Processo acerca do acordo entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao-King (Shew-ing)
This 1907 ecclesiastical and diplomatic correspondence, originating from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Diocese of Macau, and colonial administrative offices, documents the protracted negotiations between the Bishop of Macau and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton concerning the exchang...
Spremljeno u:
| _version_ | 1877197590097821696 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | AHU/SEMU/DGU/1R/002/013 |
| building | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| collection | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| description | This 1907 ecclesiastical and diplomatic correspondence, originating from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Diocese of Macau, and colonial administrative offices, documents the protracted negotiations between the Bishop of Macau and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton concerning the exchange of ecclesiastical jurisdictions over Hainan Island and the Shaoqing (or Shew-ing) district. The dispute arose from the implementation of a 1903 decree by the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, later clarified by a pontifical rescript of 16 March 1904, which mandated the transfer of Hainan to the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton in exchange for the Shaoqing district being assigned to the Diocese of Macau. Despite formal agreement on the territorial exchange, resistance emerged over claims of compensation based on discrepancies in mission property valuations and opposition from French missionaries operating under the Paris Foreign Missions Society. The Bishop of Macau contested demands for financial indemnity, asserting that the papal decrees did not permit such conditions and that prior precedent—specifically the 1874 annexation of Hainan to Macau—had involved no compensation. The file includes official dispatches, telegrams, inventories, and memoranda detailing failed handover attempts, political interventions by the Portuguese and French governments, and the Bishop of Macau’s personal appeal to the Holy See in Rome during 1907. Ultimately, the Holy See reaffirmed the original terms, rejecting additional claims and insisting on the unqualified execution of the jurisdictional exchange. This document provides critical insight into ecclesiastical diplomacy, colonial-era church-state relations, and the interplay between local missionary interests and transnational religious authority in early 20th-century China. |
| first_indexed | 2025-02-07T11:50:15Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
{{PAGE:1}}
1ª Repartição
Macau
Processo acerca do acordo celebrado entre o Bispo de
Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente
à troca de jurisdições sobre a ilha de Hainam e o distri-
to de Shao-King (ou Sheu-ing).
Ano de 1907
{{PAGE:2}}
SECRETARIA D'ESTADO
dos Negocios
da Marinha e Ultramar
Direcção Geral do Ultramar
1.ª Repartição
2.ª Secção
N.º
S. Ex.ª o Ministro concorda.
16 de V. de 1907
Morty
O bispo de Macau, dando conta
da opposição ultimamente feita pelo
prefeito apostólico de Cantão à realisa-
ção do acordo sobre a troca de jurisdic-
ção na ilha de Formosa e no districto
de Shao-king, pediu em officio de 8 de
fevereiro último que, pelo Ministério
dos negócios estrangeiros, fossem dadas
provvidências para que tanto junto do Go-
verno de Paris, como junto da Santa Sé,
se não levantem dúvidas que possam
causar embarasses à prompta execução
do decreto pontifício de 16 de março de 1904.
Torne depois receber-se um telegrama
do prelado pedindo licença para
vir ao seu, via Roma, a fim de tratar
directamente do assumpto perante a
Santa Sé'.
No incluso officio de 2 d' abril ele
tem agraciar o ter-lhe sido concedida
aquella licença e renova o pedido das
dúbidas providencias, feito no anterior
officio de 8 de fevereiro.
O facto de o prelado resolver ir
a Roma tratar da questão, fez com que
esta Rep. nada informasse sobre o pe-
dido, mas, em vista da sua instância,
s' de parecer que se remetta como cópia
do officio de 8 de fevereiro ao Ministerio dos
negócios estrangeiros solicitando a expedi-
ção dos despachos necessários ao nosso
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Offício aos eliminados
dos Negócios Estrangeiros
ano 25 - 5-1907.
[ILLEGIBLE: ~3 chars]
[UNREADABLE]
{{PAGE:3}}
representante em Paris e ao Embaixador junto à Santa Sé para procurar
sem remover quaisquer dificuldades
que ainda se levantem sobre o assumpto.
Em 14-5-907.
Z. Cust
{{PAGE:4}}
GOVERNO ECCLESIASTICO
DA
DIOCESE DE MACAU
N.º 27
ULTRAMAR
15 MAIO 1907
Rep. N.º 149
Mano e bem-aventurado Senhor
Tenho a honra d'aceuar a recepção
dos officios de V. Leça de 11 d'intubro e 17 de dezembro
ultimos dando-me eminência das enumerações
recebidas pelo Ministério dos Negócios
Estrangeiros, de S. Reia o Ministro Portuguez em
Paris, acerca do acordo celebrado entre mim e
o Sr. Prefeito e Apostolico de Cantão relativamente
à Tríce da jurisdição sobre a ilha de Hainan
e o distrito de Shao - king (ou Shew - ing).
Effectivamente entre mim e os delegados
daquele Prelado, após variás e demoradas
conferencias a que de propósito vieram por
diferentes vezes a Macau, resolviu-se prove-
dermos à execução do Decreto da Propaganda
de 3 de fevereiro de 1903, conforme o suplicem o
Decreto Pontifício de 16 de março de 1904.
Em pretindia, em seu passado officio
figurou ao Governo de Sua Magestade, que a Tríce
de Hainan viessem para a jurisdição de
Macau, além do distrito de Shao - king, alguns
sub-prefeituras ao sul d'este, e sustentou esta
pretensão ainda depois dos suplices e actos
dados pela Santa Sé ao decreto de 3 de fevereiro,
porque o Prelado de Cantão se mostrava disposto a entrar
num acordo comigo sobre uma diferente
delimitação. Mas afinal desisti, porque aquele
Prelado não me cedia o que eu reclamava, e a
Tríce do que me queria ceder, pretendia que eu
lhe cedesse, além da ilha de Hainan, a melhor
parte do distrito que os Decretos da Santa Sé
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
Macau N.º 39
18 de Março...do 1907
{{PAGE:5}}
Savam a Macau!
Convencidos de que não podíamos chegar
a um acordo, tomámos, na derradeira conferência
celebrada em 4 de setembro último, aquella
resolução: — a ilha de Hainan passaria desde
logo para a jurisdição do Prefeito Apostólico
de Cantão e o distrito de Shao - Kung (Shew - iug)
viria para a jurisdição efectiva do Bispo
de Macau. Além d'isto ficou - se o mando d'outubro
para uma nova reunião em que se faria a
recepção entrega dos territórios permitados
e se lavraria e assinaria o competente auto,
devendo logo a seguir a este acto os missionários
franceses abandonar o distrito de Shew - iug e o
pessoal da missão portuguesa a ilha de Hainan.
Foi este o acordo que o Prefeito de Cantão
disse em telegramma para Paris ter sido celebrado
entre mim e elle, e que depois replicou em releitura.
E' este também o acordo a que se refere o nosso
digno representante junto do Governo da República
francesa nas encomunicações feitas para o Minis-
terio dos Negócios Estrangeiros.
Cumpre - me dizer à S. Se. que desiste
da minha pretensão a obter uma maior compra
para pela esmola da ilha de Hainan por
várias razões: 1º. o Decreto pontifício de 16 de
março de 1904 replicando o de 3 de fevereiro
num sentido restricto para mim, não me per-
mitir reclamar outros territórios além do dis-
trito de Shew - iug; 2º. ao decorrer das negociações
{{PAGE:6}}
entabuladas por mim e o Prelado de Cantão para chegarmos a um acordo sobre uma nova delimitação, convencei-me, como já disse, da impossibilidade de, por este meio, revindicaremos a posse de quaisquer Territórios dos nossos Padroados actualmente sob a jurisdição dos Padres dos Missionários Estrangeiros de Paris; 3º. hoje estão em pleno conhecimento de que mais emitem ao Real Padroado o Distrito de Shao-King do que a ilha de Hainan por vários razões: a) é muito mais próximo de Macau, a um dia de viagem apenas, e dito acima; b) é muito mais populosa, c) tem muito maior número de cristãos, e muitos filhos descendentes d'antigas famílias chamadas ao Cristianismo por nossos missionários, e d) possui mais e melhores espaços e residências para missionários.
Apesar de terem decorrido anais de três meses depois da época fixada para a entrega definitiva dos territórios permitidos, ainda esta se não celebra. É desida esta demora até fixado acerte entre mim e o Prelado de Cantão que missionários das duas jurisdições iriam antes visitar os lugares de Inhazat para Sarcus e tomarem conhecimento por meio d'incidentários do que houvesse nos diferentes lugares.
Tez-se visto em Hainan onde os nossos missionários procederam cavalheiramente para em o enviado do Sul. Prefeito Apostólico, recebendo esse meu exemplar do inventário arquivado por ele e pelo Superior dos missionários portugueses
{{PAGE:7}}
que a toda a parte o aemphianhor.
Em Shao-King não tem sido fácil
fazer-se entretanto fir sauer de certa appreçiaçãõ
da parte d'alguns christãos, de fímea infurtançia
ma realidade, mas a que os missionários francêzes,
para seu fíno, pretendeu dar grande vulto.
Não quero affirmar que sejam elles os
promotores dessa appreçiação, e' forem evidente
que d'ella são connivientes, como já o declarei a
Monsenhor o Prefeito e Spirituoso.
O clero de Cantão não recebeu de bom
grado o Decreto de 3 de fevereiro de 1903, e agora
que se trata da execuçãõ d'elle, proveera fortes
os meios infidel-a ou pelo menos difficuldal-a.
Bastara dizer a V. E. que desde a publicaçãõ
d'aquelle decreto é sua causa d'elle já foi
um dos padres de Cantão por duas vezes a'
Europa!
Por duas vezes depois que se resolven entre
min e os delegados da Prefeitura, o que acima
deixe, mandei missionários de Macau a Cantão
em distrito a Shao-King, para que se cumprisse
ali a clausula do nosso accordo. Da primeira vez
o missionário não passou de Cantão, sendo despedido
a pretensão de que por Naiuan é que seria começar
a visita! Da segunda vez foi o Missionário até
Shew-king, e apóit do districto, mas retornou-se
immediatamente sem de modo tomar embelecimento,
porque se viu insultado por um bando de mulheres
na presença e junto da casa do missionário do lugar,
{{PAGE:8}}
GOVERNO ECCLESIASTICO
DA
DIOCESE DE MACAU
N.°
[Seal: Circular stamp with text "GOVERNO ECCLESIASTICO DA DIOCESE DE MACAU" and a central emblem]
Senhor que este fizesse a menos diligência para pôr termo a tais insultos!
Protestei energicamente durante o Senhor Inquisidor Apostólico contra este modo de proceder, tanto menos digno quanto Monsenhor me havia prometido fazer acompanhar o missionário Português por um padre missionário, seu delegado, que o fizesse respeitar, e não cumprir o que prometera, pois sem vez d’un padre autorizado mas sim um aluno do seu seminarista!
Ultimamente, no dia 28 de janeiro, para ali mandei o Superior da Diocese de Hainane, P. Manuel José Pitta, que de propósito chamei para o suceder d’essa missão.
De diferentes pontos nos tem sido escrito dando-me embelecimento do modo como tem sido recebido, promettendo estar de regresso em Macau no princípio de março.
Devo dizer a V. S. E. que cada vez mais se evidencia a sua desfeição dos missionários franceses entre nós, e digo francamente, porque da parte do Missionário Chine, único que há no distrito, missionário muito bem e muito prudente, tem sido o nosso missionário muito bem recebido, e na sua christandade nenhuma apreensão sofreu o nosso.
Parece que V. S. E. se empenha de que nada sejamos quistando, mas neste termos dos missionários franceses de Cantão, bastará notar os seguintes factos:
{{PAGE:9}}
1º. Os dois missionários europeus que há no distrito para não terem que ajudar o nosso missionário na vizinha que ia ali fazer, retiraram-se para Shanghai e d'ali para o Japão, deixando abundantes aos cristãos, e isto definiu do seu Prelado, em resposta ao meu protesto, que havia assegurado que ao nosso missionário dariam todo o apoio para que a nova vizinha fosse coroada de bom suceso.
2º. Um desses missionários, aliás muito bom sacerdote, é pessoalmente interessado em que se não faça a troca, porque há bastantes anos missionaria na capital do distrito e ali tem despendido dinheiro sem ma construção de duas igrejas. Ora eu já havia lhe ouvido de boa fonte, que por esta razão, ouviu custava ao elero de Cantão a essência d'aquela parte do distrito. Conheci muito durante os meios anos que celebrámos o encontro em que aquela parte do distrito mais sabiões da jurisdição do Sr. Pufilo e Montolico de Cantão. Tivés frij plástamente nos seus cristãos sujeitos a esse tal missionário que se manifestou apoiador da parte dos cristãos.
3º. O Sr. Pufilo e Montolico, em lugar de fazer acompanhar d'esta última vez o nosso missionário foi um padre que cumpriria o que me prometera, mas com ele o Sr. Tourquet, isto é, aquele missionário que desde meado de 1903, já foi por duas vezes à Europa para vir se conseguir a derogação do Decreto de 3 de
{{PAGE:10}}
Foi o que sucedeu, fingindo aquele pacerdote, representante do Poderado de Cantão, numa cristandade que o seu missionário havia abandonado, ignorar que em tais circunstâncias o seu dever era procurar o Mandariam local, para se fugir respeitar e obedecer, e não encontrar que mais nenhuma vez fosse subjugado e insultado o missionário Portuguez!
Logo que o Sr. Felta regressasse a Macau, deve ter lugar, conforme foi regulado entre mim e Monsenhor Tufioto Apostolado de Cantão, o acto final da recíproca entrega dos territórios permutados.
É possível que este Poderado venha com novas pretensões para protelar ainda por mais tempo esta malfeita questão.
Não há fizerem motivo serio para que seja atendido. O receio da apontaria dos cristãos de que pretendessem tirar partido, é infundado, como já lhes ouvirei, para não dizer fingido. Porque os cristãos que há em todo o distrito são pouco mais de 2:000 e acham-se distribuídos por quinze cristandades, em duas das quais
{{PAGE:11}}
apenas se tem manifestado alguma oposição,
e nela pelo modo que em já disse
Espero que o Governo do Real Padroeiro
pelo Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros,
dê as necessárias providências para que tanto
junto do Governo de Paris como junto da Santa Sé,
não se levantem dúvidas que possam causar
embaraços à prompta execução dos Decretos.
Oportunamente informarei o Governo
de Sua Majestade de quaisquer ocorrências que
mereçam ser tomadas em consideração
D. M. Guerreiro a V. R. C.
Fazenda Universal em Macau, 8 de Fevereiro de 1907
Muitos respeitos. Senhor
Comissário Diretor Geral
do Ministério do Ultramar.
+João Pardini e Vasconcelos Correia
Bispo de Macau.
{{PAGE:12}}
GOVERNO ECCLESIASTICO
DA
DIOCESE DE MACAU
N.º 70.
Mmo e Re. Senhor
ULTRAMAR
6 MAIO 1907
Rep. N.º 291
A cópia não
deve a entrada
Das
Não veio à entrada
para o T repartir
a cópia a que se
refere este officio
11-5-1907.
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 60
11 de Maio de 1907
Em meu officio de 8 de fevereiro
último para a Sua Direcção Geral do Ultramar
prometi informar o Governo de qualquer ocorrência
sugestiva de movimento relativamente à questão
de Haiman e Sheo-King.
É o que venho fazer, bastante mal
impressionado pelo procedimento inesperado
que bem que previsto do Prelado de Cantão.
O P. Fetta deu finalmente por
terminada a sua visita ao Distrito de Sheo-King
onde se demorou um mês, visitando quase todas
as cristandades d'alguma importância. Tudo
lhe correu bem, sendo bem recebido em toda
a parte, a não ser em duas cristandades,
onde, como já referi no dito meu officio, só
figuravam algumas mulheres. Para se averiguar
o que vale esta oposição bastará dizer que os
duas outras
cristandades apenas contam, segundo documentos
autênticos fornecidos pela Prefeitura Apostólica,
numa 148 cristãos, e outra 185, homens, mulheres,
velhos, crianças, novos e mechos cristãos
(estes últimos são afficcionados à Igreja
Portuguesa)!
O P. Fetta regressou a Macau sem
{{PAGE:13}}
que o Tratado de Cantão me dissesse, como ele
tinha pedido, onde e quando convinha nos
reunirmos para a decisão final.
Incluído fui mim em meu officio de
8 do corrente ao qual eu o enviava a reunir-
se comigo em Hongkong em uns dos dias próxi-
mos antes da Semana Santa, respondeu-me
15 dias depois, em officio que junto vos copia,
declarando-me contrariamente ao compromisso
comigo tomado, que não procedia a execução
das decretos pontifícios pelas razões que allega,
(que não passam de vãos pretextos já por mim
dante, não refutados todos) sem consultar de
novo a Santíssima!!
No dia imediato aquelle em que
recebi este officio, telegraphiei para o. Ministro
do Ultramar, dando-lhe parte d'Esta ocor-
rência e pedindo licença para ir ao reiço pas-
sando pela cidade de Roma e levar consigo o
meu secretario.
Felizmente no dia 28 recebi a deejada
resposta ao meu telegramma em a licença me
dida. Muito agradeço a V. Excia o Ter-se Signado
deferir ao meu pedido, pois acho que em quanto
eu não for pessoalmente tratar esta questão
{{PAGE:14}}
que tanto me tem dado que fazer, ella será sempre
protelada, em grave prejuízo nosso e das nossas
missões.
Oportunamente em relatório que pretendo fazer, refiroi todos os seus promenores.
Entretanto, renovo o que em meu supracitado
officio pedi, a saber: que se previnam a tempo
os representantes de Portugal em Paris e junto da
Santa Sé para que procurem evitar novas complicações e embarraços que provientura se pretenda levantar a execução dos Decretos Pontifícios
Eu devo partir em breve para a Europa;
toda a demora é devida a não haver lugar mais
primeiras malas que teem de largar de Hong-
Kong com aquelle distinto.
D. Joao Guarde a V. S.
Paco Episcopal em Macau 28 de abril de 1907.
Ministro dos Negócios
da Marinha e Ultramar.
+José Pombal de Almeida e Castro
Bispo de Macau
{{PAGE:15}}
Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
—
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
1.ª Repartição
Processo 42
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Comem enviar
de sua cópia
D'arte offerto ao
Bispo de Macau
para seu conhecimento.
In 10.9.26
M. Menniques
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Off. ao Bispo
de Macau em
11-Abr-1906
Lisboa 2 de Outubro de 1906
ULTRAMAR
8 OUTU 1906
Rep. N° 5261
[ILLEGIBLE: ~N chars]
Para relação ao officio do E.º Pio de 12 de
Julho último, em virtude do qual dei ins-
truções ao nosso representante em Paris
para insistir pela resolução da questão re-
lativa à traca de jurisdições entre os bispos
de Cantão e Macau, cabe-nos a honra
de informar a V. Exa. que o Governo pro-
cura dar noticia ao Ilmo. Sr. Cardeal de Lava
Rosa, de Terem aquelles pedidos fezado a
acordo sobre o assumpto. A data da exp-
edição da nota, referir-se o Governo da
República o relatório do bispo de Cantão,
considerando Tocaria como definitiva,
secretamente repulada a Traca das jurisdições,
e em via de execução os respectivos actos
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção Ruijng de Fasse
N.º 310
9 de 10 de 1906
[UNREADABLE]
{{PAGE:16}}
Dons Fazende a E. Lévia
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Ministro e Secretário
d'Estado das Ajacias da Marinha e Ultramar
[UNCERTAIN: Luís de Castro]
{{PAGE:17}}
Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral dos Negócios Políticos e Diplomáticos
1.ª Repartição
Leixões 29 de Novembro de 1906
[STAMP: ULTRAMAR
Rep. N.º 6218
1 OEX 1906]
Com referência ao officio de V.ª. de 12 de Julho e em additamento ao meu officio de 2 d'Outubro ultimo, tenho a [UNCERTAIN: honra] de communicar a V.ª., segundo parece que deve informar o nosso representante em Paris, que a questão da troca da jurisdição de Plainam pela do districto de Shao-King acaba de ser resolvida nos termos do decreto da propaganda de 3 de Fevereiro de 1903 e do decreto pontifical de 16 de Março de 1904, em resultado das negociacões entabuladas entre o bispo de Macau e a Prefeitura Apostólica de Cantão.
V.ª. se sirvá transmitir-me, se assim o julgar necessário, quaisquer instrucções complementares que sobre este assumpto devam ser enviadas ao Sr. Conde de Louza Rosa.
[Handwritten signature: "D. César"]
Processo 72.
[Handwritten note in red ink on left margin:]
"Off. aos Bispos de Chocan
Flam 12-13-1906"
[Handwritten note in blue ink near top right:]
"Ex.ª o Ministério conhecido.
11 de XL de 1906
Worty"
[Stamped and handwritten note at bottom left:]
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
Processo N.º 348
5 de Dezembro de 1906
{{PAGE:18}}
Deus guarde a V. S.
Ilmo. Sr. Ministro e Secretário d'Estado
dos Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar
[signature]
[UNCERTAIN: Luís]
{{PAGE:19}}
MINISTÉRIO
DOS
Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar
INSPEÇÃO GERAL
DE
Fazenda do Ultramar
2ª Secção
Nº 152
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Informação
Acerca do incluído telegrama do Governador de Macau,
de 1 do corrente que veiu com a informação da 1ª Repartição
da Direcção Geral do Ultramar, e versa sobre o subsídio
da despesa de viagem para Roma solicitado pelo Bispo d’a-
quella diocese; tem esta Inspeção Geral de Fazenda a hon-
ra de dizer, que desde que o mesmo Prelado vae a Roma com o
seu secretario em commissão de serviço, e por este motivo
lhes foi mandada abonar passagem por conta do Estado, acha
esta Inspeção que tem direito ao abono do competente su-
bsídio de viagem que se abona por lei em semelhantes oc-
cações entre os adeantamentos que se fazem aos funcioná-
rios publicos.
O Governador de Macau, em telegrama de 4 do corrente
perguntará se podia abonar ao Prelado despezas para essa
viagem, e Sua Exª o Ministro, em resposta telegraphica da mes-
ma data, auctorizou o subsidio de sua viagem a Roma.
Inspeção Geral de Fazenda do Ultramar em 21 de Maio de
1907.
O Inspector Geral,
[Signature: João Ferreira de Almeida]
[Handwritten note in upper right corner, partially legible]:
D. Urb°: o Depo foi aceitável
depo de 27/30
Fo anotada a vri arci...
...não seria norma, porque até
projeto tratar do negócio para
nota Mefri. Dada Commissão
parametro, como rebi n'este parecer.
[Handwritten note on left margin, with red underline]:
Direcçãs geral
do ultramar.
1º rep. 2º sec.
Chato Nepad offe
rece-se ponderar
que o triplo de
Macau não foi
membro do lei
a Roma trator
da quarta da tona
de jurisdição, mas
resolven alle pro.
prio ni alli, e
apenas pedir bi
conga ao Governo.
Em 23-5-908.
L. [illegible signature]
[Handwritten note at bottom of page, under signature]:
João Ferreira de Almeida
{{PAGE:20}}
GOVERNO DA PROVÍNCIA DE MACAU
EXPEDIENTE GERAL
No. 18
Palácio do Governo de Macau,
3 de Maio de 1907.
Objecto
Confidencial
Tenho a honra de confirmar o meu telegrama de 1º do corrente, te concedido nos seguintes termos: — "Ultramar. Lisboa - Piz. /po. ped. abono. Subsídio. Despesa Viagem. Roma - Allegando. está. /Ser- intérprete. Estado. Peco. res. /postâ. máxima. urgência. (a Ex. Vermador.)" e de dizer a V.ª que o meu telegrama foi motivado pelo Ofício do Senhor Bispo de Macau, que remetido por cópia a V.ª:
Decolguarde a V.ª.
Palácio do Governo em Macau, 3 de Maio de 1907.
Ilmo. Sr. D. Luís. Almirante e Secretário de Estado dos Negócios da Ultramar e Ultramar.
O Governador da Província,
Pedro de Azevedo Coutinho
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 16.
do Janeiro de 1907
ULTRAMAR
4.ª Jun. 1907
4.ª Rep. Nº 359
{{PAGE:21}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:22}}
MINISTÉRIO
DOS
Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar
INSPECÇÃO GERAL
DE
Fazenda do Ultramar
2ª Secção
ULTRAMAR
22 MAIO 1907
Rep. N° 2574
Á Direcção Geral do Ultramar tem esta Inspecção Geral
a honre de devolver com a sua informação, Nº 152 de hoje,
o incluso telegramma do Governador da Província de Macau,
de 1 do corrente que veiu com informação da 1ª Repartição
d'essa Direcção Geral e que versa sobre o subsidio da des-
peza de viagem para Roma solicitado pelo Bispo d'aquella
diocese.
Inspecção Geral de Fazenda do Ultramar em 21 de Maio de
1907.
O Inspector Geral,
[Signature: João Sacramento de Almeida]
ULTRAMAR
22 MAIO 1907
Rep. N° [illegible]
{{PAGE:23}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:24}}
DIREÇÃO GERAL
do
ULTRAMAR
—
6.ª Repartição
—
Copia conforme
em
23-3-1907
em 23 de Março de 1907
À 1.ª Repartição
Concerto
P.273.07
de Oruneos.
INSPEÇÃO GERAL FAZENDA
ULTRAMAR
26 MAIO 1907
Sec. N° 2203
Telegramma vindo de Macau
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Trelad, Cantão recusa execução de decreto partitício troca jurisdição, pede licença ir reina via Roma, levam do secretário, tratar dos negócios. (44.)
Risfo Macau.
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Para Rep. 2.ª Secção
No adjunto officio de 8 de fevereiro, recebido nesta Rep. em 1890 corrente, o bispo de Elbasan supõe os termos em que, com o prefito apostólico de Cantão, celebraram o acordo para a troca da jurisdição da ilha de São-tirig, de que é o estímulo dos negócios estrangeiros dos Conhecer, mente em officio de 29 de novembro de 1906.
Demonstrando-se, porém, a realização do acordo por motivo das dificuldades levantadas pelos padres franceses de São-tirig, o bispo pediu providências do Governo pelo Ministério dos negócios estrangeiros, para se não levantarem dívidas, tanto juntado
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA DIREÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 3
26 de Março de 1907
1897 — IMPRESSÃO NACIONAL — 1906 — 1907
Em vista do presente telegramma
parece a' Negad que concorrer o bispo autorizado, como pede, a ir tratar
{{PAGE:25}}
do assumpto em Roma, aguardando-se as
mais ulteriores Communicados, para se solicitar
então do Ministério das negociações estrangeiras
o que elle porventura, estende ainda terne
cessário.
Se M.ª, assim o entender deu telegria
pharse ao prelado, concedendo-me a licença,
e ao gov. Leitão, ordenando e abono
de passagens ao mesmo prelado, e ao seu
cretario para viagem ao reino, via Roma.
Em 23-3-908.
D. Mauríquos
{{PAGE:26}}
1ª pr. 7-97
Illmo. Sr.º
ULTRAMAR
(25 JUL 1907)
1 Rep. 3º HH9
[Seal: "MINISTÉRIO DO ULTRAMAR"]
Tenho a honra de fazer chegar
às mãos de V.Ex. uma cópia da Comunicação
que me fizeram 19 do corrente Sua Eminência o Cardeal Secretário d'Estado de Sua Santidade, de ter sido definitivamente resolvida, como era de justiça, a questão da pertença da ilha de Hainan e o Districto de Sheunging entre a Prefeitura Apostólica de Cantão e o Bispoado de Macau, de modo a não poder ser impugnada nem retardada a execução do decreto que a ordenara.
Felizmente encontrei que da parte de Sua Eminência o Cardeal Secretário d'Estado quer da parte de Sua Eminência o Cardeal Prefeito da Propaganda as mesmas disposições para que nisso fosse feita justiça!
Junto tenho a honra de remeter a V.Ex. um exemplar da mesma
com que instrui a minha reclamação perante a Santa Sé'.
Tendo attingido o fim da minha jornada a Roma devo em breve partir
para Portugal, onde certo chegar em princípio.
REPARTIÇÃO
DIREÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2 Secção
N.º 106
16 de julho de 1907
{{PAGE:27}}
d'agosto.
Deus guarde a V. Exa.
Roma, Colégio Português, via Banco Santo
Spirito, 30 de julho de 1907.
V.M. Ex.ª Sr. Conselheiro Estado
Ministro da Marinha e Ultramar, Lisboa.
João Paulino de Frenado Bastos
Bérges de Macau
{{PAGE:28}}
MEMORIA
sullo scambio di giurisdizione tra il Vescovo di Macao e il
Vescovo di Canton
[UNCERTAIN: likely a decorative underline or separator line, composed of repeated ampersands or similar symbols — exact symbol is indistinct due to image resolution and age]
[STAMP: CIRCULAR SEAL]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 chars] HISTÓRICO DE MACAU [ILLEGIBLE: ~5 chars] ARQUIVO [ILLEGIBLE: ~3 chars]
[NOTE: The stamp text is partially obscured and faded. The visible fragments suggest "HISTÓRICO DE MACAU" and "ARQUIVO", with other text illegible. This is transcribed as "[ILLEGIBLE: ~N chars]" per rule 3.]
{{PAGE:29}}
MEMORIA
relativa alla questione dello scambio di giurisdizioni in
Hainan e nel Distretto di
Shao-Hing (o Shiw-ing), fra il Prefetto Apostolico di
Canton ed il Vescovo di Macao
Questo questione ha tre fasi:
1° - Preparazione del Decreto della S. Congregazione di Propaganda che ordinò lo scambio di giurisdizione. Principiò nel 1898 e proseguì fino al
1903, anno della pubblicazione del Decreto.
2° - Decreto della S.C. del 3 Febbraio 1903: sua notificazione; controversia relativa all'articolo secondo; interpretazione di questo. Da quella data fino al 15 Dicembre 1905.
3° - Negoziali fra il Prefetto Apostolico di Canton ed il Vescovo di Macao per l'esecuzione del Decreto. Dal 9 Aprile 1906 fino al 20 Marzo 1907.
I.
Per il Concordato del 21 Febbraio 1857 stipulato fra il Romano Pontefice ed il Re di Portogallo, il Patronato della Corona Portoghese nell'Estremo Oriente, in altro tempo estesissimo, rimase ridotto nella China, alla Provincia di Kouang-tom, eccettuata l'isola di Hong-Kong(1); e il Concordato del 23 Giugno
(1) - Vedi Carta Top. della Provincia di Kouang-tom. Doc. I.
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{{PAGE:30}}
1886 confermò questa disposizione del Concordato precedente relativamente al Patronato nella China e alla Diocesi di Macao (Art. XI). Pertanto, secondo il Diritto Concordatario, ancora non abrogato, tutta la Provincia di Kouang-tom, ad eccezione dell'isola di Hong-Kong, appartiene alla giurisdizione del Vescovo di Macao. Nonostante ciò la giurisdizione "effettiva" del Vescovo di Macao nella Cina, che per molto tempo fu circoscritta al piccolo territorio del dominio Portoghese, solamente abbraccia, oltre a questo territorio, il Distretto di Heung-Shan e le isole adiacenti, compresa quella di Hainan, che in forza delle lettere apostoliche "Universis Orbis Ecclesias" del 15 Giugno 1874, passarono alla giurisdizione di Macao, continuando anche oggi la maggior parte di quella estesissima provincia, eretta in Prefettura Apostolica dal 1850, sotto la giurisdizione della S.C. di Propaganda, che la affidò ai Padri delle Missioni Estere di Parigi.
Ultimamente questa Società, non soddisfatta dei vastissimi territori affidati allo zelo dei suoi 70 Missionarii, ed in cui vi sono più di trentasei milioni di anime da evangelizzare, cominciò di nuovo ad agognare all'isola di Hainan per esercitarvi la propria influenza spirituale, ed in questo senso indirizzò
(1) - Vedi i "Trattati stipulati fra S.M. Fede-lissima e la S. Sede", Pag. 3 e seg., specialmente lo articolo 6° e allegato A e pag. 20 e seg. e spec. art. II. Doc. 2.
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[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:32}}
2° - Ut Episcopi Macaonen. jurisdictio extendatur ad Districtum Ciao-King, qui Hean-Scian districtui adjacet.
3° - Ut hujusmodi confinium mutationes provisoria dumtaxat ratione perfici debeant, ad instar scilicet mutationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874, in quo per Bullam diei 15 Junii supradicta insula Heinan Macaonensi Diocesi adnexa fuit.
Sanctitas Sua rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perpensis, supraenunciatam confinium mutationem ratam habere et confirmare dignata est et praesens Decretum confici jussit".
Il testo di questo Decreto fu comunicato da S.E. il Sig. Card. Segretario di Stato all'attuale Vescovo di Macao il 17 Febbrajo dello stesso anno e fu da questo ricevuto in Lisbona quando si trovava colà di passaggio per andare alla sua Diocesi, dopo la sua consacrazione episcopale in Angra.
Soltanto dopo il suo arrivo a Macao nel Giugno di quell'anno e dopo le prime occupazioni che naturalmente gli imponeva l'amministrazione della Diocesi in cui entrava, potè il Vescovo conoscere bene l'oggetto del citato Decreto, ed appena conosciutolo, si adoperò subito per intavolare negoziati con l'altro interessato, il Prefetto Apostolico di Canton per procedere ambedue d'accordo all'esecuzione di esso.
Da parte di questo Prelato però scrissero fin
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{{PAGE:33}}
d'allora difficoltà attinenti all'interpretazione
dell'articolo secondo del Decreto, ritenendo che, a
tenore di questo, il Vescovo di Macao dovesse riceve-
re in compenso dell'isola di Hainan, soltanto il Di-
stretto di Shao-King, visto che soltanto questo è i-
vi designato.
Da parte sua il Vescovo di Macao pretende-
va che dovessero passare sotto la sua giurisdizione
il Distretto di Shao-King e le tre Sotto-Prefetture
di San-ing, San-ui e Shuntac, situate fra i due Di-
stretti, 1° perchè l'articolo secondo dice: "Distric-
tum Shao-King qui Heang-Scian Districtui adjacet",
e la perfetta e completa contiguità dei due Distret-
ti non esiste, se non mediante quelle tre Sotto-Pre-
fetture. 2° perchè era appunto questo ciò che chie-
deva il suo predecessore, il Vescovo di Macao, D.Giu-
seppe Emmanuele de Carvalho, in cambio di Hainan, e
cioè "alcuni Distretti e particolarmente quello di
Shao-King, limitrofi del West River, prossimi e con-
tigui al Distretto di Heung-Shan".
La controversia giunse a conoscenza della
S. Sede, che nel suo alto ed illuminato criterio, do-
po attento e serio esame di tutti gli elementi che
formarono a suo tempo la base per la compilazione del
citato Decreto, credè bene di dichiarare: "Che la giu-
risdizione del Vescovo di Macao, in compenso della ces-
sione dell'isola di Heinan alla Prefettura Apostolica
di Kuam-tom, debba estendersi al Distretto di Chao-King,
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{{PAGE:34}}
ma non alle tre Sotto-Prefetture di San-Ning, San-Oui e Shien-Tak".
Dichiarò inoltre la S. Sede "che laddove il Governo Portoghese e quello Francese convenissero sopra una delimitazione di confini diversa da quella stabilita, essa non mancherà nel caso di esaminare le relative conclusioni dei Governi, riservandosi, ben inteso, di prendere quelle decisioni che giudicherà più opportune per il bene e la salute delle anime".
Questa dichiarazione che porta la data del 16 di Marzo 1904 fu comunicata ai due Prelati di Canton e di Macao.
Quest'ultimo, considerando che la seconda parte della dichiarazione gli permetteva di nutrire la speranza di ottenere per la sua diocesi in cambio dell'isola di Heinan, oltre il distretto di Shao-King le tre già menzionate Sotto-Prefetture, fece ancora nuovi tentativi insieme alle stazioni competenti, ma senza il risultato desiderato, per quanto nel principio del 1906, in risposta ad un reclamo documentato, accompagnato da una estesa esposizione di fatti, che ultimamente dirigeva alla Nunziatura Apostolica per far portare a conoscenza della S. Sede tali fatti(1), ricevesse il seguente dispaccio: "Che avendo l'Emin. Card. Segretario di Stato preso conoscenza di tutto quanto era esposto, la S. Sede non ravvisava motivo
(1) - Deve esistere nella Segreteria di Stato dove la fece venire Mgr. Nunzio Apostolico in Lisbona.
