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This 1902 diplomatic correspondence, originating from the Portuguese Government of Macau and transmitted through the Embassy of Portugal to the Holy See, documents a sensitive territorial and political dispute involving French missionary land acquisitions near Macau. The primary subject is a series of purchases by the French Catholic mission of three parcels of land—Sai-kua-pu, Sai-mai-kong, and Bac-mai-Kong—at the foot of Mount Catae, approximately five kilometres from Macau, officially registered under the authority of the Xiangshan mandarin. The reports, authored by Acting Governor Alfredo Lello and addressed to the Secretary of State for Naval and Overseas Affairs in Lisbon, argue that these acquisitions, conducted under the provisions of the 1860 Franco-Chinese Treaty, served strategic political rather than religious or medical purposes, despite the stated pretext of establishing a sanatorium. The documents detail an incident in which Chinese agents attempted to serve a summons on Ip-lin-san, a naturalised Portuguese subject and Macau resident, over allegations of unlawful burial on contested land, prompting protests regarding violations of Portuguese territorial jurisdiction. Internal investigations concluded that the burial claims were unfounded and likely a pretext to clear access to French-held plots. The correspondence further highlights British concern in Hong Kong over perceived French expansionist ambitions in southern China, particularly given the strategic vantage of the acquired lands overlooking key maritime routes. The material provides critical insight into colonial rivalries, ecclesiastical politics under the Padroado system, and the use of missionary activity as an instrument of imperial influence in late Qing China.
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This 1901 diplomatic correspondence, originating from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ General Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs, concerns ecclesiastical jurisdictional negotiations between Portugal and France regarding territories in China. Dated 16 February 1901 and addressed to a high-ranking official, the document records an agreement reached between the Portuguese and French governments on the reassignment of ecclesiastical authority over Hainan Island, previously under the Diocese of Canton prior to the 1876 arrangement between the Vicar General of Macau and the Apostolic Prefect. The agreement stipulates that, in exchange for returning Hainan to the Diocese of Canton, the Bishop of Macau would gain jurisdiction over the Chao-Shing district adjacent to Shean-Chau, where he already exercised ecclesiastical authority. Two key conditions are noted: the necessity of initiating territorial demarcation procedures pending formal approval by the Holy See, and the provisional nature (provisoria tantum ratione) of the jurisdictional transfer. The French Legation in Lisbon communicated its government’s assent to these terms on 20 December 1900 and again on 13 February 1901. The document further references a communication from the Apostolic Nuncio dated 6 October 1900, conveying the Holy See’s requirement for formal ratification and canonical title before final confirmation. This file, part of Section No. 2, File 51, reflects the intersection of colonial diplomacy, Catholic ecclesiastical administration, and international agreements at the turn of the twentieth century.
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On November 17, 1884, during the seventh year of Pope Leo XIII's pontificate, Dom Antonio Joaquim de Medeiros, formerly the titular Bishop of Thermopylae, was appointed Bishop of Macau. This appointment was facilitated by King Luís I of Portugal, who presented Medeiros for the position. The Diocese of Macau, under the patronage of the Portuguese king, became vacant upon the transfer of Bishop Emmanuel Bernard de Souza Ennes to the Diocese of Bragança. Financial records from November 14, 1884, detail the expenses related to Medeiros's appointment, totaling 757.57 and 959.53 florins in two separate computations. Papal bulls issued on November 13, 1884, officially document Medeiros's appointment, his absolution from prior vows, and his transfer to Macau. These documents also address the jurisdiction of the Macau Diocese, including territories under Portuguese rule and those overseen by the previous bishop. Further instructions outline Medeiros's responsibilities, including appointing a theologian and penitentiary, overseeing palace repairs, and establishing a mount of piety in Macau. The papal bulls also call upon the Chapter, clergy, people, and vassals of the Macau Diocese to show obedience and reverence to their new bishop.
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