TNAG-1783-FCO40-2543-Hong-Kong-Commonwealth-War-Graves-Commission-1988 — Page 8

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(f) In some of the countries concerned political sensitivites may still attach to the Burma campaign. As Col White will be well aware, elements of the Burmese and Indian forces fought for the opposing side. And all currently value highly their relations with Japan. It might therefore be as well if any approach is couched in terms of the desire to commemorate the human sacrifice of their countrymen rather than the political consequences of the defeat of the Axis (see para 3 of his

draft letter).

A R Hall

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7/84

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HXC 225/1

- AUG 1988

FICE:

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Dr Hall

Research Department

CHINDIT NATIONAL MEMORIAL

I enclose a copy of a self-explanatory letter from Lt Col J C White of the Chindits Old Comrades' Association. I have sent an interim reply pending a longer response in due course.

1.

2. As we discussed over the phone, my inclination is to reply along the lines that we have no authority to act in an official capacity as advisors on such a matter. Instead the Chindits might like to contact the Commonwealth War Graves Commission who are experienced in this field. I should be grateful for any suggestions or comments you or copy addressees may have, or any other advice which I can pass on to the Chindits.

3. As far as Burma is concerned, an appeal for funds is highly unlikely to get a sympathetic response. For one thing Burma has no spare cash. But, more importantly, not all the Burmese were on our side in the war! The Chindit's proposed memorial may evoke unpleasant memories of British colonialism.

2 August 1988

CC: Ms Slater, HKD

SAD

Mr Ramsay, NAD

Ms Rawlins, WAD

Mr Thomson, NENAD

Ms Blackburne, EAD

Alex Hall Hall

Alexandra Hall Hall South East Asian Department

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From Lieutenant Colonel J. C. White, M.C., B.A., National Chairman

THE CHINDITS OLD COMRADES' ASSOCIATION

Registered under the Charities Act 1960, No. 251733 National Headquarters—

T.A. & V.R. CENTRE, WOLSELEY HOUSE, FALLINGS PARK, WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS, U.K., WV10 9QR

Telephone

-

Chindit Liaison Officer, (day time) 0902 731841

Royal Patron :

4

Caretaker

-

0902 731842

"The boldest measures

are the safest"

The Chindit Divisional Sign portraying a Chinthe, a mythical beast, symbolic guardian of Burmese temples.

Vice-Presidents:

Brigadier M. J. CALVERT, D.S.O., M.A. Brigadier P. H. GRAVES-MORRIS, D.S.O., M.C. Brigadier P. W. MEAD, C.B.E.

His Royal Highness, THE PRINCE OF WALES, K.G., K.T., P.C., G.C.B., A.K.

Patron and Chairman of Trustees :

Major O. J. WINGATE, R.H.A. President:

Brigadier W. P. SCOTT, D.S.O., M.C.

Wing Commander SIR ROBERT G. K. THOMPSON, K.B.E., C.M.G., D.S.O., M.C. Major-General J. R. ALISON, D.S.M., D.F.C., L.M., D.S.O. (U.S.A.A.F.) Major CORTEZ F. ENLOE, Jnr., M.D. (U.S.A.A.F.)

Trustees :

Chairman :

Colonel G. E. GILCHRIST, T.D.

Vice-Chairman :

Captain C. C. STEELE Vice-Chairman :

Lt.-Col. J. C. WHITE, M.C., B.A.

Major H. M. WILLIAMS

Major N. G. HOGAN

Honorary Secretary:

Colonel J. S. LANCASTER, M.B.E., J.P., D.L.

Honorary Treasurer:

Honorary Welfare Officer :

Major C. BALDOCK

K. BATTEY, Esq.

Please address all correspondence to National Headquarters unless otherwise requested.

Honorary Chaplain :

Lt. Col. A. E. L. E. NOBLE, M.C., B.A.

Assistant Secretary:

K. J. HODGES, Esq.

Jean Sin Geoffpay

Please reply to:

re: Chindit National Memorial

26 Stockwell Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton. Tel. (0902) 752267

The

July, 1988.

I take the liberty of writing to inquire if you would be so kind as to nominate a member of your staff to act as advisor with regard to procedure in respect of the following.

The enclosed literature will explain that we have permission to

We raise a memorial to the Chindits and General Wingate in Whitehall. are now in the process of launching an appeal for funds and amongst the various categories whom we shall be approaching will be the Governments, or their successors, that were associated with the campaigns and General Wingate.

The countries concerned whose troops, other than the British Army, made up the Chindit Force were:-

Burma

Hong Kong India Pakistan Nepal Nigeria U.S.A.

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