041. Primo Levi a Hermann Langbein, 10 febbraio 1974

10 febbraio 1974

Caro Hermann,

rispondo alla tua lettera del 6/2: è certamente compito dei politici e non dei chimici gestire la crisi del petrolio, ma è anche vero che, come chimico e direttore di fabbrica, devo darmi da fare per salvare (tra mille difficoltà) il posto di lavoro di più o meno 80 dipendenti, me compreso. È per questo motivo che la mia attenzione, ora come ora, si è allontanata alquanto dalla sfera «Auschwitz», che è il nostro passato, a favore della sfera «chimica-fabbrica-lavoro di tutti i giorni», che è il mio presente.

In conclusione: non posso impegnarmi per luglio e dunque, per il momento non mando a Hubert Halin il modulo che ho ricevuto di recente. Casomai la situazione migliorasse (anche se per adesso non nutro speranze) e io dovessi avere meno preoccupazioni, penso che potrò sempre trovare un aereo e un alloggio o albergo a Berlino, se necessario anche a mie spese.

So che mi capisci: dal 1945 non mi sono mai trovato in una situazione così critica. Nessuna notizia da Mursia: li chiamerò domani e ti dirò.

Un abbraccio affettuoso

Primo

February 10, 1974

Dear Hermann,

I am replying to your letter of 2/6: it is quite true that it is up to the politicians and not the chemists to control the oil crisis, but it is also true that, as a chemist and factory manager, I have to manage things to make sure (through all kinds of difficulties) that some 80 workers, including myself, will be able to keep their jobs. It is for this reason that my attention, at this time, is somewhat turned away from the “Auschwitz” issue, which is our past, toward the “chemistry-factory-everyday work” issue, which is my present.

To conclude: I cannot commit to July, and, for this reason, for now, I have not sent to Hubert Halin the questionnaire that I have just received. Should the situation improve (of which there are no signs at the moment) and I have fewer worries, I think I will still be able to find a plane and a hotel in Berlin, even at my own expense if necessary.

I know you will understand me: since 1945, I have never been in such a critical situation. No news from Mursia: I will give him a call tomorrow and I will let you know.

Very fondly

Primo

10 Février 1974

Cher Hermann,

je reponds à ta lettre de 6/2: il est bien vrai que c’est aux politiques et pas aux chimistes de maîtriser la crise du pétrole, mais il est également vrai que, en tant que chimiste et directeur d’usine, je dois m’organiser pour conserver le travail (à travers toutes sortes de difficultés) à quelques 80 travailleurs, moi-même y compris. C’est pour cette raison que mon attention, en ce moment, est assez détournée du côté «Auschwitz», qui est notre passé, vers le côté «chimie-usine-boulot de tous les jours», qui est mon présent.

Pour conclure: je ne peux pas m’engager pour juillet, et pour cette raison, pour le moment, je n’envoye pas à Hubert Halin le questionnaire que je viens de recevoir. S’il devait arriver que la situation s’améliore (ce que rien ne fait espérer au moment) et que j’ai moins de soucis, je pense qu’il me sera toujours possible de trouver un avion et une place-hotel à Berlin, même à mes frais si nécessaire.

Je sais que tu me comprends: depuis 1945 jamais je ne me suis trouvé dans une situation si critique. Pas de nouvelles de Mursia: je lui donnerai demain un coup de fil et je te dirai.

Je t’embrasse bien fort

Primo

February 10, 1974

Dear Hermann,

I am replying to your letter of 2/6: it is quite true that it is up to the politicians and not the chemists to control the oil crisis, but it is also true that, as a chemist and factory manager, I have to manage things to make sure (through all kinds of difficulties) that some 80 workers, including myself, will be able to keep their jobs. It is for this reason that my attention, at this time, is somewhat turned away from the “Auschwitz” issue, which is our past, toward the “chemistry-factory-everyday work” issue, which is my present.

To conclude: I cannot commit to July, and, for this reason, for now, I have not sent to Hubert Halin the questionnaire that I have just received. Should the situation improve (of which there are no signs at the moment) and I have fewer worries, I think I will still be able to find a plane and a hotel in Berlin, even at my own expense if necessary.

I know you will understand me: since 1945, I have never been in such a critical situation. No news from Mursia: I will give him a call tomorrow and I will let you know.

Very fondly

Primo