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[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:36}}
Si tennero varie sedute, nelle quali si fecero varie proposte da una parte e dall'altra. Da principio i Delegati mostravansi disposti a cedere al Vescovo di Macao ciò che egli loro richiedesse a Sud e ad Ovest del Distretto, in cambio di una parte al Nord. Chiedeva quegli le tre Sotto-Prefetture di San-Nig, San-ui e Shun-Tac, e cedeva due Sotto-Distretti al Nord del Tropico del Cancro. In seguito rinunziava già alla Sotto-Prefettura di Shun-Tac perché i Delegati tenacemente sostenevano non esser loro conveniente di cederla, e chiedeva piuttosto quella di Yeung-Kong, ed a Nord cedeva, oltre ai due già referiti, un Sotto-Distretto in più ed una striscia di terra che collegasse i tre a Nord del Tropico. I Delegati da parte loro cedevano tutto ciò, ma pretendevano tutto quanto resta a nord del fiume Si-Kiang, o per lo meno ciò che si estende da quella parte fino ad un po' ad Ovest della capitale del Distretto, rimanendo questa con tutto il territorio da quel lato del fiume e ad Est incorporato nella Prefettura Apostolica. Il punto da essi maggiormente caldeggiate era la capitale del Distretto, che era l'antica capitale dei due Kouangs, prima del suo cambiamento con Canton.
Nella seduta del 10 Agosto mantenevasi il Vescovo di Macao fermo nella sua proposta e nell'alternativa che questa non fosse accettata, chiedeva l'esecuzione del Decreto Pontificio, e cioè: la Prefettura Apostolica riceverebbe l'isola di Hainan, e la Diocesi di Macao il Distretto di Shau-King.
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{{PAGE:37}}
Il sedici Agosto Mgr. Prefetto Apostolico,
scrivendo al Vescovo di Macao, dichiara che rigetta
la prima delle due proposte ed opta per l'unica che
è conforme ai Decreti di Roma, e che pertanto esso
Prefetto Apostolico riceverebbe l'isola di Hainam, ed
il Vescovo di Macao il Distretto di Shew-ing solamen-
te, senza le Sotto-Prefetture di Shun-Tac, San-ui e
San-ing(1).
Era così stipulato l'accordo per l'esecu-
zione dei Decreti Pontifici. Solo rimaneva a fissa-
re il giorno in cui dovrebbe effettuarsi lo scambio
e la consegna delle Christianità e delle Cappelle,
come diceva il Prefetto Apostolico di Canton, il qua-
le fin d'allora promise d'invia re nuovamente i suoi
Delegati, ciò che effettivamente fece giorni appres-
so. Infatti il 17 Agosto si riunirono i Delegati
col Vescovo di Macao ed in questa seduta restò conve-
nuto che la consegna delle giurisdizioni avesse lu-
go il giorno 15 Ottobre, e si stabilì che, prima di
questo giorno, l'isola di Hainan ed il Distretto di
Shew-ing fossero visitati rispettivamente da un mis-
sionario della propria giurisdizione e da uno dell'al-
tra allo scopo di prender conoscenza oculare con gli
inventari dei beni mobili ed immobili delle differen-
ti missioni; decisioni queste che Mgr. Merel piena-
mente approvò, designando anche le persone che avreb-
bero da figurare come suoi Delegati in tutti questi
(1) - Lettera di Mgr. Merel in data 16 Agosto
1906. L'essenziale sta nel testo innanzi.
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{{PAGE:38}}
atti, indicando l'ordine in cui questi si succederebbero, fino al momento di ritirare delle missioni il personale missionario ivi attualmente impiegato(1).
Ecco qui le parole di Monsignore nella sua Nota del 16 Agosto:
"Pour faire suite aux conversations que Votre Grandeur a bien voulu avoir, avec les PP. Fleureau et Gauthier relativement à l'échange de la juridiction ecclésiastique de Hainan, j'ai l'honneur d'annoncer à Votre Excellence que des deux solutions proposées j'accepte celle qui est la plus conforme aux vues du Souverain Pontife.
Votre Grandeur cèdera à la mission de Kouang-tong l'île de Hainan et en compensation prendra la seule Préfecture de Ciau-King sans les Sous-Préfectures de Shun-tac, San-woui e San-ing, conformément au Décret (N° 4345) daté du 16 Mars 1904, qui établit le sens de celui de la S.C. de la Propagande daté du 3 Février 1903.
"Reste à fixer le jour" où se feront cet échange et la remise des chrétientés et des chapelles.
Je me permettrai d'envoyer les PP. Fleureau et Gauthier s'entendre avec Votre Excellence à ce sujet et régler définitivement cette question".
Nella sua lettera dell'otto Settembre diceva il Sig. Prefetto Apostolico al Vescovo di Macao:
----------
(1) - Lettere dell'otto Settembre e undici Ottobre 1906. (L'essenziale è più innanzi nel testo).
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[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:40}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:41}}
"In relazione alla nota di V.E. in data 12 Luglio u.s., in forza della quale diedi istruzioni al nostro rappresentante in Parigi di insistere per la soluzione della questione relativa allo scambio di giurisdizioni fra i Vescovi di Canton e Macao, mi onoro informare V.E. che il Governo Francese ha dato ora notizia al Sig. Conte De Souza Rosa di aver quei Vescovi concluso un accordo sull'argomento. Alla data della spedizione della nota il Governo Francese aspettava la relazione del Vescovo di Canton, "considerando come definitivamente regolato lo scambio delle giurisdizioni", ed in via di esecuzione le relative prese di possesso."
Nella nota del 12 Dicembre la Direzione Generale delle Colonie comunicava al Vescovo di Macao quanto appresso:
"Per mezzo di nota del Ministero degli Affari Esteri in data 29 Novembre ultimo, S.E. il Ministro della Marina e delle Colonie ebbe conoscenza che la questione dello scambio di giurisdizione di Hainan con quella del Distretto di Shao-king "era stata risolta", secondoché informò il nostro Rappresentante in Parigi," nei termini del Decreto di Propaganda 3 Febbrajo 1903 e del Decreto Pontificio 16 Marzo 1904 per effetto dei negoziati istituiti fra la Diocesi di Macao e la Prefettura Apostolica di Canton"........
Frattanto si procedeva alle visite convenute all'isola di Hainan e al Distretto di Sew-ing, prendendo i missionari delegati a questo scopo conoscenza
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{{PAGE:42}}
delle missioni e dello stato di esse dal punto di vista dei beni mobili ed immobili e del numero dei Cristiani.
In Hainan tutto procede bene, grazie al tatto ed alla buona volontà con cui si prestò il Superiore della missione a ricevere il delegato di Mgr. Prefetto Apostolico di Canton ad accompagnarlo per tutto e a dargli conoscenza oculare di ogni cosa e dell'inventario previamente fatto con la maggiore chiarezza e buon metodo.
Sarebbe nostro desiderio dire altrettanto relativamente a Sew-ing, dove, perchè le visite avessero luogo e si compissero, fu mestieri mandare successivamente da Macao tre missionari, essendo riuscite inutili le visite dei primi due in conseguenza di ostacoli, talora sollevati, talora acconsentiti da chi aveva obbligo di appianare tutte le difficoltà. Tutto porta a credere che vi era un piano ordinato e ben combinato per far andare a vuoto le visite dei missionari di Macao a quel Distretto, allo scopo di far credere che era impossibile, o per lo meno non conveniente e pregiudizievole per l'opera dell'e-vangelizzazione il passaggio di questo distretto sotto la giurisdizione di Macao!
La necessità di esser brevi ci obbliga a non estenderci in questo punto, in cui molto avremmo da dire, provando tutto con documenti di valore incontestabile. Tuttavia molto ci costerebbe il doverci dimostrar severi, sia pure per nostra difesa, quando con
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[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
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Mgr. Merel pretende giustificare la sua risposta con tre considerandi già da noi precedentemente confutati nella nostra corrispondenza con quel Prelato e che ora passiamo a discutere.
I Considerando su cui si basa Mgr. Merel sono tre:
1° - "OPPOSIZIONE" dei Cristiani di Shew-ing a far passaggio da quel Distretto alla giurisdizione di Macao e timore che le Cristianità "si rendano apostati", come avvenne in Hainan.
2° - SPROPORZIONE fra Hainan e Shew-ing, dal doppio punto di vista delle proprietà e del numero dei Cristiani, necessità di una compensazione tanto maggiore in quanto la disproporzione fu aumentata dalla "vendita delle due case" in Hoi-ow, capitale dell'isola, appartenenti alla missione di Hainan.
3° - INTENZIONE del Governo Portoghese, espressa dal suo Rappresentante in Parigi, di tornare allo stato quo anteriore al decreto del 1903(1)
1°
Opposizione dei Cristiani, timore delle apostasie, decadenza della Missione di Hainan.
a)
Il numero dei Cristiani sparsi per tutto il
(1) - Nota del Prefetto Apostolico di Canton del 20 Marzo 1907. Doc. Nº 10.
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distretto di Shew-ing in lontane e poco numerose
Cristianità(1), non eccede, secondo documenti auten-
tici, forniti dai missionari del Distretto, i 2609(2):
il quadro statistico di tutta la prefettura apostolica
relativo al 1905-1906 gli attribuisce ancora un minor
numero di Cristiani, soltanto 2361(3).
Da qui si può vedere che valore possa ave-
re l'opposizione di Cristiani così poco numerosi ed in
condizioni così sfavorevoli per potersi concertare in
un programma di resistenza!
Ed infatti l'opposizione cui accenna Monsi-
gnore, era fatta principalmente da donne e ragazzi da
esse instigate, come unanimemente riferiscono i due
missionarii Portoghesi che di tale opposizione furono
oggetto: il P. Roliz e il P. Pitta. E solamente si
manifestò in due luoghi: nella capitale di Shew-ing
e in una cristianità posta ad una huona distanza al
Nord, ambedue soggetti al medesimo missionario, il Pa-
dre Clauset; circostanza che non si deve perder di vi-
sta. Nelle altre Cristianità il missionario Portoghe-
se che le visitò fu ben ricevuto dai Cristiani, come
lo attestano i proprii missionarii della Prefettura A-
postolica(4).
Ora nella capitale vi sono appena 148 Cri-
(1) - Vedi Carta Top. della Provincia di Kouang-
tom, e gli inventari delle missioni di Shew-
ing Doc. I. II. 12. 13.
(2) - V. Inventari delle miss. di Shew-ing Ibid.
(3) - V. "Administr. miss. Kwan.tong 1905-06"
Doc. 14.
(4) - Lettere dei PP. G.B. Lit. G.B. Wong e Ga-
ston Boucheron. Doc. 15, 16, 17.
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[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:47}}
Non è meno eloquente il fatto che vengano
a Macao Cristiani dalla Prefettura Apostolica in cerca di donzelle della nostra missione di S. Lazzaro o
di educande dei nostri collegi e asili per sposarsi
con esse e costituir famiglie, e, ciò che è ben degno
di esser notato, molte volte sono gli stessi missionari della Prefettura che li mandano per questo scopo! Succede lo stesso coi giovani che per istruirsi vengono dalla Prefettura Apostolica ai nostri stabilimenti di educazione, e, quello che è ben curioso e produce persino meraviglia, è che sia il Clero dirigente di Canton quello che sollecita l'ammissione di essi negli stabilimenti(1). Su questo argomento non ci dilunghiamo di più per non vederci obbligati a mettere in chiaro gli autori e promotori della pretesa opposizione dei Cristiani.
b)
Il timore delle apostasie non giustifica nè esplica il voltafaccia di Mgr. Prefetto Apostolico.
1° - Se questa causa fosse vera, avrebbe dovuto esister sempre fin dal principio della questione e fin da allora avrebbe impedito, o per lo meno ostacolato, qualsiasi iniziativa da parte del clero di Canton in pro del cambio di giurisdizione.
In verità Mgr. Merel conosceva bene l'indole dei Cinesi. Egli stesso dice(2) "Qui ne connait-
(1) - Nota del Super. dell'Orfanotrofio dellà IMMACOLATA CONCEZIONE. Doc. N° 19.
(2) - Lettera di Mgr. Merel 24 Nov. L900.
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{{PAGE:48}}
pas ces Chinois ne peut imaginer aux prix de quelle
difficulté, de quels sacrifices on peut les maintenir
dans la fidélité aux lois de l'Eglise.'
Non è verosimile che così tardi si avver-
tisse lo sbaglio di esporre i Cinesi al pericolo di
apostatare poichè Monsignore certamente li conosce-
va da tempo sufficiente e poi fu missionario fra di
loro per molti anni ed è Prefetto Apostolico del
Kouang-tom dal 1901 !
2° - Questo timore pertanto non è sincero.
Ed invero non si può ragionevolmente ammet-
tere che Mgr. Merel durante tanto tempo dal Maggio
fino al Novembre, in una lunga serie di documenti
scritti di suo proprio pugno(1) e per bocca dei suoi
Delegati, i quali durante questo tempo vennero "sei
volte" da Canton a Macao allo scopo di negoziare per
l'esecuzione dei Decreti Pontifici, si mantenesse fer-
mo nel proposito di dare esecuzione ai Decreti, con-
cludesse un accordo col suo collega di Macao, comuni-
casse questo accordo ufficialmente all'Europa, lascias-
se che i due Governi di Parigi e di Lisbona si inten-
dessero a riguardo di esso e dessero la questione per
risolta nel senso indicato nello stesso accordo, e tut-
to ad un tratto, solamente perchè il secondo missiona-
rio di Macao mandato a Shew-ing venne ricevuto male in
una Cristianità che nella sua totalità conta solamen-
te "148 anime", compresi i vecchi, ragazzi e antiche
famiglie affezionate di Portoghesi, cominciasse a trar-
--------
(1) - Sono dodici lettere e note, i cui originali
possediamo, come tutti gli altri scritti prima e dopo.
-20-
{{PAGE:49}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:50}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:51}}
In Hainan, come in altre parti, i Cristiani erano ritenuti come conniventi nella guerra che gli Europei facevano alla China, ed i sacerdoti, benché non fossero Francesi, erano ritenuti come tali, o, almeno, come amici e spie dei Francesi(1).
La maggior parte dei Cristiani se ne fuggivano ed evitavano i missionari per non essere perseguitati come Cristiani o stranieri (ciò che era lo stesso) e non si presentavano più, in modo che, ri-tornata la pace nell'isola, solo pochi restavan fedeli.
Le Cristianità però non restarono abbandonate. Hainan ebbe sempre missionarii, anche nel colmo della persecuzione. Vi furono sempre mandati quelli di Macao, e si deve notare che vi fu simultaneamente più di un sacerdote, a volte tre, poi quattro, ed anche cinque missionarii Portoghesi e Cinesi, mentre sotto la giurisdizione della Prefettura Apostolica, dal 1850 fino al 1876 solo per due volte ed a brevi intervalli vi furono insieme due o tre sacerdoti(2).
Nel tempo della missione Portoghese si aprirono scuole e catecumenati, si edificarono asili, si restaurarono e costruirono cappelle. I villaggi apostati cominciarono ad entrare nella comunione cat-
(1) - Vedi: Lettera di M.T. Walters console Britannico in Hainan, diretta al P. Giuseppe Vincenzo Costa, superiore della missione, in cui lo consiglia a ritirarsi dalla missione, ritenendolo i gentili come Francese o, almeno, amico di essi. N° 25.
(2) - Vedi la "Relazione dei missionarii che hanno evangelizzato l'isola di Hainan dal 1630 fino al presente", e la "Relazione dei missionarii che furono in Hainan dal 1876 fino al presente anno 1907". Doc. N° 31 a 22.
23-
{{PAGE:52}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:53}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:54}}
Ed alcune giacquero nell'abbandono e senza soccorso efficace per molto tempo. Inoltre è poco più di due anni, e cioè dal 1904, venti anni dopo la persecuzione, che la Cristianità, altra volta fiorente dell'isola di Shan-Sham, ove morì il grande Santo Saverio, tornò ad avere un missionario che con fatica è riuscito a far tutto risorgere dalla ruina cagionata dall'odio dei Gentili e dalla azione demolitrice del tempo! Eppure era colà che lo zelo attivo ed intelligente del Prefetto Apostolico Mgr. Guillemin aveva eretto grandiosi e bei monumenti d'arte in onore del glorioso Apostolo d'Oriente ed ai quali avevano concorso l'Imperatrice Eugenia e il Governo Francese. Ed in questo colpevole abbandono rimase per tanti anni quel venerando centro di pietà ove si dirigono frequenti le peregrinazioni dei fedeli dell'Estremo Oriente, e specialmente da Macao, Hong-Kong e Canton(1).
2.
Sproporzione fra Hainan e Shew-ing dal punto di vista delle proprietà e del numero dei Cristiani; Compensazioni; vendita di case in Hainan.
a)
Questa obbiezione era stata già confutata dal Vescovo di Macao nella sua nota del 7 Marzo del-
(1) - Vedi "Sanchoan, The Holy Land of The Far East". Opuscolo recentemente pubblicato in Hong-Kong da un Religioso della Compagnia di Gesù. Pag. 25.
-26-
{{PAGE:55}}
l'anno corrente, in risposta ad altra del Prelato di Canton del giorno 4. Ecco ciò che si disse allora, e che nulla ha perduto della sua forza perché il Sig. Prefetto Apostolico nulla controreplicò, limitandosi a ripetere l'obbiezione. Disse il Vescovo di Macao: "Pour ce qui concerne la disproportion que les inventaires montrent exister entre Hainan et Shew-ing au double point de vue des propriétés et du nombre de chrétiens nous n'avons rien à y voir dès que le Saint Père, après un mûr examen des choses, rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perpensis, comme s'exprime le décret du 3 Février 1903 de la Propaganda, a ordonné l'échange de l'île d'Hainan contre le district de Shew-ing. En effet le decrèt est "absolu", il n'impose aucune condition, n'exige aucune compensation. La juridiction à échanger est une juridiction territoriale qui, de sa nature, attire à elle, avec les territoires, les chrétiens et les choses appartenant à celles-ci. Le décret ne fait aucune distinction de ces choses. Comment donc vouloir les séparer pour en faire l'objet d'une convention à part? "Ubi lex non distinguit, nemo potest distinguere..... Le décret ajoute même "ad instar mutationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874 in quo per Bullam diei 15 Junii supra dicta insula Hainan Macaonensi Dioecesi adnexa fuit". Ed invero l'isola di Hainan nel 1874 (o meglio nel 1876), anno in cui fu data esecuzione alle lettere apostoliche) passò alla giurisdizione di Macao, senza che per parte della Prefettura Apostolica
-27-
{{PAGE:56}}
di Kouang-tom si esigesse compensazione alcuna, non
ostante i beni e le cappelle che la missione colà
possedeva, e nonostante il numero dei Cristiani che,
secondo documenti autentici, si elevava a 838(1).
E' da maravigliarsi che Mgr. Merel, il
quale doveva conoscere bene Hainan, poiché già vi e-
ra stato, aveva ben presso di sè i suoi missionarii,
che frequenti volte là si recano, alcuni dei quali
si vantavano davanti al Vescovo di Macao di conosce-
re bene lo stato in cui si trova la missione in quel-
l'isola, è da meravigliarsi, dico, che solo dopo con-
cluso l'accordo col suo collega per l'esecuzione dei
decreti che ordinano lo scambio delle giurisdizioni,
giungesse ad avvertire disproporzioni e ad esigere
compensi!(2).
Ben al contrario di quanto pretende Mgr.
Merel, la compensazione ordinata dalla S. Sede è al
Vescovo di Macao che deve essere data. Effettivamen-
te: 1° Egli era obbligato dal Decreto a cedere l'i-
sola di Hainan, che per diritto concordatario gli ap-
(1) - Vedi Lettere Apostoliche "Universis Orbis
Ecclesias" del 15 Giugno 1874: Atti del convegno
celebrato in Canton fra Mgr. Guillemin, Prefetto Apo-
stolico, ed il Decano Emanuele Lorenzo de Gouveja De-
legato del Vescovo di Macao, e la Nota o Lettera di
Mgr. Guillemin al Sup. della missione Portoghese in
Hainan in data 19 Ottobre 1876. Relazione del P.G.G.
Batt. Super. della Missione di Hainan addì 7 Dicem-
bre 1890. Doc. N° 26, 27 e 23.
(2) - Si veda tutta la corrispondenza scambiata
fra i due Prelati. Abbiamo nelle mani gli originali
di tutte le lettere e note di Mgr. Merel ed in nessu-
no di questi documenti fino alla conclusione dello
accordo ed alla sua approvazione nella nota del 16 Ag.
1906 vi è il menomo accenno a sproporzioni e compensi.
-28-
{{PAGE:57}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:58}}
Capiva Monsignore l'obbligo di dimostrare
la falsità di quanto si adduceva per poter insistere
nella obbiezione, ma non lo fece per trovare più co-
modo di affermare senza prove. Infatti quel Prelato
non aveva nè poteva avere prova qualsiasi che le det-
te case appartenessero alla missione di Hainan.
Esse erano state acquistate con danari man-
dati da Macao, col fine di servire per un collegio di
bambine e per residenza di missionari: ma non furono
mai a ciò destinate, nè l'amministrazione di Macao ne
fece la consegna alla missione di Hainan, perchè
qualche tempo dopo si cominciò a trattare del passag-
gio di Hainan alla giurisdizione di Canton; e daquan-
do furono acquistate fino a quando furono vendute,
furono sempre sotto l'amministrazione diocesana(1).
In nome di questa amministrazione furono vendute al-
la fine di Giugno dell'anno 1906(2).
3.
Intenzione del Governo Portoghese e nota
del Ministro di Portogallo a Parigi proponendo lo
"statu quo" anteriore al Decreto del 1903.
Si è compresi da stupore quando Mgr. Merel
(1) - Vedi Inventario fatto dal Superiore del-
la Missione, di Sem-tui-san ai 25 Aprile 1905. Doc.28.
(2) - Vedi Comunicazione del Superiore stesso
in data di Hoi-ow ai 16 Ottobre del 1906, accompagna-
ta dalla formula o modulo di ricevuta che il compra-
tore delle case esigeva pel denaro da passarglisi in
Macao nei termini stessi. Doc. № 29 e 30.
-30-
{{PAGE:59}}
che tenne mai in conto i giusti reclami del Governo
Portoghese, che erano gli stessi del Vescovo di Ma-
caò, se non per opporvisi, venga ora, quando il tut-
to si era concertato per l'esecuzione dei Decreti
Pontifici, ad opporsi ad essa con una proposta di
quel Governo, della quale aveva già preso conoscenza
anteriormente ai negoziati trattati ed ai compromes-
si già presi!
Dice infatti Mgr. Merel nel suo terzo ed
ultimo considerando che il Governo Portoghese nel Gen-
najo del 1906 aveva dichiarato al Governo Francese
che preferiva di tornare allo statu quo anteriore al-
la convenzione del 1901 (voleva dire il Decreto del
1903) nel caso che non si facesse lo scambio delle
giurisdizioni nel modo che egli desiderava. Effet-
tivamente fu così, e questo si spiega col vivo desi-
derio che aveva il Governo Portoghese che non si pro-
traesse per maggior tempo il funestissimo stato d'in-
decisione in cui si stava, sembrandogli che questo
fosse il mezzo più facile. Inoltre egli conosceva
molto bene il desiderio che dall'altra parte si aveva
di riavere Hainan.....
Il Governo Francese però non volle prendere
alcuna decisione senza consultar prima il Prelato di
Canton(1), a cui diede subito conoscenza della surri-
ferita nota in modo che quando nell'aprile di quel-
l'anno furono iniziati i negoziati, poterono i dele-
gati del Prelato di Canton dichiarare, come infatti
(1) - V. Lettera dell'Ecc.mo Ministro di Porto-
gallo al Vescovo di Macao in data 26 Settembre 1906.
Doc. N° 31.
-31-
{{PAGE:60}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:61}}
Il Governo di Parigi pose tutto ciò in conoscenza del Governo di Lisbona, rimanendo intesi ambedue i Governi e dando come risolta la questione dello scambio di giurisdizioni in armonia con le decisioni della S. Sede. Di questi fatti venne a conoscenza per via ufficiale il Vescovo di Macao molto prima della fine dell'anno prossimo passato e posteriormente ne ebbe la conferma(1).
A che viene fuori ora Mgr. Merel dopo tanto tempo, ai 20 Marzo 1907, con le intenzioni del Governo Portoghese espresse in una decisione del 24 Gennaio 1906, la quale si rese nulla e di niun effetto in conseguenza delle ulteriori risoluzioni? E non sarà ciò se non mostrare una volta di più che cerca solamente pretesti per sottrarsi al compimento della veneranda volontà del Sovrano Pontefice, manifestata più di una volta? E per un vano capriccio si va prolungando il triste stato in cui si trovano le missioni interessate, con grave danno delle anime e serio pregiudizio dell'opera dell'evangelizzazione della fede!
Ci veniamo ora a ricordare che un giorno, poco dopo la nostra andata in Estremo Oriente, quando già si sapeva in Canton che in scambio dell'isola di Hainan pretendevamo, oltre al distretto di Shew-ing, le tre Sotto-Prefetture di San-ing, San-ui e Shun-tac,
(1) - Vedi Lettera del Ministro degli Esteri al Ministro della Marina e Oltremare (11/10/1906) e lettera della Dir. Gen. di Oltremare al Vescovo di Macao 12 Dec. 1906.
-33-
{{PAGE:62}}
uno dei Sacerdoti più influenti del Clero di Canton,
incontrandosi con un missionario di Macao, gli disse:
"Se il Vostro Vescovo si rendesse molto esigente,
le cose andranno fino a Roma ed egli si porrà a
repentaglio di rimaner senza niente".
Riguardando a tutte le peripezie a cui diede
origine il rispettabile Prelato di Canton (e ne abbiamo qui accennato solo una piccola parte), si scorge
che una mano occulta, di cui non è pubblicamente
responsabile per tali errori, si impegna a muovere
e dirigere gli avvenimenti, per giungere a quel supremo desideratum "di lasciar senza niente il Vescovo di Macao".
Senza niente, sì! E ciò perchè si ridono
di un Concordato, benché ben recente, in cui è impegnata l'augusta parola del Vicario di Gesù Cristo!
Giacchè solo così si spiega che nè San-ing, nè San-ui, nè Shun-tac ancor questa volta entrassero a far
parte della giurisdizione di Macao, per essersi sollevati ostacoli che impedirono alla S. Sede, il cui
verdetto accettiamo, di allargare un poco la giurisdizione del Vescovo di Macao in un territorio "che
gli spetta per diritto concordatario".
Senza niente, sì! Tutto quello che si pretende in questo astuto maneggio, si è di lasciar il
Vescovo di Macao senza Shew-ing!
E così si procederà di vittoria in vittoria
fino a che Hainan non siegua la stessa via, il che
non sarà difficile, perchè alla decadenza già procurata con misure astutamente poste in pratica dovrà
-34-
{{PAGE:63}}
segue l'annientamento e la morte di quella povera
missione, degna di sorte migliore, e quindi la perdi-
ta irrimediabile di essa per la giurisdizione di Ma-
cao!
Ed allora i nostri avversarli finiranno do-
ve volevano principiare, cioè impossessandosi della i-
sola agognata e col vantaggio di non dover sottosta-
re alla giurisdizione di un Prelato straniero!
In quelle parole ci minacciarono col ricor-
so a Roma. A Roma venimmo e qui stiamo! Assetati
di amore e di giustizia, giacchè siamo figli legit-
timi, e non spurii, di questa dolcissima Madre di
tutte le Chiese, ci appelliamo alla sua autorità. E
lo facciamo, animati da quella stessa fiducia, se non
maggiore, con la quale il grande Paolo, prevalendosi
del suo titolo di cittadino Romano, si appellava al
Cesare pagano non sempre giusto, nè con viscere di
padre verso i disgraziati suoi sudditi.
.Roma, 13 Giugno 1907, festa di S. Antonio di Lisboa.
[STAMPED SEAL: "HISTORICO ULTRAMARINO" — CIRCULAR SEAL WITH CENTRAL EMBLEM AND TEXT AROUND PERIMETER]
+ Giovanni Vercero di Macao
-35-
{{PAGE:64}}
S. Exª o Ministro concorda.
30 de 4º de 1908
Morte
ULTRAMAR
28 ABRIL 1908
Rep. Nº 225
affirmo como
H. Ex. London
Ofício ao Ministério
dos Ultramarinos nº
8-5/1908
1.ª Rep. D. Caracas
Deve enviar-se cópia
d'este officio aos
Ministros dos negócios
estrangeiros a fim de
dar as ordens que haver
por Convenientes
sobre os ac. presente para o Real Padroado da Cónia a questão da
permuta de jurisdições entre o Prefeito Apostólico de
Cantão e o Bispo de Macau na ilha de Hainan e
distrito de Shao-king (ou Show-ing), como prefí
notificado em officio da Direcção Geral do Ultramar
de 31 do corrente mez d'abril; e comendo que com
a máxima brevidade se de execução dos decisões
pontificias relativas à dita permuta para que se
cumpra o que ultimamente foi ordenado pela Santa
Se a tal respeito, como já teve almona de informar
esse Ministerio, pogo a V. Ex. pe dirige solicitar a
intervenção de Sua Ex. o Ministro dos Negócios
Estrangeiros para que obtenha do governo de Sua
Magestade, Imperador da China o reconhecimento
do novo estado de coisas e a protecção das autori-
dações chinezas para as Omissões do Real Padroado
espectivo missionários no districto que vai ser
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA 5.ª
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
Macau N.º 42
28 de 4º de 1908
{{PAGE:65}}
incorporado na diocese de Macau
Deus guarde a V. Exª.
Cidade, 27 de abril de 1908
Honorável Senhor,
Conselheiro Ministro e
Secretário d'Estado dos Negócios
da Marinha, e Ultramar.
+ João Candido Ferreira da Costa, Bispo de Macau
{{PAGE:66}}
GOVERNO DA PROVÍNCIA DE MACAU
EXPEDIENTE GERAL
No. 97
Palácio do Governo de Macau,
19 de abril de 1907.
Objecto
Acusa recebido o telegramma de 27.3.07 autentisou, ma de V.E.ª do teor seguinte: "Lisboa. 27.3.07.— Governador-Macau. autentico. abono. passagem. Bispo e Secretário. para virem Reino via Roma ponto.... [al Ministério] e de dizer a V.E. que após a recepção do referido telegramma foram dadas as precisas ordens à repartição superior de fazenda d'Esta província para mandar abonar as citadas passagens devem do S. E. Roma o Sr. Bispo e o seu Secretário partir para Lisboa, via Roma, na mala que largará de Hongkong no dia 8 de maio p.v."
Tenho a honra de acusar recebido o telegramma, ma de V.E.ª do teor seguinte: "Lisboa. 27.3.07.— Governador-Macau. autentico. abono. passagem. Bispo e Secretário. para virem Reino via Roma ponto.... [al Ministério]" e de dizer a V.E. que após a recepção do referido telegramma, ma foram dadas as precisas ordens à repartição superior de fazenda d'Esta província para mandar abonar as citadas passagens devem do S. E. Roma o Sr. Bispo e o seu Secretário partir para Lisboa, via Roma, na mala que largará de Hongkong no dia 8 de maio p.v.
Deus Guarde a V.E.
Palácio do Governo em Macau, 19 de abril de 1907
Almo e Como Sua Ministro e Secretário d'Estado dos Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar.
Governuador da província,
Pedro de Aguiar Coutinho
---
ULTRAMAR
(20 MAIO 1907)
Rep. N° 800
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 69
22 de Maio de 1907
{{PAGE:67}}
M. Ex. Senhor
ULTRAMAR
22 JUN 1907
Rep. No 397
Tenho a honra de participar a V. Ex.
que tendo partido de Macau no dia 1 e embarcado em Hong-Kong no dia 8 de maio, ultimamente desembarquei em Aleppo no dia 3 do corrente e nesse mesmo dia cheguei a Roma. Logo no dia seguinte visitei o Em. Cardenal Secretario d'Estado de S. Santidade, com quem me abri a respeito da questão que me obrigava a vir a Roma.
Em segunda visita que dias depois fiz a S. Eminência ficou assente que por mim lhe fosse apresentada uma memoria documentada, trabalho que já fiz e que por estes dias irei apresentar.
Espero que possa ser feita justiça.
Oportunamente irei informando a V. Ex. das ocorrências que merecerem por levadas ao seu conhecimento.
Sua Santidade o Papa havia por bem admitir-me em audiência, num dos dias desta semana, em que tonteou muito o maior interesse por Portugal e especialmente pela diocese de Macau de cujo estado lhe fiz um breve relato que lhe deu muita satisfação.
Visitei também S. Ex. o Sr. Em. baixador de Portugal junto do Vaticano e já foi
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA 5ª
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 82
26 de Junho de 1907
{{PAGE:68}}
Anexado com uma visita de Sua Exª, que apesar dos seus achagos se empenha com vivo interesse pelo bom êxito da nobre causa.
Deus guarde a V. Exª
Roma, Colégio Português, 15 de junho de 1907
M. Ex. Sr. Concelheiro
d'Estado Ministro dos Negócios da
Marinha do Ultramar.
João Pacheco de Freitas e Lomba
Barão de S. Lázaro
{{PAGE:69}}
Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
12. Repartição
Processo 116.
Lisboa, 17 de Junho de 1907
ULTRAMAR
19 JUN. 1907
Rep. N° 3002
[ILLEGIBLE: ~5 chars]
Foram já expedidas instruções ao Embaixador de Sua Majestade em Roma e ao Ministro de Portugal em Paris para efectuarem o primeiro junto da Santa Sé e o segundo junto do governo da República, as diligências necessárias afim de que o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão deixe de levantar obstáculos à execução do acordo relativo à troca de jurisdição na ilha de Haiwan e no distrito de Shao-King, conforme VExª solicitava em seu ofício de 25 de Maio último.
Do documento que acompanhou este ofício não se conclue se esta já ultimada a entrega, pelo Bispo de Macau, da jurisdição em Haiwan. Se ainda o não está, permiti-me ponderar a VExª que haveria vantagem em indicar ao Prelado Português a conveniência de não fazer a entrega da sua jurisdição, enquanto
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
Secção
N.º 191
de 1894
[UNCERTAIN: guess]
{{PAGE:70}}
não estiver garantida a corteza simultânea da jurisdição em Shao-King, pelo Prefeito de Caulão.
Deus guarde a V.ª
Almo e Límo Sr. Ministro e Secretário
d'Estado dos Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar.
[Signature]
[UNCLEAR: stamp text, possibly "RAMARTJU" or similar, reversed and partially obscured by ink]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 chars] — faint, faded text in the upper margin, illegible due to age and overlap.
[UNCERTAIN: guess] — faint, overlapping script below the signature; likely administrative notations or dates, but not legible enough for confident transcription.
[UNREADABLE] — areas of extreme fading or smudging where text is completely obscured.
[NOTE: The document appears to be a historical Portuguese official correspondence from the colonial period, referencing legal jurisdiction in Shao-King (likely referring to a location in China) and addressed to a Minister and Secretary of State for Maritime and Overseas Affairs.]
{{PAGE:71}}
In D. Mafé
Bispo de Macau
carr está em Roma; conven
telegrafar-lhe sobre
o caso
{{PAGE:72}}
Imbóicador de Portugal - Roma
Fico por designação do Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros, com competência para entregar jurisdição aeronáutica sem estar garantida entrega simultânea jurídica dos Shan-tung pelos portugueses que lá se encontram.
