Page 1539 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1536

1942

Idari before lunch, got message that HH died at Ruimaitha. Took Narayan & drove
out, near Rumaitha met a long procession of cars headed by one containing Shs M A
& S who stopped, got out & told me S had been chosen as Shaikh by the family "of
Isa". Followed on behind their car to Rafar cemetery where the funeral was held,
a very moving affair, gray day, crowds of Arabs, women on the cliffs below the
town. Sh A Latif said the prayers many in fact most of the people in tears, some
completely broke down. The Arabs stayed on to pray, I went home, Wakefield came
over & we discussed things & heard what Narayan had to say, M stayed on & went to
Sh S's Meglis. Some delay trying to get hold of Spense to get Shaikh's will out
of Bank. Went out to see Sh S about it, found some of his brothers & others in
Meglis, he took me to another room & I delivered the document, had long talk, he
was evidently pleased to have it, he asked me to stay on with him & was very nice
but rather verbose about future duties etc, told how Abdulla came first and said
he would support him & at Rumaitha M & A told him he should succeed & then the
family agreed - none opposing it. Under the circumstances it was not likely that
anyone would.

Returned to dinner, a very trying & exhausting day.

Saturday 21st February

Paid calls in Mhq in morning on M, A & Rashid, the first seemed genuinely upset,
the latter very bright & old Rashid quite broken up.

Drove pm. To cinema & then to the TTs. Lots of telegrams. The whole place shut
up & Mhq full of people going to pay calls.