Page 1857 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1854

1945

Still cold weather. Worked in the office all the morning. Sh Abdulla called, discussed HH's
misapprehension about oil, he thinks our output is dependent on import of Arabian oil, it doesnt affect it.
Saw various people. Very cold but not such a gale as yesterday. Spent a long time writing to HH &
explaining re oil. His took his part of the ammunition case & in the evening told me what he intended to give
them also the car stealing case.

Went with Stoker to see about putting a race course round the golf course, it looked a feasible idea but M
Khalie didnt turn up so we couldnt measure it. Dined with Hick to meet the Dutch Minister in S Arabia, a
most interesting man & somewhat unusual appearance, well turned out with massive gray beard. Talked of
Arabian exploring, St John Philby, who he disapproved of, Switzerland, which he knew well, & the war & its
effect on Europe. The Dutchman was a very cultivated well read man, but Hick seemed to dislike him & said
he was very boring.

Monday 8th January

Fort, looked over the clothing store & found a lot of blankets badly damaged by insects, moths. Sent the men
out on extended order drill. Very late returning from the Fort. The old lady from Rafaa pursued me & I got
very cross with her, a most persistent old party, talk about drilling a well & she knows no drilling is allowed.