Page 86 - Belgrave Diaries 1945_Neat

1933

1945

dull person, all the sons brothers & nephews & HH called on Agency after the visit to congratulate. HH
rather cross at no guns being fired & said we couldnt have Arab dancing as no gun powder. Did nothing
much in the morning, drove round the town, all very quiet. A lot of people came in to call in afternoon - but I
was asleep after a very late night. Got a lot of flowers together for Marsh's wedding, too hot for them to last.
Dined with the Birds & listened to the whole of La Boheme on the gramaphone. Very pleasant. Me was
there. Sounds of wild revels from Jufair where the navy was celebrating. Crowds of people about in the
streets looking at the lights. Heard the King's speech, a dull speech but suitable.

Wednesday 9th May

Late morning, HH sent for me at the Beladya so went along to see him & had a Zubara talk for about an hour,
then went out to Marsh's wedding at the Awali church followed by a reception at Dodd's house. The young
woman was very plain & looked extremely ill tempered, a short rather ginger haired common young person.
Did some house painting in the afternoon & then went out to see the people being given free meals, in three
places in Manama & Mhq & Hedd. In the Beladya garden there were about 500 people, though many of
them looked quite flourishing they all seemed to enjoy the meal of dates rice & meat. They behaved i
in a
very quiet orderly way, there was so much over that most of them took away a good lot of food. Later to a
cocktail party at the Agency, quite a pleasant show on the veranda, but hot. Met the new USATC man &