Page 201 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

199

1927

would forfeit their estates & all debts. I am tired of them, arrogant & oppressive people & the Shaikh is ridiculous the way
he makes up to them. He wanted me to pay them out a cheque for Rs 60,000 - a pretty big sum. Of course I didnt but said
I'd see Barrett about it first. Went down the bazaar & then to Pickerings where we found Holmes & the two airmen,
walked back with them. Painted after lunch then M paid calls on the mission & I to the Agency where she came later.
Looked up the Dawasir secret files, all very interesting, telegrams from Viceroy, Thomas (then Colonial Sec.) & the
complete history of their intrigues with bin Saoud who egged them on to get up against the Government. Found that they
had been clearly told that if they left the place their estates would be confiscated. Showed this to Barrett who definitely
agreed that they should not be given back rents & said he would support me. Its a trifle difficult but as B absolutely agrees
I shall make no payment & write to the Shaikh tomorrow.

Saturday [16 April]

Went down the bazaar in the morning to assess the value of the repairs done to some of the Dawasir property. Went round
with a committee of notables, some of the people made a lot of row claiming to have done more than they actually had.
Court in the morning. As usual Sh Mohd had several cases against his wretched tenants. Went out a drive in afternoon to
see the new road repairs & then to the Spences for a while & back. Mail arrived.