17 SEPTEMBER 1932, Page 16

THE PROFITEER [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—With reference

to the remark in your issue of September 10th that the " method " of the above " puts the reviewer of fiction in a difficulty," may I be permitted to point out that this difficulty of distinguishing between its real and imagined characters was anticipated, and provided for, in the Preface ? And may I seek to remove, also, the doubt implied in the words, " part of it professes to be fact " (my italics) ? Incidents plainly intended to be historical are founded upon reliable documentary or oral evidence. To take a very minor instance, the account of Mr. Weizmann's refusal of any personal reward (p. 320) was given by Mr. Lloyd George himself in my hearing, and in Mr. Weizmann's