Page 1666 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1944

Wednesday 3rd February

Rode on golf course.

Office. Sh A came in, discussed sending sons of Sh Mohammed to Beyrout -
at Govt expense. Sh A said that he personally thought it was a mistake
sending boys abroad as in most cases they took to bad habits - he
mentioned his own sons who all drink. Innumerable people came in.

Thursday 4th February

Fort. Spent a long time at the customs arguing with rice importers about
the price of their stock, all produced invoices of different amounts for
the same sort & shipment of rice. Saw various people later including
Mansoor al Aragdh who comes almost daily about the distribution of dates
to the poor. Sh A came in to the customs while I was there, also heard
about the importing cattle.
Ban on export dates from Haq raised from 27 Jan.

Harrison came in before dinner. Went to a boxing match at the sports
club, soldiers, RAF & local Indians were fighting, a very good show and a
very big audience. I sent some of the Police and a lot of teachers &
school boys. Enjoyed the show very much though it was very cold. The
Capetown arrived but though Wakefield was expected to "open" the party he
didnt turn up.

Friday 5th February

Spent the day at Jidda taking Mohd Jafar and his wife, they, especially
she, seemed to enjoy the outing very much though it was cold coming back.
Lovely day & the sea a beautiful colour. Did a bit of coursing but didnt
get any hares. Decided on lay out of new jail, after the escape of
prisoners from there something must be done about shutting them in more
effectively. Got back just after sunset. Masons started work on my
house building the first floor bedroom.