Page 1552 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1550

1942

Wednesday 1st April

Fort - office.

Long talk with ABJ re likelihood of air raids. Everyone at Mhq much agitated at
prospect of troops. A visit from a Russian RAF officer, a nice fellow, older than
some, who was in S.P.R in last war, discussed various things apart from Bn, he was
most interesting, lately come from Malta.

Spent some time at the palace with Narazan & M Salih fixing up about the
decorations etc for the Durbar. It was quite cool in the open at 5pm, the time it
takes place.

Rehearsal at TTs, took the Hutchings & Blue out, after dinner, Mrs H & the boy
went to cinema & then called for the others, fair picture.

Thursday 2nd April

Fort. Went with Sh Khalifah to see the space in front of the Palace where the
people come out to sit at the Durbar, arranged about Guard of Honour etc. Office,
Sh A came in & stayed an hour, worked most of the morning on the speech for HH for
the Durbar which is to be read by Sh Mohd. Probably some of it will be cut out by
Sulman who seems to dislike any hard facts, & my suggestions were full of them.

Rode on Muharraq before tea, M went to Tiffah's to tea. Didnt go out in the
evening for a change, warm weather, summer coming on early this year. Had a
pleasant ride but not very strenuous.

Friday 3rd April

Very hot day, S wind, over 80 in the house.