Romain Gary tries to resume his diplomatic career. 1955.

Romain GARY (1914.1980)

Autograph letter signed to the Venetian consul, Gérard Gaussen.

A ½ in-4° page

Roquebrune. October 15 [1955]

"I think you might know where you stand better than I know where I stand."

Romain Gary writes to the consul of Venice, Gérard Gaussen, in order to resume the thread of his diplomatic career.

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My dear old friend, I am writing to you to try, as they say, to get some direction – it has been a month since I last had any communication with the Department – ​​but [Jean de] Lagarde, from NY, has just called me to tell me that they are “still thinking of you for Venice, provided we can find something for Gaussen”.

I think you perhaps know where you stand better than I know where I stand – Do you intend to spend another season in Venice? (God! I would understand you!) or do you have, or do they have, a position lined up for you? Could you say a word to me, because I have been in Roquebrune for three months and it is time to think about steak… If your departure seems very far off, tell me, and I will agree, with a heavy heart, to return to New York , with Lagarde, who is very kind, by the way.

I hope I am not boring you too much with my request. I intend to stay in Roquebrune for a while longer, and my plans will depend to a large extent on your response ... I thank you for your kind welcome to my wife – who was very touched. Give my regards to your beautiful and charming wife, and believe me, my dear Gaussen, your faithful friend. Romain Gary.

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After a period of uncertainty tinged with despair and several months spent in Roquebrune in the company of Lesley Blanch, Romain Gary was appointed to the post of consul in Los Angeles, from February 1956.