Today I received your express letter of the 27th. Thus we agree to begin the screenings at the beginning of May.
Concerning the C.R.S.[1] documentary, one can mention my name [among the Leftists]; obviously saying that it is destined for a film I am making, not some kind of meeting. Meanwhile, I ask you to prudently examine the status of this documentary and the possible consequences if I utilize it. In case Marcellin's services[2] have acquired ownership of it, and if a copy has been stolen by Leftists, do you believe that, for this one detail, we risk attracting more hindrances and procedures than all of our battles with American film producers or the S.A.C.E.M.[3]?
I have received the six copies,[4] plus The Heroes,[5] which is very good. Thank you. Contrary to what I said to you concerning the others, I would quite willingly see, on the jacket of this book, the Spectacle mentioned among your most recent publications or "reprints," seeing that, for the moment, we have returned to legality.
Besh wishes,Adjoined text: Spectacle. Research into newsreels, note #3 (29-3-73).
--Retrieve a "Nordic Suite #2," by Pathe-Journal, released in August 1961 (or perhaps 1962 or 1963).
--A few images of the recent Car Show, with or without the President of the Republic (the new models and the crowds admiring them).
--A bank and/or a large store surveilled by closed-circuit television (the same [type of] system having been used for the surveillance of the Mona Lisa by the boat that carried it to the USA, [and] images from this system as well, if they can be found).
[1] Translator's note: the Compagnies Republicaines de Security: the national police forces.
[2] Translator's note: the Ministry of the Interior.
[3] Translator's note: the Societe des Auteurs, Compositeurs et Editeurs de Musique.
[4] Of The Society of the Spectacle.
[5] By Baltasar Gracian.
(Published in Guy Debord Correspondance, Vol 5: Janvier 1973-Decembre 1978 by Librairie Artheme Fayard, 2005. Translated from the French by NOT BORED! March 2007. Footnotes by Alice Debord, except where noted.)