Israel Regardie Diary Entry

Friday, 8 March 1929

Being summoned on March 5th to appear at the Bureau des Etrangers in Paris, presumably on a matter of my carte d'identié, which had been refused me on February 20th on the grounds that it was not yet ready, I went on the 8th to the Prefecture of Police. I handed over my Recipissé on the request of a clerk, and waited for some considerable length of time,—which wait I surmised at the time to be caused by the search for the card. I was extremely surprised, when, instead of receiving the identification card, a pink slip—a "Réfuse de Sejour" was handed to me. I was so utterly stunned, especially so as it ordered departure from French territory within 24 hours, that I was unable to ask questions as to the why and wherefore of such action. But I understand Madame de Miramar [Maria de Miramar] (Sir Crowley's fiancée, who was also summoned at the same time) to have quoted their remark that "they have heard what we have done." The clerk also stated that a similar paper would be served on Sir Crowley, who at the time was in bed with a very severe attack of the influenza, in the course of the afternoon.

That afternoon, I called upon Mr. W. E. de Courcy the American Consul at 3, rue des Italiens, Paris, and requested him to ascertain what charges were held against me, and to intervene on my behalf with the French Government.

[116]