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Decree about protection of foreigners and letter of the consul
Transcription
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IMPERIAL DECREE. THE PROTECTION OF FOREIGNERS. By the courtesy of H.E. the Governor we are enabled to publish the following translation of a letter from the Acting Viceroy of Canton to Consul B. C. G. Scott, enclosing a copy of a proclamation which embodies an Imperial Decree of the 17th July:— HIS EXCELLENCY THE ACTING VICEROY TO MR. CONSUL SCOTT. Sir,—I have the honour to inform you that on 20th July I received an Imperial Decree, dated 17th July, ordering that protection should be afforded to foreigners, and missionaries of all nationalities. This I have embodied in a proclamation and I am issuing instructions to all the civil and military authorities to zealously protect the lives of foreign merchants, missionaries, and converts and all their valuables and property, whether at the 'open ports', or in the cities, villages or market towns; no laxity is to be allowed. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of the Draft of the Proclamation referred to. I have, etc., (Seal of Acting Viceroy). B. C. G. Scott, Esquire, H.B.M. Consul, Canton. PROCLAMATION EMBODYING AN IMPERIAL DECREE. I had the honour to receive on 20th July, transmitted to me by telegraph, a decree dated 17th July, as follows:— “The present conflict between China and the Powers originated in quarrels between the ordinary people and the Christians. Subsequently military hostilities commenced on account of the seizure of the Taku Forts. The Throne, rightly having deep regard for International friendship, was even at that stage unwilling lightly to break off relations and issued repeated orders for the protection of the Legations, besides instructing the Provincial Authorities to protect the missionaries. Now hostilities are still afoot, and the foreigners, merchants and others in China all require protection. Let therefore all the Tartar Generals, Viceroys, and Governors, make the necessary investigations and zealously give protection as is due by Treaty to all Foreigners, whether they are merchants and missionaries at the Ports, or living in the Prefectures or Districts of the interior. There must be no laxity. “Last month the J.
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assassinated, to our deep horror and dismay; then, with short delay, followed the murder of the German Minister. Now the latter was appointed to Peking to conduct international relations, and his sudden assassination filled us with great grief and affliction. It is our duty again to insist upon the arrest and punishment of the murderers. “The Prefect of Shuntienfu and the Chihli Viceroy must instruct their subordinates each to make proper investigations, as to the losses and harm, except those caused directly by military operations, to the property of Mission- aries and foreigners generally, in consequence of the rebel disturbances after the commence- ment of hostilities at Tientsin. When the various records are collected together action can be taken upon them. “The recent acts of arson, robbery and attacks committed against law-abiding subjects by the revolted people are signal violations of what is right. Let the high provincial and military authorities make enquiry into the actual state of affairs and crush the bands of rebels as opportunity offers, so as to stop dis- order at its fountain head. “Promulgate this Decree.” It is accordingly my duty to promulgate this, and I call upon you, people and soldiers of the whole province, to learn and mark that this present conflict in the North arose from the disturbances of the “Boxer” rebels, and was not premeditated by either the Central Government or the Foreign Powers. Now the natives and foreigners at all the ports are mutually at peace, and trade goes on as usual. The authorities must, of course, as ordered by the Decree, afford to merchants and missionaries alike at the ports and in the inland Prefectures and Districts, the protection guar- anteed by the Treaties. Lawless ruffians who deliberately disobey the Edict, start rumours to disturb men’s minds, and collect together to make disturbances, will most certainly be at once caught and straightway heavily punished. If any ruffians or members of illegal societies make pretenses for giving annoyance in order to bring about a rising, troops are stationed in large numbers everywhere, and these will at once use severe measures to repress them. As to the soldiery and police, if these cause trouble or vexation, or do harm in any way, they will be punished according to military law. Let all tremble and obey. ONLY BY CHERRY, &c., &c.
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CONSULADO DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO Nº 9 A [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Senhor Emo Sr. Tenho a honra de informar a V. S. que este porto continua em sossego. O Vice-Rei interino, que não inspira confiança alguma aos estrangeiros, quando Li Hung Chang, d’aqui sabido, tem continuado com as medidas de severidade do seu antecessor, pelo que os espíritos estão agora mais sossegados. O que mais se pode prever é por quanto tempo se mantenha ainda este estado de cousas, e até que ponto poderá chegar a energia do Vice-Rei interino, que por todo o reino procura convencer os cônsules que não concluirá alterações de ordem pública, para que, diz ele, a guerra se limite ao Norte da China.
