Page 1487 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1484

1942

In afternoon went up to the Fort & then to Senian.

A party at Awali given by the Brigadier & his staff, really very pleasant, dancing & supper. Got away at a

reasonable time. Alban dancing looked like a funeral mute or a patient at the dentist. Accepted oil coy's
invitation to go to mainland for Thursday fortnight.

Sunday 27th July

Office, busy morning a lot of people in & out. Dr M for some time about her Agreement also Manson, one
of the military mission, a Lt Commander. Took him down to see the Customs shed with a view to the
landing of troops in Bahrain. Spent some time at the customs.

In afternoon took Ibrahaim Effendi to Budega & bathed at Senian on the way back. He seems very keen &
does work himself, he has made several improvements in the garden. I pruned the orange trees which are
sprouting well. I get to find him easier to understand. The gardeners at first wouldn't believe that his own
language is Arabic, Egyptian, & said that he spoke "some Arabic." It shows how very different the dialects
are & that its not so difficult for a foreigner to pose as an Arab speaking person.

Monday 28th July

In court all the morning, dull cases, one well known thief, a wretched looking creature but a dangerous
fellow whom we gave 4 years RI. He had been badly beaten up by the villagers of the village where he was
caught. Got back early as Brigadier Hughes came to lunch & first looked at pearls but didnt buy any. I
always feel rather apologetic when this happens, & it seems to happen very often. They were brought by

Salim Al Ara . Hughes thought them expensive, I dont think they were. We lunched alone & I had an
interesting talk with him, he is increasing the anti aircraft defences but all his other plans will only come
into effect if the war comes very much nearer than it is now.

Rode with Gunn after tea, quite pleasant, put up one hare. Went in to the Bank after riding and bathed at
Idari in the evening after dinner.

Hot night last night, the first really bad night this year.