Post by Diarist on Sept 29, 2016 6:08:48 GMT 1
Arriving unannounced has its setbacks but we found a place to overnight and this morning I got in contact with Gerald de Gaury, Britain's 'political agent' in Kuwait. He speaks a wonderful Arabic and has many tales to tell. He managed to arrange a meeting for us both with Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the current Kuwaiti ruler. I told Sheikh Ahmad about myself, my position in the British government and my current attempt to mediate in Mandatory Palestine. We talked about the economic situation and that the last two decades have been difficult for most countries.
"Despite being seemingly pre-occupied with events in Europe I can assure you that Britain is not neglecting Arabia, Your Excellency."
"I am pleased to hear that. What brings you to the Arabian Gulf, Sir Robert? We are far from Palestine."
I explained who my father is and our role in the AIOC. "He is in Abadan at the moment and I can ask him to visit Kuwait and discuss investment possibilities with you, Sir. I'm certain that something can be arranged."
"Please ask him to contact Gerald. He knows Kuwait's situation well and he can then arrange an audience. I look forward to meeting him, Sir Robert. You have a Hashemite accent. Is that where you learnt Arabic?"
"My father won't disappointed you, Your Excellency. I learnt Arabic in England. Colonel Thomas Lawrence is a friend and he taught me not only Arabic but also the Quran and all I know about Arabia. Did you ever meet him? "
"No, but my father did in Damascus. What is he doing now?"
"He's part of my Arab task-force. His expertise his immensely valuable."
After leaving the Palace I talked with my father and gave him Gerald's address. "Visit Kuwait on the way home, Dad. It's a good investment. I'll see you back in England." I asked Gerald to dazzle my father and entertain him well. I like Gerald and intend arranging an invitation for Sheikh Ahmad to visited the United Kingdom.
We then flew back to Jerusalem via Baghdad arriving early in the evening.