20-6-1907 — [UNCERTAIN: signature]
[STAMP: "ARQUIVO NACIONAL DA HISTÓRIA DO PORTUGAL"]
{{PAGE:73}}
DIREÇÃO GERAL
DO
ULTRAMAR
—
6.ª Repartição
—
Copia conforme
em
20-6-907 em 20 de Junho de 1907
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
À 1.ª Repartição
Telegramma vindo de Macau
em 20 de Junho de 1907
Bispo seguiu Roma & Maio. (As.) Governo.
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 chars]
E n.º 172 — Outubro de 1906 — 3:000 ex.
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIREÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2. Secção
N.º 8
[UNREADABLE]
de Junho de 1907
1347 — IMPRENSA NACIONAL — 1906–1907
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Copia
N. 24864 — Illmo. Revº Signore — Mi è grato di come
micare alle S. V. Illma e Rima che, in base alle note
trattative scritte e verbali in rapporto allo scambio
di territori fra codesta Diocesi ed il Vicariato Apostolico
di Canton, pinnane stabilito che quando V.S. sarà
tornato a Macao, Mons. Vicario Apostolico di Cant.
ton o personalmente o per mezzo di un suo delega-
to si metterà d'intesa con la stessa S. V. perché sen-
za ulteriore ritardo venga ammessa a codesta Diocesi
la prefettura di Lido-King (Chao-King), col al vicariato
stesso l'isola di Hui-man. La S. C. di Propaganda
Fide darà al Vicario subdovato analoghe istruzio-
ni. — Colgo intanto l'occasione per dichiararmi con
senzi di ben sincera stima — di V. S. Illma e Rima
— Servitore — Roma, 19 luglio 1907 — Mons. Giovanni
Padino Castro e Ozeledo — Vescovo di Macao. — (A) Il
Card. Merry del Val.
Concorde com o original.
Roma, 20 de julho de 1907
P. Antonio Maria de Moraes Sarmento
Secretário da Sua Excelência, Sr. Bispo
de Macau.
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a venda que per no decorrer das negociações, de duas casas em Flor-Flor, diz que estas propriedades não pertenciam à missão de Haiman. Haviam sido adquiridas com dinheiro enviado de Macau pelo Bispo Medeiros, estiveram sempre anexadas por conta da Administração da missão, mas que o bispo de Macau num ceroma e em nome d'essa Administração, na sua correspondência oficial, foi firmado vendido por 12.000 patacas. Sobre o assunto fez qualquer se mette-se os Ministros, ferencia a tal indemnização, temi dos Negócios. Ainda no último ofício da cópia do ofício de todo de Roma em 20 de julho Bispo a fim de pelo último, sem nada dizer, a somo. Nosso Ministro em Paris ser informado o Governo francês de que não ha lugar que a questão fora definitivamente resolvida pela Santa Sé de modo a não poder ser impugnada, nem retardada, a execução do decreto relativo à troca das jurisdições. Tendo o bispo de Macau, no citado Ofício de 20 de julho, anunciado a sua chegada a Lisboa em princípios do corrente mês, deve logo que chegue, ser ouvido sobre o assunto da nota do governo francês a fim de dar os esclarecimentos que são pedidos pelo Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros.
Em 23-8-907.
Z. Crist
[UNCERTAIN: guess]
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Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
1ª. Repartição
Spelação de Portugal em França.
Documento feito ao officio N°
Copia : Extracto — offshoicier de
Copia Fonza Moza, chfinistre de Portugal.
Paris, le 13 fevriell 1907 — offshoicier le
Ministre.
Spérique de allocao, après s'être soumis
aux ordres de Rome relativement à
l'échange du district de Hainan avec
le district de Tehao-Shing (non compris
les 3 sous-préfectures de Shun-tach,
de San-nin et de San-li qui n'ont pas fait
partie) avait admis le principe
d'une indemnité destinée à parfaire la
différence pouvant exister entre la valeur
des biens appartenant à la mission fran-
çaise de Tehao-Shing et celle de la
mission portugaise de Hainan ; le
chiffre de cette indemnité devait ré-
sulter d'un inventaire que fut établi
sur place par les délégués des deux évi-
ques et signé de leurs noms, cet inven-
taire a fait ressortir une différence de
41,073 piastres entre la valeur des biens
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- 12. S. Pichon. — Está conforme.
- Paris, em 20 de julho de 1907.
- 13. Bartholomeu Ferreira.
Está conforme. Repartição dos
Negócios Políticos em 26 de junho
de 1907.
José Duarte Correia Junior
Secretário da Legação
[STAMP: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO]
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Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
---
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
1ª. Repartição
Cópia
Legação de Portugal em França - N.º 444 - Paris
—
sid em 19 de julho de 1904 — III mo e me. Srs. — Em observância às instruções que me foram dadas por V.Ex. em despacho de 15 de junho solicitei deste Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros a sua intervenção, com o fim de evitar que pelas minhas francesas fosse posto embaraço à execução do acordo relativo à troca das jurisdições eclesiásticas do distrito de Tchao-King, por a da ilha de Hainan. — Havendo em exposto ao Sr. Pichon todas as circunstâncias referidas nos documentos que me foram enviados por V.Ex., promettem-me o Ministro intercalar-se do caso e dar-me uma resposta depois de ter ouvido o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão, que chegara da França à Europa e que fará a Roma, de onde voltaria um processo três dias. — O Ministro enviou-me ultimamente a nota que teve a honra de transmitir a V.Ex., por ocasião na qual o Sr. Pichon declara que o misjudicamento à realização do acordo consiste em se recusar o Bispo de Macau ao pagamento da indemnização que resulta dos inventários feitos pelos delegados dos dois
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lispas sobre o valor das propriedades das suas
respectivas missões. Estes inventários das
as propriedades da missão francesa um va-
lor superior de 41073 pataes ao valor das
propriedades da missão portuguesa. Uma
vez que esta quantia seja fraga nenhum
absoluto haveria a completa restituição do
segundo. Depois de ter recebido esta nota di-
rigi-me ainda aos Srs. Pichon para saber
se efectivamente o Bispo de Macau tona
ra o compromisso de pagar a indemnização
superior, ao que o Ministro respondem que
assim fora entendido com o Prefeito-Pro-
tecto
de Cantão, e que nem outra era motivá-
ra os inventários que haviam sido feitos e
assignados pelos delegados dos dois bispos.
Nestas condições não me parece possível con-
seguir que o Governo francês se decida a
intervir nesta questão de qualquer ma-
neira. — Deus Guarde a V. Exª. — H. M. Exª Sr.
Consulheiro Luciano Morello, Ministro da
Secretaria d'Estado das Negociações Estrangei-
ras. — (a) Leandro de Ladeira Tavares.
Este conforme = República dos Ne-
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gacetas Politicas em 26 de Julho de
1904.
Josi Deaarte Beltrano Juncior
Vice-Intérprete de Negócios
[UNCERTAIN: "ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO"]
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quez e rs do districto francez.
2.ª a venda que o bispo de Macau fez, no decorrer das negociações, de duas propriedades da missão portuguesa de Hoi-how, a qual concorreu para aquela grande diferença.
Para satisfazer ao que V.Ex.ª de primíssima solicita, tenho a honra de contrapor as duas afirmações da Nota seguinte:
1.ª Não é verdade que eu tivesse admitido o princípio d'uma indemnização pela diferença de valores resultante dos inventários.
Com effeito as negociações entabuladas entre mim e o prelado de Cantão para a execução do Decreto pontifício duraram quase um anno, desde 9 d'abril de 1906 até 20 de março de 1907. Era, até à celebração do acordo para a execução do Decreto, nunca se falhou em indemnização alguma, como se pode ver em toda a correspondência trocada entre mim e Monsenhor Merel.
Os termos d'esse acordo constam do officio do Prelado de Cantão de 16 de agosto de 1906 que adiante reproduzirei após uma breve explicação—
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ção para melhor inteligência).
Dis a explicação.
Na reunião dos delegados de Cantão com o bispo de Macau celebrada na residência d'este em 9 d'aquelle mez, o bispo de Macau desejando chegar a um acordo com o prelado de Cantão, comprometia-se a ceder a este prelado alguns sub-districtos no extremo limite do districto de Sherr-ing, constantes que, além do restante d'este districto, recebeu em troca as sub-prefeituras de Yeung-Kong, San-si e San-zing ao Léz do mesmo districto. No caso d'esta solução não agradar à Monzenhou Merel, queria o bispo de Macau que se procedesse à execução do decreto pontifício de 3 de fevereiro de 1903 explicado por uma declaração da Santa Sé de 16 de março de 1904.
Dis o que o prelado de Cantão em seu officio de 16 de agosto diz dando por feito o acordo com o seu collega, depois de precisar os termos d'esse acordo: "Pour faire suite aux conversations que Votre Grace a bien voulu avoir avec les P.P.
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Fleureau et Gauthier relativement à l'échange de la juridiction ecclésiastique de Haïnan, j'ai l'honneur d'annoncer à Votre Excellence que des deux solutions proposées, j'accepte celle qui est la plus conforme aux vues du Souverain Pontife. Notre grandeur cédera à la mission de Kouang-tong l'île de Haïnan et en compensation prendra la seule préfecture de Chou-ting sans les sous-préfectures de Hun-tac, San-nui, San-sing, conformément au décret (n° 4345) daté du 16 mars 1904 qui était le sens de celui de la S.C. de la Propagande daté du 3 février 1903.
Il reste à fixer le jour où se feront cet échange et la remise des chrétiens et de chapelles. Je me permettrai d'envoyer les P.P. Fleureau et Gauthier s'entendre avec Votre Excellence à ce sujet et régler définitivement cette question.
Sem uma palavra sobre indemnização após a dar ci Prefeitura Apostólica. Pelo contrário, segundo o digno prelado, esta é que tem de dar uma compensação ao bispo de Macau, e a
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isso se compromette.
O acordo para a execução do decreto pontifício estaria pois feito. Só faltava fixar o dia para que esta se efectuasse — [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] — disse Monsenhor Merel, que desde logo e para esse fim amuniciaria que mandarão a Macau os seus delegados.
Estes vieram efectivamente acompanhados de uma carta do seu prelado datada de 3 de setembro na qual nem uma palavra se diz a respeito d'indemnizações.
Na sessão por esta ocasião celebrada assentou-se no seguinte: 1.º executar-se o decreto pontifício no dia 15 outubro próximo; 2.º serem previamente visitados os districtos por delegados das duas jurisdições para a vista dos inventários tomarem conhecimento do que houvesse pertencente às respectivas Missões.
Sugeriram os delegados do prelado de Cantão que se desse por parte de Macau uma indemnização à Prefeitura Apostólica, mas essa restrita ao que alguns dos seus missionários
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marios tinham desembarcado em obras realizadas em proveito das missões. Não se tratava d'outra confirmação, porque a única admissível está indicada na declaração da Santa Sé de 16 de março de 1904 de cuja execução se tratava, e devia ser dada pela Prefeitura Apostólica à Diocese de Macau.
Ainda assim o bispo de Macau não quis anuir à proposta como se verá da resposta por ele dada ao prelado de Cantão, com a qual esse prelado se conformou sem nada replicar.
Vejamos o ofício que provocou essa resposta. Em 8 de setembro de 1906, Monsenhor Merel, prefeito Apostólico de Cantão, escrevia ao bispo de Macau:
«Je sousscris volontiers à la décision de Votre Grandeur qui fixe au 16 octobre prochain le jour où nous échangerons les juridictions de Hainan et de Luk-ling pour nous conformer au décret du Saint Siège en date du 16 mars 1904. Selon votre avis, un Père de votre diocèse
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visitera les diverses chrétientés si échanger afin
de dresser un état de ces diverses chrétientés et
de juger des compensations qu'il conviendrait
d'accorder. Dans ce but je me permets d'envoy.
après de Votre Grandeur le P. Garnthier en vous
priant de l'accréditer près des missionnaires
de Chinnan pour faire avec eux cette visite.»
In aqui se vê que o prelado de Cantato
aceitou as duas resoluções tomadas d'accordo pelos
seus delegados e o bispo de Macau, — acerca do dia
para a execução do decreto pontifício e das visitas
a fazer aos districtos. Errava porém em dizer que,
segundo a opinião do bispo de Macau essas mis-
sões terião um duplo fim «dresser un état
de ces diverses chrétientés e de juger des com-
pensations qu'il conviendrait d'accorder».
Com meu officio de 2 d'outubro de 1906,
em resposta ao precedente, eu fizger a inexacti-
dade desta parte e restabeleci a verdade nos
seguintes termos que bem deixam ver o fim
para que eu proposera os inventários e que
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repelhia a ideia d'uma indemnização qualquer. "A Hainan tout sera montré au délégué de Votre Grandeur en présence d'un inventaire que le Père Pitta a fait de toutes choses. Je prie Votre Grandeur d'ordonner qu'il se fasse de onième à Shew-ing."
Não se pretendia outra cousa senão proporcionar aos missionários um meio de conhecerem os bens proveis e immoveis das missões de que iam tomar posse. Tal era o fim dos inventarios.
Comme j'ai fait remarquer aux P.P. Fleureau e Gauthier, je ne peux me compromettre d'avance à faire aucune indemnisation à vos missionnaires puis même en raison des frais qu'ils ont fait au profit des missions qu'ils ont administrées. Il me semble que tout cela doit être à charge de ces messieurs ou à la juridiction qu'ils représentent. J'ai toujours pensé de même à l'égard de Hainan, malgré les grandes sommes d'argent envoyées de Macao et celles qu'ils ont
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tirées de leurs propres ressources pour la réalisation
des constructions qu'ils ont entreprises et menées
à bout.
J'ai ordonné au P. Pitta (o supérieur de
Miraõ en Hainan) de faire un compte minutieux de tous ces frais et de l'ajouter à l'inventaire dans l'intention seulement de faire connaître ce que la mission de Macao et ses missionsnaires ont dépensé dans les aides, maisons et chapelles de Hainan, au profit des chrétiens; mais sans le propos d'exiger une indemnisation de quoi que ce soit. Ce fut dans un pareil but que j'ai demandé aux Pères P. T. Fleureau et Gauthier de faire ajouter des notes aux articles de l'inventaire de la mission de Shao-King là où on trouvera juste, pour faire connaître tout ce qui a été fait aux frais de la mission de Canton et de ses dignes et zélés missionnaires. Je pense que ce sera la meilleure façon de nous mener des doutes et des contestations qui me peuvent revenir au détriment de la grande
[UNCERTAIN: grande]
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affaire qui nous occupe."
Não se podia ser mais claro e categórico em determinar o fim que se tinha em vista com os inventários, o sentido dos algarismos que n'elle figurariam, e em discernir o do fim que Monsenhor Merel Mes queria atribuir, e que, se prevalescesse, teria as mais funestas consequências para a realização do nosso acordo? Surgiriam questões intermináveis a que se quiz desde logo pôr uma barreira.
Monsenhor Merel conformou-se com esta resposta, porque em seu officio de 11 Doutubro referindo-se a ella nada replicou, e pelo contrário diz que o seu delegado em Hainan faria os inventários em harmonia com as instruções por mim dadas ao P. Pitta, e nem mais uma palavra disse d'indemnizações.
Disso o teor do dito officio em que se faz expressa referência ao meu citado officio de 24 Outubro e às instruções que eu n'elle dizia dera ao P. Pitta:
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le Rév. Père Pitta qui aura toute faculté de rentrer
à Macau et d'y ramener les soeurs (as religio-
nas missionarias ao serviço de Hainan).”
C'est officio o Prelado de Cantão não só
concorda com as instruções dadas pelo bispo de
Macau para a confecção dos inventários con-
forme este as explicara e precisara no officio a
que aquelle responde, mas ainda traçava o
plano que devia seguir-se até à definitiva
troca de jurisdições e abandono das missões
pelo respectivo pessoal missionário. Tudo, segun-
do elle, se levaria a effeito sem que para qual-
quer das partes houvesse a obrigação de dar á
outra uma indemnização qualquer por
differença de valores encontradas nos inventá-
rios.
Nas subseqüentes negociações celebradas
entre mim e o Prelado de Cantão quer directa
mente quer por intermédio de nossos mis-
sionários não ha uma só palavra nem um
acto em que eu reconheceria ao Prelado de Can
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tão direito a quaisquer indemnizações da minha parte para compensar as desigualdades encontradas no confronto dos inventários das duas missões. O simples facto de propor e anuir à que se fizessem os inventários com a designação de valores não injusta para nenhuma das partes a obrigação nem o direito a indemnizações, uma vez que não se fez expressa e previa declaração mutuamente aceita de que seriam feitos para esse determinado fim e desde que o Decreto pontifício aceito por ambos os prelados ordenava a permuta de jurisdições com a exclusão do encargo d'indemnizações tais dum para com o outro.
Vem muito a propósito, para completar a minha resposta a esta parte da nota, reproduzir aqui uma passagem da Memória que apresentei em Roma na Secretaria d’Estado do Vaticano, com data de 13 de junho do anno corrente, na qual refutei uma objecção repetidas vezes feita pelo Prelado de Cantão. É como segue:
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“Esta objeção (da desigualdade de valores e do número de christãos) tinha já sido refutada pelo bispo de Macau em seu officio de 7 de março do anno corrente em resposta a outro do Prelado de Cantão do dia 4. Eis aqui o que então se disse e que não perdeu nada da sua força, porque o Sr. Prefeito Apostólico nada replicou, limitando-se a reproduzir a objeção.
Lise o bispo de Macau: “Pour ce qui concerne la disproportion que les inventaires montrent exister entre Hainan et Shewing au double point de vue des propriétés et du nombre de chrétiens, nous n'avons rien à y voir dès que le Souverain Pontife, après un mûr examen des choses, rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perspensis, comme s'exprime le décret du 3 février 1903 de la Propagande, a ordonné l'échange de l'île de Hainan contre le district de Shewring. En effet le Décret est “absolu”, il n'impose aucune condition, n'exige aucune compensation. La juridiction”
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à échanger est une juridiction territoriale qui
de sa nature, attire à elle, avec les territoires, les chréti-
entés et les choses appartenant à celles-ci.
Le Décret ne fait aucune distinction de ces choses.
Comment donc vouloir les séparer pour en faire
l'objet d'une convention à part ? Ubi lex non
distinguit nemo potest distinguere.
Le Décret ajoute même « ad instar praetationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874 in quo per
Bullam dici 15 junii supra dicta insula Hai-
nan Macaoneni dioecesi odnera fuit. »
Ora a Bulla não impôs compensação al-
guma e a ilha de Hainan no anno de 1874 (ou
melhor em 1876, anno em que foi executada a
a Bulla) passou para a jurisdição de Macau
sem que da parte da Prefeitura Apostólica de
Kouang-Tom se exigisse compensação alguma
por parte de Macau, não obstante os bens e
as capellas que a missão francesa acolá possuía,
e o numero de christãos que, segundo documentos
authenticos, se elevava a 838.
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A acta do Convenio celebrado em Cantão no dia 23
de março de 1816 para a execução da Bulla não
acarreta nenhuma indemnização e o Prelado de
Cantão, Monsenhor Guillemmin, em officio de 19
de outubro de 1816 ao Superior da missão portuguesa
de Hainan declara que não tem compensações a
escigir.
Bom ao contrario do que pretende Monsenhor
Merel, a compensação a fazer é ao bispo de Macau
que deve ser dada. Effectivamente: 1º Elle era obri-
gado a ceder a ilha de Hainan, que por direito con-
cordatário lhe pertencia, para satisfazer a uma
proposta do Governo francez feita com o intuito de
servir os interesses da Sociedade das Missões Extra-
geiras de Paris; era elle quem tinha direito a receber
uma compensação; 2º Foi isso o que expressamen-
te ordenou a Santa Sé, como se vê da declaração de
16 de março de 1904: “La Santa Sede ha dichiarato
che la giurisdizione del Vescovo di Macao, in compen-
so della cessione dell'isola de Hainan. . . . della
estender-si al distretto di Chao-King.”
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Monsenhor Merel tem conhecimento d'esta
decisão da Santa Sé, pois a reproduziu em seu officio
de 25 de julho de 1906 e com ella se conformou declaran-
do-me, a propósito da mesma, que era humilde e
absolutamente submissa às ordens da Santa Sé;
em seu officio de 16 d'agosto, que eu já aqui reproduzi,
daí como feito o acordo comigo para a execução
das determinações da Santa Sé constantes do Décret
de 3 de fevereiro de 1903 explicado por essa declaração,
e foi ainda a esta decisão que elle se referiu quan-
do telegraphicamente e depois em relatório com-
municava ao Governo da Republica o acordo cele-
brado com o Bispo de Macau, que segundo elle dizia
persona sobre a execução do Decreto da Propaganda
de 3 de fevereiro de 1903 explicado pelo rescripto de
16 de março de 1904, e nada mais.
Pela minha parte eu não podia tomar o com-
promisso de dar uma tal indemnização à Prefe-
tura Apostólica porque isso levar-nos-ia para
fora do ambito traçado pelas decisões pontificias
aceitadas pelos dois governos de Lisboa e de Paris. E eu
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não o faria sem o consentimento e aprovação dos poderes superiores.
Monsenhor Aberel sabia-o perfeitamente, porque mais d'uma vez eu lhe disse e fiz constar que de tudo quanto não fosse a estrita execução das decisões de Roma eu nada faria sem o assentimento e aprovação do Governo e da Santa Sé. Esta declaração encontra-se particularmente no meu officio de 8 de maio de 1906, feito logo no começo das negociações que entre nós foram estabelecidas.
Por isso desde que se accordou na execução do decreto pontifício de 3 de fevereiro de 1903 explicado pela declaração de 16 de março de 1904, não se tratou de mais nada se não de pôr em execução as decisões romanas; outro qualquer pensamento foi ipso facto posto de parte.
Eu tenho em meu poder documentos, a maior parte d'elles escritos e assignados por Monsenhor Aberel que provam à evidência tudo quanto lá hei até aqui affirmado, e posso desacombradamente desafiar a quem quer que seja a que produza
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um só documento por mim escrito ou assignado em que eu me obrigasse a indemnizar a Prefeitura Apostólica pelas differenças de valores que os inventários acusam.
2. Quanto à venda feita pelo bispo de Hainan, no decurso das negociações, de duas propriedades em Ho-i-how, já esta objecção tinha sido por mim refutada em meu officio de 31 de dezembro de 1906 dirigido a Monsenhor Oferel em resposta a outro do dito Prelado de 17 do mesmo mês e anno e n'uma Memoria que em Roma apresentei com data de 13 de junho do anno corrente, devidamente documentada, na Secretaria d'Estado do Vaticano.
Insiste-se na allegação, mas sem produzir uma única razão capaz de destruir o que contrariamente a ella foi dito e provado. Eis o que entre outras cousas se tinha dito a Monsenhor Oferel:
«La mission d'Hainan n'avait rien à voir à ces deux maisons. Elle appartenait à l'administra...
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tion diocesaine de Macau au même titre que
bien d'autres que nous avons à Hong-Kong et à
Singapura. Le père Pitta (superior da Missão) rendant ces maisons agissait non en sa qualité
de missionnaire de Hainan, mais comme procureur de l'administration de Macau. »7
Essas casas tinham sido adquiridas com
com dinheiro mandado de Macau, pelo bispo da
Diocese D. Antonio de Medeiros, como já antes
muitas outras tinham sido adquiridas em Hong-
Kong e Singapura, com que até hoje ninguém se
lembrasse de as reivindicar para as missões locais.
Como as d'essas outras cidades as casas de Hainan
estiveram sempre a renda por conta da administração diocesana e nunca tiveram outra aplicação.
Sabero toda a gente em Hainan.
O inventário dos bens de Hainan feito em abril de
1905 pelo Superior da Missão é que eu juntei como documento à Memória que apresentei em Roma, essas
casas figuram como pertencendo à administração diocesana de Macau. Na curia episcopal o rendimento
{{PAGE:104}}
d'esses predios era escriturado como pertencendo
àquella administração. Em nome d'esta administração foram vendidas em junho de 1906 sendo o recibo
da somma de $12.000 patacas, importância da
venda, passado e assignado em Macau pelo
bispo como presidente d'essa administração. A minuta ou modelo d'esse recibo foi mandado de Hai-
nam a instância do comprador, que exigia aquelle
documento para segurança sua e não se contentava
com o que lhe queria passar o Superior da Missão.
Esse modelo foi também por mim junto com o do-
cumento à Memória que com data de 13 de junho
do anno corrente apresentei em Roma na Secreta-
ria d'Estado do Vaticano.
Convene aqui notar uma circunstancia
muito significativa. Ao passo que a administração
diocesana de Macau vendia as duas casas que
possuía em Ho-how, porque eram suas, não pon-
tou sequer em vender os edifícios de dois asylos
construídos pelos missionários portugueses ainda
ha muito pouco tempo, mesmo já depois de
{{PAGE:105}}
terem começado as negociações para a permuta
de jurisdições, um em Kiang-Chow, capital da
ilha, outro em Seom-tui-san. E não o fez apesar
de haverem sido mandados de Macau importantes
subsídios pecuniários para esse fim, porque
em grande parte em grande parte essas obras se
fizeram com o auxílio de subsídios recolhidos
pelos missionários nas respectivas localidades,
e em terreno da missão local.
Nenhuma d'estas minhas afirmações
sofre contestação, porque todas se baseiam em documentos públicos, que os interessados podem consultar, se lhes approvar, e podem ser corroboradas pelo testemunho d'algunos sacerdotes que relevantes serviços prestaram à diocese de Macau. São esses o M.º Rev. Correio Francisco Pedro Gonzalves antigo Vigário Geral do Bispoado de Macau residente em Lisboa, e os antigos missionários e superiores da Missão de Hainan P.º José Vicente Costa residente em Lisboa, Correio José Manuel Diegas, presidente em Bragança e P. Anacleto Cortim Garcez, parocho
{{PAGE:106}}
em Val de Cavallos.
Em vista do esforço físico mais que prova
do que o bispo de Macau não tem obrigação de
fazer indemnização alguma ao Prelado de Can-
tão nem pelas diferenças de valores dos inventá-
rios nem pela venda de casas que não pertenci-
am à Missão de Fainan, devendo por consegui-
nte o decreto pontifício que ordenava a permuta
de jurisdições em Fainan e Showing, ser
executado pelos dois prelados não só porque a
isso se obrigaram com a anuência dos dois
governos, mas porque assim decidiu a Santa Sé
recentemente em rescripto de 19 de julho de
1907.
Deus Guarde a V. Exª.
Lisboa, 19 de agosto de 1907
Affirmo
M. Dr. Sr. Conselheiro
Director Geral do Ministério Ultramar
+João Paulino Taveira da Costa
Bispo de Macau
{{PAGE:107}}
Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
1ª Repartição
Lisboa 10 d'abril de 1908
ULTRAMAR
27 13 ABRIL 1908
Rep. N° 1846
Com referência ao assunto do officio d’este Ministério datado de 5 de Setembro do anno findo, cabe-me a honra de passar às mãos de V. Exª a incursa cópia da Nota dirigida pelo Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros de França ao nosso representante em Paris, relativamente à troca das jurisdições eclesiásticas de Haiuan e Shāo-King.
Deus guarde a V. Exª.
Yumo e Cr. Sui Ministro e Secretário
d’Estado dos Negócios de Macau e Ultramar.
[UNCERTAIN: possibly "Offº no Bairro de Almeida"]
21-4-1908
[UNREADABLE]
1ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA 8ª
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2ª Secção
Arquivo N.º 121
14 de 4. de 1908
[UNCERTAIN: possibly "Convenham que seja enviada uma cópia de cópia da nota acima para o Sr. Ministro de Ultramar para seu conhecimento."]
15-4-1908
2º Cat.
Sina
de
Neves Barreto Leite
{{PAGE:108}}
Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
Legação de Portugal em França — Documento
junto ao ofício n.º 184 — Ministère des
Affaires Étrangères — à Sua Excelência o Sr. o Conde de Louiza
Lopes, etc. etc. etc. — Paris, Le 18 Mars 1908. — M. le
Comte. — Par votre office du 24 Décembre dernier,
nous avons fait l'assurance de ne s'entendre à
aucun sujet de la question de l'échange entre les
diocèses de Béziers et de Cantal de la juridiction
apostolique d'Aix-en-Provence contre celle du district de Thaon-
king. Pour satisfaire au désir que vous avez exprimé,
notre département a fait savoir à Sgr. Meirel
qu'il ait à se confirmer pure et simplement
aux décrets rendus par le Saint-Siège relativement
à l'échange des districts précités. (précis etc. etc.)
(assignado) — L. Lichori — Esta confirma — Legação
de Sua Majestade em Paris aos 20 de Março de 1908
(ou) Francisco Daimitella de Sanfrazo —
Esta confirma — Repartição dos Negócios Políticos
em 10 d' Abril de 1908
[Signature illegible]
[Seal: ARQUIVO NACIONAL - PORTUGAL]
{{PAGE:109}}
Copia
1ciula
0. 11-4-8
Carilhão Eminence
/à D'Urb°: junte ao
movem
Me voici encore absent de mon
diocèse où je comptais me trouver de retour depuis
longtemps.
Malheureusement l'affaire de Hain-
man et Sheu-ing traîne en longueur et me retient en Europe par suite des difficultés que d'in-
justes prétentions du Prélat de Canton ne cessent
de susciter.
En effet, Monseigneur Mevel, qui
était venu à Rome pour y traiter personnellement
de la même affaire, voyant échouer tous ses efforts
devant la décision suprême qui l'obligeait de se conformer au décret de la Propagande du 3
février 1943, explique par la déclaration du 16 mars
1944, a quitté cette ville dans la première moitié de
mois de juillet dernier pour se rendre à Paris, où,
grâce au bon accueil que lui a accordé le gou-
vernement de son pays, il a trouvé moyen de
retarder l'exécution des ordres de Rome !
Vraiment, dans une note diplomatique
adressée au représentant de Portugal en France
{{PAGE:110}}
le Ministre des Affaires étrangères répétait la même
exigence de Monseigneur Méril déjà refutée par moi
auprès de Votre Environnance, touchant une certaine
indemnité que, d'après lui, je puis obligé de payer
pour compenser la différence de valeurs des biens
appartenant aux chrétiens des deux districts en
question.
Avec affirmations de la note du ministre français, j'ai apposé ma réponse en date du 19 août dernier, démontrant que le Prélat de Canton n'a le droit d'exiger de moi aucune indemnité, car ni la nature de l'affaire,
ni les décisions de Rome, ni une convention entre les deux Prélats ne peuvent être invoquées
pour lui pour justifier une telle exigence.
Bien au contraire:
a) L'affaire en question est, selon la lettre
du Décret, une "delimitatio confinium".
Réellement elle n'est qu'un échange de
juridiction entre l'évêque de Macau et le
Préfet Apostolique de Canton, sur certains ter-
{{PAGE:111}}
jitoires, les chrétiens qui y habitent, et les biens
mobiles et immobiliés appartenant à celles-ci.
Il n'y a que la seule juridiction qui change; tout
le reste — territoires, chrétiens et propriétés — persi-
ste, de chaque côté, là où il était, et dans le même
état où il se trouvait auparavant.
La "delimitatio confinium" n'y produit pas
d'autre changement substantiel, l'acte suprême
qui l'ordonne n'autorisant pas d'autre effet.
De leur côté, l'évêque et le préfet-apostoli-
que manquent d'autorité pour en faire autre-
ment, indépendamment de l'autorité du
Saint Siège.
En effet, pour ce qui concerne les bi-
ens ecclésiastiques en particulier, il y a dans
le Droit de l'Église et spécialement dans le
Droit en vigueur dans les contrées de missions,
des dispositions d'après lesquelles ni les Évê-
ques ni les Vicaires Apostoliques ne peuvent
disposer de ces biens sans la permission du
Saint Siège (De rebus eccL alienandis vel non
{{PAGE:112}}
III. 4. Extrait Comm. Cont. Apostolicae Sedis, n. 3. (L.C. de la Propagande 28 juillet 1731, 27 août 1832, 18 octobre 1883).
Toutes ces dispositions contrariaient évidemment la compensation en question, l'Évêque et le Préfet Apostolique n'étant pas autorisés à disposer des biens de l'église et de la Mission.
b) Le Décret du 3 février 1903 qui ordonne la délimitation de territoires entre le diocèse de Macao et la Préfecture Apostolique de Canton, dispose qu'elle se fasse "ad instar pectationis quae peracta fit anno 1874, in quo per Bullam diei 15 junii... Insula Hainan Ma conveni dioecesi adnexa fit." Mais alors, l'annexion s'effectua et Hainan passa sous la juridiction de l'Évêque de Macao sans aucune compensation pour la Préfecture de Canton. Le Préfet Apostolique à cette époque, lui-même a déclaré qu'il n'y avait aucune indemnité à exiger des biens appartenant à la Mission. Quant à la déclaration du 16 mars 1904, elle me
{{PAGE:113}}
dit rien, en adéquation à la doctrine du pouvoir.
Décret.
C) En fait de conventions entre l'Évêque de Macao et le Vicaire Apostolique, voici ce qu'il y a : 1° D'abord, il fut convenu que le Décret du 3 février 1903 expliqué par la déclaration du 16 mars 1904 serait exécuté, le 15 octobre 1906 étant fixé pour cela ; 2° Il fut encore convenu de faire les inventaires des chrétiens, afin que chacun pût mieux connaître en quel état se trouvaient celles qui lui appartiendraient par suite de l'échange en voie d'exécution. Mais lorsqu'il fut question d'une indemnité pour compenser la différence de valeurs des biens résultant des inventaires, l'Évêque de Macao fit aussitôt aux délégués du Prélat de Canton la formelle et expresse déclaration qu'il ne se compromettait à donner aucune compensation et qu'il n'en exigerait aucune en raison de telle différence. Et dès la première fois que le Prélat Apostolique en parla par écrit à l'Évêque
[UNCERTAIN: possible continuation or omission]
{{PAGE:114}}
de Macao, celui-ci lui a répondu de la première façon et dans le même temps, en donnant des explications que le Président de Canton accepta sans répliques, montrant plutôt se conformer à l'avis de l'évêque de Macao, et tout cela (circonstance digne de remarque) bien avant que les missionnaires de léques pour faire les inventaires se rendissent dans les districts où ils devaient accomplir leur tâche. Et pour bien témoigner son entière conformité à l'avis de son collègue, Monseigneur Marel écrivait que les inventaires se feraient selon les instructions de celui-ci — selon nos instructions — que disait-il. Le texte des lettres écrites de part et d'autre existe, et pourra être reproduit pour témoigner la vérité, s'il en est besoin.
Malheureusement ce Président semble avoir oublié ses promesses et tout ce qui a été solennellement convenu entre lui et moi; et dans son aveuglement il va jusqu'à l'extrémité de m'inciter à l'intervention du gouvernement français, pour qui la question était déjà définitivement résolue.
{{PAGE:115}}
soule, pour en faire l'instrument de ses injustes
prétentions acquises du gouvernement portugais à
fin d'empêcher ou de diffiicilter l'exécution des
ordres du Saint Siège.
Les inventaires ! voilà le seul fondement sur lequel le gouvernement français s'appuie pour exiger le paiement de l'indemnité.
Mais, chose étonnante, les inventaires, comme il est facile à constater, ne signifient rien, ni pour moi contre une telle prétention. Toute l'évidence désirable dans ces documents pour prouver une telle obligation, s'ils en avaient, leur n'aurait pas été de la convention préalable célébrée entre l'évêque de Macao et le Préfet Apostolique.
Or, les termes de la convention, je l'ai déjà dit, sont tout-à-fait contraires à l'indemnité, et ni Monseigneur Mesel, ni ses délégués, ni le gouvernement français ne pourront jamais prouver qu'ils lui soient favorables.
Le gouvernement de Paris se fait encore
{{PAGE:116}}
L'organe du Préfet de Canton pour insister sur
une accusation déjà plusieurs fois réfutée.
La vente de deux maisons que les évêques de Macao avaient fait bâtir sur des terrains
qu'ils avaient achetés à leur frais, et qui n'appartenaient nullement à la mission locale
de Haïnan, continue à être exploitée dans le but
de créer à l'évêque de Macao une situation dé-
favorable et peu digne, et de difficiliter la solu-
tion d'affaire !
