Page 1143 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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then bathed in the tank by which time it was dark & very cool. Dawdled about & then came home. The Shaikh talked
of his visit to London & told me to tell the PR he wants to go in June but nobody must know. He has not decided who
is to go with him. It is all to be kept private - out here.

Tuesday [23rd July]

Court all morning. Very hot day in afternoon, cool earlier. Went to Mission then Holmes & I went up to the Fort &
talked in shade.

Wednesday July 24th 1935

Another hot damp day. At the Agency in the morning discussing various things with the PR. Composed a bit for the
Times about the cultured pearl case, I think it is of sufficient interest to put in, about the two men getting 7 years for
selling them - it does sound a lot unless one knows all the local conditions & how much harm it can do to so many
people. Discussed various matters ... nothing of particular interest. Office. Tennis in afternoon, not many people. It is
really most hot & unpleasant playing, as one gets so sticky & hot & myself I don't think its worth it, but I shall continue
having parties - they seem to drink such a lot in hot weather too.

Thursday [25th July]

Went early to the Agency & then the Shaikh & Abdulla & Sulman came to call. The Shaikh in very good form & very
talkative about European politics, Hitler, Mussolini etc. he seems to be very well up in foreign news owing to
newspapers and wireless I suppose. Came back to the office with the Shaikh who stayed a long time talking about a
fight which his servant Hassan had with someone near the Palace - really both were interested in the same lady of the
town but the Shaikh did not know this. I had heard the true version before from others. Went on to the Biladya
meeting, rather a fractious meeting. Khalil Maayad, as usual, got very angry & argued with people & then attacked the
Electric Dept & Steele saying that it was badly run & should produce a profit. He is a sour fellow but sensible at times
& very conceited. Started off in afternoon to go bathing but car wouldn't go, dirty petrol, had to send it to Kanoos,
stayed in garden & then went over to see Holmes. The PR is trying to interfere in our golf club & says we should make
a course at Berher, therefore I intend to oppose it though before I am approached. He is not even a member!

Friday 26th July