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This is a diplomatic correspondence dated 1 June 1891, authored by Demétrio Cinatti, Portuguese Consul in Canton, and addressed to the Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The document forms part of an official dispatch series from the Portuguese Consulate in Canton during 1891 and includes multiple annexes and indices referencing subsequent pages. It discusses Sino-Portuguese relations with particular focus on Macau’s territorial integrity and Chinese administrative encroachments. Key issues include opposition from Chinese authorities regarding Portuguese jurisdiction in Macau, tensions over Green Island (Ilha Verde), and the activities of local mandarins such as Sse and Chang Chi Tung, identified as the Viceroy of Liangguang. The consul reports that obstacles to diplomatic operations have eased due to interventions by the Governor of Macau, enabling access to interpreters. He expresses concern over growing Chinese influence in Taipa and Coloane, noting the significant disparity between the small European population and approximately 8,000 Chinese residents on these islands, which facilitates covert assertions of jurisdiction. The text highlights fears that Chinese officials may replicate tactics used in northern disputes within southern territories. Administrative practices, including falsified inspection reports by mandarins, are detailed as mechanisms to erode Portuguese sovereignty. Additional matters include the Hainan question, where delayed responses from the Viceroy reflect increasing indifference toward foreign claims, and anti-Christian unrest in northern China, attributed to secret societies and popular rumour. Economic observations note high rice prices in Guangdong and reliance on cheaper Siamese imports. The document also references ecclesiastical disputes over property rights in Hainan, asserting that chapels destroyed in 1884 were built and maintained at mission expense, thereby entitling Portugal to indemnity. Later sections address anti-foreign agitation in Canton, including inflammatory placards and arson attempts against missionary residences, prompting consular advisories and calls for naval reinforcement. The proposed appointment of a Chinese consul in Hong Kong is reported as withdrawn due to colonial opposition. Finally, press reports alleging Portugal’s intention to sell Macau are refuted, with emphasis on treaty prohibitions against alienation and recommendations for economic development instead. The material provides critical insight into late 19th-century colonial diplomacy, jurisdictional conflicts, and cross-cultural tensions in southern China under Qing administration.
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In official correspondence from Canton during June and July 1891, the Portuguese Consul, Demetrio Cinatti, reported to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on multiple issues. A primary concern was Chinese jurisdictional encroachment on Macau's dependencies, particularly the islands of Taipa and Colovane, by officials from Chinsan acting on the principles of Viceroy Chang-chi-tung. The Consul also detailed efforts to secure reparations for Portuguese Catholic mission chapels destroyed in Hainan in 1884, a claim supported by detailed historical arguments from Antonio, the Bishop of Macau. In late June, Cinatti described escalating anti-foreigner and anti-missionary tensions in Canton, including inflammatory posters and an arson attempt, which prompted the foreign community to plan for a potential evacuation and the Consul to request the gunboat "Diu" for protection. Subsequent reports in July noted the withdrawal of a proposed Chinese consulate in Hongkong and the Consul's actions to counter a newspaper rumor, originating from a proposal by deputy Ferreira d'Almeida, that Portugal intended to sell Macau.
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Primary Sources
Resource type
- Letter (1)
- Manuscript (1)
Publication year
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Between 1800 and 1899
(2)
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Between 1890 and 1899
(2)
- 1891 (2)
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Between 1890 and 1899
(2)