Page 507 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1929

among the merchants about the seating at the Palace at the Levee. The only satisfactory way of doing it would be
according to each ones bank account, it seems to be what matters. The Strakers came in to play Bridge before dinner,
they brought the new man Walker. He doesnt seem to be as bad as he was made out.

Wednesday [18 December]

Went up to the Fort in the morning. A large number of Shias have run away from Katif and come here in order to
avoid a heavy tax which Ibn Saoud has ordered them to pay About a thousand have landed here leaving their wives and
families to the mercy of Ibn Saoud. They want us to take a hand in the affairs over there and I have been approached
by various people who offer to start a small revolution against Ibn Saoud's government. I should enjoy organising it
but in my position it would be very unsuitable. The sea plane came with two of the flying men who are to work for Ibn
Saoud. I dont envy them the job, a most precarious one. Went round to the Jordans in the evening and played Bridge
and listened to the wireless. It was very good, he got onto Russia and various European stations and we heard some
lovely music. It would be nice to have one.

Thursday [19 December]

I have got a heavy cold, probably caught from Shaikh Sulman. Court in the morning. Sulman gave me an old sword
which I had seen in his gand and admired, it was being auctioned in a case. I should not have admired it, it is so
awkward when they do these things. Motored in the afternoon and D.G. and Prior came in after tea.

Friday 20th December 1929

Cold very heavy. Tried to write some articles on Bahrain in the morning and then we went a walk down the bazaar and
back by the sea road. Very stormy and windy but sunny. Took some snaps of James on the roof. I rather doubt their
being a success as they were taken in a bad light. Tennis at the Agency in the afternoon. Poor tennis, had to play with
Mrs Dame who is tremendously fat and quite incapable of running. She stands set and if a ball comes to her she hits at
it if not she leaves it. Bridge afterwards, equally bad as I played at the same table as D.G. Straker's father died very
suddenly at Brighton. Curious coincidence that it should happen in the case of two people here in so short a time.
Prior had been out hawking with the Shaikh. He didnt think much of it as the bustards were caught almost at once.
Myself I think its a dull sport and one seems to take so little part in it ones self. I prefer coursing hares with silugis.
The Dr says that M has to go on being on diet for some time. It is a great nuisance and very dull for her. He is going
to give her a series of injections for dysentry. James continues to gain weight. Old Fahad al Bassam came to call in
the evening. I like the old man. He discussed the merits of various Political Agents. He doesnt approve of Prior as he
says he makes too much show. He has a tremendous admiration for Daly and always longs to see him back here. I
know him really better than anyone else here and talk to him quite freely. He used to be a big merchant but came to
bad days and has nothing now. His relations are very well known people in Syria and Irak, big merchants and
important people in politics.

Saturday 21st December 1929