Title
About losing the Portuguese citizenship and Chinese customs
Abstract
This 1904 official correspondence, originating from the Portuguese Consulate General in Canton, documents a formal request concerning nationality affirmation by two Macau-born Portuguese subjects, Felisberto Reis Graça da Cruz and Thomás José da Silva Louceiro. Dated 23 May 1904, the letter—assigned reference No. 1489, Case File No. 174, Series B—is addressed to Conselheiro Menezes de Souza Pereira de Lima, then Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in Lisbon. The document transmits sworn applications from the named individuals, who, having been recruited into the Chinese customs service, sought to formally affirm their Portuguese nationality through an oath. As native subjects of Macau—a Portuguese-administered territory at the time—their need to substantiate national status underscores the complex jurisdictional and administrative dynamics affecting colonial subjects in southern China during the late Qing period. The communication highlights procedural protocols within the Portuguese consular system regarding the recognition and validation of citizenship claims abroad. Situated within broader imperial and diplomatic frameworks, this file offers primary evidence of individual engagement with colonial bureaucracy, as well as the intersection of employment in Chinese state institutions and foreign subjecthood. The document serves as a valuable source for historians examining nationality, identity, and cross-border administration in early 20th-century South China and Portuguese colonial affairs.
Short Title
Regarding the loss of Portuguese citizenship
Archive
Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático e Biblioteca do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Loc. in Archive
Caixa 574
Call Number
S16.E24.P12.-87279
Notes
Transcription
Page 1
CONSULADO Geral DE PORTUGAL EM CANTÃO N.º 1489. Processo N.º 174 Série B. Cantão, 23 de maio de 1904. 24-5-1904. Ilmo. e Exmo. Sr.
Tenho a honra de passar às mãos de V.Ex.ª para os fins convenientes, os incluídos requerimentos de subditos portugueses naturais de Macau, Felisberto Reis Graça da Cruz e Thomás José da Silva Louceiro, que necessitando empregar-se na alfândega chinesa, dão querem jurar a sua nacionalidade. Dexos guarde a V.Ex.ª:
Ilmo. e Exmo. Sr. Conselheiro
Wenceslau de Souza Pereira de Lima
Ministro e Secretário d'Estado dos Negócios Estrangeiros.
Lisboa
[Signature] Jr.
Translation
Page 1
--- TRANSLATION ---
PORTUGUESE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CANTON
No. 1489. Case File No. 174, Series B.
Canton, 23 May 1904. 24-5-1904.
Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,
I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency, for such purposes as may be appropriate, the enclosed applications from Portuguese subjects native to Macau—Felisberto Reis Graça da Cruz and Thomás José da Silva Louceiro—who, being required to take up employment with the Chinese customs service, wish to swear an oath affirming their nationality.
May this be preserved for Your Excellency’s records.
Illustrious and Most Excellent Sir,
Conselheiro Menezes de Souza Pereira de Lima,
Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Lisbon.
[Signature]
Junior Official
Citation
About losing the Portuguese citizenship and Chinese customs (Caixa 574). (1904). Portugal. Arquivo Diplomático e Biblioteca do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros. http://43.156.68.124/docs/WUTTYFXN/viewer_WUTTYFXN.html