Page 1555 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1942

Office. Had a long talk with Pannet the CRE Iraq and got a lot of things done.
He went to the hospital, Tech School & camp with Steele & saw Snow and Hutchings,
a good thing to establish contacts with all our people. Everyone rather extra
busy about military affairs.

Drove to Fort pm & after an early dinner went out to the church at Awali. Quite a
good congregation, about 40 people & a nice service, the Wakefields were there for
the first time. Rain & violent wind in the night & the roads quite wet - it is
late for rain.

Monday 13th April

Fort, Sh K discussed Abdulla Said & the liquor question. Sh S & A came in, Sh A
agreed to let Busatin gardens to RAF, Sh S re drink, RAF, & war. News of Sh Ahmed
having been ill which we had not heard. Intended to go to court. Pannet came in.
A false alarm re arrival of RAF but half an hour later another cable cancelling
the first but meanwhile many people had been very busy.

There is a general feeling in the air that something is imminent. I notice it
everywhere among Europeans & Arabs alike.

Slept after lunch then drove to Mhq & to dinner & bridge at Radstrom's, poor
bridge & rather a heavy party, very sleepy as we went on very late.

Archdeacon went to Qatar. Some rain, damp cloudy weather.

Tuesday 14th April

Fort. Went to court instead of yesterday. Dull cases.

Dined with YK, a European party but usual Arab style meal, then to Agency where we
played briefly with W & Hay.

YK very oily & at times quite childish.

Wednesday 15th April