'Puerto Rican' Nationalists Disrupt History 61 Lecture

Four "Puerto Rican Nationalists" from Eliot House--dressed in dungarees and straw hats--shot cap pistols and shouted "Free Puerto Rico" in the closing minutes of a History 61b lecture yesterday morning.

At the time, Arthur M. Schlesinger, professor of History, was discussing American nationalism.

Wearing sport shirts, the four had slipped quietly into the rear of New Lecture Hall about five minutes before 12:00. Amid loud reports from their pistols, the quarter cried "Freedom for Puerto Rico," and then hastily departed through the rear exit.

Schlesinger paused momentarily during his lecture, and said "I am not completely devoid of humor, but I don't think it was funny."

Most of the students apparently agreed with him, for everyone remained quiet during and after the episode.