I naturally took not the slightest notice of his article, whereupon he addressed an open letter to me in the _Adeverul_, in which he informed me that he would box my ears at the first opportunity.

I telegraphed to Berchtold and asked the Emperor's permission to challenge this individual, as, being an officer, he was, according to our ideas, entitled to satisfaction.

The Emperor sent word that it was out of the question for an ambassador to fight a duel in the country to which he was accredited, and that I was to complain to the Roumanian Government.

I accordingly went to Bratianu, who declared that he was totally unable to move in the matter.

According to the laws and regulations of the country it was impossible to protect a foreign ambassador against such abuse.