PREFACE IT is a simple matter to write a book if you have plenty of material as I have had, but the preface puzzles me. It should be, I think, like Sam Wellers love letter, just enough to make you wish for more. I have dealt with many lands, many peoples, many personalities and many personages. I have ventured, with all humility, even to criticise some of the systems of government of our Empire, bpth at home and abroad. I have tried to be courteous in my references to others and to avoid hard words, knowing full well that I myself am as open to criticism as are those upon whose doings I have commented. I have endeavoured as far as possible to eliminate the personal element, and to write of matters which are of general interest in connection with the countries in which I have served. I have told many stories, having, I trust, avoided the pitfall of chestnuts, and I could have told a great many more had I not exercised considerable restraint. Those who have read my manuscript protest to...