Page 1366 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1940

Saturday 8th June

Fort.

Saw sons of Sh Ali Khalifah, from their school in Baghdad, decent looking lads.

In afternoon went to meet the Amir Saud who arrived on return from India by a specially
chartered plane. He looked very well. Then to Jufair, Mrs S leaving by Saud's plane, &

dinner at Dr McD, a dull dinner but quite good Bridge as I was not at her table. Room
hermetically sealed & so very stuffy, windows & curtains all closed, cant think why. Max

came in the afternoon.

Sunday 9th June

Office.

Snow came about various matters, also Metcalfe about propaganda - I am not impressed by

him, he has absolutely no local knowledge & doesn't talk Arabic. Strong shamaal & quite
cool. Feel more & more disinclined to concentrate on work, the war news not too good & I

cant think of nothing else. Such an inclination all the time to think that it doesnt matter.

Went to Budega in afternoon & over to O Sabaan, M gave a dinner for the Amir, about

150 people altogether including odds & ends & hangers on. Quite a pleasant entertainment
& very cool though rough going across. Some of the guests got as far as the Budega, looked

at the sea & then returned, some others asked for cars to be sent for them, failing which
they did not appear.

Monday 10th June