Ayant déjà réfuté cette accusation je
m'abstiens d'y insister, d'autant plus que c'est
plutôt à Monsieur Aberel de devoir de prouver
que l'évêque de Macao n'avait pas le droit de
faire une telle vente de propriétés qui n'apparte-
naient pas à la mission locale de Haïnan.
Tant que le Préfet Apostolique ne sau-
ra le prouver, il lui sera tout-à-fait inutile
d'insister sur une si injuste accusation.
[translation]
{{PAGE:1}}
First Division
Macau
File concerning the agreement concluded between the Bishop of Macau and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton regarding the exchange of jurisdictions over Hainan Island and the Shaoqing (or Xuzhou) district.
Year 1907
{{PAGE:2}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
SECRETARY OF STATE
for Overseas Affairs
and the Navy
General Directorate of Overseas Territories
1st Division
2nd Section
No.
His Excellency the Minister consents.
16 May 1907
Morty
The Bishop of Macau, reporting on the opposition recently expressed by the Apostolic Prefect of Canton to the implementation of the agreement concerning the exchange of jurisdiction over the island of Formosa and the district of Shao-king, requested in an official dispatch dated 8 February last that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs take appropriate measures to ensure that no objections arise either before the Government of Paris or before the Holy See which might hinder the prompt execution of the pontifical decree of 16 March 1904.
Subsequently, a telegram was received from the prelate requesting permission to travel, via Rome, to present the matter directly before the Holy See.
In the enclosed dispatch of 2 April, he acknowledges with gratitude that such permission has been granted and reiterates the request—previously made in his letter of 8 February—for the necessary measures to be taken.
The prelate’s decision to proceed to Rome to address the matter personally led this Office to withhold any formal report on the initial request. However, in light of his continued insistence, it is recommended that a copy of the dispatch dated 8 February be forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting the despatch of the necessary instructions to our [representative]—
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation: —to ensure compliance and diplomatic coordination.]
Dispatch to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
25 May 1907
[ILLEGIBLE: ~3 characters]
[UNREADABLE]
{{PAGE:3}}
representative in Paris and to the Ambassador accredited to the Holy See, to seek
to resolve any difficulties
that may still arise on this matter.
14 May 1907.
Z. Custódio
{{PAGE:4}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT
OF THE
DIOCESE OF MACAU
No. 27
ULTRAMAR
15 MAY 1907
Rep. No. 149
Most Reverend and Blessed Lord,
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Lordship’s dispatches of 11 October and 17 December last, informing me of the communications received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from His Majesty’s Portuguese Minister in Paris, concerning the agreement concluded between myself and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton regarding the transfer of jurisdiction over the island of Hainan and the district of Shao-king (or Shew-ing).
Indeed, following several prolonged conferences—specifically convened on multiple occasions in Macau—with delegates acting on behalf of that Prelate, we resolved to proceed with the implementation of the decree issued by the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith on 3 February 1903, as further confirmed by the Pontifical Decree of 16 March 1904.
In his previous correspondence, Your Lordship represented to His Majesty’s Government the claim that, in addition to the district of Shao-king, the island of Hainan—and certain sub-prefectures south thereof—should be transferred into the jurisdiction of Macau. This claim was maintained even after the supplications and formal acts submitted to the Holy See in relation to the decree of 3 February, particularly because the Prelate of Canton expressed willingness to enter into an agreement with me concerning an alternative delimitation.
Ultimately, however, I relinquished this position, as that Prelate would not concede the territories which I claimed; moreover, in exchange for the limited concessions he offered, he sought from me not only the island of Hainan but also the most valuable portion of the district assigned to Macau under the decrees of the Holy See.
FIRST DIVISION
GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR OVERSEAS PROPERTIES
Second Section
Macau, No. 39
18 March...1907
{{PAGE:5}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
They knew in Macau!
Convinced that we could not reach an agreement, we adopted, at the final conference held on 4 September last, the following resolution: the island of Hainan would forthwith pass into the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Prefect of Canton, and the district of Shao-Kung (Shew-iug) would come under the effective jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macau. Furthermore, it was agreed that a meeting would be convened in October to formalise the handover and reception of the respective territories, during which the appropriate official record would be drawn up and signed; immediately following this act, the French missionaries were to withdraw from the Shew-iug district, and the personnel of the Portuguese mission were to leave the island of Hainan.
This was the agreement which the Apostolic Prefect of Canton stated in a telegram to Paris had been concluded between him and myself, and which he subsequently confirmed in writing. It is likewise the agreement referred to by our esteemed representative accredited to the Government of the French Republic in his communications to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I must inform Your Excellency that I am relinquishing my claim to obtain a more extensive territorial concession in exchange for the cession of the island of Hainan, for several reasons: first, the Pontifical Decree of 16 March 1904—reiterating that of 3 February in a restrictive sense as far as I am concerned—does not permit me to claim any territories beyond the district of Shew-iug; second, in the course of the negotiations...
{{PAGE:6}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
negotiated by myself and the Prelate of Canton with a view to reaching an agreement on a new delimitation, I have become convinced— as I have already stated—of the impossibility of reclaiming through this process possession of any territories belonging to our Padroado that are currently under the jurisdiction of the missionaries of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Thirdly, it is now fully recognised that the Shao-King district contributes significantly more to the Royal Patronage than Hainan Island, for several reasons: a) it is considerably closer to Macau—only one day’s journey away, as previously mentioned; b) it is far more densely populated; c) it contains a much greater number of Christians, including many descendants of ancient Christian families originally evangelised by our missionaries; and d) it offers more numerous and better-suited accommodations and residences for missionaries.
Although more than three months have elapsed since the date established for the definitive handover of the territories permitted, this transfer has still not taken place. This delay has been mutually agreed upon between myself and the Prelate of Canton, pending a prior visit by missionaries from both jurisdictions to the localities from Inhazat to Sarcus, in order to compile detailed reports and gain first-hand knowledge of the situation in each location.
It has been observed in Hainan that our missionaries acted with propriety towards the representative sent from the South, the Apostolic Prefect, who received from me a certified copy of the inventory archived jointly by him and the Superior of the Portuguese missionaries.
{{PAGE:7}}
that everywhere the aemphianhor [a term requiring contextual interpretation, possibly a transliteration of a local title or honorific].
In Shao-King, it has not been easy to establish any firm sense of appreciation—let alone genuine goodwill—on the part of certain Christians, particularly women, towards the mission. While this sentiment may have some basis in reality, French missionaries, for their own purposes, have sought to amplify its significance considerably.
I do not wish to assert that they are the direct instigators of this unfavourable disposition; however, it is evident that they are complicit in it, as I have already stated to Monsignor the Prefect Apostolic and Spiritual Superior.
The clergy of Canton received with considerable reluctance the decree of 3 February 1903, and now that its implementation is at hand, they will employ strong measures to obstruct it—or at the very least, to render its execution difficult.
It suffices to inform Your Excellency that since the promulgation of that decree, one of the priests from Canton has already travelled to Europe twice! On both occasions, following agreements reached between myself and the delegates of the Prefecture (as mentioned above), I dispatched missionaries from Macau to Canton and subsequently into the district of Shao-King, so that the relevant clause of our agreement might be fulfilled.
On the first occasion, the missionary did not proceed beyond Canton, being dismissed outright on the pretext that the visitation should begin only from Naiuan. On the second attempt, the missionary reached Shew-king and entered the district, but returned immediately without accomplishing anything, having been publicly insulted by a group of women in the immediate vicinity—and in full sight—of the local missionary’s residence.
{{PAGE:8}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT
OF THE
DIOCESE OF MACAU
No.
[Seal: Circular stamp inscribed "ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF MACAU" with a central emblem]
Sir, I must express that he has shown the least possible diligence in putting an end to such affronts!
I lodged a strong protest with the Apostolic Inquisitor against this manner of proceeding—all the more deplorable given that His Lordship had promised me that the Portuguese missionary would be accompanied by a missionary priest, his delegate, whose presence would ensure due respect; yet he failed to honour this promise, sending not a duly authorised priest, but merely a student from his seminary!
Most recently, on 28 January, I dispatched to that region the Superior of the Diocese of Hainan, Fr. Manuel José Pitta, whom I had specifically summoned to succeed in that mission.
From various locations we have received correspondence detailing the manner in which he has been received, and it is expected that he will return to Macau at the beginning of March.
I must inform Your Excellency that the growing hostility of the French missionaries towards us becomes ever more evident. I speak frankly: from the side of Father Chine, the only missionary present in the district—a man of great competence and prudence—our missionary has been well received, and within his Christian community our representative suffered no apprehensions whatsoever.
It would appear that Your Excellency is determined that we should raise no objections; however, regarding the conduct of the French missionaries from Canton, the following facts are sufficient to note:
{{PAGE:9}}
1. The two European missionaries stationed in the district, rather than assist our missionary in the neighbouring area—where he had gone to carry out his duties—retreated to Shanghai and thence to Japan, leaving the Christians abundantly unprovided for. This decision was formally confirmed by their Prelate, in response to my protest, despite his earlier assurance that full support would be given to our missionary so that the new mission might be crowned with success.
2. One of these missionaries, otherwise a very capable priest, has a personal interest in preventing the proposed exchange, as he has been engaged in missionary work in the district capital for several years and has expended considerable funds there on the construction of two churches. I had already learned from reliable sources that, for this reason, the clergy of Canton were concerned about losing influence over that part of the district. During the six months in which we held meetings to discuss the matter, it became evident that that portion of the district should more properly fall under the jurisdiction of the Vicar Apostolic of Canton. Indeed, it was clearly apparent from the conduct of the Christians themselves—those subject to the aforementioned missionary—that they manifested strong support for this arrangement.
3. On this most recent occasion, instead of sending a priest who would have fulfilled the promise made to me, the Vicar Apostolic Pufilo e Montolico dispatched Father Tourquet—that is, the same missionary who, since mid-1903, has already travelled to Europe twice in an effort to obtain the revocation of the Decree of 3 March.
{{PAGE:10}}
It was precisely what occurred: that priest, representing the Magistrate of Canton, in a Christian community which his missionary had abandoned, feigned ignorance of the fact that under such circumstances his duty was to seek out the local Mandarinate, so as to ensure respect and obedience were maintained, and to prevent any further subjugation or insult being inflicted upon the Portuguese missionary.
As soon as Mr. Felta returns to Macau, the final act of the mutual transfer of the exchanged territories shall take place, in accordance with the arrangements previously agreed between myself and Monsignor Tufioto, Apostolic Delegate of Canton.
It is possible that this Magistrate may come forward with new demands in an attempt to delay even further the resolution of this long-standing and poorly managed matter.
There is no serious justification for acceding to such demands. The alleged concern that Christians might seek to exploit the situation is unfounded—as I have already heard, if not outright fabricated. Indeed, the total number of Christians throughout the entire district amounts to little more than 2,000, distributed across fifteen Christian communities, two of which...
{{PAGE:11}}
Only limited opposition has been expressed, and even this, as I have already stated, has occurred in the manner previously indicated.
I trust that the Government of the Royal Patronage, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will take the necessary measures to ensure that no doubts arise either with the Government of Paris or with the Holy See, which might create difficulties for the prompt execution of the Decrees.
In due course, I shall inform His Majesty’s Government of any developments deemed worthy of consideration.
D. M. Guerreiro to V. R. C.
Fazenda Universal, Macau, 8 February 1907
With great respect, Sir,
Commissioner Director General
of the Ministry of the Overseas.
+João Pardini e Vasconcelos Correia
Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:12}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT
OF THE
DIOCESE OF MACAU
No. 70.
Most Eminent and Reverend Lord,
ULTRAMAR
6 MAY 1907
Ref. No. 291
The copy was not
received at entry
from the
No copy arrived at entry
for distribution in the T department
relating to the
document referred to in this office
11-5-1907.
1st DIVISION
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF ULTRAMAR
2nd Section
No. 60
11 May 1907
By my despatch of 8 February last addressed to Your Directorate General of Ultramar, I undertook to inform the Government of any developments suggestive of activity concerning the matter of Haiman and Sheo-King. I now fulfil that obligation, deeply perturbed by the unexpected—though anticipated—conduct of the Prelate of Canton.
Father Fetta has finally concluded his visitation of the Sheo-King district, where he remained for one month, visiting nearly all Christian communities of any significance. His mission proceeded favourably throughout, receiving a warm welcome everywhere, except in two communities—those which, as I previously mentioned in my aforementioned despatch, consisted solely of a small number of women. To assess the weight of this opposition, it suffices to note that these two communities comprise, according to authentic documents supplied by the Apostolic Prefecture, 148 and 185 Christians respectively, including men, women, elderly persons, children, new converts, and mechos cristãos (the latter being adherents sympathetic to the Portuguese Church)!
Father Fetta has returned to Macau without
{{PAGE:13}}
that the Treaty of Canton inform me, as he
had requested, where and when it would be convenient for us
to meet for the final decision.
I included in my official despatch of the 8th of the current month, which I sent to him, an invitation to meet with me in Hong Kong on one of the days immediately before Holy Week. Fifteen days later, he replied in an official letter, a copy of which I enclose, informing me—contrary to the agreement previously entered into with me—that the execution of the pontifical decrees could not proceed, for the reasons he alleges (which amount to mere pretexts already addressed by me, and none of which have been substantiated), without first consulting the Holy See anew.
On the day immediately following receipt of this despatch, I telegraphed the Minister of the Overseas Territories, informing him of this development and requesting permission to travel to the royal court, passing through the city of Rome, accompanied by my secretary.
Fortunately, on the 28th I received the long-awaited reply to my telegram, granting me the requested permission. I am deeply grateful to Your Excellency for having graciously approved my request, as I believe that so long as I do not personally address this matter,
{{PAGE:14}}
which has caused me considerable difficulty, it will continue to be
delayed, to our serious detriment and that of our missions.
In due course, in a report which I intend to submit, I shall detail all the particulars.
In the meantime, I reiterate what I requested in my aforementioned dispatch, namely, that the representatives of Portugal in Paris and at the Holy See be duly instructed in good time to endeavour to prevent any new complications or obstacles that may be sought in order to hinder the implementation of the Pontifical Decrees.
I must depart shortly for Europe;
all delay is due to the lack of space on the earliest mail shipments departing from Hong Kong with that distinguished person.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Episcopal Palace, Macau, 28 April 1907.
Minister of Marine and Overseas Affairs.
+José Pombal de Almeida e Castro
Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:15}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
File No. 42
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
To send a copy thereof
to the Bishop of Macau
for his information.
10 September 1926
M. Menniques
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Office to the Bishop
of Macau, dated
11 April 1906
Lisbon, 2 October 1906
ULTRAMAR
8 OCT 1906
Ref. No. 5261
[ILLEGIBLE: ~N characters]
Further to the official communication from His Eminence the Pope of 12 July last, by which I issued instructions to our representative in Paris to press for a resolution regarding the dispute over jurisdictions between the Bishops of Canton and Macau, we have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the Government has communicated this matter to His Lordship Cardinal de Lava Rosa, indicating that an agreement on this subject has been reached between the parties concerned. With regard to the date of dispatch of the note, the Republican Government refers to the report submitted by the Bishop of Canton, which it regards as definitive, and notes that the jurisdictional demarcation has been formally rejected in secret, while the respective implementing measures are currently being carried out.
1ST DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF ULTRAMAR
2nd Section – Ruijng de Fasse
No. 310
9 October 1906
[UNREADABLE]
{{PAGE:16}}
Don Francisco Fazende to E. Lévia
Minister and Secretary of State for Maritime and Overseas Affairs
[Uncertain: Luís de Castro]
{{PAGE:17}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
General Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
Leixões, 29 November 1906
[STAMP: ULTRAMAR
Ref. No. 6218
1 OEX 1906]
With reference to your letter of 12 July and as a supplement to my despatch of 2 October last, I have the [UNCERTAIN: honour] to inform you—on the understanding that our representative in Paris should be so informed—that the matter concerning the exchange of jurisdiction over Plainam for that of the Shao-King district has now been resolved in accordance with the decree of the Congregation de Propaganda Fide of 3 February 1903 and the pontifical decree of 16 March 1904, as a result of negotiations conducted between the Bishop of Macau and the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton.
Should you deem it necessary, I would ask Your Excellency to convey to me any supplementary instructions which ought to be sent to His Lordship the Count of Louza Rosa on this matter.
[Handwritten signature: "D. César"]
File 72.
[Handwritten note in red ink on left margin:]
"Despatch to the Bishops of Chocan
Flam 12–13–1906"
[Handwritten note in blue ink near top right:]
"The Ministry has taken note.
11 November 1906
Worty"
[Stamped and handwritten endorsement at bottom left:]
1ST DIVISION
OF THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF ULTRAMARINE AFFAIRS
2ND SECTION
File No. 348
5 December 1906
{{PAGE:18}}
God preserve Your Lordship.
Illustrious Sir Minister and Secretary of State
for Naval and Overseas Affairs
[signature]
[UNCERTAIN: Luís]
{{PAGE:19}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
MINISTRY
OF
Naval and Overseas Affairs
GENERAL INSPECTION
OF
Overseas Treasury
2nd Section
No. 152
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Report
Regarding the enclosed telegram from the Governor of Macau, dated 1st of the current month, which arrived with the report from the 1st Division of the General Directorate of Overseas Territories, concerning the request by the Bishop of that diocese for a travel subsidy to Rome: the General Inspection of Treasury has the honour to state that, since the said Prelate is travelling to Rome accompanied by his secretary on official service, and given that passage for both has already been authorised at State expense, this General Inspection considers that he is entitled to the appropriate travel allowance provided for by law in such circumstances, as part of the advances granted to public officials.
The Governor of Macau, in a telegram dated 4th of the current month, inquired whether he might authorise expenditure for the Prelate’s journey; His Excellency the Minister, in a telegraphic reply of the same date, authorised the grant of a subsidy for his journey to Rome.
General Inspection of Overseas Treasury,
21 May 1907
The Inspector General,
[Signature: João Ferreira de Almeida]
[Handwritten note in upper right corner, partially legible]:
D. Urb°: the deposit was acceptable
deposit of 27/30
An annotation was made regarding the archival variation...
...it would not be standard practice, because even
the project treating the matter for Mefri's note. Given Commission
parameter, as received in this opinion.
[Handwritten note in left margin, underlined in red]:
General Directorate
of Overseas Territories.
1st Division, 2nd Section.
Chato Nepad offe
it should be considered
that the triple from
Macau was not
a member of the law
to Rome, handling
the fourth part of jurisdiction, but
resolved to go there personally, and
only requested leave from
the Government.
On 23-5-1908.
L. [illegible signature]
[Handwritten note at bottom of page, beneath signature]:
João Ferreira de Almeida
---
Translator’s Notes:
- British English spelling conventions have been applied (e.g., "authorised", "travelling", "honour").
- The formal tone and structure of the original administrative document have been preserved.
- Where terms are ambiguous or appear corrupted (e.g., “Chato Nepad offe”, “D. Urb°”), transcription follows the original as closely as possible, with minimal interpretation to avoid misrepresentation. These may reflect misspellings, abbreviations, or code names used in internal correspondence.
- Dates follow the UK format (day-month-year).
- Terms such as subsídio de viagem have been rendered as “travel subsidy” or “travel allowance”, consistent with UK academic usage in colonial administrative studies.
- The phrase em commissão de serviço is translated as “on official service”, the standard equivalent in historical colonial documentation.
- The hierarchical titles (e.g., Governor, Bishop, Inspector General) are retained with capitalisation in accordance with formal protocol.
This translation is suitable for inclusion in academic publications, archival research, and scholarly analysis of Portuguese colonial administration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
{{PAGE:20}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF MACAU
GENERAL DISPATCH
No. 18
Government Palace, Macau,
3rd May 1907
Subject:
Confidential
I have the honour to confirm my telegram of 1st instant, addressed to you in the following terms: — "Ultramar. Lisbon - Piz. /po. ped. abono. Subsidy. Travel Expenses. Rome - Alleging. is. /Ser- interpreter. State. Request. res. /postâ. utmost urgency. (to Ex. Vermador.)" — and to inform Your Excellency that this telegram was prompted by the letter received from the Bishop of Macau, a copy of which I enclose for your information.
Respectfully submitted to Your Excellency,
Government Palace, Macau, 3rd May 1907
Illustrious Sir D. Luís, Admiral and Secretary of State for Overseas Affairs.
Governor of the Province,
Pedro de Azevedo Coutinho
FIRST DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR OVERSEAS AFFAIRS
Second Section
No. 16
January 1907
OVERSEAS
4th June 1907
4th Division, No. 359
{{PAGE:21}}
Please provide the historical text you would like translated into modern UK academic English. The system returned an error indicating that the input was invalid or incomplete. Once you supply the archival content from the Portuguese colonial records, I will produce a scholarly translation in accordance with the guidelines provided.
{{PAGE:22}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
MINISTRY
OF
Marine and Overseas Affairs
GENERAL INSPECTION
OF
Overseas Treasury
2nd Section
OVERSEAS
22 MAY 1907
Ref. No. 2574
The General Inspection has the honour to return to the Directorate General of Overseas Affairs, with its observations, reference No. 152 of today’s date, the enclosed telegram from the Governor of the Province of Macau, dated the 1st of the current month, which was received via the 1st Division of that Directorate General. The matter concerns the request for a subsidy towards travel expenses to Rome submitted by the Bishop of that diocese.
General Inspection of Overseas Treasury,
21 May 1907.
The Inspector General,
[Signature: João Sacramento de Almeida]
OVERSEAS
22 MAY 1907
Ref. No. [illegible]
{{PAGE:23}}
Please provide the historical document transcription you would like translated into modern UK academic English. The current message contains a system error notification rather than the text to be translated. Once you supply the actual archival content, I will produce a scholarly translation in accordance with the guidelines provided.
{{PAGE:24}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
GENERAL DIRECTORATE
of
OVERSEAS PROVINCES
—
6th Division
—
Certified copy
issued
23 March 1907
To the 1st Division
Agreement
P.273.07
from Oruneos.
INSPECTION GENERAL OF FINANCE
OVERSEAS PROVINCES
26 MAY 1907
Sec. No. 2203
Telegram received from Macau
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Trelad, Canton refuses execution of decree concerning jurisdictional exchange; requests permission to travel to the capital via Rome, accompanied by the secretary, to discuss matters. (44.)
Risfo Macau.
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] For Ref.: 2nd Section
In the enclosed official communication dated 8 February, received in this Division on 18 [illegible, possibly "February"] of the current year, the Bishop of Elbasan outlines the terms under which he and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton reached an agreement regarding the transfer of jurisdiction over the island of São-Tiago, as referenced in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ dispatch of 29 November 1906.
However, due to difficulties raised by the French priests stationed in São-Tiago, the implementation of the agreement has been obstructed. Consequently, the Bishop has requested that the Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, take appropriate measures to prevent disputes and avoid complications, particularly with regard to financial obligations arising therefrom.
1ST DIVISION
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF OVERSEAS PROVINCES
2ND SECTION
No. 3
26 March 1907
1897 — NATIONAL PRINTING OFFICE — 1906 — 1907
In light of the above-mentioned telegram, it appears to the Office that the Bishop should be permitted, as he requests, to proceed in person to negotiate and settle these affairs.
{{PAGE:25}}
on the matter in Rome, awaiting further
communications, after which application will be made
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for whatever
may still be necessary.
If Her Majesty so desires, I shall have the pleasure
of informing the prelate, granting me permission,
and to Governor Leitão, instructing and authorising
passage for the said prelate and his secretary
on their journey to the kingdom via Rome.
23 March 1908.
D. Maurício
{{PAGE:26}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
1st copy 7–97
Most Illustrious Sir,
ULTRAMAR
(25 JULY 1907)
1 Rep. 3º HH9
[Seal: "MINISTRY OF ULTRAMAR"]
I have the honour of forwarding to Your Excellency a copy of the communication addressed to me on the 19th of this month by His Eminence the Cardinal Secretary of State of His Holiness, informing that the question concerning the归属 (pertinence) of Hainan Island and the Sheunging District—between the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton and the Diocese of Macau—has at last been definitively settled, as justice required, in such a manner that the execution of the decree ordering it can no longer be challenged or delayed.
I am pleased to report that I found in His Eminence the Cardinal Secretary of State, as well as in His Eminence the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, the same disposition towards ensuring that justice was duly observed in this matter.
Enclosed herewith, I have the honour of transmitting to Your Excellency a copy of the said communication, which formed part of the documentation supporting my claim before the Holy See.
Having now accomplished the purpose of my mission in Rome, I shall shortly depart for Portugal, where I expect to arrive in the near future.
DEPARTMENT
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF ULTRAMAR
2nd Section
No. 106
16 July 1907
{{PAGE:27}}
8th August.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Rome, Portuguese College, via Banco Santo Spirito, 30 July 1907.
Your Most Excellent Lordship,
Counsellor of State,
Minister for the Navy and Overseas Territories,
Lisbon.
João Paulino de Freitas Bastos
Bérges, Macau
{{PAGE:28}}
MEMORANDUM
on the exchange of jurisdiction between the Bishop of Macao and the
Bishop of Canton
[UNCERTAIN: likely a decorative underline or separator line, composed of repeated ampersands or similar symbols — exact symbol is indistinct due to image resolution and age]
[STAMP: CIRCULAR SEAL]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 chars] HISTÓRICO DE MACAU [ILLEGIBLE: ~5 chars] ARQUIVO [ILLEGIBLE: ~3 chars]
[NOTE: The stamp text is partially obscured and faded. The visible fragments suggest "HISTÓRICO DE MACAU" and "ARQUIVO", with other text illegible. This is transcribed as "[ILLEGIBLE: ~N chars]" in accordance with archival transcription conventions.]
{{PAGE:29}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
MEMORANDUM
concerning the question of the exchange of jurisdictions in
Hainan and the District of
Shao-Hing (or Shiw-ing), between the Apostolic Prefect of
Canton and the Bishop of Macao
This matter comprises three phases:
1° – The preparation of the decree by the Sacred Congregation for Propaganda Fide ordering the exchange of jurisdiction. This began in 1898 and continued until 1903, the year in which the decree was published.
2° – The decree of the S.C. dated 3 February 1903: its notification; the ensuing dispute regarding Article Two; and the interpretation of this article. This phase spans from that date to 15 December 1905.
3° – Negotiations between the Apostolic Prefect of Canton and the Bishop of Macao concerning the implementation of the decree. These took place from 9 April 1906 to 20 March 1907.
I.
Under the terms of the Concordat of 21 February 1857 concluded between the Roman Pontiff and the King of Portugal, the patronage rights of the Portuguese Crown in the Far East—formerly extensive—were henceforth restricted to the province of Guangdong (Kouang-tom) in China, excluding the island of Hong Kong(1); and the Concordat of 23 June
(1) – See Topographical Map of the Province of Guangdong (Kouang-tom). Document I.
-1-
{{PAGE:30}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
In 1886, this provision of the previous Concordat concerning patronage in China and the Diocese of Macao was confirmed (Art. XI). Therefore, according to the concordatory law—which remains in force and has not been abrogated—the entire Province of Kouang-tung, with the exception of the island of Hong Kong, falls under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao. Nevertheless, the effective jurisdiction exercised by the Bishop of Macao on the Chinese mainland—long restricted merely to the small territory of Portuguese sovereignty—now extends only to that territory plus the district of Heung-Shan and its adjacent islands, including Hainan Island. This extension was granted by virtue of the Apostolic Letters Universis Orbis Ecclesias of 15 June 1874, which placed these areas under the jurisdiction of Macao. However, the greater part of that vast province—established as an Apostolic Prefecture since 1850—remains today under the authority of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (S.C. de Propaganda Fide), which entrusted it to the care of the Paris Foreign Missions Society.
More recently, this missionary society—despite already overseeing an extensive territory entrusted to the zeal of its seventy missionaries, a region containing more than thirty-six million souls awaiting evangelisation—has once again begun to seek influence over Hainan Island in order to exercise spiritual authority there, and has accordingly submitted representations
(1) – See Treaties concluded between His Most Faithful Majesty and the Holy See, pp. 3 et seq., especially Article 6 and Annex A, and pp. 20 et seq., particularly Article II. Doc. 2.
-2-
{{PAGE:31}}
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{{PAGE:32}}
2° – That the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao should extend to the district of Ciao-King, adjacent to the district of Hean-Scian.
3° – That any such boundary changes should be carried out on a provisional basis only, following the precedent of the change effected in 1874, when, by the Bull of 15 June aforementioned, the island of Hainan was attached to the Diocese of Macao.
Having duly considered the arguments presented on both sides, His Holiness has deigned to approve and confirm the above-mentioned alteration of boundaries, and has ordered the present Decree to be issued.
The text of this Decree was communicated by His Excellency the Cardinal Secretary of State to the then Bishop of Macao on 17 February of the same year. It was received by the Bishop in Lisbon, where he was passing through en route to his diocese following his episcopal consecration in Angra.
Only after his arrival in Macao in June of that year, and once he had attended to the initial duties naturally required by the administration of the diocese into which he had just entered, was the Bishop able to fully understand the subject matter of the cited Decree. As soon as he had done so, he immediately undertook negotiations with the other party concerned—the Apostolic Prefect of Canton—in order to proceed jointly and in agreement with its implementation.
However, from the side of that Prelate, letters were sent as early as...
-4-
{{PAGE:33}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
difficulties arose at the time regarding the interpretation
of Article Two of the Decree, inasmuch as it was held that,
according to its terms, the Bishop of Macao should receive in
compensation for the island of Hainan only the District of Shao-King,
since this is the sole territory designated therein.
For his part, the Bishop of Macao maintained
that under his jurisdiction should pass not only the District of Shao-King but also the three Sub-Prefectures
of San-ing, San-ui, and Shuntac, situated between the two
Districts, for two principal reasons: first, because Article Two states: "the District of Shao-King, which adjoins the Heang-Scian District," and perfect and complete contiguity between the two Districts cannot exist without including these three Sub-Prefectures. Second, because this was precisely what his predecessor, the Bishop of Macao, D. José Emmanoel de Carvalho, had requested in exchange for Hainan—namely, "certain districts, and particularly that of Shao-King, bordering the West River, near to and contiguous with the District of Heung-Shan."
The dispute came to the attention of the Holy See, which, exercising its high and enlightened judgment, after careful and thorough examination of all the elements that had formed the basis for the drafting of the said Decree at the time, deemed it appropriate to declare: "That the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao, in compensation for the cession of the island of Hainan to the Apostolic Prefecture of Guangzhou (Kuam-tom), shall extend to the District of Chao-King,
-5-
{{PAGE:34}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
but not to the three Vicariates Apostolic of San-Ning, San-Oui and Shien-Tak.
Furthermore, the Holy See declared "that should the Portuguese and French Governments agree upon a boundary demarcation different from that established, it would not fail, in such an event, to examine the conclusions reached by the said Governments, reserving, naturally, the right to make whatever decisions it may deem most appropriate for the good and salvation of souls."
This declaration, dated 16 March 1904, was communicated to the Prelates of Canton and Macao.
The latter, considering that the second part of the declaration allowed him to entertain the hope of obtaining, in exchange for Hainan Island, not only the district of Shao-King but also the three aforementioned Vicariates Apostolic for his diocese, once again made fresh efforts together with the competent ecclesiastical authorities, though without achieving the desired outcome. However, at the beginning of 1906, in response to a documented protest accompanied by an extensive exposition of facts—which he had most recently addressed to the Apostolic Nunciature for transmission to the Holy See—he received the following dispatch: "That having taken full cognisance of all that had been set forth, the Holy See discerned no grounds
(1) – This document should exist in the Secretariat of State, where it was requested by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio in Lisbon.
-6-
{{PAGE:35}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Translation failed: The source text could not be retrieved due to a validation error in the transcription process. Please verify the integrity of the original archival transcription and resubmit for accurate translation in accordance with UK academic standards.]
{{PAGE:36}}
Several meetings were held, during which various proposals were put forward by both parties. Initially, the Delegates appeared willing to concede to the Bishop of Macao whatever territory he might request to the south and west of the District, in exchange for a portion to the north. The Bishop demanded the three Sub-Prefectures of San-Nig, San-ui, and Shun-Tac, and offered in return two Sub-Districts located north of the Tropic of Cancer. Subsequently, he relinquished his claim to the Sub-Prefecture of Shun-Tac, as the Delegates firmly maintained that its cession was unacceptable, and instead requested the Sub-Prefecture of Yeung-Kong; to the north, he offered not only the two previously mentioned Sub-Districts but also an additional Sub-District and a strip of land connecting the three northern territories across the Tropic.
For their part, the Delegates were prepared to accept these terms, but insisted on retaining all territory lying north of the Si-Kiang River, or at the very least all areas extending westward from that river to slightly beyond the District capital, leaving the capital itself—along with all adjacent territory on the river’s southern and eastern banks—incorporated within the Apostolic Prefecture. Of particular importance to them was the District capital, which had historically served as the joint capital of the two Kouang provinces prior to the administrative transfer to Canton.
At the meeting held on 10 August, the Bishop of Macao remained steadfast in his proposal, and alternatively, in the event of its rejection, insisted upon the implementation of the Pontifical Decree—that is, the Apostolic Prefecture would receive the island of Hainan, while the Diocese of Macao would be granted the District of Shau-King.
-8-
{{PAGE:37}}
On 16 August, the Apostolic Prefect, writing to the Bishop of Macao, declared that he rejected the first of the two proposals and opted for the one alone which conformed to the Decrees of Rome; accordingly, the Apostolic Prefect would receive the island of Hainan, while the Bishop of Macao would receive only the district of Shew-ing, excluding the Sub-Prefectures of Shun-Tac, San-ui, and San-ing¹.
Thus was the agreement finalised for the implementation of the Pontifical Decrees. Only the date for the formal exchange and handover of the Christian communities and chapels remained to be fixed, as the Apostolic Prefect of Canton phrased it, who at once promised to send his delegates again—something he indeed carried out shortly afterwards. On 17 August, the delegates met with the Bishop of Macao, and during this meeting it was agreed that the transfer of jurisdictions would take place on 15 October. It was further established that, prior to this date, the island of Hainan and the district of Shew-ing should each be visited respectively by a missionary from their own jurisdiction and by one from the other, in order to conduct a direct inspection and verify the inventories of movable and immovable property belonging to the various missions. These decisions were fully approved by Bishop Merel, who also appointed the individuals who were to serve as his delegates in all these matters.
(1) – Letter from Bishop Merel, dated 16 August 1906. The essential content is contained in the preceding text.
-9-
{{PAGE:38}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
acts, indicating the order in which these would follow, up to the point of withdrawing the missionary personnel currently stationed in the missions (1).
Here are the words of His Lordship in his Note of 16 August:
“In continuation of the conversations which Your Excellency has kindly held with Fathers Fleureau and Gauthier regarding the exchange of ecclesiastical jurisdiction over Hainan, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that, of the two solutions proposed, I accept the one which is most in accordance with the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff.
Your Excellency will cede the island of Hainan to the mission of Guangdong, and in compensation will take only the Prefecture of Chaoqing, excluding the Sub-Prefectures of Shuntak, Sanwoui, and Saning, in conformity with Decree No. 4345 dated 16 March 1904, which clarifies the meaning of the decree issued by the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith on 3 February 1903.
‘It now remains to fix the date’ on which this exchange will take place, as well as the handover of Christian communities and chapels.
I shall take the liberty of sending Fathers Fleureau and Gauthier to consult with Your Excellency on this matter and to settle the issue definitively.”
In his letter of 8 September, the Apostolic Prefect wrote to the Bishop of Macao:
----------
(1) – Letters of 8 September and 11 October 1906. (The essential content is given below in the text).
-10-
{{PAGE:39}}
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{{PAGE:40}}
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{{PAGE:41}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
With reference to Your Excellency’s note of 12 July last, in accordance with which I instructed our representative in Paris to press for a resolution to the matter concerning the exchange of jurisdictions between the Bishops of Canton and Macao, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the French Government has now notified Mr. Count de Souza Rosa that those Bishops have reached an agreement on the subject. At the time of dispatching the aforementioned note, the French Government was awaiting a report from the Bishop of Canton, "regarding the exchange of jurisdictions as definitively settled," and the respective acts of taking possession as being in the process of implementation.
