Page 1245 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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Fort for a short time, left early as I went out to Sakhrir taking Weightman, we had an interview with HH
alone & discussed the question of his appointing an heir apparent. He had asked whether the B.G.

approved of this & was told that it was considered a good idea, he then tried hard to get W & I to say
whether it should be A or S, but we both handed him back the baby, he was obviously fussed about it &
finally agreed that it needed time to consider - as he said for us to consider. I don't believe he will ever
settle himself. My idea is some sort of compromise - there have been dual seekers here before. Office,
looked at the pier extension on the way back, it is doing very well, saw Oliger. Went to Budeya taking tea
with us, a shamaal in the afternoon. People to dinner, the Steeles, Jones, Van Peussems, a dull party but it
went off quite well. Disturbing news from Europe, Germany now starting on Rumania. Garden coming on
well, had a big bunch of double stocks. HH very interested & anxious about Europe news, said "When is
England & America going to stop Hitler taking all the small countries in Europe ?"

Sunday 19th March

Hawar

Went to Hawar, drove to Sitra where I met the launch, took just over three hours to cross but we went the

longest way to avoid the rough sea as it was blowing strong. Quite a good trip though rather bumpy. Had
an excellent late lunch which I cooked myself, stewed pigeon with vegetables. Slept & then went for a look
at the mosque which we are building and took coffee with two Arabs in the village, it looked even poorer
than usual, but they all seemed pleased to see me. A strong shamaal roaring round the tower, but rather a
cosy feeling. Had to stuff some of the loopholes with paper to keep the gale out.

Monday 20th March

Returned to Bahrain in the morning, left just before ten taking 3 1/2 hours to reach Sitra where I had a car
waiting, lovely trip, cool & brilliant & not rough sea, much enjoyed it. Got back in time for lunch. M went to

fort & I called for here & we went to a party at Awali given for the departing Van Peussems. Sat on a trim
little suburban looking lawn & had cakes & tea, I was asked to make a speech & presentation but refused
to. Bridge at Mespers & Major Holmes to dinner, he stayed late & I got more & more sleepy, he was dull,
not in good form. Very sunburnt after my trip to Hawar.