TNAG-2152-FCO40-3071-Commonwealth-war-graves-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 60

Tel:- 0903/743682

Sir Peter Horden, M.P.

c/o The House of Commons

Westminster

London.

"Grales"

6 Faithfull Cres;

Storrington

W. Sussex, RH20 4QY

29th Jan: 1990

•

Dear Sir

My wife and I have recently returned from a final visit to our son's grave in the Colonial section of Happy Valley Cemetery in Hong Kong. I enclose a copy of the article published in"The Hong Kong Sunday Standard" on Dec: 31st 1989 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 Kong in the immediate future and from the long term especially from 1997 onwards?

We have had some assurances but regretfully, there is a doubt in our minds as to what will eventually happen? There are two separate issues involved, firstly, with regard to the immediate future, who is going to care for the graves from April 1990 until the date of the proposed privatisation?, and who is going to pay for the upkeep of them? 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 been we have been very disappointed to the state of the actual graves 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 Ministry of Defence on our behalf or should write to them direct?

Copies to..

Group Captain

P. Hamilton-Rump

youy's

I remain, youys

Royal Air Force. Sek Kong.

is

Zešlie. A. Harris.

Major C.M. Staples. W.R.A.C. Headquarters British Forces. H.K.

Jack Edwards. M.B.E.

Kowloon.

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