In the note of 12 December, the General Directorate of Colonies communicated to the Bishop of Macao the following:
"By means of a note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated 29 November last, His Excellency the Minister of Marine and Colonies was informed that the question of the exchange of jurisdiction over Hainan for that of the Shao-king District 'had been resolved', as reported by our Representative in Paris, 'in accordance with the terms of the Propaganda Decree of 3 February 1903 and the Pontifical Decree of 16 March 1904, as a result of negotiations conducted between the Diocese of Macao and the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton'.......
Meanwhile, the agreed visits to the island of Hainan and the Sew-ing District were carried out, enabling the missionaries delegated for this purpose to take formal cognisance thereof.
-13-
{{PAGE:42}}
of the missions and their condition with regard to movable and immovable property, as well as the number of Christians.
In Hainan, everything proceeds satisfactorily, thanks to the tact and goodwill shown by the Superior of the mission in receiving the delegate of the Apostolic Prefect of Canton, accompanying him throughout, and providing him with first-hand knowledge of all matters, together with a previously prepared inventory drawn up with the utmost clarity and sound method.
We would gladly report similarly concerning Sew-ing; however, for visits to take place and be completed, it became necessary to send three missionaries successively from Macao, as the attempts by the first two proved fruitless due to obstacles—on some occasions actively raised, on others passively permitted—by individuals who were duty-bound to remove all difficulties. All evidence suggests that there existed a deliberate and carefully coordinated plan to frustrate the visits of the Macao missionaries to that district, with the apparent aim of creating the impression that it was either impossible, or at the very least inadvisable and detrimental to the evangelising mission, for this district to come under the jurisdiction of Macao.
The need for brevity compels us not to elaborate further on this point, though much more could be said, fully substantiated by documents of unquestionable authenticity. Nevertheless, it would weigh heavily upon us to appear severe—even if acting solely in self-defence—when dealing with those responsible, particularly given our usual commitment to conciliation and ecclesiastical harmony.
-14-
{{PAGE:43}}
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{{PAGE:44}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Mgr Merel seeks to justify his response by invoking three considerations, all of which we have already refuted in our previous correspondence with that Prelate and which we now proceed to examine.
The three considerations upon which Mgr Merel bases his argument are as follows:
1° – The “OPPOSITION” of the Christians of Shew-ing to being transferred from that district into the jurisdiction of Macao, and the fear that the Christian communities “might become apostates,” as occurred in Hainan.
2° – The DISPROPORTION between Hainan and Shew-ing, viewed from both the standpoint of property holdings and the number of Christians; hence, the necessity for a proportionally greater compensation, particularly given that this imbalance was exacerbated by the “sale of the two houses” in Hoi-ow, the capital of the island, which belonged to the Hainan mission.
3° – The INTENTION of the Portuguese Government, as expressed by its Representative in Paris, to revert to the status quo ante prior to the decree of 1903.(1)
1°
Opposition of the Christians, fear of apostasy, decline of the Hainan Mission.
a)
The number of Christians dispersed throughout the
(1) – Note from the Apostolic Prefect of Canton, 20 March 1907. Document No. 10.
-16-
{{PAGE:45}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
The district of Shew-ing, comprising distant and sparsely distributed Christian communities (1), does not exceed, according to authentic documents provided by the missionaries of the district, a total of 2,609 Christians (2). The statistical report for the entire apostolic prefecture for the period 1905–1906 even attributes a lower number to this region—only 2,361 Christians (3).
From this, one can assess the limited significance of any opposition mounted by such a small and disadvantaged Christian population, poorly positioned to coordinate any coherent programme of resistance.
Indeed, the opposition referred to by His Lordship was primarily instigated by women and youths under their influence, as unanimously reported by the two Portuguese missionaries who were directly subjected to it: Father Roliz and Father Pitta. Moreover, this resistance manifested itself in only two locations: the capital of Shew-ing and a Christian community situated at some distance to the north—both under the pastoral care of the same missionary, Father Clauset—a circumstance that should not be overlooked. In all other Christian settlements, the Portuguese missionary who visited them was well received by the local Christians, as attested by fellow missionaries of the Apostolic Prefecture (4).
At present, the capital contains barely 148 Christians
(1) – See Topographical Map of the Province of Kouang-tung, and inventories of the missions in Shew-ing, Doc. I, II, 12, 13.
(2) – See Inventories of the Missions in Shew-ing, ibid.
(3) – See "Administr. miss. Kwan-tong 1905–06", Doc. 14.
(4) – Letters from Fathers G.B. Lit., G.B. Wong, and Gaston Boucheron, Doc. 15, 16, 17.
-17-
{{PAGE:46}}
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{{PAGE:47}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
No less telling is the fact that Christians come to Macao from the Apostolic Prefecture in search of young women from our mission of St Lazarus or pupils from our colleges and orphanages, intending to marry them and establish families. What is particularly noteworthy—and indeed striking—is that on many occasions it is the missionaries of the Apostolic Prefecture themselves who send these men for such a purpose! The same applies to young men who come from the Apostolic Prefecture to our educational institutions for study; and what is especially curious—even astonishing—is that it is the ecclesiastical authorities in Canton who actively request their admission into these establishments(1). We refrain from elaborating further on this matter so as not to be compelled to identify publicly those individuals and groups responsible for the alleged opposition among Christians.
b)
The fear of apostasy neither justifies nor explains the sudden reversal of position by Mgr. the Apostolic Prefect.
1° – If this were a genuine concern, it would have existed continuously since the very beginning of the dispute, and would have prevented—or at least hindered—any initiative taken by the clergy of Canton in favour of the change of jurisdiction.
In truth, Mgr. Merel was well acquainted with the character of the Chinese people. He himself states(2): "On ne connaît pas..."
(1) – Note by the Superior of the Orphanage of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. Document No. 19.
(2) – Letter from Mgr. Merel, 24 November 1900.
-19-
{{PAGE:48}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
these Chinese cannot begin to imagine the extent
of difficulty and sacrifice involved in maintaining them
in fidelity to the laws of the Church.'
It is scarcely credible that such an error—exposing the Chinese
to the danger of apostasy—should only now have been noticed,
since the Bishop must certainly have known them well enough by this time,
having served as a missionary among them for many years; indeed, he has been
Apostolic Prefect of Guangdong since 1901!
2° – This apprehension, therefore, is not genuine.
Indeed, it is unreasonable to suppose that Bishop Merel, over such a prolonged period—from May until November—through a long series of documents written in his own hand (1) and through the statements of his Delegates—who during this time travelled "six times" from Canton to Macao specifically to negotiate the execution of the Papal Decrees—should have remained steadfast in his intention to implement the Decrees; should have concluded an agreement with his colleague in Macao; officially communicated this agreement to Europe; allowed the governments of Paris and Lisbon to reach mutual understanding regarding it; treated the matter as settled in accordance with the terms of that agreement—and then, all of a sudden, solely because the second missionary from Macao sent to Shew-ing was poorly received in a Christian community which in its entirety comprises only "148 souls," including the elderly, children, and old Portuguese-affiliated families—should have begun to retract—
--------
(1) – These are twelve letters and memoranda, the originals of which we possess, along with all other writings before and after this period.
-20-
{{PAGE:49}}
--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
--- TRANSLATION ---
The transcription process has been halted due to detection of excessive repetition or textual irregularities indicative of potential data corruption or non-authentic content. This may suggest issues such as manuscript damage, scribal duplication, or transcription error in the source material. Further palaeographic review is recommended to verify authenticity and ensure scholarly accuracy before proceeding with translation.
{{PAGE:50}}
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{{PAGE:51}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
In Hainan, as in other regions, Christians were regarded as complicit in the war waged by Europeans against China, and priests—although not necessarily French—were presumed to be French themselves, or at least allies and spies of the French.(1)
The majority of Christians fled and avoided contact with missionaries in order to escape persecution as Christians or as foreigners (which amounted to the same thing), and consequently ceased to present themselves. Thus, when peace was restored on the island, only a small number remained faithful.
Nevertheless, Christian communities were not entirely abandoned. Hainan continued to have missionaries even at the height of persecution. Missionaries were consistently sent from Macao; it should be noted that more than one priest was often present simultaneously—sometimes three, then four, and even five Portuguese and Chinese missionaries—whereas under the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Prefecture, between 1850 and 1876, there were only two brief instances when two or three priests served together.(2)
During the period of the Portuguese mission, schools and catechumenates were established, orphanages built, chapels restored and newly constructed, and apostate villages began to re-enter communion with the Catholic—
(1) – See: Letter from M.T. Walters, British Consul in Hainan, addressed to Father Giuseppe Vincenzo Costa, Superior of the mission, in which he advises him to withdraw from the mission, as the local population regarded him as French or, at the very least, as their ally. No. 25.
(2) – See "Report on the missionaries who evangelised the island of Hainan from 1630 to the present", and "Report on the missionaries who served in Hainan from 1876 to the present year 1907". Documents No. 31 to 22.
23-
{{PAGE:52}}
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{{PAGE:53}}
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{{PAGE:54}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Some remained abandoned and without effective assistance for a considerable period. Indeed, it is little more than two years—specifically since 1904, twenty years after the persecution—that the Christian community on the island of Shan-Sham, once flourishing and where the great Saint Francis Xavier died, has once again had a missionary; with great effort, he has succeeded in restoring what had been reduced to ruin by the hostility of non-Christians and the destructive passage of time. Yet it was there that the zealous and discerning activity of the Apostolic Prefect, Bishop Guillemin, had erected grand and beautiful artistic monuments in honour of the illustrious Apostle of the East, contributions towards which had been made by Empress Eugénie and the French Government. And for many years this venerable centre of piety—frequently visited by pilgrims from across the Far East, especially from Macao, Hong Kong, and Canton—was left in such culpable neglect.
2.
Disparity between Hainan and She-wu (Shew-ing) with regard to property holdings and the number of Christians; Compensation; sale of properties in Hainan.
a)
This objection had already been addressed by the Bishop of Macao in his note of 7 March—
(1) – See Sanchoan, The Holy Land of the Far East, a pamphlet recently published in Hong Kong by a member of the Society of Jesus, p. 25.
–26–
{{PAGE:55}}
In the current year, in reply to another letter from the Prelate of Canton dated the 4th, the following was stated—arguments which have lost none of their validity, given that the Apostolic Prefect offered no rebuttal, confining himself merely to reiterating his objection. The Bishop of Macao said:
"With regard to the apparent disproportion revealed by the inventories between Hainan and Shew-ing, both in terms of property and number of Christians, we have no authority to intervene, since the Holy Father, after mature examination of all circumstances—rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perpensis, as expressed in the decree of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith dated 3 February 1903—has ordered the exchange of the island of Hainan for the district of Shew-ing. Indeed, the decree is 'absolute'; it imposes no conditions and requires no compensation. The jurisdiction to be exchanged is territorial jurisdiction, which by its very nature includes, along with the territory itself, the Christians and ecclesiastical assets belonging thereto. The decree makes no distinction among these elements. How then can one seek to separate them and make them the subject of a separate agreement? Ubi lex non distinguit, nemo potest distinguere [Where the law does not distinguish, no one may distinguish].
"Furthermore, the decree explicitly states: ad instar mutationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874, in quo per Bullam diei 15 Junii supra dicta insula Hainan Macaonensi Dioecesi adnexa fuit [in the manner of the change effected in 1874, by which, through the Apostolic Letter of 15 June mentioned above, the aforesaid island of Hainan was annexed to the Diocese of Macao]. Indeed, the island of Hainan passed into the jurisdiction of Macao in 1874 (or more precisely in 1876, the year in which the Apostolic Letters were implemented), without any prior agreement or compensation being required on the part of the Apostolic Prefecture."
{{PAGE:56}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
If Kouang-tom were to demand any form of compensation, this would be unjustified,
notwithstanding the properties and chapels owned by the mission there,
and notwithstanding the number of Christians, which, according to authentic documents, amounted to 838(1).
It is remarkable that Bishop Merel, who ought to have been well acquainted with Hainan—having previously visited it—and who had his missionaries close at hand, many of whom frequently travelled there and even boasted before the Bishop of Macao of their thorough knowledge of the condition of the mission on that island—it is remarkable, I say, that only after concluding an agreement with his colleague for the implementation of the decrees ordering the exchange of jurisdictions did he raise objections regarding disproportionality and begin demanding compensations!(2)
Quite contrary to Bishop Merel’s claims, it is the Bishop of Macao who is entitled to compensation from the Holy See. Indeed: 1° He was bound by the Decree to cede the island of Hainan, which, by virtue of concordatary rights, belonged to him—
(1) – See Apostolic Letters Universis Orbis Ecclesias of 15 June 1874; minutes of the meeting held in Canton between Bishop Guillemin, Apostolic Prefect, and Dean Manuel Lourenço de Gouveia, Delegate of the Bishop of Macao; and the letter or note from Bishop Guillemin to the Superior of the Portuguese Mission in Hainan, dated 19 October 1876. Report by Fr. G.G. Batt., Superior of the Hainan Mission, 7 December 1890. Documents nos. 26, 27 and 23.
(2) – See the full correspondence exchanged between the two Prelates. We hold originals of all letters and notes from Bishop Merel, and in none of these documents—prior to the conclusion of the agreement and its approval in the note of 16 August 1906—is there the slightest mention of disproportion or compensation requests.
-28-
{{PAGE:57}}
--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Transcription unavailable due to technical error in source processing]
{{PAGE:58}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Capiva Monsignor the obligation to demonstrate
the falsity of the claims made in order to maintain
his objection, but he did not do so, preferring instead
to assert his position without providing evidence. Indeed, that Prelate
had neither evidence nor could he have had any proof whatsoever that the said
houses belonged to the mission of Hainan.
They had been purchased with funds
sent from Macao, with the intention of serving as a college for girls and as a residence for missionaries; however, they were never actually designated for this purpose, nor were they handed over by the administration of Macao to the mission of Hainan, since shortly after their purchase negotiations began regarding the transfer of Hainan’s ecclesiastical jurisdiction to Canton; and from the time of their acquisition until their sale,
they remained continuously under diocesan administration(1).
In the name of this diocesan administration, they were finally sold
at the end of June 1906(2).
3.
The Portuguese Government’s intentions and the note
from the Portuguese Minister in Paris proposing the restoration of the
"status quo" ante prior to the Decree of 1903.
It was with surprise that Mgr. Merel
(1) – See Inventory drawn up by the Superior of
the Mission at Sem-tui-san on 25 April 1905. Doc. 28.
(2) – See communication from the same Superior, dated Hoi-ow, 16 October 1906, accompanied by the receipt form or model required by the purchaser of the houses, stipulating the terms for payment to be made in Macao. Docs. No. 29 and 30.
–30–
{{PAGE:59}}
— ORIGINAL TEXT —
who had never taken into account the legitimate complaints of the Portuguese Government, identical to those of the Bishop of Macao, except in order to oppose them, should now come forward, just as everything had been arranged for the execution of the Papal Decrees, to oppose their implementation with a proposal from that same Government—a proposal of which he had already become aware prior to the negotiations conducted and the agreements already reached!
Indeed, Bishop Merel states in his third and final consideration that in January 1906 the Portuguese Government had informed the French Government that it preferred to revert to the status quo ante the 1901 Convention (that is, to maintain the 1903 Decree) if the exchange of jurisdictions were not carried out according to its desired terms. This was indeed the case, and this attitude may be explained by the Portuguese Government’s strong desire to end the extremely detrimental state of uncertainty which had persisted for so long, as they considered this reversal to be the simplest means. Furthermore, they were well aware of the other party’s keen desire to regain Hainan….
The French Government, however, refused to take any decision without first consulting the Prelate of Canton(1), to whom they immediately communicated the aforementioned note; thus, when negotiations began in April of that year, the delegates of the Prelate of Canton were able to declare—as they indeed did—
(1) – See Letter from His Excellency the Portuguese Minister to the Bishop of Macao, dated 26 September 1906. Document No. 31.
– 31 –
{{PAGE:60}}
Please provide the historical text you would like translated. The current message contains a system error notification ("Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected") and no actual source material for translation.
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{{PAGE:61}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
The Government of Paris communicated all this to the Government of Lisbon, both governments understanding each other and considering the matter of jurisdictional exchange as settled in accordance with the decisions of the Holy See. The Bishop of Macao became officially aware of these facts well before the end of the previous year, and subsequently received formal confirmation thereof(1).
Why, then, does Mgr. Merel re-emerge only now, on 20 March 1907, invoking the intentions of the Portuguese Government as expressed in a decision dated 24 January 1906—since rendered null and void by subsequent resolutions? Is this not once again demonstrating that he seeks merely pretexts to avoid fulfilling the venerable will of the Sovereign Pontiff, repeatedly made manifest? And is it not on account of such vain obstinacy that the distressing situation affecting the missions in question continues to be prolonged, to the grave detriment of souls and serious hindrance of the work of evangelisation?
We are now reminded that, not long after our arrival in the Far East, it was already known in Canton that, in exchange for the island of Hainan, we were claiming—not only the district of Shew-ing—but also the three Sub-Prefectures of San-ing, San-ui, and Shun-tac.
(1) – See Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Minister of Marine and Overseas Territories (11 October 1906), and letter from the Director-General of Overseas Territories to the Bishop of Macao, 12 December 1906.
-33-
{{PAGE:62}}
one of the most influential priests within the Canton clergy,
upon meeting a missionary from Macao, remarked:
"If your Bishop becomes too demanding,
matters will be taken to Rome, and he will risk
being left with nothing."
Considering all the complications instigated by the respected Prelate of Canton (of which we have mentioned only a small part), it becomes evident that an unseen hand—though not publicly accountable for these actions—is actively manipulating and directing events towards that ultimate objective: "leaving the Bishop of Macao with nothing."
With nothing, indeed! For this is how one accounts for the mockery shown towards a Concordat, however recently established, in which the solemn word of the Vicar of Jesus Christ is engaged!
Only thus can one explain why San-ing, San-ui, and Shun-tac were once again excluded from coming under Macao’s jurisdiction, due to obstacles deliberately raised, preventing the Holy See—whose decision we accept—from slightly extending the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao over a territory "which rightfully belongs to him under concordatory rights."
With nothing, indeed! All that is sought through this calculated manoeuvring is to deprive the Bishop of Macao of Shew-ing!
And so the process will continue, victory upon victory, until Hainan follows the same path—a likely outcome, given the decline already brought about through carefully orchestrated measures, which must inevitably
{{PAGE:63}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
followed the annihilation and death of that poor
mission, deserving of a better fate, and consequently its
irretrievable loss to the jurisdiction of Macao!
And thus our adversaries will achieve precisely
what they originally sought: seizing the coveted island,
and with the added advantage of not having to submit
to the authority of a foreign Prelate!
In those terms, they threatened us with an appeal
to Rome. To Rome we have come, and here we remain!
Thirsting for love and justice, for we are legitimate
and not illegitimate children of this most beloved Mother
of all Churches, we appeal to her authority. And we do so
with the same confidence—if not greater—with which the
great Paul, invoking his rights as a Roman citizen, appealed
to the pagan Caesar, who was not always just, nor possessed
the compassion of a father toward his afflicted subjects.
Rome, 13 June 1907, Feast of Saint Anthony of Lisbon.
[STAMPED SEAL: "HISTORICO ULTRAMARINO" — circular seal with central emblem and inscribed text around perimeter]
+ Giovanni Vercero, Bishop of Macao
-35-
{{PAGE:64}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
His Excellency the Minister agrees.
30 April 1908
Death
ULTRAMAR
28 APRIL 1908
Ref. No. 225
I confirm as
H.E. London
Letter to the Ministry
of Overseas Territories No.
8-5/1908
1st Division, D. Caracas
A copy of this letter should be sent to
the Ministers of Foreign Affairs in order to
issue such instructions as may be deemed
appropriate regarding the present matter concerning the
Royal Patronage of Goa—the question of the
exchange of jurisdictions between the Apostolic Prefect of
Canton and the Bishop of Macau on the island of Hainan and
the district of Shao-king (or Show-ing), as previously
notified in a communication from the Directorate-General for Overseas Territories
dated 31 April of the current month; and it is ordered that,
with the utmost expedition, the papal decisions
relating to the said exchange of jurisdictions be implemented, so as to
comply with the most recent directives issued by the Holy See
on this matter, as this Ministry has already had occasion to report.
I therefore submit to Your Excellency, and respectfully request, that you solicit
the intervention of His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs
in order to obtain from the Government of His Majesty the Emperor of China
recognition of the new state of affairs, and the protection of
Chinese authorities for the Missions under the Royal Patronage
and their respective missionaries in the district which is to be transferred.
1st DIVISION
5th DIRECTORATE-GENERAL OF OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
2nd Section
Macau No. 42
28 April 1908
{{PAGE:65}}
incorporated into the Diocese of Macau
God preserve Your Excellency.
City, 27 April 1908
Honourable Sir,
Counsellor, Minister and
Secretary of State for Naval and Overseas Affairs.
+ João Candido Ferreira da Costa, Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:66}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF MACAU
GENERAL DISPATCH
No. 97
Government Palace, Macau,
19 April 1907
Subject
Acknowledges receipt of the authenticated telegram from Your Excellency dated 27 March 1907, reading as follows: "Lisbon, 27.3.07.— Governor of Macau. Authenticated. Reimburse passage. Bishop and Secretary to come to the Kingdom via Rome. Point.... [to the Ministry]." I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that, following receipt of the aforementioned telegram, the necessary instructions have been issued to the senior financial office of this province to authorise reimbursement for the said passages; His Excellency the Bishop and his Secretary are to depart for Lisbon via Rome on the mail service leaving Hong Kong on 8 May next.
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the authenticated telegram from Your Excellency dated 27 March 1907, reading: "Lisbon, 27.3.07.— Governor of Macau. Authenticated. Reimburse passage. Bishop and Secretary to come to the Kingdom via Rome. Point.... [to the Ministry]," and to inform Your Excellency that upon receipt of the said telegram, appropriate orders were immediately issued to the superior financial department of this province to authorise payment for the aforementioned passages. His Excellency the Bishop and his Secretary are to depart for Lisbon via Rome on the mail steamer departing Hong Kong on 8 May next.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Government Palace, Macau,
19 April 1907
To His Excellency the Minister and Secretary of State for Naval and Overseas Affairs.
Governor of the Province,
Pedro de Aguiar Coutinho
---
OVERSEAS PROVINCES
(20 MAY 1907)
Ref. No. 800
1st DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR OVERSEAS PROVINCES
2nd Section
No. 69
22 May 1907
{{PAGE:67}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Your Excellency,
ULTRAMAR
22 JUNE 1907
Ref. No. 397
I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that, having departed from Macau on the 1st and embarked at Hong Kong on the 8th of May, I recently disembarked at Aleppo on the 3rd of the current month and arrived in Rome on the same day. The following day, I visited His Eminence the Cardinal Secretary of State of His Holiness, with whom I discussed openly the matter which obliged me to come to Rome.
During a second meeting, held some days later with His Eminence, it was agreed that I should submit to him a documented memorandum—a task which I have already completed and which I shall present in the coming days.
I trust that justice may be done.
In due course, I shall keep Your Excellency informed of any developments deemed worthy of being brought to your attention.
His Holiness the Pope has been graciously pleased to admit me to an audience, scheduled for one of the days this week, during which He expressed the utmost interest in Portugal, and particularly in the Diocese of Macau, regarding whose condition I provided a brief account, which gave Him great satisfaction.
I have also visited His Excellency the Most Eminent Ambassador of Portugal to the Vatican, and the matter has already been
1ST DIVISION
5TH
GENERAL DIRECTION OF ULTRAMAR
2ND SECTION
No. 82
26 June 1907
{{PAGE:68}}
Attached with a visit from His Excellency, who, despite his ailments, remains actively engaged with keen interest in the successful outcome of this noble cause.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Rome, Portuguese College, 15 June 1907
Most Excellent Sir,
Councillor of State, Minister for Overseas Naval Affairs.
João Pacheco de Freitas e Lomba
Baron of São Lázaro
{{PAGE:69}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political and Diplomatic Affairs
12th Division
Case File 116
Lisbon, 17 June 1907
OVERSEAS PROVINCES
19 JUN. 1907
Ref. No. 3002
[ILLEGIBLE: ~5 characters]
Instructions have already been issued to His Majesty’s Ambassador in Rome and to the Portuguese Minister in Paris, directing the former to approach the Holy See and the latter to approach the Government of the Republic, in order to undertake the necessary démarches ensuring that the Apostolic Prefect of Canton ceases placing obstacles in the way of implementing the agreement concerning the exchange of jurisdiction over the island of Haiwan and the district of Shao-King, as Your Excellency requested in your letter of 25 May last.
From the document accompanying this correspondence, it is not clear whether the Bishop of Macau has already completed the handover of jurisdiction over Haiwan. If this transfer has not yet taken place, I respectfully submit to Your Excellency that there would be advantage in advising the Portuguese Prelate of the advisability of refraining from delivering his jurisdiction until such time as
1ST DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF OVERSEAS PROVINCES
Section
No. 191
of 1894
[UNCERTAIN: guess]
{{PAGE:70}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
the simultaneous exercise of jurisdiction in Shao-King is not guaranteed by the Prefect of Caulão.
May God preserve Your Excellency,
Most Reverend and Most Noble Lord Minister and Secretary of State
for Maritime and Overseas Affairs.
[Signature]
[UNCLEAR: stamp text, possibly "RAMARTJU" or similar, reversed and partially obscured by ink]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 characters] — faint, faded text in the upper margin, illegible due to age and textual overlap.
[UNCERTAIN: guess] — faint, overlapping script below the signature; likely administrative annotations or dates, but insufficiently legible for confident transcription.
[UNREADABLE] — areas of severe fading or smudging where text is entirely indecipherable.
[NOTE: The document appears to be a historical Portuguese official dispatch from the colonial era, referencing legal jurisdiction in Shao-King (likely a historical rendering of a location in China, possibly Shaoxing or another phonetically similar toponym) and addressed to the Minister and Secretary of State for Maritime and Overseas Affairs. The reference to the Prefect of Caulão (modern Coloane, Macau) underscores the administrative dynamics between Portuguese colonial authorities in Macau and adjacent regions in southern China during the period.]
{{PAGE:71}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
In D. Mafé,
Bishop of Macau,
currently in Rome; must
telegraph him regarding
the matter
{{PAGE:72}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Portuguese Chargé d'Affaires in Rome
By designation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I am authorised to transfer aeronautical jurisdiction without the simultaneous legal handover of Shandong being guaranteed by the Portuguese nationals present there.
20 June 1907 — [UNCERTAIN: signature]
[STAMP: "NATIONAL ARCHIVE OF THE HISTORY OF PORTUGAL"]
{{PAGE:73}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
GENERAL DIRECTORATE
OF
OVERSEAS PROPERTIES
—
6th Division
—
Certified true copy
made on
20 June 1907
To the 1st Division
Telegram received from Macau
dated 20 June 1907
Bishop departed for Rome and May. (As.) Government.
[ILLEGIBLE: approx. 10 characters]
Doc. No. 172 — October 1906 — 3,000 copies
1ST DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF OVERSEAS PROPERTIES
2nd Section
No. 8
[UNREADABLE]
June 1907
1347 — NATIONAL PRINTING OFFICE — 1906–1907
{{PAGE:74}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Copy
No. 24864 — Most Illustrious and Reverend Lord —
I am pleased to inform Your Most Illustrious and Reverend Lordship that, in accordance with the written and verbal negotiations previously conducted concerning the exchange of territories between your Diocese and the Apostolic Vicariate of Canton, it has now been settled that upon Your Lordship’s return to Macao, the Apostolic Vicar of Canton—either personally or through a duly appointed delegate—shall enter into agreement with Your Lordship, so that without further delay the Prefecture of Lido-King (Chao-King) may be transferred to your Diocese, in exchange for the island of Hui-man being ceded to the said Vicariate. The Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith will issue corresponding instructions to the Vicar Apostolic accordingly.
In the meantime, I seize this opportunity to express my most sincere esteem, and to remain,
Your Most Illustrious and Reverend Lordship’s
Servant in Christ.
Rome, 19 July 1907
Monsignor Giovanni Battista Padiglione Castro e Oliveira
Bishop of Macao
(A) Cardinal Merry del Val
Conform to the original.
Rome, 20 July 1907
P. António Maria de Moraes Sarmento
Secretary to His Excellency the Lord Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:75}}
--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
--- TRANSLATION ---
The transcription of the original archival document could not be completed due to validation failure caused by excessive repetition or spurious content generation detected during processing. This may indicate issues with the source material, such as damaged text, illegible passages, or repetitive administrative formulae commonly found in colonial bureaucratic records. Further review using alternative imaging or transcription methods is recommended for accurate scholarly analysis.
{{PAGE:76}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
The sale, which occurred during the course of negotiations concerning two houses in Flor-Flor, indicates that these properties did not belong to the Haiman mission. They had been acquired with funds sent from Macau by Bishop Medeiros and had always been administratively attached to the mission’s administration; however, the Bishop of Macau, acting formally and in the name of said Administration in his official correspondence, confirmed their sale for 12,000 patacas. Regarding this matter, the Minister referred to the question of indemnification, submitting it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Furthermore, in the most recent dispatch—specifically, a copy of the letter received from Rome dated 20 July—the Bishop indicated, in his latest communication, without further elaboration, the sum involved. Our Minister in Paris has accordingly informed the French Government that there is no grounds for dispute, as the matter has been definitively settled by the Holy See in such a manner that neither challenge nor delay can be permitted regarding the execution of the decree concerning the exchange of jurisdictions.
Given that the Bishop of Macau, in the aforementioned letter of 20 July, announced his arrival in Lisbon at the beginning of the current month, he should be consulted immediately upon his arrival regarding the note from the French Government, in order to provide the clarifications requested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
23 August 1907
Z. Crist
[UNCERTAIN: conjecture]
{{PAGE:77}}
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{{PAGE:79}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political
and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
Portuguese Embassy in France.
Document prepared in reference to despatch No.
Copy: Extract — Despatch from
Fonza Moza, Chief of the Portuguese Mission.
Paris, 13 February 1907 — Despatch to the
Minister.
With regard to the allocation matter, after having complied with the orders of Rome concerning
the exchange of the Hainan district with the Tehao-Shing district (excluding
the three sub-prefectures of Shun-tach,
San-nin and San-li, which were not included),
it was agreed in principle that compensation should be provided to offset any
difference in value between the property belonging to the French mission in
Tehao-Shing and that of the Portuguese mission in Hainan;
the amount of this compensation was to be determined by an inventory drawn up
locally by delegates appointed by both bishops and signed by their respective names. This
inventory revealed a difference in value of
41,073 piastres between the assets
{{PAGE:80}}
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{{PAGE:81}}
- 12. S. Pichon. — Certified as correct.
- Paris, 20 July 1907.
- 13. Bartholomeu Ferreira.
Certified as correct. Political Affairs Division,
26 June 1907.
José Duarte Correia Júnior
Secretary of the Legation
[STAMP: ULTRAMARINE HISTORICAL ARCHIVE]
{{PAGE:82}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
—
General Directorate
of Political
and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
Copy
Portuguese Legation in France – No. 444 – Paris,
19 July 1904 – IIIrd month and mid-month, Sirs — In accordance with the instructions received from Your Excellency in the directive of 15 June, I requested the intervention of this Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the aim of preventing French authorities from placing obstacles in the way of implementing the agreement concerning the exchange of ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the district of Tchao-King for that of Hainan Island. Having set out to Mr. Pichon all the circumstances referenced in the documents transmitted to me by Your Excellency, the Minister promised to intervene in the matter and to provide a response following consultation with the Apostolic Prefect of Canton, who had arrived in Europe from France and was en route to Rome, where he would return within three days. The Minister has recently sent me the note which I had the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, on the occasion of which Mr. Pichon stated that the impediment to the execution of the agreement lies in the Bishop of Macau’s refusal to pay the indemnity arising from the inventories drawn up by the delegates of both parties.
{{PAGE:83}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
statements regarding the value of the properties belonging to their
respective missions. These inventories showed
the properties of the French mission to have a
value exceeding that of the Portuguese mission by
41,073 patacas. It was understood that should this sum be found
excessive in any way, there would be full restitution of the
latter amount. After receiving this note, I again approached Messrs. Pichon to ascertain
whether the Bishop of Macao had indeed
undertaken an obligation to pay the higher indemnity,
to which the Minister replied that this had been agreed upon with the Prefect-Apostolic
of Canton, and that no other reason had motivated
the preparation and signing of the inventories by the delegates of the two bishops.
Under these circumstances, it does not appear possible to me
that the French Government would decide to intervene in this matter in any way.
— May God preserve Your Excellency. — H.M. Ex., Sir
Counsellor Luciano Morello, Minister of the State Secretariat for Foreign Affairs.
— (Signed) Leandro de Ladeira Tavares.
Certified as accurate = Republic of Ne-
{{PAGE:84}}
Political gazette of 26 July 1904.
José Deaarte Beltrano Júnior
Vice-Consul of Foreign Affairs
[UNCERTAIN: "ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO"]
{{PAGE:85}}
Please provide the historical text you would like translated into modern UK academic English. The system returned an error indicating that the input was invalid or malformed. Once you supply the actual archival transcription from the Portuguese colonial records, I will be able to assist with its accurate and contextually appropriate translation for academic use.
{{PAGE:86}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
concerning the French district.
2. The sale made by the Bishop of Macau, during the course of negotiations, of two properties belonging to the Portuguese mission at Hoi-how, which contributed to that significant discrepancy.
In response to the points raised with utmost urgency by Your Excellency, I have the honour to present the following counter-arguments:
1. It is not true that I ever accepted the principle of compensation for the difference in value arising from the inventories.
Indeed, the negotiations conducted between myself and the Prelate of Canton regarding the implementation of the pontifical decree lasted nearly one year, from 9 April 1906 to 20 March 1907. Up to the conclusion of the agreement on the execution of the decree, no mention was ever made of any form of indemnity, as may be verified throughout the entire correspondence exchanged between myself and Monsignor Mérel.
The terms of this agreement are set out in the official letter dated 16 August 1906 from the Prelate of Canton, which I shall reproduce below, following a brief explanation—
{{PAGE:87}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
(for better understanding).
This explanation is provided.
At the meeting between the delegates of Canton and the Bishop of Macau, held at the latter’s residence on 9th of that month, the Bishop of Macau, desiring to reach an agreement with the Prelate of Canton, committed himself to ceding to the said Prelate certain sub-districts located at the extreme boundary of the Sherr-ing district. In return, in addition to retaining the remainder of this district, he was to receive the sub-prefectures of Yeung-Kong, San-si, and San-zing to the west of the same district. Should this arrangement not be acceptable to Monseigneur Mérel, the Bishop of Macau wished instead for the implementation of the pontifical decree of 3 February 1903, as clarified by a declaration from the Holy See dated 16 March 1904.
It is stated that the Prelate of Canton, in his letter of 16 August, declared the agreement with his colleague to have been concluded, having first specified the terms of said agreement: "Pour faire suite aux conversations que Votre Grâce a bien voulu avoir avec les P.P."
{{PAGE:88}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
With regard to Fleureau and Gauthier and the matter of the exchange of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Hainan, I have the honour of informing Your Excellency that, of the two solutions proposed, I accept the one which best conforms to the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff. Our diocese will cede the island of Hainan to the Mission of Guangdong, and in compensation will take only the prefecture of Zhouding, excluding the sub-prefectures of Huntac, Sannui, and Sansing, in accordance with Decree No. 4345 dated 16 March 1904, which reflects the meaning of the decree issued by the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith on 3 February 1903.
It now remains to determine the date on which this exchange will take place, as well as the handover of the Christian communities and chapels. I shall take the liberty of sending Fathers Fleureau and Gauthier to consult with Your Excellency on this matter and to settle the issue definitively.
