TNAG-2152-FCO40-3071-Commonwealth-war-graves-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 53

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Sir Peter Morden,

.P.

c/o The louse of Commons

Westminster

London.

"Grales"

5 Faithfull Cres; Storrington

W. Sussex.

H20 40%.

29th Jan: 1990

Dear Sir

y wife and I have recently returned from a final visit to our son's grave in the Colonial section of lappy Valley Cemetery in dong long. I enclose a copy of the article published in"The ong Kong Sunday Standard" on Dec: 31st 1999 refering to problem we are now faced with.

You will gather from points expressed in the report that we are very concerned with the future of all the graves under the jurisdiction of the various departments in Hong Xong in the immediate future and from the long term, especially fro 1947 onwards.

we have had so £ Essurances out regretfully, there is a doubt in our minds as to what will eventually happen?

ere are two separate issues involved, firstly, with regard to the immediate zuture, who is going to care for the graves From April 1950 until the date of the proposed privatisation?, and who is going to pay for the upkeep of the. Secondly, have there been any negotiations with the Chinese Government as to what will happen to all servicemen's graves and the cemeteries after 1997, including those under the jurisdiction of "The War Graves Commission":

You will note that each time we have bee:.

been very disappointed to the state of the actual gr.

.e

s and

I feel you will understand our fears for the future. we would be very grateful if you will take up our cause with the ..inistry of Defence on our behalf or should write to then direct?

Copies to..

Group Captain

F. Hamilton-Rump

I remain, yo

Leslie A. Harris.

Jack Edwards. 1.3.5.

Kowloon.

Royal Air Force. Sek Rong. Major C... Staples. .R.A.C. Headquarters British Forces. I.K.