To do this, however, cheapness must be entirely subordinated to rapidity of construction, and the technical departments must have a free hand to take whatever steps are necessary to secure this end without any paper work whatever. Apparently this matter has been under consideration at the Admiralty already for a considerable time, but _nothing has yet been ordered_, and the First Lord has concurred that a fresh start be made independently of former papers, _and the matter placed under my sole supervision, without any other officers or departments intervening between me and the professional officers_. I will give instructions as to the work, and direct that _if any difficulties are met with, they be brought to me instantly to be overcome_. The professional officers’ reports as to acceptances of tenders or allocation of work must be immediately carried out by the branches. Only in this way can we get the boats we require. To ensure the completion of the 20 boats, steps to be immediately taken to order the parts for the engines for 25 boats. We know from experience that it is in the machinery parts that defects and failures occur in manufacture of castings, forgings, etc., causing great delay. The parts for the extra five sets of engines will be available for these replacements, and eventually the five extra sets can be fitted in five further hulls. I propose to review the progress being made once a fortnight in the hope that it may be feasible to order still further submarines beyond these 20 now to be commenced at once. _The training of sufficient officers and men for manning these extra boats must obviously be proceeded with forthwith, and those responsible must see to it that the officers and crews are ready._ FISHER. _November 3rd, 1914._ _NOTE by Lord Fisher._--I gave personal orders on this day to the Director of Mobilization to enter officers, men, and boys to the utmost limit regardless of present or supposed prospective wants, so when he left the Admiralty last week to be Captain of the _Renown_ he wrote me we wanted for nothing in the way of personnel! FISHER. _August 15th, 1916._ CHAPTER VI ABDUL HAMID AND THE POPE Be to my virtues very kind, Be to my faults a little blind.