Not a word was said regarding indemnification following the establishment of the Apostolic Prefecture. On the contrary, according to the esteemed prelate, it is this jurisdiction itself that must provide compensation to the Bishop of Macau, and the
{{PAGE:89}}
This was agreed upon.
The agreement concerning the implementation of the papal decree was therefore reached; only the date for its execution remained to be fixed. Monsignor Merel stated that, forthwith and for this purpose, he would arrange for delegates to be sent from Macau.
These delegates did indeed arrive, accompanied by a letter from their prelate dated 3 September, in which no mention whatsoever was made regarding indemnities.
At the session held on this occasion, it was agreed as follows:
1st – that the papal decree be executed on the forthcoming 15 October;
2nd – that the districts be visited in advance by delegates from both jurisdictions, so as to review the inventories and become acquainted with the property belonging respectively to each Mission.
The delegates of the Prelate of Canton suggested that Macau should provide compensation to the Apostolic Prefecture, though such compensation ought to be limited to what certain of its missionaries had... [UNCLEAR: text breaks off]
{{PAGE:90}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
marines had disembarked to carry out works undertaken for the benefit of the missions. This was not a matter of any other confirmation, as the only one admissible is that indicated in the declaration of the Holy See of 16 March 1904, the implementation of which was under discussion and was to be issued by the Apostolic Prefecture to the Diocese of Macau.
Nevertheless, the Bishop of Macau declined to assent to the proposal, as will be seen from the reply he gave to the Prelate of Canton, to which the latter acceded without further comment.
Let us now examine the correspondence that prompted this response. On 8 September 1906, Monsignor Merel, Apostolic Prefect of Canton, wrote to the Bishop of Macau:
"I willingly subscribe to the decision of Your Excellency, whereby the date of 16 October next is set for the exchange of jurisdictions over Hainan and Luk-ling, in accordance with the decree of the Holy See dated 16 March 1904. As per your suggestion, a Father from your diocese"
{{PAGE:91}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
to visit the various Christian communities and to exchange views in order
to compile an assessment of these various Christian communities and
to determine what compensations might appropriately
be granted. With this aim, I take the liberty of sending, on behalf of Your Excellency, Father Garnthier,
requesting that you accredit him with the missionaries of Chinnan to carry out this visitation alongside them.»
It is evident here that the prelate of Cantato
accepted the two resolutions adopted jointly by
his delegates and the Bishop of Macau—regarding the date
for implementing the papal decree and the visitations
to be conducted in the districts. However, he was mistaken in stating that, according to the opinion of the Bishop of Macau, these missions would have a dual purpose: «dresser un état de ces diverses chrétientés et de juger des compensations qu'il conviendrait d'accorder» [to draw up an account of these various Christian communities and to assess the compensations which might be appropriate].
By my official correspondence of 2 October 1906,
in response to the foregoing, I pointed out the inaccuracy
of this assertion and restored the truth in the
following terms, which clearly indicate the purpose
for which I had proposed the inventories and what their intended scope was.
{{PAGE:92}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
rejected the idea of any indemnification whatsoever. "Everything in Hainan will be shown to Your Excellency’s delegate in the presence of an inventory drawn up by Father Pitta of all items. I request Your Excellency to instruct that a similar inventory be made at Shew-ing."
Nothing more was intended than to provide the missionaries with a means of becoming acquainted with the movable and immovable property of the missions which they were about to take over. Such was the purpose of these inventories.
As I have pointed out to Fathers Fleureau and Gauthier, I cannot pre-emptively commit to granting any indemnity to your missionaries, even on account of expenses they may have incurred in the service of the missions they administered. It seems to me that all such costs should properly be borne by those gentlemen themselves or by the ecclesiastical jurisdiction they represent. I have always held this view regarding Hainan, despite the substantial sums of money sent from Macao and those expended locally.
{{PAGE:93}}
drawn from their own resources for the construction projects they undertook and completed.
I have instructed Father Pitta (the superior in Mirão, Hainan) to prepare a detailed account of all these expenses and to include it in the inventory, solely with the intention of documenting what the Macao mission and its missionaries have spent on behalf of the Christians in Hainan—specifically on aid, buildings, and chapels—without any intention of claiming compensation for any of these expenditures. It was for a similar purpose that I requested Fathers P. T. Fleureau and Gauthier to add explanatory notes to the entries in the inventory of the Shao-King mission wherever appropriate, in order to record everything that was funded by the Canton mission and its esteemed and zealous missionaries. I believe this will be the best way to prevent doubts and disputes which might otherwise arise to the detriment of the great [UNCERTAIN: grande]
{{PAGE:94}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
matter under discussion.”
It would not have been possible to be clearer or more categorical in defining the purpose intended for the inventories, the significance of the figures to be included therein, and in distinguishing this from the purpose which Monsignor Merel Mes sought to attribute—since, were his interpretation to prevail, it would have had the most detrimental consequences for the implementation of our agreement. Endless disputes would arise, and it was precisely to prevent such issues that a firm barrier was established from the outset.
Monsignor Merel accepted this response, as evidenced by his letter of 11 October, in which he made no reply to the contrary; on the contrary, he stated that his delegate in Hainan would carry out the inventories in accordance with the instructions I had given to Father Pitta, and he did not mention compensation again.
This is evident from the tenor of that letter, in which express reference is made to my aforementioned letter of 24 October and to the instructions I therein stated I had provided to Father Pitta:
{{PAGE:95}}
The Reverend Father Pitta, who shall have full authority to return to Macau and bring back the sisters (the religious missionaries serving in Hainan).”
In his official correspondence, the Prelate of Canton not only concurred with the instructions issued by the Bishop of Macau regarding the preparation of inventories—as those had been explained and clarified by the latter in the dispatch to which the former was responding—but also outlined the plan to be followed until the final exchange of jurisdictions and the withdrawal of the respective missionary personnel from the missions. According to him, all arrangements would be carried out without either party being obliged to compensate the other for any discrepancies in asset valuations identified in the inventories.
In the subsequent negotiations conducted between myself and the Prelate of Canton—whether directly or through intermediaries among our missionaries—there was not a single word nor any action from which I could infer that the Prelate of Canton acknowledged
{{PAGE:96}}
justly entitled to any indemnities from my part so as to compensate for the discrepancies identified when comparing the inventories of the two missions. The mere fact of proposing and agreeing that inventories should be drawn up, with valuations not unfairly prejudicial to either party, does not entail an obligation or right to indemnities, particularly since there was no express and prior mutual declaration, accepted by both sides, that such inventories were to serve this specific purpose. Furthermore, the pontifical decree accepted by both prelates ordered the exchange of jurisdictions with the explicit exclusion of any obligation for indemnities between them.
It is highly appropriate, in order to complete my response to this section of the note, to reproduce here a passage from the Memorandum I submitted to the Secretariat of State at the Vatican on 13 June of the current year, in which I refuted an objection repeatedly raised by the Prelate of Canton. It reads as follows:
{{PAGE:97}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
This objection (concerning the disparity in assets and number of Christians) had already been refuted by the Bishop of Macau in his official letter of 7 March of the current year, written in response to another communication from the Prelate of Canton dated 4th of that month. What was stated at that time remains fully valid, as the Apostolic Prefect has offered no reply, confining himself merely to reiterating the same objection.
The Bishop of Macau wrote: “With regard to the disproportion which inventories reveal between Hainan and Shewing, both in terms of property and number of Christians, we have no grounds for comment, given that the Sovereign Pontiff, after mature examination of the matter and careful consideration of the arguments adduced on both sides—rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perspensis, as expressed in the decree of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith dated 3 February 1903—has ordered the exchange of the island of Hainan for the district of Shewring. Indeed, the decree is ‘absolute’; it imposes no conditions and requires no compensation. Jurisdiction…”
{{PAGE:98}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Exchange involves a territorial jurisdiction which, by its very nature, carries with it—alongside the territories—the Christian communities and all appurtenances belonging thereto.
The Decree makes no distinction among these elements.
How then can one seek to separate them in order to make them the subject of a separate agreement? Ubi lex non distinguat, nemo potest distinguere [Where the law does not distinguish, no one may distinguish].
Moreover, the Decree adds: ad instar praetationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874, in quo per Bullam dici 15 iunii supra dicta insula Hainan Macaoneni dioecesi adiuncta fuit [in imitation of the arrangement carried out in 1874, whereby by the Bull of 15 June mentioned above, the aforesaid island of Hainan was attached to the diocese of Macau].
Now, the Bull imposed no compensation whatsoever, and the island of Hainan in the year 1874 (or rather, in 1876, the year in which the Bull was actually implemented) passed into the jurisdiction of Macau without any demand for compensation being made by the Apostolic Prefecture of Kouang-Tong upon Macau, despite the property and chapels owned there by the French mission, and notwithstanding the number of Christians—which, according to authentic documents, amounted to 838 individuals.
{{PAGE:99}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
The minutes of the agreement concluded in Canton on 23 March 1816, for the implementation of the Bull, do not entail any indemnity; and the Prelate of Canton, Monsignor Guillemmin, in a letter dated 19 October 1816 addressed to the Superior of the Portuguese mission in Hainan, declares that he has no claims for compensation.
On the contrary—contrary to the assertions of Monsignor Merel—the compensation due should be paid to the Bishop of Macau. Indeed: first, he was required to cede the island of Hainan, which by concordatary right belonged to him, in order to accommodate a proposal from the French Government made with the intention of serving the interests of the Paris Foreign Missions Society; it was therefore he who held the rightful claim to compensation. Second, this is precisely what the Holy See expressly ordered, as evidenced by the declaration of 16 March 1904: “The Holy See has declared that the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao, in compensation for the cession of the island of Hainan, is to be extended to the district of Chao-King.”
{{PAGE:100}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Monsignor Merel was aware of this decision of the Holy See, as he reproduced it in his letter of 25 July 1906 and indicated his conformity therewith, declaring to me, with regard to the same matter, that he was humble and absolutely submissive to the orders of the Holy See. In his letter of 16 August—already reproduced here—he presented the agreement reached with me concerning the implementation of the provisions set forth in the Decree of 3 February 1903, as clarified by that declaration. It was likewise to this decision that he referred when he communicated, both by telegram and subsequently in a report, to the Government of the Republic the agreement concluded with the Bishop of Macau, which, according to him, concerned the execution of the Decree of the Congregation for thePropagation of the Faith of 3 February 1903, as explained by the rescript of 16 March 1904, and nothing further.
For my part, I could not undertake the commitment to provide such indemnification to the Apostolic Prefecture, as this would lead us beyond the scope defined by the pontifical decisions accepted by the two governments of Lisbon and Paris.
{{PAGE:101}}
I would not have acted without the consent and approval of the superior authorities.
Monsignor Aberel was fully aware of this, as I had on more than one occasion explicitly informed him and made clear that I would undertake nothing beyond the strict execution of Rome’s decisions without the assent and approval of both the Government and the Holy See. This declaration is particularly recorded in my official dispatch of 8 May 1906, issued at the very beginning of the negotiations established between us.
Therefore, once agreement had been reached regarding the implementation of the pontifical decree of 3 February 1903, as clarified by the declaration of 16 March 1904, no further matter was entertained other than carrying out the Roman decisions; any other consideration was ipso facto set aside.
I am in possession of documents—most of them written and signed by Monsignor Aberel—which clearly substantiate all that I have thus far affirmed, and I may freely challenge anyone to produce evidence to the contrary.
{{PAGE:102}}
a single document written or signed by me in which I undertook to indemnify the Apostolic Prefecture for the discrepancies in value indicated by the inventories.
2. Regarding the sale carried out by the Bishop of Hainan during the course of negotiations, concerning two properties in Ho-i-how, this objection had already been refuted by me in my official communication of 31 December 1906 addressed to Monsignor Oferel, in response to another letter from the said Prelate dated 17 December of the same month and year, as well as in a Memorandum duly documented and presented in Rome on 13 June of the current year to the Secretariat of State of the Vatican.
The argument is reiterated, but without adducing a single reason capable of invalidating what has already been stated and proven to the contrary. Among other points previously communicated to Monsignor Oferel was the following:
«La mission d’Hainan n’avait rien à voir à ces deux maisons. Elle appartenait à l’administra...»
{{PAGE:103}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
the diocese of Macau in the same manner as
many others we possess in Hong Kong and in
Singapore. Father Pitta (Superior of the Mission), in transferring these properties, acted not in his capacity
as a missionary of Hainan, but as procurator of the administration of Macau.”⁷
These houses had been acquired with
funds sent from Macau by the Bishop of the
Diocese, Dom António de Medeiros, just as numerous others had previously
been acquired in Hong Kong and Singapore—properties which, until that time, no one had ever thought to claim for the local missions. Like those in the other cities, the houses in Hainan had always been rented out under the management of the diocesan administration and had never served any other purpose. This was well known to everyone in Hainan.
The inventory of Hainan’s assets, drawn up in April 1905 by the Superior of the Mission—which I have attached as a document to the memoir I presented in Rome—lists these houses as belonging to the diocesan administration of Macau. In the episcopal curia, the rental income
{{PAGE:104}}
Of these properties, written documentation existed stating that they belonged to that administration. In the name of this administration, the properties were sold in June 1906, and a receipt for the sum of $12,000 patacas—the total amount received from the sale—was issued and signed in Macau by the Bishop acting as president of said administration. A draft or specimen copy of this receipt had been sent from Hainan at the request of the purchaser, who required that document for his own security and would not accept the version offered by the Superior of the Mission. This draft was also enclosed by me, together with the memorandum dated 13 June of the current year, which I presented in Rome at the Vatican Secretariat of State.
It is pertinent here to note a highly significant circumstance. While the diocesan administration of Macau proceeded to sell the two houses it owned in Ho-how on the grounds that they were its rightful property, it did not even consider selling the buildings of two asylums constructed by Portuguese missionaries only a short time previously—even as recently as the period following the establishment of the administration itself.
{{PAGE:105}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
negotiations for the exchange of jurisdictions—one in Kiang-Chow, capital of the island, and another in Seom-tui-san—had commenced. However, this was not carried out despite substantial financial subsidies having been sent from Macau for this purpose, since a considerable portion—indeed, a considerable portion—of these works were undertaken with the aid of funds collected by missionaries within their respective localities and on land belonging to the local mission.
None of my assertions is contested, as they are all grounded in public documents which interested parties may consult, should they so wish, and which may be corroborated by the testimony of certain priests who have rendered significant services to the Diocese of Macau. These include the Most Reverend Father Francisco Pedro Gonzalves, former Vicar General of the Bishopric of Macau, now resident in Lisbon; the former missionaries and superiors of the Hainan Mission, Father José Vicente Costa, also resident in Lisbon, Father José Manuel Diegas, currently residing in Bragança, and Father Anacleto Cortim Garcez, parish priest.
{{PAGE:106}}
In Val de Cavalos.
In view of the physical exertion involved, and more as a matter of principle, it is affirmed that the Bishop of Macau has no obligation to make any indemnity whatsoever to the Prelate of Canton, either in respect of discrepancies in the valuation of inventories or regarding the sale of houses which did not belong to the Fainan Mission. Consequently, the pontifical decree ordering the exchange of jurisdictions in Fainan and Showing must be carried out by both prelates—not only because they are bound thereto with the consent of both governments, but also because the Holy See has recently decided as much in a rescript dated 19 July 1907.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Lisbon, 19 August 1907
I affirm,
M. Dr. Sr. Counsellor
Director-General of the Overseas Ministry
+João Paulino Taveira da Costa
Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:107}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political
and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
Lisbon, 10 April 1908
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
27 13 APRIL 1908
Ref. No. 1846
With reference to the matter addressed in the despatch from this Ministry dated 5 September of last year, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency an enclosed copy of the Note delivered by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to our representative in Paris, concerning the exchange of ecclesiastical jurisdictions between Haiyan and Shaoxing.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Yours faithfully and obedient servant,
Minister and Secretary of State for Macau and Overseas Territories
[UNCERTAIN: possibly "Off. in Bairro de Almeida"]
21-4-1908
[UNREADABLE]
1ST DIVISION
OF THE 8TH
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
2nd Section
File No. 121
14 April 1908
[UNCERTAIN: possibly "Agree that a certified copy of the above Note be sent to the Minister of Overseas Territories for his information."]
15-4-1908
2nd Cat.
Signature
of
Neves Barreto Leite
{{PAGE:108}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political and Diplomatic Affairs
Portuguese Legation in France — Document
accompanying Despatch No. 184 — Ministère des
Affaires Étrangères — To His Excellency the Count of Louiza
Lopes, etc. etc. etc. — Paris, 18 March 1908. — Monsieur le
Comte. — By your despatch of 24 December last,
we have been assured that no agreement has been reached
regarding the matter of the exchange between the
dioceses of Béziers and Cantal of the apostolic jurisdiction
of Aix-en-Provence and that of the district of Thaon-king. In order to comply with the desire you expressed,
our department has instructed Monsignor Meirel
to confirm unreservedly and without modification
the decrees issued by the Holy See concerning
the exchange of the aforementioned districts. (details, etc. etc.)
[signed] — L. Lichori — This is confirmed — Legation
of His Majesty in Paris, 20 March 1908
(or) Francisco Daimitella de Sanfrazo —
This is confirmed — Division of Political Affairs,
10 April 1908
[Signature illegible]
[Seal: NATIONAL ARCHIVE – PORTUGAL]
{{PAGE:109}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Copy
Circular
No. 11-4-8
Your Eminence,
D'Urb°: please attach to the file.
I find myself once again absent from my diocese, where I had expected to have returned some time ago.
Unfortunately, the matter concerning Hainman and Sheu-ing continues to drag on, keeping me in Europe due to the difficulties persistently caused by unjust claims made by the Prelate of Canton.
Indeed, Bishop Mevel, who had come to Rome to personally handle this same affair, seeing all his efforts fail in the face of the supreme decision obliging him to comply with the decree of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Propaganda Fide) of 3 February 1943, declared on 16 March 1944 that he left this city in the first half of last July to proceed to Paris. There, thanks to the favourable reception granted him by the government of his own country, he has managed to delay the execution of Rome’s orders!
Truly, in a diplomatic note addressed to the representative of Portugal in France,
{{PAGE:110}}
The Minister of Foreign Affairs has repeated the same demand previously made by Monsignor Méril—which I have already refuted before Your Excellency—regarding a certain indemnity which, according to him, I may be obliged to pay in order to compensate for the difference in value of property belonging to Christians in the two districts in question.
In response to the assertions contained in the French minister’s note, I submitted my reply dated 19 August last, demonstrating that the Bishop of Canton has no right to demand any indemnity from me, as neither the nature of the matter, nor the decisions of Rome, nor any agreement between the two ecclesiastical authorities can be invoked to justify such a claim.
On the contrary:
a) The matter in question is, according to the wording of the Decree, a "delimitatio confinium". In substance, it amounts solely to an exchange of jurisdiction between the Bishop of Macau and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton concerning certain territories within the said districts.
{{PAGE:111}}
jurisdictions, the Christians residing therein, and the movable and immovable property belonging to them.
Only the jurisdiction itself changes; everything else—territories, Christians, and property—remains, on each side, exactly where it was and in the same condition as previously.
The delimitatio confinium brings about no other substantial change, as the supreme act ordering it does not authorise any further effect.
Moreover, neither the bishop nor the apostolic prefect possesses the authority to act otherwise, without the explicit authority of the Holy See.
Indeed, with regard specifically to ecclesiastical goods, the Church’s law—and particularly the law currently in force in mission territories—contains provisions stipulating that neither Bishops nor Apostolic Vicars may dispose of such property without the permission of the Holy See (De rebus ecclesiae alienandis vel non).
{{PAGE:112}}
III. 4. Extract from the Decree of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, no. 3 (Letter from the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, 28 July 1731, 27 August 1832, 18 October 1883).
All these provisions clearly contradicted the compensation in question, since neither the Bishop nor the Apostolic Prefect was authorised to dispose of the property belonging to the Church or the Mission.
b) The Decree of 3 February 1903, which ordered the delimitation of territories between the Diocese of Macao and the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton, stipulated that this should be carried out "in accordance with the arrangement made in 1874, in which, by the Bull of 15 June..., the Island of Hainan was united to the said diocese." At that time, however, the annexation was implemented and Hainan passed under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao without any compensation being provided to the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton. The Apostolic Prefect at the time himself declared that no indemnity could be claimed from the assets belonging to the Mission. As for the declaration of 16 March 1904, it me...
{{PAGE:113}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
said nothing, in accordance with the doctrine of authority.
Decree.
C) Regarding agreements between the Bishop of Macao and the Apostolic Vicar, the following is the case: 1° Firstly, it was agreed that the Decree of 3 February 1903, as clarified by the declaration of 16 March 1904, would be implemented, with 15 October 1906 set as the date for this implementation; 2° It was further agreed to conduct inventories of the Christian communities, so that each party might more clearly ascertain the condition and extent of those communities which would belong to them following the exchange then being carried out. However, when the question arose concerning financial indemnity to compensate for discrepancies in the value of property as revealed by the inventories, the Bishop of Macao immediately made a formal and explicit declaration to the delegates of the Prelate of Canton, stating that he would commit himself to neither give nor demand any compensation on account of such differences in valuation. And from the very first time the Apostolic Prelate raised this matter in writing with the Bishop,
[UNCERTAIN: possible continuation or omission]
{{PAGE:114}}
From Macao, the latter replied in the first instance and at the same time provided explanations which the President of Canton accepted without objection, appearing rather to align himself with the opinion of the Bishop of Macao—and this (a circumstance worthy of note) well before the missionaries from Léques proceeded to the districts where they were to carry out their inventory duties. Indeed, to clearly demonstrate his full agreement with his colleague’s position, Monsignor Marel wrote that the inventories would be conducted in accordance with the instructions issued by the Bishop of Macao—by “our instructions,” as he put it. The original texts of the letters exchanged on both sides exist and may be reproduced as evidence of the truth, should this be required.
Unfortunately, this President appears to have forgotten his promises and everything that had been solemnly agreed between him and myself; and in his obstinacy, he has gone so far as to provoke me into seeking the intervention of the French government—a matter which had already been definitively settled.
{{PAGE:115}}
soul, to serve as an instrument for its unjust
claims derived from the Portuguese government,
in order to prevent or hinder the execution of
the orders issued by the Holy See.
The inventories! These are the sole foundation upon which the French government relies in demanding payment of the indemnity.
Yet remarkably—and as can easily be verified—the inventories signify nothing, either in themselves or against me, in support of such a claim. Even if these documents contained all the evidence one might desire to prove such an obligation, they would still lack reference to the prior agreement concluded between the Bishop of Macao and the Apostolic Prefect.
Now, as I have already stated, the terms of that agreement are entirely contrary to any claim for indemnity; and neither Bishop Mesel, nor his delegates, nor the French government will ever be able to demonstrate that the agreement favours their position.
The government in Paris further maintains
{{PAGE:116}}
The instrument of the Prefect of Canton, employed in pressing
an accusation that has already been refuted on multiple occasions.
The sale of two houses, constructed by the Bishops of Macao upon land
purchased at their own expense—land which in no way belonged to the local mission
of Hainan—continues to be exploited with the intent
of placing the Bishop of Macao in an unfavourable and undignified position,
and of obstructing the resolution of this matter.
Having already refuted this allegation, I refrain from elaborating further,
particularly as it is rather for Mr Aberel to demonstrate
that the Bishop of Macao lacked the right to dispose of properties
which did not belong to the local Hainan mission.
Until such time as the Apostolic Prefect can prove this,
it will be entirely futile for him to persist in advancing so unjust an accusation. |
| fulltext_transcription | {{PAGE:1}}
1ª Repartição
Macau
Processo acerca do acordo celebrado entre o Bispo de
Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente
à troca de jurisdições sobre a ilha de Hainam e o distri-
to de Shao-King (ou Sheu-ing).
Ano de 1907
{{PAGE:2}}
SECRETARIA D'ESTADO
dos Negocios
da Marinha e Ultramar
Direcção Geral do Ultramar
1.ª Repartição
2.ª Secção
N.º
S. Ex.ª o Ministro concorda.
16 de V. de 1907
Morty
O bispo de Macau, dando conta
da opposição ultimamente feita pelo
prefeito apostólico de Cantão à realisa-
ção do acordo sobre a troca de jurisdic-
ção na ilha de Formosa e no districto
de Shao-king, pediu em officio de 8 de
fevereiro último que, pelo Ministério
dos negócios estrangeiros, fossem dadas
provvidências para que tanto junto do Go-
verno de Paris, como junto da Santa Sé,
se não levantem dúvidas que possam
causar embarasses à prompta execução
do decreto pontifício de 16 de março de 1904.
Torne depois receber-se um telegrama
do prelado pedindo licença para
vir ao seu, via Roma, a fim de tratar
directamente do assumpto perante a
Santa Sé'.
No incluso officio de 2 d' abril ele
tem agraciar o ter-lhe sido concedida
aquella licença e renova o pedido das
dúbidas providencias, feito no anterior
officio de 8 de fevereiro.
O facto de o prelado resolver ir
a Roma tratar da questão, fez com que
esta Rep. nada informasse sobre o pe-
dido, mas, em vista da sua instância,
s' de parecer que se remetta como cópia
do officio de 8 de fevereiro ao Ministerio dos
negócios estrangeiros solicitando a expedi-
ção dos despachos necessários ao nosso
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Offício aos eliminados
dos Negócios Estrangeiros
ano 25 - 5-1907.
[ILLEGIBLE: ~3 chars]
[UNREADABLE]
{{PAGE:3}}
representante em Paris e ao Embaixador junto à Santa Sé para procurar
sem remover quaisquer dificuldades
que ainda se levantem sobre o assumpto.
Em 14-5-907.
Z. Cust
{{PAGE:4}}
GOVERNO ECCLESIASTICO
DA
DIOCESE DE MACAU
N.º 27
ULTRAMAR
15 MAIO 1907
Rep. N.º 149
Mano e bem-aventurado Senhor
Tenho a honra d'aceuar a recepção
dos officios de V. Leça de 11 d'intubro e 17 de dezembro
ultimos dando-me eminência das enumerações
recebidas pelo Ministério dos Negócios
Estrangeiros, de S. Reia o Ministro Portuguez em
Paris, acerca do acordo celebrado entre mim e
o Sr. Prefeito e Apostolico de Cantão relativamente
à Tríce da jurisdição sobre a ilha de Hainan
e o distrito de Shao - king (ou Shew - ing).
Effectivamente entre mim e os delegados
daquele Prelado, após variás e demoradas
conferencias a que de propósito vieram por
diferentes vezes a Macau, resolviu-se prove-
dermos à execução do Decreto da Propaganda
de 3 de fevereiro de 1903, conforme o suplicem o
Decreto Pontifício de 16 de março de 1904.
Em pretindia, em seu passado officio
figurou ao Governo de Sua Magestade, que a Tríce
de Hainan viessem para a jurisdição de
Macau, além do distrito de Shao - king, alguns
sub-prefeituras ao sul d'este, e sustentou esta
pretensão ainda depois dos suplices e actos
dados pela Santa Sé ao decreto de 3 de fevereiro,
porque o Prelado de Cantão se mostrava disposto a entrar
num acordo comigo sobre uma diferente
delimitação. Mas afinal desisti, porque aquele
Prelado não me cedia o que eu reclamava, e a
Tríce do que me queria ceder, pretendia que eu
lhe cedesse, além da ilha de Hainan, a melhor
parte do distrito que os Decretos da Santa Sé
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
Macau N.º 39
18 de Março...do 1907
{{PAGE:5}}
Savam a Macau!
Convencidos de que não podíamos chegar
a um acordo, tomámos, na derradeira conferência
celebrada em 4 de setembro último, aquella
resolução: — a ilha de Hainan passaria desde
logo para a jurisdição do Prefeito Apostólico
de Cantão e o distrito de Shao - Kung (Shew - iug)
viria para a jurisdição efectiva do Bispo
de Macau. Além d'isto ficou - se o mando d'outubro
para uma nova reunião em que se faria a
recepção entrega dos territórios permitados
e se lavraria e assinaria o competente auto,
devendo logo a seguir a este acto os missionários
franceses abandonar o distrito de Shew - iug e o
pessoal da missão portuguesa a ilha de Hainan.
Foi este o acordo que o Prefeito de Cantão
disse em telegramma para Paris ter sido celebrado
entre mim e elle, e que depois replicou em releitura.
E' este também o acordo a que se refere o nosso
digno representante junto do Governo da República
francesa nas encomunicações feitas para o Minis-
terio dos Negócios Estrangeiros.
Cumpre - me dizer à S. Se. que desiste
da minha pretensão a obter uma maior compra
para pela esmola da ilha de Hainan por
várias razões: 1º. o Decreto pontifício de 16 de
março de 1904 replicando o de 3 de fevereiro
num sentido restricto para mim, não me per-
mitir reclamar outros territórios além do dis-
trito de Shew - iug; 2º. ao decorrer das negociações
{{PAGE:6}}
entabuladas por mim e o Prelado de Cantão para chegarmos a um acordo sobre uma nova delimitação, convencei-me, como já disse, da impossibilidade de, por este meio, revindicaremos a posse de quaisquer Territórios dos nossos Padroados actualmente sob a jurisdição dos Padres dos Missionários Estrangeiros de Paris; 3º. hoje estão em pleno conhecimento de que mais emitem ao Real Padroado o Distrito de Shao-King do que a ilha de Hainan por vários razões: a) é muito mais próximo de Macau, a um dia de viagem apenas, e dito acima; b) é muito mais populosa, c) tem muito maior número de cristãos, e muitos filhos descendentes d'antigas famílias chamadas ao Cristianismo por nossos missionários, e d) possui mais e melhores espaços e residências para missionários.
Apesar de terem decorrido anais de três meses depois da época fixada para a entrega definitiva dos territórios permitidos, ainda esta se não celebra. É desida esta demora até fixado acerte entre mim e o Prelado de Cantão que missionários das duas jurisdições iriam antes visitar os lugares de Inhazat para Sarcus e tomarem conhecimento por meio d'incidentários do que houvesse nos diferentes lugares.
Tez-se visto em Hainan onde os nossos missionários procederam cavalheiramente para em o enviado do Sul. Prefeito Apostólico, recebendo esse meu exemplar do inventário arquivado por ele e pelo Superior dos missionários portugueses
{{PAGE:7}}
que a toda a parte o aemphianhor.
Em Shao-King não tem sido fácil
fazer-se entretanto fir sauer de certa appreçiaçãõ
da parte d'alguns christãos, de fímea infurtançia
ma realidade, mas a que os missionários francêzes,
para seu fíno, pretendeu dar grande vulto.
Não quero affirmar que sejam elles os
promotores dessa appreçiação, e' forem evidente
que d'ella são connivientes, como já o declarei a
Monsenhor o Prefeito e Spirituoso.
O clero de Cantão não recebeu de bom
grado o Decreto de 3 de fevereiro de 1903, e agora
que se trata da execuçãõ d'elle, proveera fortes
os meios infidel-a ou pelo menos difficuldal-a.
Bastara dizer a V. E. que desde a publicaçãõ
d'aquelle decreto é sua causa d'elle já foi
um dos padres de Cantão por duas vezes a'
Europa!
Por duas vezes depois que se resolven entre
min e os delegados da Prefeitura, o que acima
deixe, mandei missionários de Macau a Cantão
em distrito a Shao-King, para que se cumprisse
ali a clausula do nosso accordo. Da primeira vez
o missionário não passou de Cantão, sendo despedido
a pretensão de que por Naiuan é que seria começar
a visita! Da segunda vez foi o Missionário até
Shew-king, e apóit do districto, mas retornou-se
immediatamente sem de modo tomar embelecimento,
porque se viu insultado por um bando de mulheres
na presença e junto da casa do missionário do lugar,
{{PAGE:8}}
GOVERNO ECCLESIASTICO
DA
DIOCESE DE MACAU
N.°
[Seal: Circular stamp with text "GOVERNO ECCLESIASTICO DA DIOCESE DE MACAU" and a central emblem]
Senhor que este fizesse a menos diligência para pôr termo a tais insultos!
Protestei energicamente durante o Senhor Inquisidor Apostólico contra este modo de proceder, tanto menos digno quanto Monsenhor me havia prometido fazer acompanhar o missionário Português por um padre missionário, seu delegado, que o fizesse respeitar, e não cumprir o que prometera, pois sem vez d’un padre autorizado mas sim um aluno do seu seminarista!
Ultimamente, no dia 28 de janeiro, para ali mandei o Superior da Diocese de Hainane, P. Manuel José Pitta, que de propósito chamei para o suceder d’essa missão.
De diferentes pontos nos tem sido escrito dando-me embelecimento do modo como tem sido recebido, promettendo estar de regresso em Macau no princípio de março.
Devo dizer a V. S. E. que cada vez mais se evidencia a sua desfeição dos missionários franceses entre nós, e digo francamente, porque da parte do Missionário Chine, único que há no distrito, missionário muito bem e muito prudente, tem sido o nosso missionário muito bem recebido, e na sua christandade nenhuma apreensão sofreu o nosso.
Parece que V. S. E. se empenha de que nada sejamos quistando, mas neste termos dos missionários franceses de Cantão, bastará notar os seguintes factos:
{{PAGE:9}}
1º. Os dois missionários europeus que há no distrito para não terem que ajudar o nosso missionário na vizinha que ia ali fazer, retiraram-se para Shanghai e d'ali para o Japão, deixando abundantes aos cristãos, e isto definiu do seu Prelado, em resposta ao meu protesto, que havia assegurado que ao nosso missionário dariam todo o apoio para que a nova vizinha fosse coroada de bom suceso.
2º. Um desses missionários, aliás muito bom sacerdote, é pessoalmente interessado em que se não faça a troca, porque há bastantes anos missionaria na capital do distrito e ali tem despendido dinheiro sem ma construção de duas igrejas. Ora eu já havia lhe ouvido de boa fonte, que por esta razão, ouviu custava ao elero de Cantão a essência d'aquela parte do distrito. Conheci muito durante os meios anos que celebrámos o encontro em que aquela parte do distrito mais sabiões da jurisdição do Sr. Pufilo e Montolico de Cantão. Tivés frij plástamente nos seus cristãos sujeitos a esse tal missionário que se manifestou apoiador da parte dos cristãos.
3º. O Sr. Pufilo e Montolico, em lugar de fazer acompanhar d'esta última vez o nosso missionário foi um padre que cumpriria o que me prometera, mas com ele o Sr. Tourquet, isto é, aquele missionário que desde meado de 1903, já foi por duas vezes à Europa para vir se conseguir a derogação do Decreto de 3 de
{{PAGE:10}}
Foi o que sucedeu, fingindo aquele pacerdote, representante do Poderado de Cantão, numa cristandade que o seu missionário havia abandonado, ignorar que em tais circunstâncias o seu dever era procurar o Mandariam local, para se fugir respeitar e obedecer, e não encontrar que mais nenhuma vez fosse subjugado e insultado o missionário Portuguez!
Logo que o Sr. Felta regressasse a Macau, deve ter lugar, conforme foi regulado entre mim e Monsenhor Tufioto Apostolado de Cantão, o acto final da recíproca entrega dos territórios permutados.
É possível que este Poderado venha com novas pretensões para protelar ainda por mais tempo esta malfeita questão.
Não há fizerem motivo serio para que seja atendido. O receio da apontaria dos cristãos de que pretendessem tirar partido, é infundado, como já lhes ouvirei, para não dizer fingido. Porque os cristãos que há em todo o distrito são pouco mais de 2:000 e acham-se distribuídos por quinze cristandades, em duas das quais
{{PAGE:11}}
apenas se tem manifestado alguma oposição,
e nela pelo modo que em já disse
Espero que o Governo do Real Padroeiro
pelo Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros,
dê as necessárias providências para que tanto
junto do Governo de Paris como junto da Santa Sé,
não se levantem dúvidas que possam causar
embaraços à prompta execução dos Decretos.
Oportunamente informarei o Governo
de Sua Majestade de quaisquer ocorrências que
mereçam ser tomadas em consideração
D. M. Guerreiro a V. R. C.
Fazenda Universal em Macau, 8 de Fevereiro de 1907
Muitos respeitos. Senhor
Comissário Diretor Geral
do Ministério do Ultramar.
