TNAG-2152-FCO40-3071-Commonwealth-war-graves-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 51

MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE ARMED FORCES

D/MIN(AF)/132/90

HÚ Sec 2 LO

see.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

MAIN BUILDING WHITEHALL LONDON SW1A 2HB

Telephone 01-218 2216 Direct Dialling)

01-218 9000 (Switchboard)

/S March 90

Dear Peter

Thank you for your letter of 1 February to Douglas Hurd enclosing one from your constituent Mr L A Harris of 6 Faithfull Crescent, Storington, West Sussex. I have been asked to reply.

The graves of Service personnel who fell in the two world wars are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The maintenance of non-world war graves, including the grave of Mr Harris's son, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence. In Hong Kong the work is carried out by the Hong Kong Government on behalf of the MOD, with the Property Services Agency monitoring standards. From 1 April 1990 this arrangement will change to the extent that the monitoring task will pass to Headquarters British Forces Hong Kong.

The type of arrangements that will come into effect after 1997, when the Colony is handed back to China, are still under discussion in Hong Kong, but I can assure you that we will not neglect our responsibilities for the care and maintenance of these graves.

I hope this is helpful.

Your zur Ancie

Sir Peter Hordern MP

ARCHIE HAMILTON