Page 1194 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

1192
1192
1940

Friday 11th March

Dined with Deacons, & went to the play at the jebel. It was quite good but started badly & the play itself a
feeble thing with practically no plot.

Saturday 12th March

Holiday. Shs Sulman & Abdulla came in & then young Sh Abdulla who comes in & out constantly. There is
a lot of fuss about who is to be appointed Magistrate on the Court in Abdulla's place.

Dinner party, after dinner I took Thornburg who is staying with us, down the bazaaar to see the Matterns. He
was very interested in all the processions & the sights. Got back at 12.50 & to bed after one o'clock.

Sunday 13th March

Muharram procession in the morning. Took Thornburg down, he took lots of photos both movie & stills. A
great crowd, more people than ever & a bigger procession than before. Every year it increases. Afterwards
went in to the fortress & drank some tea. Thornburg went back before lunch. Drove out in evening to the
camp & called on Afars. Looked in at Steeles on way back & discussed Furher's letter, he wrote saying he
was being married. Dined at Weightmans, a tiresome party, played very silly games. All talking about the
news of Germany & Austria.

Monday 14th March

No parade. Warm, sunny day, damp. Went to Agency after breakfast, discussed Athlones visit. A wire re
the programme but still not sure if official doings or not. Office. Sh Abdulla bin Isa very fussed as HH
suggested consulting the public as to which of his sons he should put on the court. Went to Agency again
later on. Altogether a tiresome day. Sent cable to Furher saying he should not bring his wife out until
October. Afterwards M went to Fort & I to meet HH at palace. He suggested giving away the Transit duty