+João Pardini e Vasconcelos Correia
Bispo de Macau.
{{PAGE:12}}
GOVERNO ECCLESIASTICO
DA
DIOCESE DE MACAU
N.º 70.
Mmo e Re. Senhor
ULTRAMAR
6 MAIO 1907
Rep. N.º 291
A cópia não
deve a entrada
Das
Não veio à entrada
para o T repartir
a cópia a que se
refere este officio
11-5-1907.
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 60
11 de Maio de 1907
Em meu officio de 8 de fevereiro
último para a Sua Direcção Geral do Ultramar
prometi informar o Governo de qualquer ocorrência
sugestiva de movimento relativamente à questão
de Haiman e Sheo-King.
É o que venho fazer, bastante mal
impressionado pelo procedimento inesperado
que bem que previsto do Prelado de Cantão.
O P. Fetta deu finalmente por
terminada a sua visita ao Distrito de Sheo-King
onde se demorou um mês, visitando quase todas
as cristandades d'alguma importância. Tudo
lhe correu bem, sendo bem recebido em toda
a parte, a não ser em duas cristandades,
onde, como já referi no dito meu officio, só
figuravam algumas mulheres. Para se averiguar
o que vale esta oposição bastará dizer que os
duas outras
cristandades apenas contam, segundo documentos
autênticos fornecidos pela Prefeitura Apostólica,
numa 148 cristãos, e outra 185, homens, mulheres,
velhos, crianças, novos e mechos cristãos
(estes últimos são afficcionados à Igreja
Portuguesa)!
O P. Fetta regressou a Macau sem
{{PAGE:13}}
que o Tratado de Cantão me dissesse, como ele
tinha pedido, onde e quando convinha nos
reunirmos para a decisão final.
Incluído fui mim em meu officio de
8 do corrente ao qual eu o enviava a reunir-
se comigo em Hongkong em uns dos dias próxi-
mos antes da Semana Santa, respondeu-me
15 dias depois, em officio que junto vos copia,
declarando-me contrariamente ao compromisso
comigo tomado, que não procedia a execução
das decretos pontifícios pelas razões que allega,
(que não passam de vãos pretextos já por mim
dante, não refutados todos) sem consultar de
novo a Santíssima!!
No dia imediato aquelle em que
recebi este officio, telegraphiei para o. Ministro
do Ultramar, dando-lhe parte d'Esta ocor-
rência e pedindo licença para ir ao reiço pas-
sando pela cidade de Roma e levar consigo o
meu secretario.
Felizmente no dia 28 recebi a deejada
resposta ao meu telegramma em a licença me
dida. Muito agradeço a V. Excia o Ter-se Signado
deferir ao meu pedido, pois acho que em quanto
eu não for pessoalmente tratar esta questão
{{PAGE:14}}
que tanto me tem dado que fazer, ella será sempre
protelada, em grave prejuízo nosso e das nossas
missões.
Oportunamente em relatório que pretendo fazer, refiroi todos os seus promenores.
Entretanto, renovo o que em meu supracitado
officio pedi, a saber: que se previnam a tempo
os representantes de Portugal em Paris e junto da
Santa Sé para que procurem evitar novas complicações e embarraços que provientura se pretenda levantar a execução dos Decretos Pontifícios
Eu devo partir em breve para a Europa;
toda a demora é devida a não haver lugar mais
primeiras malas que teem de largar de Hong-
Kong com aquelle distinto.
D. Joao Guarde a V. S.
Paco Episcopal em Macau 28 de abril de 1907.
Ministro dos Negócios
da Marinha e Ultramar.
+José Pombal de Almeida e Castro
Bispo de Macau
{{PAGE:15}}
Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
—
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
1.ª Repartição
Processo 42
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Comem enviar
de sua cópia
D'arte offerto ao
Bispo de Macau
para seu conhecimento.
In 10.9.26
M. Menniques
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Off. ao Bispo
de Macau em
11-Abr-1906
Lisboa 2 de Outubro de 1906
ULTRAMAR
8 OUTU 1906
Rep. N° 5261
[ILLEGIBLE: ~N chars]
Para relação ao officio do E.º Pio de 12 de
Julho último, em virtude do qual dei ins-
truções ao nosso representante em Paris
para insistir pela resolução da questão re-
lativa à traca de jurisdições entre os bispos
de Cantão e Macau, cabe-nos a honra
de informar a V. Exa. que o Governo pro-
cura dar noticia ao Ilmo. Sr. Cardeal de Lava
Rosa, de Terem aquelles pedidos fezado a
acordo sobre o assumpto. A data da exp-
edição da nota, referir-se o Governo da
República o relatório do bispo de Cantão,
considerando Tocaria como definitiva,
secretamente repulada a Traca das jurisdições,
e em via de execução os respectivos actos
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção Ruijng de Fasse
N.º 310
9 de 10 de 1906
[UNREADABLE]
{{PAGE:16}}
Dons Fazende a E. Lévia
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Ministro e Secretário
d'Estado das Ajacias da Marinha e Ultramar
[UNCERTAIN: Luís de Castro]
{{PAGE:17}}
Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral dos Negócios Políticos e Diplomáticos
1.ª Repartição
Leixões 29 de Novembro de 1906
[STAMP: ULTRAMAR
Rep. N.º 6218
1 OEX 1906]
Com referência ao officio de V.ª. de 12 de Julho e em additamento ao meu officio de 2 d'Outubro ultimo, tenho a [UNCERTAIN: honra] de communicar a V.ª., segundo parece que deve informar o nosso representante em Paris, que a questão da troca da jurisdição de Plainam pela do districto de Shao-King acaba de ser resolvida nos termos do decreto da propaganda de 3 de Fevereiro de 1903 e do decreto pontifical de 16 de Março de 1904, em resultado das negociacões entabuladas entre o bispo de Macau e a Prefeitura Apostólica de Cantão.
V.ª. se sirvá transmitir-me, se assim o julgar necessário, quaisquer instrucções complementares que sobre este assumpto devam ser enviadas ao Sr. Conde de Louza Rosa.
[Handwritten signature: "D. César"]
Processo 72.
[Handwritten note in red ink on left margin:]
"Off. aos Bispos de Chocan
Flam 12-13-1906"
[Handwritten note in blue ink near top right:]
"Ex.ª o Ministério conhecido.
11 de XL de 1906
Worty"
[Stamped and handwritten note at bottom left:]
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
Processo N.º 348
5 de Dezembro de 1906
{{PAGE:18}}
Deus guarde a V. S.
Ilmo. Sr. Ministro e Secretário d'Estado
dos Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar
[signature]
[UNCERTAIN: Luís]
{{PAGE:19}}
MINISTÉRIO
DOS
Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar
INSPEÇÃO GERAL
DE
Fazenda do Ultramar
2ª Secção
Nº 152
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Informação
Acerca do incluído telegrama do Governador de Macau,
de 1 do corrente que veiu com a informação da 1ª Repartição
da Direcção Geral do Ultramar, e versa sobre o subsídio
da despesa de viagem para Roma solicitado pelo Bispo d’a-
quella diocese; tem esta Inspeção Geral de Fazenda a hon-
ra de dizer, que desde que o mesmo Prelado vae a Roma com o
seu secretario em commissão de serviço, e por este motivo
lhes foi mandada abonar passagem por conta do Estado, acha
esta Inspeção que tem direito ao abono do competente su-
bsídio de viagem que se abona por lei em semelhantes oc-
cações entre os adeantamentos que se fazem aos funcioná-
rios publicos.
O Governador de Macau, em telegrama de 4 do corrente
perguntará se podia abonar ao Prelado despezas para essa
viagem, e Sua Exª o Ministro, em resposta telegraphica da mes-
ma data, auctorizou o subsidio de sua viagem a Roma.
Inspeção Geral de Fazenda do Ultramar em 21 de Maio de
1907.
O Inspector Geral,
[Signature: João Ferreira de Almeida]
[Handwritten note in upper right corner, partially legible]:
D. Urb°: o Depo foi aceitável
depo de 27/30
Fo anotada a vri arci...
...não seria norma, porque até
projeto tratar do negócio para
nota Mefri. Dada Commissão
parametro, como rebi n'este parecer.
[Handwritten note on left margin, with red underline]:
Direcçãs geral
do ultramar.
1º rep. 2º sec.
Chato Nepad offe
rece-se ponderar
que o triplo de
Macau não foi
membro do lei
a Roma trator
da quarta da tona
de jurisdição, mas
resolven alle pro.
prio ni alli, e
apenas pedir bi
conga ao Governo.
Em 23-5-908.
L. [illegible signature]
[Handwritten note at bottom of page, under signature]:
João Ferreira de Almeida
{{PAGE:20}}
GOVERNO DA PROVÍNCIA DE MACAU
EXPEDIENTE GERAL
No. 18
Palácio do Governo de Macau,
3 de Maio de 1907.
Objecto
Confidencial
Tenho a honra de confirmar o meu telegrama de 1º do corrente, te concedido nos seguintes termos: — "Ultramar. Lisboa - Piz. /po. ped. abono. Subsídio. Despesa Viagem. Roma - Allegando. está. /Ser- intérprete. Estado. Peco. res. /postâ. máxima. urgência. (a Ex. Vermador.)" e de dizer a V.ª que o meu telegrama foi motivado pelo Ofício do Senhor Bispo de Macau, que remetido por cópia a V.ª:
Decolguarde a V.ª.
Palácio do Governo em Macau, 3 de Maio de 1907.
Ilmo. Sr. D. Luís. Almirante e Secretário de Estado dos Negócios da Ultramar e Ultramar.
O Governador da Província,
Pedro de Azevedo Coutinho
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 16.
do Janeiro de 1907
ULTRAMAR
4.ª Jun. 1907
4.ª Rep. Nº 359
{{PAGE:21}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:22}}
MINISTÉRIO
DOS
Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar
INSPECÇÃO GERAL
DE
Fazenda do Ultramar
2ª Secção
ULTRAMAR
22 MAIO 1907
Rep. N° 2574
Á Direcção Geral do Ultramar tem esta Inspecção Geral
a honre de devolver com a sua informação, Nº 152 de hoje,
o incluso telegramma do Governador da Província de Macau,
de 1 do corrente que veiu com informação da 1ª Repartição
d'essa Direcção Geral e que versa sobre o subsidio da des-
peza de viagem para Roma solicitado pelo Bispo d'aquella
diocese.
Inspecção Geral de Fazenda do Ultramar em 21 de Maio de
1907.
O Inspector Geral,
[Signature: João Sacramento de Almeida]
ULTRAMAR
22 MAIO 1907
Rep. N° [illegible]
{{PAGE:23}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:24}}
DIREÇÃO GERAL
do
ULTRAMAR
—
6.ª Repartição
—
Copia conforme
em
23-3-1907
em 23 de Março de 1907
À 1.ª Repartição
Concerto
P.273.07
de Oruneos.
INSPEÇÃO GERAL FAZENDA
ULTRAMAR
26 MAIO 1907
Sec. N° 2203
Telegramma vindo de Macau
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Trelad, Cantão recusa execução de decreto partitício troca jurisdição, pede licença ir reina via Roma, levam do secretário, tratar dos negócios. (44.)
Risfo Macau.
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Para Rep. 2.ª Secção
No adjunto officio de 8 de fevereiro, recebido nesta Rep. em 1890 corrente, o bispo de Elbasan supõe os termos em que, com o prefito apostólico de Cantão, celebraram o acordo para a troca da jurisdição da ilha de São-tirig, de que é o estímulo dos negócios estrangeiros dos Conhecer, mente em officio de 29 de novembro de 1906.
Demonstrando-se, porém, a realização do acordo por motivo das dificuldades levantadas pelos padres franceses de São-tirig, o bispo pediu providências do Governo pelo Ministério dos negócios estrangeiros, para se não levantarem dívidas, tanto juntado
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA DIREÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 3
26 de Março de 1907
1897 — IMPRESSÃO NACIONAL — 1906 — 1907
Em vista do presente telegramma
parece a' Negad que concorrer o bispo autorizado, como pede, a ir tratar
{{PAGE:25}}
do assumpto em Roma, aguardando-se as
mais ulteriores Communicados, para se solicitar
então do Ministério das negociações estrangeiras
o que elle porventura, estende ainda terne
cessário.
Se M.ª, assim o entender deu telegria
pharse ao prelado, concedendo-me a licença,
e ao gov. Leitão, ordenando e abono
de passagens ao mesmo prelado, e ao seu
cretario para viagem ao reino, via Roma.
Em 23-3-908.
D. Mauríquos
{{PAGE:26}}
1ª pr. 7-97
Illmo. Sr.º
ULTRAMAR
(25 JUL 1907)
1 Rep. 3º HH9
[Seal: "MINISTÉRIO DO ULTRAMAR"]
Tenho a honra de fazer chegar
às mãos de V.Ex. uma cópia da Comunicação
que me fizeram 19 do corrente Sua Eminência o Cardeal Secretário d'Estado de Sua Santidade, de ter sido definitivamente resolvida, como era de justiça, a questão da pertença da ilha de Hainan e o Districto de Sheunging entre a Prefeitura Apostólica de Cantão e o Bispoado de Macau, de modo a não poder ser impugnada nem retardada a execução do decreto que a ordenara.
Felizmente encontrei que da parte de Sua Eminência o Cardeal Secretário d'Estado quer da parte de Sua Eminência o Cardeal Prefeito da Propaganda as mesmas disposições para que nisso fosse feita justiça!
Junto tenho a honra de remeter a V.Ex. um exemplar da mesma
com que instrui a minha reclamação perante a Santa Sé'.
Tendo attingido o fim da minha jornada a Roma devo em breve partir
para Portugal, onde certo chegar em princípio.
REPARTIÇÃO
DIREÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2 Secção
N.º 106
16 de julho de 1907
{{PAGE:27}}
d'agosto.
Deus guarde a V. Exa.
Roma, Colégio Português, via Banco Santo
Spirito, 30 de julho de 1907.
V.M. Ex.ª Sr. Conselheiro Estado
Ministro da Marinha e Ultramar, Lisboa.
João Paulino de Frenado Bastos
Bérges de Macau
{{PAGE:28}}
MEMORIA
sullo scambio di giurisdizione tra il Vescovo di Macao e il
Vescovo di Canton
[UNCERTAIN: likely a decorative underline or separator line, composed of repeated ampersands or similar symbols — exact symbol is indistinct due to image resolution and age]
[STAMP: CIRCULAR SEAL]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 chars] HISTÓRICO DE MACAU [ILLEGIBLE: ~5 chars] ARQUIVO [ILLEGIBLE: ~3 chars]
[NOTE: The stamp text is partially obscured and faded. The visible fragments suggest "HISTÓRICO DE MACAU" and "ARQUIVO", with other text illegible. This is transcribed as "[ILLEGIBLE: ~N chars]" per rule 3.]
{{PAGE:29}}
MEMORIA
relativa alla questione dello scambio di giurisdizioni in
Hainan e nel Distretto di
Shao-Hing (o Shiw-ing), fra il Prefetto Apostolico di
Canton ed il Vescovo di Macao
Questo questione ha tre fasi:
1° - Preparazione del Decreto della S. Congregazione di Propaganda che ordinò lo scambio di giurisdizione. Principiò nel 1898 e proseguì fino al
1903, anno della pubblicazione del Decreto.
2° - Decreto della S.C. del 3 Febbraio 1903: sua notificazione; controversia relativa all'articolo secondo; interpretazione di questo. Da quella data fino al 15 Dicembre 1905.
3° - Negoziali fra il Prefetto Apostolico di Canton ed il Vescovo di Macao per l'esecuzione del Decreto. Dal 9 Aprile 1906 fino al 20 Marzo 1907.
I.
Per il Concordato del 21 Febbraio 1857 stipulato fra il Romano Pontefice ed il Re di Portogallo, il Patronato della Corona Portoghese nell'Estremo Oriente, in altro tempo estesissimo, rimase ridotto nella China, alla Provincia di Kouang-tom, eccettuata l'isola di Hong-Kong(1); e il Concordato del 23 Giugno
(1) - Vedi Carta Top. della Provincia di Kouang-tom. Doc. I.
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{{PAGE:30}}
1886 confermò questa disposizione del Concordato precedente relativamente al Patronato nella China e alla Diocesi di Macao (Art. XI). Pertanto, secondo il Diritto Concordatario, ancora non abrogato, tutta la Provincia di Kouang-tom, ad eccezione dell'isola di Hong-Kong, appartiene alla giurisdizione del Vescovo di Macao. Nonostante ciò la giurisdizione "effettiva" del Vescovo di Macao nella Cina, che per molto tempo fu circoscritta al piccolo territorio del dominio Portoghese, solamente abbraccia, oltre a questo territorio, il Distretto di Heung-Shan e le isole adiacenti, compresa quella di Hainan, che in forza delle lettere apostoliche "Universis Orbis Ecclesias" del 15 Giugno 1874, passarono alla giurisdizione di Macao, continuando anche oggi la maggior parte di quella estesissima provincia, eretta in Prefettura Apostolica dal 1850, sotto la giurisdizione della S.C. di Propaganda, che la affidò ai Padri delle Missioni Estere di Parigi.
Ultimamente questa Società, non soddisfatta dei vastissimi territori affidati allo zelo dei suoi 70 Missionarii, ed in cui vi sono più di trentasei milioni di anime da evangelizzare, cominciò di nuovo ad agognare all'isola di Hainan per esercitarvi la propria influenza spirituale, ed in questo senso indirizzò
(1) - Vedi i "Trattati stipulati fra S.M. Fede-lissima e la S. Sede", Pag. 3 e seg., specialmente lo articolo 6° e allegato A e pag. 20 e seg. e spec. art. II. Doc. 2.
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{{PAGE:31}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:32}}
2° - Ut Episcopi Macaonen. jurisdictio extendatur ad Districtum Ciao-King, qui Hean-Scian districtui adjacet.
3° - Ut hujusmodi confinium mutationes provisoria dumtaxat ratione perfici debeant, ad instar scilicet mutationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874, in quo per Bullam diei 15 Junii supradicta insula Heinan Macaonensi Diocesi adnexa fuit.
Sanctitas Sua rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perpensis, supraenunciatam confinium mutationem ratam habere et confirmare dignata est et praesens Decretum confici jussit".
Il testo di questo Decreto fu comunicato da S.E. il Sig. Card. Segretario di Stato all'attuale Vescovo di Macao il 17 Febbrajo dello stesso anno e fu da questo ricevuto in Lisbona quando si trovava colà di passaggio per andare alla sua Diocesi, dopo la sua consacrazione episcopale in Angra.
Soltanto dopo il suo arrivo a Macao nel Giugno di quell'anno e dopo le prime occupazioni che naturalmente gli imponeva l'amministrazione della Diocesi in cui entrava, potè il Vescovo conoscere bene l'oggetto del citato Decreto, ed appena conosciutolo, si adoperò subito per intavolare negoziati con l'altro interessato, il Prefetto Apostolico di Canton per procedere ambedue d'accordo all'esecuzione di esso.
Da parte di questo Prelato però scrissero fin
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{{PAGE:33}}
d'allora difficoltà attinenti all'interpretazione
dell'articolo secondo del Decreto, ritenendo che, a
tenore di questo, il Vescovo di Macao dovesse riceve-
re in compenso dell'isola di Hainan, soltanto il Di-
stretto di Shao-King, visto che soltanto questo è i-
vi designato.
Da parte sua il Vescovo di Macao pretende-
va che dovessero passare sotto la sua giurisdizione
il Distretto di Shao-King e le tre Sotto-Prefetture
di San-ing, San-ui e Shuntac, situate fra i due Di-
stretti, 1° perchè l'articolo secondo dice: "Distric-
tum Shao-King qui Heang-Scian Districtui adjacet",
e la perfetta e completa contiguità dei due Distret-
ti non esiste, se non mediante quelle tre Sotto-Pre-
fetture. 2° perchè era appunto questo ciò che chie-
deva il suo predecessore, il Vescovo di Macao, D.Giu-
seppe Emmanuele de Carvalho, in cambio di Hainan, e
cioè "alcuni Distretti e particolarmente quello di
Shao-King, limitrofi del West River, prossimi e con-
tigui al Distretto di Heung-Shan".
La controversia giunse a conoscenza della
S. Sede, che nel suo alto ed illuminato criterio, do-
po attento e serio esame di tutti gli elementi che
formarono a suo tempo la base per la compilazione del
citato Decreto, credè bene di dichiarare: "Che la giu-
risdizione del Vescovo di Macao, in compenso della ces-
sione dell'isola di Heinan alla Prefettura Apostolica
di Kuam-tom, debba estendersi al Distretto di Chao-King,
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{{PAGE:34}}
ma non alle tre Sotto-Prefetture di San-Ning, San-Oui e Shien-Tak".
Dichiarò inoltre la S. Sede "che laddove il Governo Portoghese e quello Francese convenissero sopra una delimitazione di confini diversa da quella stabilita, essa non mancherà nel caso di esaminare le relative conclusioni dei Governi, riservandosi, ben inteso, di prendere quelle decisioni che giudicherà più opportune per il bene e la salute delle anime".
Questa dichiarazione che porta la data del 16 di Marzo 1904 fu comunicata ai due Prelati di Canton e di Macao.
Quest'ultimo, considerando che la seconda parte della dichiarazione gli permetteva di nutrire la speranza di ottenere per la sua diocesi in cambio dell'isola di Heinan, oltre il distretto di Shao-King le tre già menzionate Sotto-Prefetture, fece ancora nuovi tentativi insieme alle stazioni competenti, ma senza il risultato desiderato, per quanto nel principio del 1906, in risposta ad un reclamo documentato, accompagnato da una estesa esposizione di fatti, che ultimamente dirigeva alla Nunziatura Apostolica per far portare a conoscenza della S. Sede tali fatti(1), ricevesse il seguente dispaccio: "Che avendo l'Emin. Card. Segretario di Stato preso conoscenza di tutto quanto era esposto, la S. Sede non ravvisava motivo
(1) - Deve esistere nella Segreteria di Stato dove la fece venire Mgr. Nunzio Apostolico in Lisbona.
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{{PAGE:35}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:36}}
Si tennero varie sedute, nelle quali si fecero varie proposte da una parte e dall'altra. Da principio i Delegati mostravansi disposti a cedere al Vescovo di Macao ciò che egli loro richiedesse a Sud e ad Ovest del Distretto, in cambio di una parte al Nord. Chiedeva quegli le tre Sotto-Prefetture di San-Nig, San-ui e Shun-Tac, e cedeva due Sotto-Distretti al Nord del Tropico del Cancro. In seguito rinunziava già alla Sotto-Prefettura di Shun-Tac perché i Delegati tenacemente sostenevano non esser loro conveniente di cederla, e chiedeva piuttosto quella di Yeung-Kong, ed a Nord cedeva, oltre ai due già referiti, un Sotto-Distretto in più ed una striscia di terra che collegasse i tre a Nord del Tropico. I Delegati da parte loro cedevano tutto ciò, ma pretendevano tutto quanto resta a nord del fiume Si-Kiang, o per lo meno ciò che si estende da quella parte fino ad un po' ad Ovest della capitale del Distretto, rimanendo questa con tutto il territorio da quel lato del fiume e ad Est incorporato nella Prefettura Apostolica. Il punto da essi maggiormente caldeggiate era la capitale del Distretto, che era l'antica capitale dei due Kouangs, prima del suo cambiamento con Canton.
Nella seduta del 10 Agosto mantenevasi il Vescovo di Macao fermo nella sua proposta e nell'alternativa che questa non fosse accettata, chiedeva l'esecuzione del Decreto Pontificio, e cioè: la Prefettura Apostolica riceverebbe l'isola di Hainan, e la Diocesi di Macao il Distretto di Shau-King.
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{{PAGE:37}}
Il sedici Agosto Mgr. Prefetto Apostolico,
scrivendo al Vescovo di Macao, dichiara che rigetta
la prima delle due proposte ed opta per l'unica che
è conforme ai Decreti di Roma, e che pertanto esso
Prefetto Apostolico riceverebbe l'isola di Hainam, ed
il Vescovo di Macao il Distretto di Shew-ing solamen-
te, senza le Sotto-Prefetture di Shun-Tac, San-ui e
San-ing(1).
Era così stipulato l'accordo per l'esecu-
zione dei Decreti Pontifici. Solo rimaneva a fissa-
re il giorno in cui dovrebbe effettuarsi lo scambio
e la consegna delle Christianità e delle Cappelle,
come diceva il Prefetto Apostolico di Canton, il qua-
le fin d'allora promise d'invia re nuovamente i suoi
Delegati, ciò che effettivamente fece giorni appres-
so. Infatti il 17 Agosto si riunirono i Delegati
col Vescovo di Macao ed in questa seduta restò conve-
nuto che la consegna delle giurisdizioni avesse lu-
go il giorno 15 Ottobre, e si stabilì che, prima di
questo giorno, l'isola di Hainan ed il Distretto di
Shew-ing fossero visitati rispettivamente da un mis-
sionario della propria giurisdizione e da uno dell'al-
tra allo scopo di prender conoscenza oculare con gli
inventari dei beni mobili ed immobili delle differen-
ti missioni; decisioni queste che Mgr. Merel piena-
mente approvò, designando anche le persone che avreb-
bero da figurare come suoi Delegati in tutti questi
(1) - Lettera di Mgr. Merel in data 16 Agosto
1906. L'essenziale sta nel testo innanzi.
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{{PAGE:38}}
atti, indicando l'ordine in cui questi si succederebbero, fino al momento di ritirare delle missioni il personale missionario ivi attualmente impiegato(1).
Ecco qui le parole di Monsignore nella sua Nota del 16 Agosto:
"Pour faire suite aux conversations que Votre Grandeur a bien voulu avoir, avec les PP. Fleureau et Gauthier relativement à l'échange de la juridiction ecclésiastique de Hainan, j'ai l'honneur d'annoncer à Votre Excellence que des deux solutions proposées j'accepte celle qui est la plus conforme aux vues du Souverain Pontife.
Votre Grandeur cèdera à la mission de Kouang-tong l'île de Hainan et en compensation prendra la seule Préfecture de Ciau-King sans les Sous-Préfectures de Shun-tac, San-woui e San-ing, conformément au Décret (N° 4345) daté du 16 Mars 1904, qui établit le sens de celui de la S.C. de la Propagande daté du 3 Février 1903.
"Reste à fixer le jour" où se feront cet échange et la remise des chrétientés et des chapelles.
Je me permettrai d'envoyer les PP. Fleureau et Gauthier s'entendre avec Votre Excellence à ce sujet et régler définitivement cette question".
Nella sua lettera dell'otto Settembre diceva il Sig. Prefetto Apostolico al Vescovo di Macao:
----------
(1) - Lettere dell'otto Settembre e undici Ottobre 1906. (L'essenziale è più innanzi nel testo).
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{{PAGE:39}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:40}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:41}}
"In relazione alla nota di V.E. in data 12 Luglio u.s., in forza della quale diedi istruzioni al nostro rappresentante in Parigi di insistere per la soluzione della questione relativa allo scambio di giurisdizioni fra i Vescovi di Canton e Macao, mi onoro informare V.E. che il Governo Francese ha dato ora notizia al Sig. Conte De Souza Rosa di aver quei Vescovi concluso un accordo sull'argomento. Alla data della spedizione della nota il Governo Francese aspettava la relazione del Vescovo di Canton, "considerando come definitivamente regolato lo scambio delle giurisdizioni", ed in via di esecuzione le relative prese di possesso."
Nella nota del 12 Dicembre la Direzione Generale delle Colonie comunicava al Vescovo di Macao quanto appresso:
"Per mezzo di nota del Ministero degli Affari Esteri in data 29 Novembre ultimo, S.E. il Ministro della Marina e delle Colonie ebbe conoscenza che la questione dello scambio di giurisdizione di Hainan con quella del Distretto di Shao-king "era stata risolta", secondoché informò il nostro Rappresentante in Parigi," nei termini del Decreto di Propaganda 3 Febbrajo 1903 e del Decreto Pontificio 16 Marzo 1904 per effetto dei negoziati istituiti fra la Diocesi di Macao e la Prefettura Apostolica di Canton"........
Frattanto si procedeva alle visite convenute all'isola di Hainan e al Distretto di Sew-ing, prendendo i missionari delegati a questo scopo conoscenza
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{{PAGE:42}}
delle missioni e dello stato di esse dal punto di vista dei beni mobili ed immobili e del numero dei Cristiani.
In Hainan tutto procede bene, grazie al tatto ed alla buona volontà con cui si prestò il Superiore della missione a ricevere il delegato di Mgr. Prefetto Apostolico di Canton ad accompagnarlo per tutto e a dargli conoscenza oculare di ogni cosa e dell'inventario previamente fatto con la maggiore chiarezza e buon metodo.
Sarebbe nostro desiderio dire altrettanto relativamente a Sew-ing, dove, perchè le visite avessero luogo e si compissero, fu mestieri mandare successivamente da Macao tre missionari, essendo riuscite inutili le visite dei primi due in conseguenza di ostacoli, talora sollevati, talora acconsentiti da chi aveva obbligo di appianare tutte le difficoltà. Tutto porta a credere che vi era un piano ordinato e ben combinato per far andare a vuoto le visite dei missionari di Macao a quel Distretto, allo scopo di far credere che era impossibile, o per lo meno non conveniente e pregiudizievole per l'opera dell'e-vangelizzazione il passaggio di questo distretto sotto la giurisdizione di Macao!
La necessità di esser brevi ci obbliga a non estenderci in questo punto, in cui molto avremmo da dire, provando tutto con documenti di valore incontestabile. Tuttavia molto ci costerebbe il doverci dimostrar severi, sia pure per nostra difesa, quando con
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{{PAGE:43}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:44}}
Mgr. Merel pretende giustificare la sua risposta con tre considerandi già da noi precedentemente confutati nella nostra corrispondenza con quel Prelato e che ora passiamo a discutere.
I Considerando su cui si basa Mgr. Merel sono tre:
1° - "OPPOSIZIONE" dei Cristiani di Shew-ing a far passaggio da quel Distretto alla giurisdizione di Macao e timore che le Cristianità "si rendano apostati", come avvenne in Hainan.
2° - SPROPORZIONE fra Hainan e Shew-ing, dal doppio punto di vista delle proprietà e del numero dei Cristiani, necessità di una compensazione tanto maggiore in quanto la disproporzione fu aumentata dalla "vendita delle due case" in Hoi-ow, capitale dell'isola, appartenenti alla missione di Hainan.
3° - INTENZIONE del Governo Portoghese, espressa dal suo Rappresentante in Parigi, di tornare allo stato quo anteriore al decreto del 1903(1)
1°
Opposizione dei Cristiani, timore delle apostasie, decadenza della Missione di Hainan.
a)
Il numero dei Cristiani sparsi per tutto il
(1) - Nota del Prefetto Apostolico di Canton del 20 Marzo 1907. Doc. Nº 10.
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{{PAGE:45}}
distretto di Shew-ing in lontane e poco numerose
Cristianità(1), non eccede, secondo documenti auten-
tici, forniti dai missionari del Distretto, i 2609(2):
il quadro statistico di tutta la prefettura apostolica
relativo al 1905-1906 gli attribuisce ancora un minor
numero di Cristiani, soltanto 2361(3).
Da qui si può vedere che valore possa ave-
re l'opposizione di Cristiani così poco numerosi ed in
condizioni così sfavorevoli per potersi concertare in
un programma di resistenza!
Ed infatti l'opposizione cui accenna Monsi-
gnore, era fatta principalmente da donne e ragazzi da
esse instigate, come unanimemente riferiscono i due
missionarii Portoghesi che di tale opposizione furono
oggetto: il P. Roliz e il P. Pitta. E solamente si
manifestò in due luoghi: nella capitale di Shew-ing
e in una cristianità posta ad una huona distanza al
Nord, ambedue soggetti al medesimo missionario, il Pa-
dre Clauset; circostanza che non si deve perder di vi-
sta. Nelle altre Cristianità il missionario Portoghe-
se che le visitò fu ben ricevuto dai Cristiani, come
lo attestano i proprii missionarii della Prefettura A-
postolica(4).
Ora nella capitale vi sono appena 148 Cri-
(1) - Vedi Carta Top. della Provincia di Kouang-
tom, e gli inventari delle missioni di Shew-
ing Doc. I. II. 12. 13.
(2) - V. Inventari delle miss. di Shew-ing Ibid.
(3) - V. "Administr. miss. Kwan.tong 1905-06"
Doc. 14.
(4) - Lettere dei PP. G.B. Lit. G.B. Wong e Ga-
ston Boucheron. Doc. 15, 16, 17.
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Non è meno eloquente il fatto che vengano
a Macao Cristiani dalla Prefettura Apostolica in cerca di donzelle della nostra missione di S. Lazzaro o
di educande dei nostri collegi e asili per sposarsi
con esse e costituir famiglie, e, ciò che è ben degno
di esser notato, molte volte sono gli stessi missionari della Prefettura che li mandano per questo scopo! Succede lo stesso coi giovani che per istruirsi vengono dalla Prefettura Apostolica ai nostri stabilimenti di educazione, e, quello che è ben curioso e produce persino meraviglia, è che sia il Clero dirigente di Canton quello che sollecita l'ammissione di essi negli stabilimenti(1). Su questo argomento non ci dilunghiamo di più per non vederci obbligati a mettere in chiaro gli autori e promotori della pretesa opposizione dei Cristiani.
b)
Il timore delle apostasie non giustifica nè esplica il voltafaccia di Mgr. Prefetto Apostolico.
1° - Se questa causa fosse vera, avrebbe dovuto esister sempre fin dal principio della questione e fin da allora avrebbe impedito, o per lo meno ostacolato, qualsiasi iniziativa da parte del clero di Canton in pro del cambio di giurisdizione.
In verità Mgr. Merel conosceva bene l'indole dei Cinesi. Egli stesso dice(2) "Qui ne connait-
(1) - Nota del Super. dell'Orfanotrofio dellà IMMACOLATA CONCEZIONE. Doc. N° 19.
(2) - Lettera di Mgr. Merel 24 Nov. L900.
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{{PAGE:48}}
pas ces Chinois ne peut imaginer aux prix de quelle
difficulté, de quels sacrifices on peut les maintenir
dans la fidélité aux lois de l'Eglise.'
Non è verosimile che così tardi si avver-
tisse lo sbaglio di esporre i Cinesi al pericolo di
apostatare poichè Monsignore certamente li conosce-
va da tempo sufficiente e poi fu missionario fra di
loro per molti anni ed è Prefetto Apostolico del
Kouang-tom dal 1901 !
2° - Questo timore pertanto non è sincero.
Ed invero non si può ragionevolmente ammet-
tere che Mgr. Merel durante tanto tempo dal Maggio
fino al Novembre, in una lunga serie di documenti
scritti di suo proprio pugno(1) e per bocca dei suoi
Delegati, i quali durante questo tempo vennero "sei
volte" da Canton a Macao allo scopo di negoziare per
l'esecuzione dei Decreti Pontifici, si mantenesse fer-
mo nel proposito di dare esecuzione ai Decreti, con-
cludesse un accordo col suo collega di Macao, comuni-
casse questo accordo ufficialmente all'Europa, lascias-
se che i due Governi di Parigi e di Lisbona si inten-
dessero a riguardo di esso e dessero la questione per
risolta nel senso indicato nello stesso accordo, e tut-
to ad un tratto, solamente perchè il secondo missiona-
rio di Macao mandato a Shew-ing venne ricevuto male in
una Cristianità che nella sua totalità conta solamen-
te "148 anime", compresi i vecchi, ragazzi e antiche
famiglie affezionate di Portoghesi, cominciasse a trar-
--------
(1) - Sono dodici lettere e note, i cui originali
possediamo, come tutti gli altri scritti prima e dopo.
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{{PAGE:51}}
In Hainan, come in altre parti, i Cristiani erano ritenuti come conniventi nella guerra che gli Europei facevano alla China, ed i sacerdoti, benché non fossero Francesi, erano ritenuti come tali, o, almeno, come amici e spie dei Francesi(1).
