Relatório sobre Li Hong Zhang
This 1900 diplomatic correspondence from the Consulate of Portugal in Canton comprises a series of transcribed reports and notes addressed to the Portuguese Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, concerning the political and military situation in southern China during the Boxer Crisis....
Saved in:
| Format: | Documents |
|---|---|
| Language: | Portuguese |
| Published: |
Agosto 1900
|
| Subjects: |
Black Flag Forces
;
Boxer Crisis
;
Canton Defenses
;
Chinese Officials
;
Consular Correspondence
;
Evacuation Planning
;
Foreign Powers Diplomacy
;
Foreign Settlements
;
Historical Documents
;
Joaquim Belisário Carvalho Gurgel
;
Li Hongzhang
;
Military Assessments
;
Military Deployments
;
Neutrality Policy
;
Perceived Threats
;
Political Influence
;
Portuguese Consulate in Canton
;
Portuguese Diplomatic Reports
;
Qing Court Relations
;
Revolutionary Unrest
;
Secret Societies
;
Southern China
;
Strategic Role
;
Viceroy Two Kuang
;
Documents
|
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/LBH96A2Y/viewer_LBH96A2Y.html |
| Summary: | This 1900 diplomatic correspondence from the Consulate of Portugal in Canton comprises a series of transcribed reports and notes addressed to the Portuguese Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, concerning the political and military situation in southern China during the Boxer Crisis. Dated between April and October 1900, the documents were authored by Joaquim Belisário Carvalho Gurgel, Commander and Portuguese Consul, and relay assessments of key Chinese officials, particularly Li Hongzhang (Li Hung Chang) and his successor, Viceroy Two Kuang (Dukang). The reports analyse Li Hongzhang’s political influence, his attempts to maintain neutrality between the Qing court and foreign powers, and his efforts to prevent southern involvement in the northern uprising. Detailed observations are provided on military preparations in Canton, including the role of the "Black Flag" forces, troop deployments, and the perceived weakness of local defences. The text examines the activities of secret societies, such as the "Boxers" and possible "Bogers," their potential alignment against foreign interests, and the broader threat of revolutionary unrest. It further addresses the precarious position of missionaries, whose actions are seen as exacerbating tensions, and evaluates the vulnerability of the foreign settlement at Shamser (Shamshuipo), highlighting strategic deficiencies in its defence. The documents also reflect on inter-imperial dynamics, referencing American, British, French, and Japanese involvement, and conclude with assessments of likely conflict trajectories, evacuation plans, and the fragile stability maintained in Canton under contested leadership. |
|---|