Page 1477 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1942

After dinner went out with Police who were raking in all the Persians round who seemed to have come
without pants. They worked till 2 PM, I left soon after midnight.

There were some fine men among them & some of the younger ones very good looking, their manner is
pleasanter then the Arabs, even under the circumstances.

Took the Gunns out for a trip in the launch round the islands off Muharraq & then towards Sitra. Pleasantly
cool on the water though very calm, tried to sketch but a dull evening, the sun a pale yellow circle setting in
grey sandy haze and the islands and shore utterly colourless, rather the effect of a Chinese print, especially
the fish traps in the foreground.

E.P. came in or rather was there when I got in & stayed late sitting talking on the terrace. How he dislikes
Hugh Weightman & also, apparently, Elspeth. Told him of the strange affair the other night.

Thursday 3rd July

Dinner Gunns

Fort, spent some time going over our Persians. Various people came in, Sh Abdulla b Ahmed, ABJ, Daij, Sh
Sult b A R & others. Lipp came in with news of Max's new appointment. In a way I am sorry as he wont
be coming here this year. It is a big job & most important.

Didn't go out pm, had a good rest as I was so late last night.

Dined with Gunns, went to cinema & then to Club where we sat & watched people dancing for some time,

not a very attractive sight. Smith was in the party.