| Description | Typed transcript of pages 1-108 of Belgrave's diary, covering the period between 1 January and 30 May 1932. Topics covered include the arrival of the Political Resident with the Sheikh of Kuwait (3 January), a flying visit from the Secretary of State for Air, Sir Philip Sassoon (8-9 January), the serving of notice to Captain Parke, head of police (16 January), a visit from Colonel Dickson, the Political Agent for Kuwait, with more talk of St John Philby (22 January), rumours about events in Saudia Arabia (23-4 January), discussion of the Imperial Airways route coming via Bahrain (24-25 January), the British government's resistance to the developing oil business (26 January), an escaped slave (7 February), a visit to Shaikh Isa (8 February), a strike in protest against a new proclamation regarding wills and estate executors (9 February, see 17 January for details of proclamation), discussion of installing telephones (16 February), possible site for an oil refinery (3 March), meeting with Shaikh Khalaf, the former Shia Kadi, or religous leader, of Bahrain for thirty years before being deposed for corruption (5 March), hope that oil will solve the island's financial troubles (15 March), proposed introduction of a tax on luxury goods (24 March), more work on his history of Bahrain (24, 27 March, 22 April), farewell party for Parke (28 March), superstition about carrying wolf fur when walking through the cemetery after sunset (29 March), engagement of Dr Tiffany from the mission and Mr Hengie (sic. Walter Haenggi) from the oil company (5 April), further oil discussions (13-14, 29 April), recruiting new police (27 April), raids on illicit arak stills (9-13, 21 May), photographing the Muhurram festivities (16 May), confrontation with an angry mob protesting about a reduction in the allowance given to pearl divers (26 May), beating of prisoners (27 May) and formal punishments (29 May). |