Page 1675 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1944

Friday 26th February

Went to Jidda in the morning via Budega, a dull gray day & rather stormy
so we didnt go round by sea. Slow progress on the house as the masons
had not been working all the time. There had been a theft in the house,
a tin of dates & some cigars.

Sailed back & drove in from Budega - rather a wild afternoon & slight
rain.

Saturday 27th February

Fort. Heard that the last escaped prisoner was caught by mainland
police, he stole a boat from his own village & crossed to Katif. HH & Sh
A came in, discussed various matters including Shera demand for Zikat
from funds of minors, my suggestion that births & deaths should be
registered, DC & other matters. Coates, RAF, come in to call, he is
leaving for UK, Richards is taking over from him at Hella.

Rode in afternoon along to Snow's by shore and back by Suk al Khamis,
looking for site for Govt shop at Sal K - DC came in. Dined at Harrisons
- a dull party but quite a good dinner. Found Harrison very interesting
on subject of past personalities in the Gulf.

Some showers of rain.

M took Muharraq school girls for a picnic at Budega garden.

Sunday 28th February

Office, saw YK, back from Baghdad, Khadhuri ex bank clerk who got a
refusal from me to sell land on new sea road & a Shaikhling who has no
pay. Drove in the evening.