Page 381 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

379

1928

went to the Biladya garden. Dined with Holmes, Bridge. Parke fell into the sea going over to Muharrak in a joliboat,
the boat colided with another one. Everybody very amused about it because he is so pompous.

Monday 26th [March]
Went over to Agency to say good-bye to the P.R. Dawdled about for nearly an hour. They left in the morning. Mail
arrived last night, very poor one. Motored out to Sakhrir & M went to call on Sh Abdulla's wife, I went over to the
Shaikh's. They kept M to lunch so I came home. The Shaikh was very lively. Discussed the request of Persian Govt
that we should help to prevent smuggling of sugar into Persia - a most impudent proposition.
In afternoon Seyed Ednan called. I took him up to see the Biladya garden which he admired. Then to
tennis at the Mission. Warm day & no wind.

Tuesday 27th [March]

Opened the office again. A busy morning. Several people came in, Parke, a Syrian journalist & various other people

Motored out with Holmes to Budeya in afternoon after having tea with him, & then stayed on to dinner &
played Bridge. Hot day but not too hot.

Wednesday 28th [March]

A Persian & the son of Yusuf Fakroo called in the morning to talk about a scheme for licensing pearl brokers. A slight
row among the servants caused by Omar who dislikes the others. Barrett came in about a case. Played tennis & Bridge
at Strakers.

Thursday 29th [March]

Court. Sh. Sulman back again for which I was very pleased. Only 25 cases but took a long time. I now open my
office at 7 am & it is supposed to close at one - but doesnt. Didn't get up till nearly two. All the Dawasir came in.
Started going over their accounts but as they hadn't settled them all didnt make any payments & postponed it till
Saturday. Felt very irritated at having to pay them anything. Went to the garden after lunch. Sh Abdulla came up
there & stayed about an hour talking, on his way to Sakhrir. Then came home & people came to tea & Bridge. Rather
a hot day & very close in the evening. Barrett got a lot more information about Persian propaganda. Two fours for
Bridge.

Friday March 30th 1928