Page 893 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

891

1935

Fort in the morning, took James up. Rather hot & a south wind. Busy morning, had meant to go into the
court but had to go to Agency instead to discuss oil matters with Loch. Worth was present & quite sensible.
Loch resents him making so many suggestions as he is very young & doesn't know much about things.
When I came back Sulman had left as he didn't feel well. Lots of office work. Planted seeds after lunch &
then went up to the Fort with Loch to see the Police on parade. They looked very smart. I had 60 men out &
half a dozen new recruits, mostly blacks, very big men. They were in uniform for the first time & very shy &
self conscious. .... and one of the towers of the fort has fallen down, the whole building is really rotten &
needs a lot of repairing which we can't afford to do. M met me with the car & we drove to Rafaa hill. Pretty
evening but hot. The Haines came in to play Bridge before dinner. Got a wire from Luard saying he is going
to Abadan to interview Elkington. James regards him as a live doll. He is very very black with white teeth
& very white eyes, a most attractive little specimen.