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Vienna, January 18, 1926
IX., Berggasse 19
Dear friend,
Your letter reminds me that I haven't written to you since the 3rd of the month. Reason: still during Eitingon's presence I got the flu, had a fever for several days, lay in bed, and since then I haven't gotten much better. Cough, lassitude, and the swellings in my nose persist.
Eitingon requested my intervention in the Berlin group to the effect that they should not insist on his being the head. I did as he wished; main argument, that one couldn't require it of him if he thinks he isn't the right one for it. He has instituted a presidium made up of Simmel (head), Radó, and Horney,1 about the provisional character of which he is not deceived. But he wants them to try it, and is figuring on the fact that your election as president will happen by itself in time if you come to Berlin. He laid it out to me in the way that I am repeating it to you. He himself wants to remain in Berlin until the end of January, and then only go back to Taormina over February. He was very fresh, energetic, and motivated by the most serious of intentions. His sick wife is said to have pulled herself together on this occasion, to leave him a free hand.
The titles of the film authors were stricken at the second performance, in consequence of Eitingon's protest. I don't consider an official protest expedient; the misuse can't be maintained in the long run, and doesn't seem to be bad this time, notwithstanding how unpleasant the matter is to us.
In figuring the dollars, you haven't taken into consideration the fact that you also traveled on my behalf and that we want to share the expense equally. The delivery of the remainder can wait until you come back to Vienna.
I have heard about annoying things that are being planned for my birthday, and will be grateful to every friend who makes an effort to spare me them. Ceremonies are detestable to me, especially one such as that. When I only think about the nonsensical and dishonest wishes for “a long l