Jean COCTEAU. L.A.S., Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 3 June 1956, to Michael Smithies in Oxford; 6 pages in-8, envelope. On his next reception as Doctor Honoris Causa at Oxford University (June 12), to a young English friend (1932-2019). He is worried about material matters, not wanting to drag Francine Weisweiller "into an unpleasant adventure. This morning, at the request of the secretary of the vice-chancellor (New College), I sent my measurements again, explaining to him why I wanted to have a suit of clothes of my own that I could take to France". He will have dinner on the 10th at Lord Beaverbrook's, lunch on the 11th at the French Embassy... "I have been overwhelmed with requests for work (which I refuse) outside of our program. The television wanted me to present the Tower of London and other follies that are nothing but fatigue on the cursed stage of current affairs. I hate social gatherings and if the garden party wasn't compulsory I would have hidden in my hotel room to avoid going to it. The only thing I care about is seeing you, attending the ceremony on the 12th, and giving the speech on the 14th. The rest is a chore (except for meals with friends of friends.) You know that I am trying to live in the dark ages.... I have finished the speech. I have finished the speech. It is in the copy. I was doing it while working on the models of Menton and Villefranche "... He is worried about the presence at the Randolph Hotel of a socket for his razor: "Since my skin was sore I only shave with the electric razor"....