Page 94 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1926

Much fuss & arranging for the arrival of Col Prideaux. The "Laurence" late, as usual, but I had lunch first before going
out to meet him. The Sheikh & Sheikh Abdulla called in the morning. After lunch went to the Palace & then drove
down with them all to the Customs, went out in the Sheikh's launch to the Laurence, the three Sheiks & various of
their sons. Went aboard. Col Prideaux & a rather tiresome young new under secretary on board. P has a quite
deplorable manner with natives & certainly gave the worst impression, appeared to be in a bad temper, but
actually is always like that. The Sheikh looked miserable & referred everything to me. After an unpleasant half
hour the Sheikhs retired. We had arranged for a sort of reception in the big Meglis room but P didnt seem to fancy
the idea but went after tea to the Sheikhs house. Daly very frigid & taking no trouble to hide how bored he is by
P's presence. Altogether very difficult. The Secretary, though constantly snubbed, is a conceited creature. Old P
isnt really so bad but has a mumbling manner, a plain old personage, very pink with white hair & over fat in the
waistcoat. No Bridge as not a four. Slept round the corner of the veranda 9 feet off P & the Sec - rather like mixed
batheing or a French comedy - disagreable, the house is too full. The Secretary is rather an affected young man. In
the afternoon the usual tennis party, all the people came. Played one very dull game & then looked on. Col P went
to call on the Sheikh.

Saturday 4th Sept

Court in the morning, a lot of cases but all small ones of a dull description. Got back late for breakfast & late for
lunch. Dawdled about in afternoon & then M & I went out with Col P & the Secretary to Budeaya, in our & the
Shaikh's cars. I drove out with him & back with the secretary, who I dislike. He was quite pleasant and amiable.
Really he isnt so bad, but Daly cant stand him & does nothing to entertain him, leaving the brunt of it to us. Daly has
been seedy & really isnt in good form. We have not got a four for Bridge & Daly is determined not to ask anyone in as
he thinks if life is sufficiently dull P & the Sec will leave earlier, he certainly is doing his best to push them off. They
are sending 2 platoons of Indian Army here pro tem till we get a new Levy Corps & police, & Parke is to come as soon
as possible. I look forward to his arrival. He is to be assistant to Adviser besides O.C. Police so I shall I hope have less
work to do.

Monday 6th Sept

Busy morning. Looked at the house after tea. It may be ready by time the Barrats arrive - I hope so. Dined with the
Sheikh. Quite a big party. Col P & Secretary, who is called Prior, Spence & Pickering, Daly & ourselves, & de Grenier.
Abdulla & Muhamed were both present, also two officers from the Cyclamen. An enormous dinner, three whole
sheep, beautifully cooked & a lot of chickens, stewed meat, fruit etc. Quite pleasant, but Col P casts a decided gloom
on every party & his manner to the Sheikh & others is dreadful. He seems so bored & fed up by all of them. Left