Page 1294 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1940

Didn't go tp the fort. Listened to news. Spent a long time at the Agency discussing various measures & then
at the customs discussing question of supply of foodstuffs etc. Seems a long time since any letters came.
Didn't go out in afternoon until I went to Bapco. Dined with Lipps & then to the "Variety Entertainment" at
the auditorium - one of the worst entertainments I have ever seen, so bad that it was comic & I enjoyed it
quite a lot. News sounded better - what I fear greatly is that once gain we will sacrifice another country to
keep peace - though of course there is now much stress on standing by our guarantee to Poland. It appears to
be a protracted "crisis".

Wednesday 30th August

Fort. In court until after twelve, then office. HW came across also saw the Indian who is getting our rice - so
far no arrangement made for shipping it from Rangoon.

Bathed in the evening early. Dined with Dr McDowall, Campbell & Phillips there, queer little party, sat &
played Bridge in air conditioned bedroom, although quite cool without air conditioning. I definitely dislike it
especially noisy machines as many seem to be.

Thursday 31st August

Fort. Came back early to hear the news which was bad. Sh Sulman came in, talked about things of no
importance. Went over to Agency for a short discussion on defence measures. Lipp, Reid & Crowhurst were
present. Sh Khaifah came in asking for money. Cool breezy day, under 90. Went along to see Campbell
about our rice shipment. Some doubt about getting a ship to bring it from Rangoon. Didn't go out in
afternoon, doing some work in garden, making paths. Dined with the Phillips & played Bridge, a pleasant
party, took Pack back in my car. Listened in at 12.45 - very bad, evacuation of London decided upon. Slept
indoors without a fan. Remarkable weather.

Friday 1st September