Page 758 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

off with arches & dark rose velvet curtains that match the flowers on the cretonne, altogether it looks very
nice.

27th October, Thursday

Fort. Worked out a six months programme for the recruits. The S.S. Ahmedi came into the harbour. Sent
de Grenier out to tell the Captain that unless the transit customs duty on Ujair cargo was paid nothing
would be allowed to be landed. The captain came to see me, a coloured gentleman from Mauritius, very
indignant and threatening all sorts of things; he got no change out of me & then went to Agency to lodge a
complaint. We are taking a really strong line. I wired to the Resident & fortunately as Prior is in Bushire he
is supporting our action. Zayani called on me & showed me two pearl necklaces he has got for Prior.
Motored along Ein al Hakim road. The Skinners came to call to discuss taking a house, they want to live in
Manama & not out at the oil field. Dined with the Hakkens, just ourselves & one oil man - dull.

Friday 28th [October]

Went over to Muharraq in morning with M to see the aeroplane arrive, it was due yesterday but came a day
late, the Russells, Skinner & Mrs D.G. went too, quite a party. Major Holmes & Mohammed Yatim were on
board, and about half a dozen men all en route to India, a dull looking lot. Holmes came back to lunch with
us and then we had tea with him and in the evening dined with the Russells. No Bridge as everyone seemed
so sleepy. Quite a hot day & very hot in the sun on the plain at Muharraq. Went to see D.G. in evening
about the "Ahmedi", as I got another wire from the Resident, but quite satisfactory. The bazaar is very
interested in the affair & a lot depends on whether we win or the shipping company. She wants to go to
Ojair but with her Bahrain cargo she is too heavy to do so & as we refuse to let the Bahrain cargo land we
shall prevent her from going there and putting down buoys to show the course, which has never been
chartered.

Saturday [29 October]

Court. Another long interview with Captain of Ahmedi who continues to be angry and indignant. We dont
blame him as an individual in fact I am sorry for him. In the meantime it is very exciting & very worrying as I
am never quite sure how much backing we will get from Government of India. Very fortunate that Prior is
at Bushire.

Sunday [30 October]

Court, no news.

Monday 31st [October]