BUT SOLDIERS WONDERED WHY

Collier's correspondent adds current notes to War Has Seven Faces (Doubleday, Doran, P. 165, 4/1/43 bulletin) in a survey of South American aspects, African military events, Willkie's visit, Darlan and de Gaulle -- among other coverage. The high points are portraits of men of action, thought, importance -- a tremendous tribute to Padilla of Mexico, highlighted estimates of Brazil's leaders, of Argentina and her directors and her danger as a ""potential Norway""; of Juan Trippe and the contribution of Pan American Airways: in Africa Pienaar and his knowledge of terrain and men, the retreat from Tobruk and explanation of the military tragedy: Portuguese East Africa and the exchange of Japanese and American prisoners: the Union of South Africa and Smuts' importance: American bombers: Willkie's bad moments -- all embody the ""stresses and strains operating against a truly democratic peace"" when victory comes. Not for the student, but for the newspaper reader curious about behind the scenes of reporting.