Page 1455 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat
P. 1455
1452
1942
Thursday 1st May
Agency, discussed a gift for Holmes & Mrs Holmes, also annual report, Budget.
Steele for some time.
Went Daali to see the new road.
Cocktail party given by Metcalfe & Polly, quite a pleasant affair, the only gloomy people being Lipps & Alban
who sat side by side, looking awful. Lipp said to have got the jitters badly.
Friday 2nd May
Went to Jidda for the day taking the Gunns. Pleasant trip. Cool & breeze on the island. Had a bathe. The
party was interrupted by a messenger who arrived in a sailing boat with note from Khalifah that Iraq had
declared war on England & asking if he should arrest all Iraqis. Very reluctantly left Jidda & returned to
Manama, sailing to Budega & thence by car. Found nothing going on in Manama, spent some time at the
Fort, saw the men have their food, and then did some gardening. A spoilt day, I wonder why these things
always happen on Fridays. Gave orders re black out, to be strictly enforced. It makes the house very
stuffy.
Saturday 3rd May
Fort & office.
