1 JULY 1938, Page 38

The format and general items of contents of The Statesman's

Year-Book are familiar to all who are interested in the study of world affairs. In this current edition (Macmillan, 2os.) the only change in the make-up is in the title of the First Part which reads " The British Commonwealth of Nations " instead of " The British Empire " as in former years. As usual two maps are included. One shows the strategic import- ance of Singapore and the other the distribution of steel throughout the world. Perhaps for the last time a separate chapter is devoted to Austria, although the details 'of the Gerniarf invasion and the resultant constitutional, military, financial and other changes are included. The chapter dealing with Germany is, as it has been since the advent of the Nazi regime in 1933, conspicuous for the paucity of up-to-date statistical material. It has been reported that the great majority of the German experts and many officials have been urging on their Government the desirability of publishing the Budget and other important _ national statistics. It is to be hoped, therefore, that in a year or two these figures will once again be available to the public. It is.unnecessary to recommend The Statesman's Year-Book or to say that it is excellent. All those who are interested .in international affairs, from whatever angle their particular approach may be, will long ago have found that it is indispensable. It is sufficient to say that in every respect this edition is as com- prehensive and as lucid as those of previous years.