Page 844 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

Monday 11th December

Fort. Court. Shaikh Sulman was in the other court so I sat alone. Shaikh Abdulla looked in having returned
from the mainland. As usual he is getting a new wife, a nedu girl. Down mail in. Gardened after lunch. The
weather is much too warm for the time of year. Motored along the Rafaa road & got a puncture. James a
little better. RAF people called, Saul & Coates, the latter as usual wanting news. He is their Intelligence man.
Dinner at de Greniers, the Dames and the Lochs. Mrs Dame sang after dinner. Met Mrs Steele who has
been ill, out in a car for the first time.

Tuesday [December 12th]

Went out to Muharraq in the morning to a municipal meeting. Lock came too, it lasted a long time. Came
back and found the telegram about mum had arrived.

Wednesday [13th December]

Fort. Office.

Thursday [14th December]

Police. Kit inspection. Yusuf Kanoo, Zayani & Kozaibi called to ask us not to tax artesan wells. Worked in
office.

Thursday [15th December]

The Shaikh returned. He sent a wire asking me & Abdulla & Sulman only to go out to meet him at 6 am. Got
up before it was light & went out by launch. I have never seen the place looking more attractive. It was very
misty and the sight of the sun rising over the town from the sea was really beautiful. The Shaikh seemed in
good form & had much enjoyed his visit but the SNO complained greatly about his bringing 63 people instead
of 20. We had the usual show, a guard of honour and reception at the Customs Meglis. Stayed with James in
afternoon while M took Nanny for a drive. Then went to the Agency for tea & discussed the naval visit