Page 1246 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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Tuesday 21st March

Entire morning occupied by Shaikhs, first the big three, with whom we discussed the new oil matter & then
HH came in to call on the AVM at the Agency. HH was annoyed at having to call so late & in a poor temper,
but the visit passed off quite well. Didn't get rid of him till after twelve & then did a little work. Drove in
afternoon & then to a party at the Mission, later the Mhq school ... came as we were going out to dine at
Agency. Sh Abdulla came & insisted on seeing me to say that he had resigned from the Court - very stupid.
Rather a dull party, AVM & another RAF, Coates, the Lipps & ourselves & Mrs Sinnett. Played pontoon.

Wednesday 22nd March

Sh Mohammed came in early as usual bothering about money, he has been on this tack for a long time now,
such a nuisance. HH had a joint court, the first for many months. Busy morning in the office. Trying to get
on with annual report. Sh Abdulla came & talked about taking his wife to Baghdad by air.

Usual tennis & Bridge, a lot of people to tennis & over thirty for Bridge, we should find it impossible
nowadays without the veranda room.

Thursday 23rd March

No parade, changing posts. Office, did annual report on pearl industry. Saw ABJ & Sh Abdulla, the former
had a message from HH who now wants to write a secret document appointing heir, to be witnessed by me

& P.A. but not to be disclosed. Rather unusual but I quite see his point of view, he also discussed young Sh
Abdulla who is suffering from swelled head. Sh A came about his wife, he plans to take her by air to
Baghdad strange that a man who so constantly changes his wives should be so patient with this one, who is
neither young or pretty & of no clan & obviously ....yet he has taken great trouble over her & the worse she