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Apologies for absence were reported from Dame Janet Fookes, Professor Sir Peter Shepeard and Professor Prance
Welcome to Mr Bruce Knoefel, and Mr Blunden and Mr Webb of Coopers & Lybrand
Appointment
The Chairman congradulates Miss Elspeth Kennedy on her promotion to Higher Executive Officer, Secretariat.
Deaths
The Chairman reported the death of Admiral Sir Guy Grantham GCB CBE DSO and Mr Paul Martin.
Minutes of the 589th Meeting of the Commission and Matters Arising From The Minutes
Circulation of minutes
Review by the United KIngdom Ministry of Defence
The Secretary reported that a preliminary visit had been made to Head Office by the Ministry of Defence and the review would take place in Spetember
Exchange of Letters with Nigeria
Major-General Bajowa, the Director-General of the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, has agreed that the proposed arrangements for maintenance in Nigeria should be settled by an Exchange of Letters.
Jewish Graves in Jerusalem War Cemetery
The Secretaty reported that a reply has been sent to Mr Stern.
Appointment of Vice-Chairman
The Chairman speaks of the unanimous support for the proposal that Air Chief Marshal Sir Joseph Gilbert should succeed him as Vice-Chairman for a period of three years.
Annual Report and Accounts of the Commission 1991-92
Mr Penfold discusses the accounts for 1991-92.
Forecast of Outturn 1992-93
Mr Reeves states that the total expenditure for 1992-93 would be greater than originally estimated, however this would be ofset by the surplus from 1991-92.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Superannuation Scheme- Annual Report 1991-92
Mr David Parker said that the Annual Report of the Trustees has been adpoted. Sir Nigel Mobbsstates that the Trustees had been disappointed by the preformance of the current investment managers and concludes that the question of if they should be appointed for a fixed term was a matter for review.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Superannuation Scheme- Appointment of Trustee
The Chairman states that the appointment of a beneficiary of the Scheme had worked well, and that Mr Philip Matthew was willing to serve another three years.
The Commission's Film
Mr Gee states that the Commission's existing film, made 16 years ago, was noticeably dated. It is proposed that a new 30 minute film be made for general showing, with two 15 minute films be made for schools and working contacts. This will see an estimated cost of £100,00.
The Commission approved of this, and the Secretary will nook into seeking financial provision.
Threat to Benghazi War Cemetery
The Secreatry explains that it has to be assumed that the proposed development at Benghazi constituted a serious threat to the cemetery, and that a draft memorandum had been sent to member governments.
Privately Owned Cemeteries in Edinburgh
After opposition, the company that owned the cemeteries has changed tactic, and has declared an intention to maintain the cemeteries. The company are requesting a payment from the Commissin per annum in 'lair fees'. Discussions followed on the ramifications of this.
Commonwealth-Foreign Joint Committees- Appointment of Members
The Commission approved and took note of the appointments set out in the accompanying report.
Burials and Commemorations
The Commission approved the alternative commemoration of 3 war burials.
Schedule of Documents Executed on Behalf of the Commission
The Commission took note of the execution of documents on its behalf
Annual Report of Exhumations and Reinterments, 1991
The Commission took note
Tours by Commissioners and Head Office Senior Officials
Sir Josephe Gilbert speaks of his tour to Belgium, where, although standards were high, they were not uniformally so. The Chairman speaks of his visit to Germany, and discusses that staff resources in the Areas were fully stretched. Sir Joseph Gilbert and Sir Nicholas Hunt discuss their attending of events in Belgium to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele.
Diary
The Chairman speaks of the visit from HRH The Duke of Kent to Staglieno Cemetery, Genoa. The Chairman speaks of his attendance at the events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. Sir Derek Day states that the annual Canada Day service at Shorncliffe Military Cemetery had been well attended.
The Chairman mentions that the President will be attending the El Alamein ceremony in October, and that Her Majesty The Queen will be visiting Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery on 23 October.
Other business
City of Westminister Cemeteries
Mr Reddie states that Westminster City Council has re-acquired the cemeteries it had sold to private owners years ago.
December Commission Meeting
The Chairman reminds members that the President would be chairing the Commission meeting in December
The Rt Hon J D Concannon and Sir Derek Day
The Chairman announces that this will be the last meeting to be attended by Mr Concannon and Sir Derek Day.
ATTENDEES:
General Sir Robert Ford GCB CBE (Vice-Chairman of the Commission)
His Excellency Mr Richard J Smith (High Commissiner for Australia)
The RT Hon J D Concannon
Sir Derek Day KCMG
Admiral Sir Nicholas Hunt GCB LVO
Air Chief Marshal Sir Joseph Gilbert KCB CBE
The Viscount Ridley AO
Professor R J O'Neill AO
Mr R L L Facer (Representing the Secretary of State for Defence in the United Kingdom)
Mr R. G. S. Johnson (Representing the Secretary of State for the Environment in the United Kingdom)
Brigadier-General D M Dean CD (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
Brigadier B S Malik AVSM (Representing the High Commissioner for India)
Commodore J G Leonard RNZN (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
Mr B Knoefel (Representing the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa)
SECRETARY:
Mr J. Saynor JP, Director-General
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr P S Blunden FCA and Mr D Webb ACA (Representing Coopers & Lybrand)
Mr T F Penfold, Assistant Secretary, Deputy Director-General (Administration)
Mr R J Dalley, Assitant Secretary, Deputy Director-General (Operations)
Mr G.C. Reddie, Legal Adviser and Solicitor
Mr D R Parker, Director of Personnel
Mr A Coombe, Director of Works
Mr J.P.D. Gee, Director of Information and Secretariat
Mr D C Parker, Director of Horticulture
Mr T V Reeves, Director of Finance
Miss E Kennedy, Higher Executive Officer, Secretariat
Mrs C Kirby, Secretariat |