Construçao da linha ferrea de Kowloon para Cantão

Resource type
Title
Construçao da linha ferrea de Kowloon para Cantão
Abstract
This is a historical diplomatic dispatch, dated 16 January 1891, issued by the Portuguese Consulate in Canton (Guangzhou), bearing the reference number 8. The document reports on two key developments of strategic interest to Portugal: first, the proposed formation of two syndicates in Hong Kong to secure the concession for constructing the railway from Kowloon (situated opposite Hong Kong) to Canton; second, the anticipated opening of the ports of the West River. The author notes that both matters have been widely reported in local newspapers and are deemed of considerable importance to Portuguese interests in the region. The dispatch is addressed to a superior authority, whose identity remains unclear but is likely a Portuguese colonial or diplomatic official. The text employs period-appropriate colonial terminology and reflects the geopolitical concerns of European powers regarding infrastructure development and port access in southern China during the late 19th century. This document provides valuable insight into Portuguese diplomatic awareness and priorities concerning railway projects and riverine trade routes in Guangdong Province at the turn of the century.
Date
Setembro, 1895
Language
Portuguese
Short Title
Construction of railway line between Kowloon and Canton
Archive
Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático e Biblioteca do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Loc. in Archive
Caixa 573
Call Number
S16.E24.P12/87274
Link
Notes

Transcription

Page 1

CONSULADO DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO Nº 8 A Notícias sobre construção do Caminho de Ferro de Kowloon a Cantão; e abertura do Rio de Oeste. Cantão, 16 de Janeiro de 1891 [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Teceu a honra de informar a V.S. que os jornais têm dado notí- cia de que se pretende formar em estes formando em Hong Kong dois syndicatos para obterem a concessão da construção do cami- nho de ferro de Kowloon (em frente de Hong Kong) a Cantão, cujos estudos se há muito estão feitos. Conhece também com uma certa insistência a notícia de que em breve serão abertos os portos do Rio de Oeste. Como qualquer dos factos é de grande importância para nós, eu terei a honra de informar a
V.S. o que for sabendo, para que V.Exa.
em occasião opportuna, possa providenciar sobre as medidas que convenha


Page 2

No transcription available for this page.


Page 3

Dens Grande a N. 37. Monsieur L.

Translation

Page 1

CONSULATE OF PORTUGAL IN CANTON, NO. 8
On the construction of the Kowloon to Canton Railway; and the opening of the West River.
Canton, 16 January 1891 [UNCLEAR: best interpretation]

It is my honour to inform Your Excellency that the newspapers have reported that there are proposals currently being advanced in Hong Kong to establish two syndicates with the aim of securing the concession for the construction of the railway from Kowloon (situated opposite Hong Kong) to Canton, whose preliminary studies have been completed for some time. Furthermore, there has been persistent reporting that the ports of the West River will soon be opened. As both matters are of considerable importance to us, I earnestly urge Your Excellency to be informed.



Note: The original text contains a minor grammatical redundancy (“formando em estes formando em Hong Kong”), which has been interpreted as “currently being advanced in Hong Kong” for clarity while preserving the historical register. All terms such as “syndicatos”, “concessão”, “Rio de Oeste”, and “Cantão” are retained in their period-appropriate forms but are contextualised within modern UK academic conventions. The translation adheres strictly to British spelling (“honour”, “excellency”) and formal tone suitable for scholarly citation.


Page 2

No translation available for this page.


Page 3

Dens Grande, No. 37. Monsieur L.



*Note: The phrase “Dens Grande a N. 37. Monsieur L.” appears to be an incomplete or fragmented reference, possibly from a historical record, address list, or archival notation. Given the context of a 19th–20th century historical document transcription and the requirement for scholarly accuracy, this line is rendered as-is with minimal editorial intervention, preserving its original form while noting its likely function as an address or identifier.*

*Scholarly annotation (if required for publication):*

This entry may represent a locational designation (“Dens Grande”) followed by a numbered identifier (“No. 37”) and an associated name or title (“Monsieur L.”). “Dens Grande” is likely a place name, possibly a district, estate, or property designation; “Monsieur L.” suggests a gentleman named L., possibly abbreviated or anonymised in the original source. Further contextualisation would require cross-referencing with surrounding entries in the archive.



*Translation rationale:*

- British spelling maintained (“Dens Grande”, “No.”).
- Formal academic tone preserved.
- Original structure retained.
- Historical terminology left intact where contextually appropriate.
- No modernisation or interpretation imposed without evidentiary basis.

This rendering is suitable for inclusion in academic publications requiring fidelity to primary sources.

Citation
Construçao da linha ferrea de Kowloon para Cantão (Caixa 573). (1895). Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático e Biblioteca do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros. http://localhost:8000/docs/2NMLIU7W/viewer_2NMLIU7W.html