Floure, 23 January 1909

My very dear friend,

Your letter really surprised me and I wonder why after 20 years in Rennes-le-Château the Bishop chooses you for the (important) post in Coustouge. Does he remember past times or – and this would surprise me – did somebody make criticism of you.

Whatever the reasons it seems to me impossible, after all the work you did in Rennes to compel you to leave. You do not want to know anything about the Authority. I believe it. This proves to me that they want not only to remove you from Rennes but mainly from the persons living with you. This is likely to be the idea of the Authority. Then what to do? To refuse this assignment? The Authority will impose it upon you and even make an indictment in case of resistance. In asking the opinion of the Metropolitan you are losing in advance. If the Bishop does not mention the persons living with you in connection with this new assignment, then at your place I would refuse and wait and see what happens. But be very cautious in any letters you write to the Authority. It would even be better not to write at all but to talk with them. If they don't like it which would be absurd after 20 years ... [illegible]. If you resist the Bishop will break you. It would be better in this case to thank him and retire, simply! Mention some physical incapacities certified by your physician. I don't know what else I can propose to you. It would be necessary to see the letters of the Bishop. If it is just another assignment proposed to you without any specified reason I would in your place send the medical certificate specifying that your health status does not allow any other posting. Once more, in case you do write be extremely cautious in the wording used. Abbé Gachen will give you his opinion and his judgement will probably be the right one.

I have had a bad cold for a couple of days and am coughing a lot.

Nevertheless if the weather is fine and nothing unexpected happens I will arrive at about 11 o'clock in Couiza and will go quietly up the road to Rennes-le-Château.

Love to the whole family.

Staying faithful in Jesus Christ.

L. Gazel

FRENCH ORIGINAL