Page 7 - Belgrave Diaries 1945_Neat

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Still cold weather. Worked in the office all the morning. Sh Abdulla called, discussed HH's -

misapprehension about oil, he thinks our output is dependent on import of Arabian oil, it doesnt affect it.
Saw various people. Very cold but not such a gale as yesterday. Spent a long time writing to HH &
explaining re oil. His took his part of the ammunition case & in the evening told me what he intended to give
them also the car stealing case.

Went with Stoker to see about putting a race course round the golf course, it looked a feasible idea but M
Khalie didnt turn up so we couldnt measure it. Dined with Hick to meet the Dutch Minister in S Arabia, a
most interesting man & somewhat unusual appearance, well turned out with massive gray beard. Talked of
Arabian exploring, St John Philby, who he disapproved of, Switzerland, which he knew well, & the war & its
effect on Europe. The Dutchman was a very cultivated well read man, but Hick seemed to dislike him & said
he was very boring.

Monday 8th January

Fort, looked over the clothing store & found a lot of blankets badly damaged by insects, moths. Sent the m
out on extended order drill. Very late returning from the Fort. The old lady from Rafaa pursued me & I j
very cross with her, a most persistent old party, talk about drilling a well & she knows no drilling is allow