Page 1824 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1821

1944

Tuesday 26th September

American vice consul taken to call on HH by Hick, HH said he seemed very inquisitive.
Hick stayed on & HH tackled him on Zubara, both, I gathered, got very angry & both,
later complained to me about the obstinacy & stupidity of the other & I of course
agreed with both.

Tuesday 27th September

Rode to Idari, just missed the Police who bathe there but had a good ride on
Oleandar, hot & sticky. HH came in, rather late and Sh A, discussed Zabara, HH is
very angry with Hick partly owing to a letter he wrote which might have been
differently worded. I got him to speak of a few other matters. When he left I went
down to the Customs to discuss with Smith how to utilise our very large profits on
sale of food & we decided to reduce prices of dates & flour. Roselle to lunch, after
tea went to see the spring in the sea near old Sitra road which Fatma al Qattam wants
to make use of - she provided some frightfully messy food including poached eggs
which M & I & Roselle were supposed to eat. Dined with TTs & to see the Younger Pitt
a capital film.

Thursday 28th September

Fort, dealt severely with some young Policemen who came up & said they just couldnt
do any work & so wished to leave. Office. Various callers, one of the US officers &
his sergeant about the accident case, they want to leave out all reference to the
women as it will do no good & it will damage the dead man's character at home.
Agreed with them. Saw Smith re UKCC and wheat supplies which they threaten to reduce
also talked to him about the accident case & GP's Indian protegee, he didnt like the
idea of having him at the customs. Went to Jidda after lunch by launch, all seemed
to be well there, more paths & an extension to the pier begun & 4 weaving looms in
full swing, very satisfactory to see the weaving going on.