Page 1107 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1105

1935

Biladya meeting, quite lively but not very long. There are several members who always cause excitment
over any discussions, Khalil Moalyad for one. Very damp day. Went to Amir's office after Biladya &
had a talk with the pearl man, then back to office & then to Agency. Cole returned. There seems to have
been an awful muddle down the Gulf, Shaikh of Abu Dhabi nehaved badly & was very rude to Cole &
Harvey & Cole took active measures without asking PR who got very angry with Cole. I am sorry for
Cole. I think I would have done the same, now the whole Gulf is buzzing with telegrams & excitment &
navy, Air Force, C of E, & PR & India Office are all having a row as each has a different opinion but as
Cole says in any case he will be blamed. I am sorry for him but if I had got in the soup I would not
publish it abroad, he insisted on showing me all the telegrams, possibly he though I could help. It is all
about the landing ground & petrol dump which Loch thought he had settled about so well, and now it
seems that his settlement has not succeeded. Jufair in evening, then bathed. They asked me to play base-
ball at the Jebel - I declined! What an idea!