I WAS surprised to read Terry Morgan's article (August 29) regarding the intention of Neil Jones to have the remains of his great uncle Corporal William Fernley repatriated to the United Kingdom.

We are aware of, and understand, Mr Jones's feelings, but there has never being any question of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission agreeing to his request.

The wish to see loved ones brought home was shared by many families after the First and Second World Wars but the decision was taken that those who fought and died together should be buried together and commemorated individually and in perpetuity. Since the war cemeteries were created 80 years ago they have given great comfort to relatives and comrades, knowing that the dead are being commemorated and that their graves are being cared for in an appropriate manner, and they bring a sense of great pride to ordinary visitors who are pleased to see the way in which their nations' war dead are remembered.

There can therefore be no question of the Commission agreeing to Mr Jones's request. I hope that in time he will understand the decision and see that the grave of his great uncle, among those of his comrades in a country which knows well the cost of war, is in good hands and will continue to be cared for.

Since the publication of this article a number of people have approached the Commission in the mistaken impression that our policy has changed, and I would be grateful if you could correct this.

DAVID PARKER,

director of information

and secretariat,

Commonwealth War

Graves Commission.