"19/9 الآنسة كوربيو" [و‎‎٢] (١٨/٣)

Petroleum Concessions, Ltd.,
Bahrein, 8th July, 1945.
My dear Pelly,
I have had a letter from our Acting Manager, msrah
Petroleum Company, Basrah, in which he asks what are the prospects
in Bahrein of finding a temporary home as a paying guest for a
Belgian lady. The circumstances are as under:-
Our Manager was approached by the British consul Oeneral,
Basrah, on behalf of a certain %demoiselle Corbiau. This lady
wishes to visit Bahrein to earn money by painting portraits. She
has spent some years in India, has visited the Persian oil fields
and Basrah and is apparently collecting funds to make her way home.
She thinks Bapco offers scope for her talents. The Consul General,
Basrah, guarantees that she is not an undesirable. Our Manager adds
that she is 40ish. Apparently the Consul General’s idea is that
some one in Manama or Bapco might be prepared to accommodate her.
The consul General did not suggest that any reference should be made
here to you but it occurred to me that you should know of this
suggestion in case you have not been notified officially.
In my view the obvious place for her is Bapco; firstly
because the buildings are air-conditioned and food is not difficult
and secondly her sitters are likely to be found in Bapco and she
should not be separated from them by 12 miles. I imagine the Consul
General approached our people under the impression that P.C.L.,Bahrein
was a miniature Abadan and we could find the lady plenty of clients.
I do not think it is appropriate for me to sponsor the lady in Manama
and less still in Bapco. I am sure any attempts by me to fix her up
in Awali will receive very short shrift from the Management even if
they are not resented.
In all the circumstances I feel that this lady will have i
a much better chance if her problem is put to the community by you.
Apparently she wishes to make her visit about the end of the month .f
and the Consul General, Basrah, is prepared to grant her a visa for
Bahrein provided so melons is prepared to furnish an undertaking
that he or she is prepared to provide the necessary accommodation
and messing. I must apologise for adding to your problems but I
am afraid it might be misunderstood if I offer to put her up myself,
and I do not think it likely that I shall be able to persuade anybody
Contd