Mario García Kohly

Don Mario García Kohly was a Cuban journalist, author, and politician, who served on the Havana City Council, Presidential Cabinet of Mariano Gómez, the Congress of Cuba, and as the Cuban ambassador to Spain. When President Gerardo Machado was overthrown in 1933, García Kohly ran a failed Presidential campaign against Alberto Herrera Franchi. He was also the chair of the short-lived Havana Symphony Orchestra in 1910, which only performed six performances.

Life García Kohly was born in Havana in 1871. He completed his Law degree in the same city and was involved in political struggles in the years leading up to the Cuban War of Independence, forcing him to seek refuge in Mexico in 1895, where he began contributing to various newspapers, becoming known as a political and legal writer.

At some point, Kohly served in the Presidential Cabinet, as Secretary of Public Instruction for President Miguel Mariano Gómez.

In 1913, he was promoted to Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. By 1926, when Cuba elevated its diplomatic representation, he assumed the role of ambassador in Madrid.

In 1913, García Kohly was appointed as an Extraordinary Envoy and Plenipotentiary Minister to Spain. In 1924, he took on the role of Cuban Ambassador to Spain.

Throughout his career, García Kohly worked to strengthen ties between Cuba and Spain. His writings and journalistic contributions reflected his deep respect and admiration for Spain. In 1933, he voluntarily stepped down as ambassador to manage a Presidential campaign bid, but remained a widely respected figure in Madrid's diplomatic circles. His affinity for Spain led to him being named an honorary doctorate from the Central University in October 1928. He was also a member of the Paris Academy of International Law and a Commander of the Legion of Honor.

He wrote numerous books, including;

Laley Penal Militar (Military Penal Law) En la tierra de Juárez (In the Land of Juárez) Gambatta Franklin Grandes hombres de Cuba (Great Men of Cuba)