Champ Libre, important piece[2] on the revolutionary chessboard, must not disappear on the occasion of an ultimately subordinate event: this was my first reaction to the announcement of the separation between the old team and you.[3]
It remains to rebuild more solidly what disorganized feelings have compromised. For this task, and if you judge it to be useful, I place myself entirely at your disposal.
On what provoked the break, nothing exciting is to be said. But it will be necessary to draw conclusions for what will follow. And particularly concerning editorial and commercial politics. For those who are men: none are irreplaceable.
I have precise ideas in diverse domains. In case you desire to know them, tell me.
My best wishes and, of course, what is more important at the moment, my wishes for restoration [rétablissement].
Jacques Baynac[4][1] Champ Libre never responded.
[2] The French here, pion, can also mean “pawn.” Given the apparently serious intent of the writer, we have chosen the more neutral word “piece,” instead.
[3] Lebovici fired “the old team” at Champ Libre on 4 November 1974. See letter to Gérard Guégan dated 18 November 1974.
[4] A friend of Jean-Yves Guiomar. See letter by Guiomar to Gérard Lebovici dated 18 October 1974.
(Published in Editions Champ Libre, Correspondance, Vol. 1, Editions Champ Libre, Paris, 1978. Translated from the French and footnoted by NOT BORED! June 2012.)