioner for Australia)
E. A. Broadridge (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
F. W. Thomashoff (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
Major E. K. Hari Krishna (Representing the High Commissioner for India)
Captain S. M. Akhtar (Representing the High Commissioner for Pakistan)
S. H. Field (Representing the Secretary of State for the Colonies)
Captain Sir Harold Campbell GCVO DSO RN
Sir Arthur Rucker KCMG CB CBE
Admiral Sir John Edelsten GCB GCVO CBE
SECRETARY
W. J. Chalmers CBE
Also in attendance:
W. Wynne Mason MC (Assistant Secretary (External Relations))
A. K. Pallot (Assistant Secretary (Finance and Establishments))
Major-General J. F. D. Steedman CBE MC (Director of Works)
H. L. Simmons LLB (Legal Adviser)
W. F. W. Harding BSc (Chief Horticultural Officer)
A. S. Laing
R. I. Mill |