Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 2, 1913

File No. 837.911/28.

The Secretary of State to the American Minister.

No. 25.]

Department of State,
Washington, December 8, 1913.

Sir: Referring to previous correspondence regarding congressional immunity in Cuba, with particular reference to the supposed exemption of Cuban Congressmen from punishment for crime and particularly for the crime of libel, there are transmitted herewith copies of two despatches¹ from the American Legation at Madrid which furnish information regarding the Spanish laws and practice in this matter.

Owing to the fact that it is commonly stated in Cuba that the Cuban Constitutional provisions on this subject and the construction given thereto are similar to those of Spain, it would be well for your Legation, should opportunity again arise, to invite discreetly the attention of the Cuban Government to the substance of the reports from Madrid transmitted herewith.

I am [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:

J. B. Moore.

1. Not printed.