Page 1299 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1297
1940

Fort. Having great difficulty in enlisting new men for the Police, nobody I think fancies having to go out to
the camp on duty. Cooler day, a strong shamaal in the afternoon. Office, saw Dr McDowall, I find that she
is one who calls every goose a swan. The Mhq school teacher called pm, a large talkative female but quite
interesting about conditions in Syria. Went round to see Geoffrey in evening & then dinner early & went to
cinema - a stupid but rather funny film. Quite a gale blowing in evening but still sleeping on roof. Budget
figures on wireless. Income tax 7/6 in the pound - it has never been so high before. It was inevitable
however. An attempt to break into the Agency Small Court. Put in some seeds.

Friday 29th September

Didn't go out in morning. Very strong shamaal & quite cold. Cinema - very good picture, Life of Zola, then
to tea with the Phillips & played some Bridge. Picnic at Ain al Hakim given by Geoffrey, quite a pleasant
affair, all Manama, a so-called Persian meal, not very good. Full moon. Took DG & Dr McDowall there.

Saturday 30th September

Called on the Ranees in the evening, in the RAF house. A hideous room with a quite impossible fireplace of
amazing ugliness. Square, like a box. Dinner with the Lipps, a large party - played Bridge. Very damp
outside on the lawn.

Sunday 1st October

Gave the prisoner who escaped a good beating. Six men are now learning to use motor vehicles in the Police
as we are now getting more from India. Had a meeting of the anti-malaria finance committee. Geoffrey
came to lunch & stayed all the afternoon till he left by the up boat for Kuwait. Had some interesting
conversations with him.

Monday 2nd October