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CONSULADO DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO Nº 8 A Cantão, 28 de julho de 1900. [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Senhor Emo Sr. Tenho a honra de informar a V. Exª. que aqui não tem havido durante a semana que hoje finda, facto algum que mereça a atenção de V. Exª., continuando a cisão em nosso, se bem que subsista a inquietação de espírito dos estrangeiros, receiam as alterações do seu público. A cópia do acordo dos Vice-Reis, a que me referi no ofício nº 74-De 16 do corrente à Legação, transcrito no ofício nº 74-De 20, sei que o Sr. Encarregado da Legação a enviará à Nº 87, pela mala por sabá, que eu não pude alcançar, por não ter sido enviada de Macau a Tóquio, a tempo. Se em a mandar à Nº 87, por aquella mala. Como Nº 87 já deve ter recebido aquella cópia, parece-me desnecessário enviar agora outra. Durante a semana finda, além do serviço do expediente, foram expedidos por este consulado os dois ofícios seguintes: Ofício nº 76-22 julho à Legação. Exª.
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não tem fundamento algum as notícias do "Daily News". Se houvessem, dizendo que o encarregado da Escola de Torpedeiros em Nampoa foi convidado a sair d'ali pelo Taotai, por falta de segurança, que o navio "Longrman", ficou aqui para recolher as senhoras. De Shamene, e que já desembarcou artilheiro para as pontes, de concessões. Assim como já previmo que não igual mente infundadas quaisquer futuras notícias dos jornais ou boatos que corram a respeito. Duma suposta ataque a Shamene a noite passada, desembarque de marinheiros, luta ao re Siz ter havido: la Sis entre marinheiros e chinos, etc. A razão é a seguinte: O medo de alguns, a boa fé de outros, e a maior ou menor inquietação de espírito.
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Hostes, e por ventura com qualquer dos turbios que possa haver. Conta-me que o Governador de Cantão Sime hoje saber que os estrangeiros em Belém foram salvos no dia 18, mas não garante a veracidade da notícia, alís, eu teio telegraphado a N.º 27. Deus guarde, etc. Officio n.º 39 - 24 julho - à Legação. Tenho a honra de enviar a N.º 27 uma "chapa", que hontem recebi do Governador Tah, para que N.º 27 se siga tomar conhecimento do Decreto Imperial que a acompanha. A cópia do Decreto a que me refiro ainda não foi devolvida pela Legação mas a tradução inglesa já veio nos jornais de hontem, e por isso Tenho a honra de a juntar ao presente.
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Honourable Sir, I send you No. 47 by all mails, although in my previous despatches I have not made reference to this. God preserve Your Excellency. The Most Illustrious Mr. Dr.
Translation
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--- TRANSLATION ---
IMPERIAL DECREE. THE PROTECTION OF FOREIGNERS. By the courtesy of His Excellency the Governor, we are enabled to publish the following translation of a letter from the Acting Viceroy of Canton to Consul B. C. G. Scott, enclosing a copy of a proclamation embodying an Imperial Decree dated 17th July:
HIS EXCELLENCY THE ACTING VICEROY TO MR. CONSUL SCOTT.
Sir,—
I have the honour to inform you that on 20th July I received an Imperial Decree, dated 17th July, instructing that protection be afforded to foreigners and missionaries of all nationalities. This instruction I have incorporated into a formal proclamation, and I am issuing directives to all civil and military authorities to diligently safeguard the lives of foreign merchants, missionaries, converts, and all their valuables and property—whether at the 'open ports' or within cities, villages, or market towns. No negligence or laxity in this matter will be tolerated.
I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of the draft proclamation referred to.
I have, etc.,
(Seal of the Acting Viceroy)
B. C. G. Scott, Esquire,
Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul,
Canton.
PROCLAMATION EMBODYING AN IMPERIAL DECREE.
On 20th July, I had the honour to receive via telegraph a Decree dated 17th July, which reads as follows:
“The present conflict between China and the Foreign Powers originated in disputes between local inhabitants and Christian communities. Subsequently, military hostilities commenced following the seizure of the Taku Forts. The Throne, rightly maintaining deep regard for international amity, was even at that juncture unwilling to sever diplomatic relations lightly, and accordingly issued repeated orders for the protection of the Legations, while also instructing Provincial Authorities to safeguard missionaries.
At present, hostilities continue, and foreigners—including merchants and others residing in China—require protection. Therefore, all Tartar Generals, Viceroys, and Governors are hereby directed to conduct the necessary inquiries and to diligently uphold, in accordance with treaty obligations, the protection due to all foreigners, whether they be merchants or missionaries at the treaty ports, or residing in prefectures or districts in the interior. There must be no relaxation in the execution of these orders.
“Last month the…”
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assassinated, to our profound horror and consternation; shortly thereafter followed the murder of the German Minister. The latter had been appointed to Peking to conduct international relations, and his sudden assassination has filled us with deep sorrow and distress. It is once again our duty to insist upon the arrest and punishment of the perpetrators.
“The Prefect of Shuntienfu and the Viceroy of Chihli must instruct their subordinates to conduct proper investigations into all losses and damages—excluding those arising directly from military operations—to the property of missionaries and foreigners generally, resulting from the rebel disturbances following the outbreak of hostilities at Tientsin. Once the various reports have been compiled, appropriate action shall be taken accordingly.
