Page 1793 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1944

impatient over these things, having been some years in the East one would
expect him to appreciate Arab reactions more easily - but he doesnt. I
think this is one of the reasons why the people dislike him so much.

Rode with MacAdam a USA major who at home breeds & trains horses,
especially jumpers. For some time expected the Bishop but then heard he
was not due till tomorrow. Arranged flowers in the drawing room after
riding.

Had a tiresome time with Abdel Kerim's Iraqi wife, very unpleasant bit of
stuff. They are parting.

Wednesday 17th May

The day consisted in waiting for the Bishop - who didnt come with phone
messages at intervals from Dodds, RAF & various others. Stayed in all
the afternoon waiting to go & meet him & eventually heard that the plane
he was on had gone back to Sh - reason unknown. Didnt ride in the
morning, saw various people in the office, Campbell the security officer
& several Arabs. Quite pleasant weather still, a south wind in evening.

Narazan sold his car for 16000 it cost him about 4000. Our Ahlan
stopping export of piece goods has had instant effect on the market &
prices have slumped, a lot of people are very angry having bought at
hugely inflated prices.

Thursday 18th May

Fort

Office. Various alarms and excursions but eventually met the Bishop at
Mhq before lunch & adjourned to the mess to make plans with Babage &
Johnson the RAF Padre who came with him. After lunch painted & later we
called on Hick & then we went to Mhq for a confirmation of three RAF
men in a messy little room off the canteens, lights & fuses kept on going
off & it was rather squalid & the Bishop in scarlet robes looked rather
odd, but in spite of the surroundings the service was impressive & two of
the three men were sobbing.

Hick & Snow to dinner.