Page 1295 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1940

Very busy day, put the defence scheme into practice hearing that Germans had marched against Poland.
Busy all day dealing with the matter. Got all the Police out and a number of naturs. The camel section are
on the oil field & the horses to guard the pipe line & posts everywhere of importance. Went out in the
evening & dined with Lipp. Then went to the cinema where I was constantly summoned to the telephone.

Saturday 2nd September

Went out with HW in afternoon & had a look at the police posts on the town & around it. Pack & the Gunns
to dinner, played Bridge - very dull Bridge, everyone very distracted, Pack hoping to get away tomorrow.

Sunday 3rd September

Very busy morning dealing with supplies. Went down to customs, saw Dr McDowall, Mansoor Arazth,
latter says fears market absolutely crashed. Bad look out for the divers. Got news of war declaration late in
the morning, issued our war conditions proclamation.

Went out to Awali in the afternoon & didn't get back till 9,30. Went all round the police & natur posts & to
the various places with Crowhurst & others. Some confusion in some places & complication about rations &
water & shelter etc. A tiring job. Have been asked to dinner with Lipps but didn't go because so late.

Monday 4th September

Office. Went over early to Agency & stayed there for some time discussing defence scheme. I have an
inclination to think it is all rather silly. News about a liner being torpedoed - first blood. Jones came in to
say that he felt he ought to place his services at service of King & Country - didn't dissuade him from doing
so. Saw Steele for some time about protecting the power house. Went to see work on causeway & hospital
in evening & then a bathe. Rather sticky last night, about the second night this summer which has been at all
hot. Hospital doesn't seem to progress at all fast. Went over to Dispensary & thought it was very dirty &
badly looked after. Meant to go to cinema "Suez" but an Indian film put on instead which was amazing.