Page 432 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

430

1929

squabbled with Straw who commented on the queer hat that D.G. wore. Played Bridge, the others played some
tiresome card game. Hot evening, south wind. The party was a sort of farewell party by the Barretts.
Tuesday [16 April]

Didnt go to the Muharrak Biladya meeting. Now that Parke is away I really dont get much time for these things as a
trip to Muharrak takes up the whole of the morning. Various people came in to see me. Went across to listen to the
trial for awhile. Motored along the Budeya road in the afternoon. They were taking the case of the attempt on the
Shaikh. The men admitted that it had been ordered by Shaikh Khalid a near relation of the Shaikhs. Barrett wrote
officially to the Shaikh telling him of his various relations who were implicated in the murders but the Shaikh does not
dare to do anything about them. It makes me really very angry. Barrett spoke about the business of the Police having
used rather oriental methods with the prisoners to get them to give evidence. Parke ordered it and Barrett is very angry
with him, one thing they did was to tie the men up and then put lighted papers between their toes. Of course it is a pity
that it came out, but knowing the men and what they have done I dont feel much compunction for them, It is a pity that
Parke took part in it himself.

Wednesday [17 April]

Went out in the morning to Idari to meet the Shaikh and look into the question of making a new road, but the Shaikh
was in a hurry coming in to see Barrett so wouldnt wait. I and Khalil Moayad went on and had a look at it. Then went
to the Fort. Various people came in the morning, Shaikh Abdulla, Zayani, Mohamed Yatim and others. Went across to
the Agency Court and heard part of the Senobis case. Some difficulty in getting enough evidence. Tennis at Mespers,
good tennis and Bridge. Quite a nice day, not too hot. The aeroplanes are coming tomorrow and as usual the Agency
made a complete hash of the business by not letting me or The Shaikh know about it till very late. I have never yet
known an affair like this come off without a muddle on the part of the Agency. I hope when Prior comes it will be
better.

Thursday [18 April]

Court. Took cases till the two sea planes arrived then motored up to the Palace to join the Shaikh and across to Essex
Point where we sat in cars and looked at the sea planes. They are anchored in a creek at the back of the town but we
couldnt get very near them. Stayed some time then came back. After lunch went up to the Palace and then the Captain
of the Crocus, which arrived in the morning, and the O.C. of the seaplanes, called on the Shaikh. They offered to take
him over to Dohar, on the mainland tomorrow. After much conversation he accepted. Really he didnt seem very keen
about it as he said it was Friday, they were not expecting him and the Arabs of Dohar had never seen an aeroplane
before. Much discussion as to what he should wear, he was very anxious to take his sword. Barrett and Shaikh
Abdulla are also going. In the evening the Strakers came bringing two of the flying officers who are staying with them,
and later on two more of them came in, also Barden. The sea planes look very large and rather clumsy, queer looking
affairs. Very hot day, wore a thin suit for the first time this year but changed again in the afternoon as it got cooler.

Friday [19 April]