Translations:CP 05411/5/en
Please do not think I am writing to you for myself, and after the failure of my visit the other day[1], I insist. No, I am simply a messenger today. Reynaldo Hahn, who is currently in Albi but departing for the front line,[2] telegraphed begging me to deliver you a message and ask, on his behalf, to recommend him to the medical officer Vigne, commanding officer of the 56th Infantry Regiment[3]. Reynaldo knows of him but may have wanted to ask him for various services, believing your valued recommendation would have a beneficial influence. When I received his telegram I hesitated for a moment. I was so afraid that you would just assume, when you caught sight of the envelope, that I was starting all over again with my vain requests, that I resolved to write back to Reynaldo saying that I couldn’t carry out his commission, but then I thought that my affection for him ought to surmount any fear of a misunderstanding, which in any case would be immediately dispelled when you read my letter. And I know that you too are very fond of him.