File No. 123.G35/41.
The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Secretary of State .
Habana , August 27, 1912 .
On entering Hotel Miramar this evening to dine I was assaulted from behind without warning or provocation by a reporter of La Prensa, who had been excluded from the Legation and Department of State for lying statements and is notorious for having figured in many unsavory incidents. He knocked me senseless, and while in this condition he attempted to inflict further injuries. Saved from serious injury by Bell. Reporter immediately arrested. Have received telephonic message from President Gómez, who is in the country, and calls from Secretary of State and other officials, who express regret and make spontaneous promise of serious prosecution. In view of demoralizing effect of failure to press prosecution of assailant of Tarler in August, 1908, and hostile attitude of part of press towards United States at this time, I venture to recommend that Department express interest in proper prosecution.