To _The Diary of a U-Boat Commander_ (HUTCHINSON) "ETIENNE" adds an introduction and some explanatory notes. In one of these notes we are told that the Diary was left in a locker when the Commander handed over his boat to the British. We are all at liberty to form any opinion we like on the use made of this Diary and I am not going to reveal mine. For, after all, it is the book itself--however produced--that matters, and even those of us who are getting a little shy of literature connected with the War will find something original and intriguing in this Diary. With what seems to me unnecessary frankness the publisher refers to the Commander's "incredible exploits and adventures on the high seas." For my own part my powers of belief in regard to the War are almost unlimited, and the only thing that really staggers me here is the mentality of the diarist. From the record of his purely private life, which is also exposed in these pages, I gather that he was as unfortunate in love as in war; but he seems to have loved with a whole-hearted passion that goes far to redeem him. I must add a word of praise for Mr. FRANK MASON'S illustrations, which contributed generously to my entertainment. * * * * * [Illustration: _Alexander_ (_bored_). "LIFE IS VERY DULL, MY DEAR ROX. NO MORE WORLDS TO--" _Roxana._ "OH, NONSENSE, ALEC! THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO. I WISH YOU'D GO INTO THE KITCHEN AND DISCHARGE THAT CAPPADOCIAN COOK. SHE DRINKS."] * * * * * [Illustration: Epilogue] AN OPEN LETTER TO FRANCE. Mr. Punch had kissed the lady's hand and she had smiled upon him very graciously, for they were old friends. "I have brought you a letter from myself," he said. "Shall I read it while you wait?" said Madame la France. "Please, no. I never read my contributors' compositions in their presence. It is embarrassing to both sides. And I want you to take your time over this one, and consider carefully whether it is suitable for publication in your Press. I have enclosed a stamped and addressed envelope, to be utilized in the event of your deciding to return my communication with regrets. In any case I propose to publish it in my own paper, _The London Charivari_." [_Here begins the letter_:-- "NEAREST AND DEAREST OF ALLIES.--You and I (I speak for my country, though I have not been asked to do so) have gone through so much together that it would be an infinite pity if any misunderstanding were suffered to cloud our friendship for want of a little candour on my part. No _Entente_ can retain its cordiality without mutual candour; and hitherto the reticence has been all on our side.