“The recent acts of arson, robbery, and attacks perpetrated against law-abiding subjects by the insurrectionary populace constitute flagrant violations of justice and order. Let the senior provincial and military authorities investigate the actual circumstances and suppress bands of rebels whenever the opportunity arises, thereby quelling disorder at its source.
“Promulgate this Decree.”
It is therefore my duty to promulgate the above, and I hereby call upon all people and soldiers throughout the province to take notice and understand that the present conflict in the North originated from the disturbances caused by the ‘Boxer’ rebels, and was neither premeditated nor desired by either the Central Government or the Foreign Powers. At present, natives and foreigners at all treaty ports live in mutual peace, and commerce continues as usual.
The authorities must, in accordance with the terms of the Decree, afford full protection—guaranteed under the Treaties—to merchants and missionaries alike, both at the ports and in the inland prefectures and districts. Lawless ruffians who deliberately defy the Edict, spread rumours to unsettle public opinion, or gather unlawfully to incite disturbances, will be apprehended immediately and severely punished without delay. Should any ruffians or members of illegal societies feign grievances in order to provoke unrest, large numbers of troops are stationed throughout the region and will employ rigorous measures to suppress such activities forthwith.
As for members of the military and police forces, any who cause harassment, provocation, or harm in any manner shall be subject to punishment under military law. Let all duly heed this warning and comply without fail.
BY ORDER OF THE AUTHORITIES, &c., &c.
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PORTUGUESE CONSULATE IN CANTON
No. 9 A [UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
His Excellency Sir,
I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that this port remains calm. The acting Viceroy, who inspires no confidence among foreigners, has—since Li Hung Chang’s departure from here—continued the strict measures previously enforced by his predecessor, thereby contributing to a somewhat calmer state of public sentiment. However, it remains uncertain for how long this situation will persist, and to what extent the acting Viceroy’s resolve will extend. Throughout the province, he has been assuring consular representatives that he will not permit any disturbances to public order, in order, as he states, to confine the conflict to northern China.
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PORTUGUESE CONSULATE IN CANTON No. 8
Canton, 28 July 1900
Your Excellency,
I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that during the week now concluded, no events have occurred here which merit Your Excellency’s attention. The division within our community continues, and although foreigners remain uneasy, apprehensive about potential disturbances from the local populace, no significant developments have taken place.
With regard to the copy of the agreement between the Viceroys, to which I referred in my despatch No. 74-De 16 of the current month addressed to the Legation—transcribed in despatch No. 74-De 20—I understand that the Chargé d’Affaires of the Legation will forward it to No. 87 via the Saturday mail. I was unable to secure this transmission myself, as the dispatch did not arrive in time from Macau to Tokyo. Should it prove possible to send it to No. 87 by that same mail, I would recommend doing so. However, as No. 87 is likely already to have received a copy, it appears unnecessary to send another at this stage.
During the past week, in addition to routine administrative duties, the following two despatches were issued from this Consulate:
Despatch No. 76 – 22 July, to the Legation.
I have the honour to be, with the highest consideration,
Your Excellency’s most obedient servant,
[Name]
Consul of Portugal in Canton
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The reports published in the "Daily News" have no foundation whatsoever. There is no truth in the claim that the officer in charge of the Torpedo School at Nampoa was requested to leave by the Taotai due to security concerns, nor that the vessel "Longrman" remained here to evacuate the ladies from Shamene, or that artillerymen have already been landed to guard the bridges within the Concessions. Likewise, we anticipate that any future reports in newspapers or circulating rumours regarding a supposed attack on Shamene last night, the landing of sailors, or fighting between sailors and Chinese—specifically referred to as 'La Sis'—are equally unfounded. The reason for such misinformation is as follows: fear among certain individuals, the good faith of others, and varying degrees of mental anxiety.
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Hostes, and possibly with any of the disturbances that may have occurred. He informs me that the Governor of Canton only learned today that the foreigners in Belém were rescued on the 18th, but he does not guarantee the accuracy of the report. Indeed, I have already telegraphed you No. 27. God preserve, etc.
Despatch No. 39 – 24 July – to the Legation.
I have the honour to forward to No. 27 a "chapa" [lit. 'plaque' or 'tablet'; here likely referring to an official document or seal], which I received yesterday from Governor Tah, so that No. 27 may take cognisance of the accompanying Imperial Decree. The copy of the decree to which I refer has not yet been returned by the Legation, but the English translation appeared in yesterday’s newspapers; accordingly, I have the honour to enclose it herewith.
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Honourable Sir, I am sending you No. 47 by all available mail services, although I have not previously mentioned this in my earlier dispatches. May God preserve Your Excellency.
The Most Illustrious Mr. Dr.