La maggior parte dei Cristiani se ne fuggivano ed evitavano i missionari per non essere perseguitati come Cristiani o stranieri (ciò che era lo stesso) e non si presentavano più, in modo che, ri-tornata la pace nell'isola, solo pochi restavan fedeli.
Le Cristianità però non restarono abbandonate. Hainan ebbe sempre missionarii, anche nel colmo della persecuzione. Vi furono sempre mandati quelli di Macao, e si deve notare che vi fu simultaneamente più di un sacerdote, a volte tre, poi quattro, ed anche cinque missionarii Portoghesi e Cinesi, mentre sotto la giurisdizione della Prefettura Apostolica, dal 1850 fino al 1876 solo per due volte ed a brevi intervalli vi furono insieme due o tre sacerdoti(2).
Nel tempo della missione Portoghese si aprirono scuole e catecumenati, si edificarono asili, si restaurarono e costruirono cappelle. I villaggi apostati cominciarono ad entrare nella comunione cat-
(1) - Vedi: Lettera di M.T. Walters console Britannico in Hainan, diretta al P. Giuseppe Vincenzo Costa, superiore della missione, in cui lo consiglia a ritirarsi dalla missione, ritenendolo i gentili come Francese o, almeno, amico di essi. N° 25.
(2) - Vedi la "Relazione dei missionarii che hanno evangelizzato l'isola di Hainan dal 1630 fino al presente", e la "Relazione dei missionarii che furono in Hainan dal 1876 fino al presente anno 1907". Doc. N° 31 a 22.
23-
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{{PAGE:53}}
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{{PAGE:54}}
Ed alcune giacquero nell'abbandono e senza soccorso efficace per molto tempo. Inoltre è poco più di due anni, e cioè dal 1904, venti anni dopo la persecuzione, che la Cristianità, altra volta fiorente dell'isola di Shan-Sham, ove morì il grande Santo Saverio, tornò ad avere un missionario che con fatica è riuscito a far tutto risorgere dalla ruina cagionata dall'odio dei Gentili e dalla azione demolitrice del tempo! Eppure era colà che lo zelo attivo ed intelligente del Prefetto Apostolico Mgr. Guillemin aveva eretto grandiosi e bei monumenti d'arte in onore del glorioso Apostolo d'Oriente ed ai quali avevano concorso l'Imperatrice Eugenia e il Governo Francese. Ed in questo colpevole abbandono rimase per tanti anni quel venerando centro di pietà ove si dirigono frequenti le peregrinazioni dei fedeli dell'Estremo Oriente, e specialmente da Macao, Hong-Kong e Canton(1).
2.
Sproporzione fra Hainan e Shew-ing dal punto di vista delle proprietà e del numero dei Cristiani; Compensazioni; vendita di case in Hainan.
a)
Questa obbiezione era stata già confutata dal Vescovo di Macao nella sua nota del 7 Marzo del-
(1) - Vedi "Sanchoan, The Holy Land of The Far East". Opuscolo recentemente pubblicato in Hong-Kong da un Religioso della Compagnia di Gesù. Pag. 25.
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{{PAGE:55}}
l'anno corrente, in risposta ad altra del Prelato di Canton del giorno 4. Ecco ciò che si disse allora, e che nulla ha perduto della sua forza perché il Sig. Prefetto Apostolico nulla controreplicò, limitandosi a ripetere l'obbiezione. Disse il Vescovo di Macao: "Pour ce qui concerne la disproportion que les inventaires montrent exister entre Hainan et Shew-ing au double point de vue des propriétés et du nombre de chrétiens nous n'avons rien à y voir dès que le Saint Père, après un mûr examen des choses, rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perpensis, comme s'exprime le décret du 3 Février 1903 de la Propaganda, a ordonné l'échange de l'île d'Hainan contre le district de Shew-ing. En effet le decrèt est "absolu", il n'impose aucune condition, n'exige aucune compensation. La juridiction à échanger est une juridiction territoriale qui, de sa nature, attire à elle, avec les territoires, les chrétiens et les choses appartenant à celles-ci. Le décret ne fait aucune distinction de ces choses. Comment donc vouloir les séparer pour en faire l'objet d'une convention à part? "Ubi lex non distinguit, nemo potest distinguere..... Le décret ajoute même "ad instar mutationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874 in quo per Bullam diei 15 Junii supra dicta insula Hainan Macaonensi Dioecesi adnexa fuit". Ed invero l'isola di Hainan nel 1874 (o meglio nel 1876), anno in cui fu data esecuzione alle lettere apostoliche) passò alla giurisdizione di Macao, senza che per parte della Prefettura Apostolica
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{{PAGE:56}}
di Kouang-tom si esigesse compensazione alcuna, non
ostante i beni e le cappelle che la missione colà
possedeva, e nonostante il numero dei Cristiani che,
secondo documenti autentici, si elevava a 838(1).
E' da maravigliarsi che Mgr. Merel, il
quale doveva conoscere bene Hainan, poiché già vi e-
ra stato, aveva ben presso di sè i suoi missionarii,
che frequenti volte là si recano, alcuni dei quali
si vantavano davanti al Vescovo di Macao di conosce-
re bene lo stato in cui si trova la missione in quel-
l'isola, è da meravigliarsi, dico, che solo dopo con-
cluso l'accordo col suo collega per l'esecuzione dei
decreti che ordinano lo scambio delle giurisdizioni,
giungesse ad avvertire disproporzioni e ad esigere
compensi!(2).
Ben al contrario di quanto pretende Mgr.
Merel, la compensazione ordinata dalla S. Sede è al
Vescovo di Macao che deve essere data. Effettivamen-
te: 1° Egli era obbligato dal Decreto a cedere l'i-
sola di Hainan, che per diritto concordatario gli ap-
(1) - Vedi Lettere Apostoliche "Universis Orbis
Ecclesias" del 15 Giugno 1874: Atti del convegno
celebrato in Canton fra Mgr. Guillemin, Prefetto Apo-
stolico, ed il Decano Emanuele Lorenzo de Gouveja De-
legato del Vescovo di Macao, e la Nota o Lettera di
Mgr. Guillemin al Sup. della missione Portoghese in
Hainan in data 19 Ottobre 1876. Relazione del P.G.G.
Batt. Super. della Missione di Hainan addì 7 Dicem-
bre 1890. Doc. N° 26, 27 e 23.
(2) - Si veda tutta la corrispondenza scambiata
fra i due Prelati. Abbiamo nelle mani gli originali
di tutte le lettere e note di Mgr. Merel ed in nessu-
no di questi documenti fino alla conclusione dello
accordo ed alla sua approvazione nella nota del 16 Ag.
1906 vi è il menomo accenno a sproporzioni e compensi.
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{{PAGE:58}}
Capiva Monsignore l'obbligo di dimostrare
la falsità di quanto si adduceva per poter insistere
nella obbiezione, ma non lo fece per trovare più co-
modo di affermare senza prove. Infatti quel Prelato
non aveva nè poteva avere prova qualsiasi che le det-
te case appartenessero alla missione di Hainan.
Esse erano state acquistate con danari man-
dati da Macao, col fine di servire per un collegio di
bambine e per residenza di missionari: ma non furono
mai a ciò destinate, nè l'amministrazione di Macao ne
fece la consegna alla missione di Hainan, perchè
qualche tempo dopo si cominciò a trattare del passag-
gio di Hainan alla giurisdizione di Canton; e daquan-
do furono acquistate fino a quando furono vendute,
furono sempre sotto l'amministrazione diocesana(1).
In nome di questa amministrazione furono vendute al-
la fine di Giugno dell'anno 1906(2).
3.
Intenzione del Governo Portoghese e nota
del Ministro di Portogallo a Parigi proponendo lo
"statu quo" anteriore al Decreto del 1903.
Si è compresi da stupore quando Mgr. Merel
(1) - Vedi Inventario fatto dal Superiore del-
la Missione, di Sem-tui-san ai 25 Aprile 1905. Doc.28.
(2) - Vedi Comunicazione del Superiore stesso
in data di Hoi-ow ai 16 Ottobre del 1906, accompagna-
ta dalla formula o modulo di ricevuta che il compra-
tore delle case esigeva pel denaro da passarglisi in
Macao nei termini stessi. Doc. № 29 e 30.
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{{PAGE:59}}
che tenne mai in conto i giusti reclami del Governo
Portoghese, che erano gli stessi del Vescovo di Ma-
caò, se non per opporvisi, venga ora, quando il tut-
to si era concertato per l'esecuzione dei Decreti
Pontifici, ad opporsi ad essa con una proposta di
quel Governo, della quale aveva già preso conoscenza
anteriormente ai negoziati trattati ed ai compromes-
si già presi!
Dice infatti Mgr. Merel nel suo terzo ed
ultimo considerando che il Governo Portoghese nel Gen-
najo del 1906 aveva dichiarato al Governo Francese
che preferiva di tornare allo statu quo anteriore al-
la convenzione del 1901 (voleva dire il Decreto del
1903) nel caso che non si facesse lo scambio delle
giurisdizioni nel modo che egli desiderava. Effet-
tivamente fu così, e questo si spiega col vivo desi-
derio che aveva il Governo Portoghese che non si pro-
traesse per maggior tempo il funestissimo stato d'in-
decisione in cui si stava, sembrandogli che questo
fosse il mezzo più facile. Inoltre egli conosceva
molto bene il desiderio che dall'altra parte si aveva
di riavere Hainan.....
Il Governo Francese però non volle prendere
alcuna decisione senza consultar prima il Prelato di
Canton(1), a cui diede subito conoscenza della surri-
ferita nota in modo che quando nell'aprile di quel-
l'anno furono iniziati i negoziati, poterono i dele-
gati del Prelato di Canton dichiarare, come infatti
(1) - V. Lettera dell'Ecc.mo Ministro di Porto-
gallo al Vescovo di Macao in data 26 Settembre 1906.
Doc. N° 31.
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{{PAGE:61}}
Il Governo di Parigi pose tutto ciò in conoscenza del Governo di Lisbona, rimanendo intesi ambedue i Governi e dando come risolta la questione dello scambio di giurisdizioni in armonia con le decisioni della S. Sede. Di questi fatti venne a conoscenza per via ufficiale il Vescovo di Macao molto prima della fine dell'anno prossimo passato e posteriormente ne ebbe la conferma(1).
A che viene fuori ora Mgr. Merel dopo tanto tempo, ai 20 Marzo 1907, con le intenzioni del Governo Portoghese espresse in una decisione del 24 Gennaio 1906, la quale si rese nulla e di niun effetto in conseguenza delle ulteriori risoluzioni? E non sarà ciò se non mostrare una volta di più che cerca solamente pretesti per sottrarsi al compimento della veneranda volontà del Sovrano Pontefice, manifestata più di una volta? E per un vano capriccio si va prolungando il triste stato in cui si trovano le missioni interessate, con grave danno delle anime e serio pregiudizio dell'opera dell'evangelizzazione della fede!
Ci veniamo ora a ricordare che un giorno, poco dopo la nostra andata in Estremo Oriente, quando già si sapeva in Canton che in scambio dell'isola di Hainan pretendevamo, oltre al distretto di Shew-ing, le tre Sotto-Prefetture di San-ing, San-ui e Shun-tac,
(1) - Vedi Lettera del Ministro degli Esteri al Ministro della Marina e Oltremare (11/10/1906) e lettera della Dir. Gen. di Oltremare al Vescovo di Macao 12 Dec. 1906.
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{{PAGE:62}}
uno dei Sacerdoti più influenti del Clero di Canton,
incontrandosi con un missionario di Macao, gli disse:
"Se il Vostro Vescovo si rendesse molto esigente,
le cose andranno fino a Roma ed egli si porrà a
repentaglio di rimaner senza niente".
Riguardando a tutte le peripezie a cui diede
origine il rispettabile Prelato di Canton (e ne abbiamo qui accennato solo una piccola parte), si scorge
che una mano occulta, di cui non è pubblicamente
responsabile per tali errori, si impegna a muovere
e dirigere gli avvenimenti, per giungere a quel supremo desideratum "di lasciar senza niente il Vescovo di Macao".
Senza niente, sì! E ciò perchè si ridono
di un Concordato, benché ben recente, in cui è impegnata l'augusta parola del Vicario di Gesù Cristo!
Giacchè solo così si spiega che nè San-ing, nè San-ui, nè Shun-tac ancor questa volta entrassero a far
parte della giurisdizione di Macao, per essersi sollevati ostacoli che impedirono alla S. Sede, il cui
verdetto accettiamo, di allargare un poco la giurisdizione del Vescovo di Macao in un territorio "che
gli spetta per diritto concordatario".
Senza niente, sì! Tutto quello che si pretende in questo astuto maneggio, si è di lasciar il
Vescovo di Macao senza Shew-ing!
E così si procederà di vittoria in vittoria
fino a che Hainan non siegua la stessa via, il che
non sarà difficile, perchè alla decadenza già procurata con misure astutamente poste in pratica dovrà
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{{PAGE:63}}
segue l'annientamento e la morte di quella povera
missione, degna di sorte migliore, e quindi la perdi-
ta irrimediabile di essa per la giurisdizione di Ma-
cao!
Ed allora i nostri avversarli finiranno do-
ve volevano principiare, cioè impossessandosi della i-
sola agognata e col vantaggio di non dover sottosta-
re alla giurisdizione di un Prelato straniero!
In quelle parole ci minacciarono col ricor-
so a Roma. A Roma venimmo e qui stiamo! Assetati
di amore e di giustizia, giacchè siamo figli legit-
timi, e non spurii, di questa dolcissima Madre di
tutte le Chiese, ci appelliamo alla sua autorità. E
lo facciamo, animati da quella stessa fiducia, se non
maggiore, con la quale il grande Paolo, prevalendosi
del suo titolo di cittadino Romano, si appellava al
Cesare pagano non sempre giusto, nè con viscere di
padre verso i disgraziati suoi sudditi.
.Roma, 13 Giugno 1907, festa di S. Antonio di Lisboa.
[STAMPED SEAL: "HISTORICO ULTRAMARINO" — CIRCULAR SEAL WITH CENTRAL EMBLEM AND TEXT AROUND PERIMETER]
+ Giovanni Vercero di Macao
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{{PAGE:64}}
S. Exª o Ministro concorda.
30 de 4º de 1908
Morte
ULTRAMAR
28 ABRIL 1908
Rep. Nº 225
affirmo como
H. Ex. London
Ofício ao Ministério
dos Ultramarinos nº
8-5/1908
1.ª Rep. D. Caracas
Deve enviar-se cópia
d'este officio aos
Ministros dos negócios
estrangeiros a fim de
dar as ordens que haver
por Convenientes
sobre os ac. presente para o Real Padroado da Cónia a questão da
permuta de jurisdições entre o Prefeito Apostólico de
Cantão e o Bispo de Macau na ilha de Hainan e
distrito de Shao-king (ou Show-ing), como prefí
notificado em officio da Direcção Geral do Ultramar
de 31 do corrente mez d'abril; e comendo que com
a máxima brevidade se de execução dos decisões
pontificias relativas à dita permuta para que se
cumpra o que ultimamente foi ordenado pela Santa
Se a tal respeito, como já teve almona de informar
esse Ministerio, pogo a V. Ex. pe dirige solicitar a
intervenção de Sua Ex. o Ministro dos Negócios
Estrangeiros para que obtenha do governo de Sua
Magestade, Imperador da China o reconhecimento
do novo estado de coisas e a protecção das autori-
dações chinezas para as Omissões do Real Padroado
espectivo missionários no districto que vai ser
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA 5.ª
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
Macau N.º 42
28 de 4º de 1908
{{PAGE:65}}
incorporado na diocese de Macau
Deus guarde a V. Exª.
Cidade, 27 de abril de 1908
Honorável Senhor,
Conselheiro Ministro e
Secretário d'Estado dos Negócios
da Marinha, e Ultramar.
+ João Candido Ferreira da Costa, Bispo de Macau
{{PAGE:66}}
GOVERNO DA PROVÍNCIA DE MACAU
EXPEDIENTE GERAL
No. 97
Palácio do Governo de Macau,
19 de abril de 1907.
Objecto
Acusa recebido o telegramma de 27.3.07 autentisou, ma de V.E.ª do teor seguinte: "Lisboa. 27.3.07.— Governador-Macau. autentico. abono. passagem. Bispo e Secretário. para virem Reino via Roma ponto.... [al Ministério] e de dizer a V.E. que após a recepção do referido telegramma foram dadas as precisas ordens à repartição superior de fazenda d'Esta província para mandar abonar as citadas passagens devem do S. E. Roma o Sr. Bispo e o seu Secretário partir para Lisboa, via Roma, na mala que largará de Hongkong no dia 8 de maio p.v."
Tenho a honra de acusar recebido o telegramma, ma de V.E.ª do teor seguinte: "Lisboa. 27.3.07.— Governador-Macau. autentico. abono. passagem. Bispo e Secretário. para virem Reino via Roma ponto.... [al Ministério]" e de dizer a V.E. que após a recepção do referido telegramma, ma foram dadas as precisas ordens à repartição superior de fazenda d'Esta província para mandar abonar as citadas passagens devem do S. E. Roma o Sr. Bispo e o seu Secretário partir para Lisboa, via Roma, na mala que largará de Hongkong no dia 8 de maio p.v.
Deus Guarde a V.E.
Palácio do Governo em Macau, 19 de abril de 1907
Almo e Como Sua Ministro e Secretário d'Estado dos Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar.
Governuador da província,
Pedro de Aguiar Coutinho
---
ULTRAMAR
(20 MAIO 1907)
Rep. N° 800
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 69
22 de Maio de 1907
{{PAGE:67}}
M. Ex. Senhor
ULTRAMAR
22 JUN 1907
Rep. No 397
Tenho a honra de participar a V. Ex.
que tendo partido de Macau no dia 1 e embarcado em Hong-Kong no dia 8 de maio, ultimamente desembarquei em Aleppo no dia 3 do corrente e nesse mesmo dia cheguei a Roma. Logo no dia seguinte visitei o Em. Cardenal Secretario d'Estado de S. Santidade, com quem me abri a respeito da questão que me obrigava a vir a Roma.
Em segunda visita que dias depois fiz a S. Eminência ficou assente que por mim lhe fosse apresentada uma memoria documentada, trabalho que já fiz e que por estes dias irei apresentar.
Espero que possa ser feita justiça.
Oportunamente irei informando a V. Ex. das ocorrências que merecerem por levadas ao seu conhecimento.
Sua Santidade o Papa havia por bem admitir-me em audiência, num dos dias desta semana, em que tonteou muito o maior interesse por Portugal e especialmente pela diocese de Macau de cujo estado lhe fiz um breve relato que lhe deu muita satisfação.
Visitei também S. Ex. o Sr. Em. baixador de Portugal junto do Vaticano e já foi
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA 5ª
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2.ª Secção
N.º 82
26 de Junho de 1907
{{PAGE:68}}
Anexado com uma visita de Sua Exª, que apesar dos seus achagos se empenha com vivo interesse pelo bom êxito da nobre causa.
Deus guarde a V. Exª
Roma, Colégio Português, 15 de junho de 1907
M. Ex. Sr. Concelheiro
d'Estado Ministro dos Negócios da
Marinha do Ultramar.
João Pacheco de Freitas e Lomba
Barão de S. Lázaro
{{PAGE:69}}
Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
12. Repartição
Processo 116.
Lisboa, 17 de Junho de 1907
ULTRAMAR
19 JUN. 1907
Rep. N° 3002
[ILLEGIBLE: ~5 chars]
Foram já expedidas instruções ao Embaixador de Sua Majestade em Roma e ao Ministro de Portugal em Paris para efectuarem o primeiro junto da Santa Sé e o segundo junto do governo da República, as diligências necessárias afim de que o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão deixe de levantar obstáculos à execução do acordo relativo à troca de jurisdição na ilha de Haiwan e no distrito de Shao-King, conforme VExª solicitava em seu ofício de 25 de Maio último.
Do documento que acompanhou este ofício não se conclue se esta já ultimada a entrega, pelo Bispo de Macau, da jurisdição em Haiwan. Se ainda o não está, permiti-me ponderar a VExª que haveria vantagem em indicar ao Prelado Português a conveniência de não fazer a entrega da sua jurisdição, enquanto
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
Secção
N.º 191
de 1894
[UNCERTAIN: guess]
{{PAGE:70}}
não estiver garantida a corteza simultânea da jurisdição em Shao-King, pelo Prefeito de Caulão.
Deus guarde a V.ª
Almo e Límo Sr. Ministro e Secretário
d'Estado dos Negócios da Marinha e Ultramar.
[Signature]
[UNCLEAR: stamp text, possibly "RAMARTJU" or similar, reversed and partially obscured by ink]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 chars] — faint, faded text in the upper margin, illegible due to age and overlap.
[UNCERTAIN: guess] — faint, overlapping script below the signature; likely administrative notations or dates, but not legible enough for confident transcription.
[UNREADABLE] — areas of extreme fading or smudging where text is completely obscured.
[NOTE: The document appears to be a historical Portuguese official correspondence from the colonial period, referencing legal jurisdiction in Shao-King (likely referring to a location in China) and addressed to a Minister and Secretary of State for Maritime and Overseas Affairs.]
{{PAGE:71}}
In D. Mafé
Bispo de Macau
carr está em Roma; conven
telegrafar-lhe sobre
o caso
{{PAGE:72}}
Imbóicador de Portugal - Roma
Fico por designação do Ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros, com competência para entregar jurisdição aeronáutica sem estar garantida entrega simultânea jurídica dos Shan-tung pelos portugueses que lá se encontram.
20-6-1907 — [UNCERTAIN: signature]
[STAMP: "ARQUIVO NACIONAL DA HISTÓRIA DO PORTUGAL"]
{{PAGE:73}}
DIREÇÃO GERAL
DO
ULTRAMAR
—
6.ª Repartição
—
Copia conforme
em
20-6-907 em 20 de Junho de 1907
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
À 1.ª Repartição
Telegramma vindo de Macau
em 20 de Junho de 1907
Bispo seguiu Roma & Maio. (As.) Governo.
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 chars]
E n.º 172 — Outubro de 1906 — 3:000 ex.
1.ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA
DIREÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2. Secção
N.º 8
[UNREADABLE]
de Junho de 1907
1347 — IMPRENSA NACIONAL — 1906–1907
{{PAGE:74}}
Copia
N. 24864 — Illmo. Revº Signore — Mi è grato di come
micare alle S. V. Illma e Rima che, in base alle note
trattative scritte e verbali in rapporto allo scambio
di territori fra codesta Diocesi ed il Vicariato Apostolico
di Canton, pinnane stabilito che quando V.S. sarà
tornato a Macao, Mons. Vicario Apostolico di Cant.
ton o personalmente o per mezzo di un suo delega-
to si metterà d'intesa con la stessa S. V. perché sen-
za ulteriore ritardo venga ammessa a codesta Diocesi
la prefettura di Lido-King (Chao-King), col al vicariato
stesso l'isola di Hui-man. La S. C. di Propaganda
Fide darà al Vicario subdovato analoghe istruzio-
ni. — Colgo intanto l'occasione per dichiararmi con
senzi di ben sincera stima — di V. S. Illma e Rima
— Servitore — Roma, 19 luglio 1907 — Mons. Giovanni
Padino Castro e Ozeledo — Vescovo di Macao. — (A) Il
Card. Merry del Val.
Concorde com o original.
Roma, 20 de julho de 1907
P. Antonio Maria de Moraes Sarmento
Secretário da Sua Excelência, Sr. Bispo
de Macau.
{{PAGE:75}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:76}}
a venda que per no decorrer das negociações, de duas casas em Flor-Flor, diz que estas propriedades não pertenciam à missão de Haiman. Haviam sido adquiridas com dinheiro enviado de Macau pelo Bispo Medeiros, estiveram sempre anexadas por conta da Administração da missão, mas que o bispo de Macau num ceroma e em nome d'essa Administração, na sua correspondência oficial, foi firmado vendido por 12.000 patacas. Sobre o assunto fez qualquer se mette-se os Ministros, ferencia a tal indemnização, temi dos Negócios. Ainda no último ofício da cópia do ofício de todo de Roma em 20 de julho Bispo a fim de pelo último, sem nada dizer, a somo. Nosso Ministro em Paris ser informado o Governo francês de que não ha lugar que a questão fora definitivamente resolvida pela Santa Sé de modo a não poder ser impugnada, nem retardada, a execução do decreto relativo à troca das jurisdições. Tendo o bispo de Macau, no citado Ofício de 20 de julho, anunciado a sua chegada a Lisboa em princípios do corrente mês, deve logo que chegue, ser ouvido sobre o assunto da nota do governo francês a fim de dar os esclarecimentos que são pedidos pelo Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros.
Em 23-8-907.
Z. Crist
[UNCERTAIN: guess]
{{PAGE:77}}
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{{PAGE:78}}
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{{PAGE:79}}
Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
1ª. Repartição
Spelação de Portugal em França.
Documento feito ao officio N°
Copia : Extracto — offshoicier de
Copia Fonza Moza, chfinistre de Portugal.
Paris, le 13 fevriell 1907 — offshoicier le
Ministre.
Spérique de allocao, après s'être soumis
aux ordres de Rome relativement à
l'échange du district de Hainan avec
le district de Tehao-Shing (non compris
les 3 sous-préfectures de Shun-tach,
de San-nin et de San-li qui n'ont pas fait
partie) avait admis le principe
d'une indemnité destinée à parfaire la
différence pouvant exister entre la valeur
des biens appartenant à la mission fran-
çaise de Tehao-Shing et celle de la
mission portugaise de Hainan ; le
chiffre de cette indemnité devait ré-
sulter d'un inventaire que fut établi
sur place par les délégués des deux évi-
ques et signé de leurs noms, cet inven-
taire a fait ressortir une différence de
41,073 piastres entre la valeur des biens
{{PAGE:80}}
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{{PAGE:81}}
- 12. S. Pichon. — Está conforme.
- Paris, em 20 de julho de 1907.
- 13. Bartholomeu Ferreira.
Está conforme. Repartição dos
Negócios Políticos em 26 de junho
de 1907.
José Duarte Correia Junior
Secretário da Legação
[STAMP: ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO ULTRAMARINO]
{{PAGE:82}}
Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
---
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
1ª. Repartição
Cópia
Legação de Portugal em França - N.º 444 - Paris
—
sid em 19 de julho de 1904 — III mo e me. Srs. — Em observância às instruções que me foram dadas por V.Ex. em despacho de 15 de junho solicitei deste Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros a sua intervenção, com o fim de evitar que pelas minhas francesas fosse posto embaraço à execução do acordo relativo à troca das jurisdições eclesiásticas do distrito de Tchao-King, por a da ilha de Hainan. — Havendo em exposto ao Sr. Pichon todas as circunstâncias referidas nos documentos que me foram enviados por V.Ex., promettem-me o Ministro intercalar-se do caso e dar-me uma resposta depois de ter ouvido o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão, que chegara da França à Europa e que fará a Roma, de onde voltaria um processo três dias. — O Ministro enviou-me ultimamente a nota que teve a honra de transmitir a V.Ex., por ocasião na qual o Sr. Pichon declara que o misjudicamento à realização do acordo consiste em se recusar o Bispo de Macau ao pagamento da indemnização que resulta dos inventários feitos pelos delegados dos dois
{{PAGE:83}}
lispas sobre o valor das propriedades das suas
respectivas missões. Estes inventários das
as propriedades da missão francesa um va-
lor superior de 41073 pataes ao valor das
propriedades da missão portuguesa. Uma
vez que esta quantia seja fraga nenhum
absoluto haveria a completa restituição do
segundo. Depois de ter recebido esta nota di-
rigi-me ainda aos Srs. Pichon para saber
se efectivamente o Bispo de Macau tona
ra o compromisso de pagar a indemnização
superior, ao que o Ministro respondem que
assim fora entendido com o Prefeito-Pro-
tecto
de Cantão, e que nem outra era motivá-
ra os inventários que haviam sido feitos e
assignados pelos delegados dos dois bispos.
Nestas condições não me parece possível con-
seguir que o Governo francês se decida a
intervir nesta questão de qualquer ma-
neira. — Deus Guarde a V. Exª. — H. M. Exª Sr.
Consulheiro Luciano Morello, Ministro da
Secretaria d'Estado das Negociações Estrangei-
ras. — (a) Leandro de Ladeira Tavares.
Este conforme = República dos Ne-
{{PAGE:84}}
gacetas Politicas em 26 de Julho de
1904.
Josi Deaarte Beltrano Juncior
Vice-Intérprete de Negócios
[UNCERTAIN: "ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO"]
{{PAGE:85}}
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
{{PAGE:86}}
quez e rs do districto francez.
2.ª a venda que o bispo de Macau fez, no decorrer das negociações, de duas propriedades da missão portuguesa de Hoi-how, a qual concorreu para aquela grande diferença.
Para satisfazer ao que V.Ex.ª de primíssima solicita, tenho a honra de contrapor as duas afirmações da Nota seguinte:
1.ª Não é verdade que eu tivesse admitido o princípio d'uma indemnização pela diferença de valores resultante dos inventários.
Com effeito as negociações entabuladas entre mim e o prelado de Cantão para a execução do Decreto pontifício duraram quase um anno, desde 9 d'abril de 1906 até 20 de março de 1907. Era, até à celebração do acordo para a execução do Decreto, nunca se falhou em indemnização alguma, como se pode ver em toda a correspondência trocada entre mim e Monsenhor Merel.
Os termos d'esse acordo constam do officio do Prelado de Cantão de 16 de agosto de 1906 que adiante reproduzirei após uma breve explicação—
{{PAGE:87}}
ção para melhor inteligência).
Dis a explicação.
Na reunião dos delegados de Cantão com o bispo de Macau celebrada na residência d'este em 9 d'aquelle mez, o bispo de Macau desejando chegar a um acordo com o prelado de Cantão, comprometia-se a ceder a este prelado alguns sub-districtos no extremo limite do districto de Sherr-ing, constantes que, além do restante d'este districto, recebeu em troca as sub-prefeituras de Yeung-Kong, San-si e San-zing ao Léz do mesmo districto. No caso d'esta solução não agradar à Monzenhou Merel, queria o bispo de Macau que se procedesse à execução do decreto pontifício de 3 de fevereiro de 1903 explicado por uma declaração da Santa Sé de 16 de março de 1904.
Dis o que o prelado de Cantão em seu officio de 16 de agosto diz dando por feito o acordo com o seu collega, depois de precisar os termos d'esse acordo: "Pour faire suite aux conversations que Votre Grace a bien voulu avoir avec les P.P.
{{PAGE:88}}
Fleureau et Gauthier relativement à l'échange de la juridiction ecclésiastique de Haïnan, j'ai l'honneur d'annoncer à Votre Excellence que des deux solutions proposées, j'accepte celle qui est la plus conforme aux vues du Souverain Pontife. Notre grandeur cédera à la mission de Kouang-tong l'île de Haïnan et en compensation prendra la seule préfecture de Chou-ting sans les sous-préfectures de Hun-tac, San-nui, San-sing, conformément au décret (n° 4345) daté du 16 mars 1904 qui était le sens de celui de la S.C. de la Propagande daté du 3 février 1903.
Il reste à fixer le jour où se feront cet échange et la remise des chrétiens et de chapelles. Je me permettrai d'envoyer les P.P. Fleureau et Gauthier s'entendre avec Votre Excellence à ce sujet et régler définitivement cette question.
Sem uma palavra sobre indemnização após a dar ci Prefeitura Apostólica. Pelo contrário, segundo o digno prelado, esta é que tem de dar uma compensação ao bispo de Macau, e a
{{PAGE:89}}
isso se compromette.
O acordo para a execução do decreto pontifício estaria pois feito. Só faltava fixar o dia para que esta se efectuasse — [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] — disse Monsenhor Merel, que desde logo e para esse fim amuniciaria que mandarão a Macau os seus delegados.
Estes vieram efectivamente acompanhados de uma carta do seu prelado datada de 3 de setembro na qual nem uma palavra se diz a respeito d'indemnizações.
Na sessão por esta ocasião celebrada assentou-se no seguinte: 1.º executar-se o decreto pontifício no dia 15 outubro próximo; 2.º serem previamente visitados os districtos por delegados das duas jurisdições para a vista dos inventários tomarem conhecimento do que houvesse pertencente às respectivas Missões.
Sugeriram os delegados do prelado de Cantão que se desse por parte de Macau uma indemnização à Prefeitura Apostólica, mas essa restrita ao que alguns dos seus missionários
{{PAGE:90}}
marios tinham desembarcado em obras realizadas em proveito das missões. Não se tratava d'outra confirmação, porque a única admissível está indicada na declaração da Santa Sé de 16 de março de 1904 de cuja execução se tratava, e devia ser dada pela Prefeitura Apostólica à Diocese de Macau.
Ainda assim o bispo de Macau não quis anuir à proposta como se verá da resposta por ele dada ao prelado de Cantão, com a qual esse prelado se conformou sem nada replicar.
Vejamos o ofício que provocou essa resposta. Em 8 de setembro de 1906, Monsenhor Merel, prefeito Apostólico de Cantão, escrevia ao bispo de Macau:
«Je sousscris volontiers à la décision de Votre Grandeur qui fixe au 16 octobre prochain le jour où nous échangerons les juridictions de Hainan et de Luk-ling pour nous conformer au décret du Saint Siège en date du 16 mars 1904. Selon votre avis, un Père de votre diocèse
{{PAGE:91}}
visitera les diverses chrétientés si échanger afin
de dresser un état de ces diverses chrétientés et
de juger des compensations qu'il conviendrait
d'accorder. Dans ce but je me permets d'envoy.
après de Votre Grandeur le P. Garnthier en vous
priant de l'accréditer près des missionnaires
de Chinnan pour faire avec eux cette visite.»
In aqui se vê que o prelado de Cantato
aceitou as duas resoluções tomadas d'accordo pelos
seus delegados e o bispo de Macau, — acerca do dia
para a execução do decreto pontifício e das visitas
a fazer aos districtos. Errava porém em dizer que,
segundo a opinião do bispo de Macau essas mis-
sões terião um duplo fim «dresser un état
de ces diverses chrétientés e de juger des com-
pensations qu'il conviendrait d'accorder».
Com meu officio de 2 d'outubro de 1906,
em resposta ao precedente, eu fizger a inexacti-
dade desta parte e restabeleci a verdade nos
seguintes termos que bem deixam ver o fim
para que eu proposera os inventários e que
{{PAGE:92}}
repelhia a ideia d'uma indemnização qualquer. "A Hainan tout sera montré au délégué de Votre Grandeur en présence d'un inventaire que le Père Pitta a fait de toutes choses. Je prie Votre Grandeur d'ordonner qu'il se fasse de onième à Shew-ing."
Não se pretendia outra cousa senão proporcionar aos missionários um meio de conhecerem os bens proveis e immoveis das missões de que iam tomar posse. Tal era o fim dos inventarios.
Comme j'ai fait remarquer aux P.P. Fleureau e Gauthier, je ne peux me compromettre d'avance à faire aucune indemnisation à vos missionnaires puis même en raison des frais qu'ils ont fait au profit des missions qu'ils ont administrées. Il me semble que tout cela doit être à charge de ces messieurs ou à la juridiction qu'ils représentent. J'ai toujours pensé de même à l'égard de Hainan, malgré les grandes sommes d'argent envoyées de Macao et celles qu'ils ont
{{PAGE:93}}
tirées de leurs propres ressources pour la réalisation
des constructions qu'ils ont entreprises et menées
à bout.
J'ai ordonné au P. Pitta (o supérieur de
Miraõ en Hainan) de faire un compte minutieux de tous ces frais et de l'ajouter à l'inventaire dans l'intention seulement de faire connaître ce que la mission de Macao et ses missionsnaires ont dépensé dans les aides, maisons et chapelles de Hainan, au profit des chrétiens; mais sans le propos d'exiger une indemnisation de quoi que ce soit. Ce fut dans un pareil but que j'ai demandé aux Pères P. T. Fleureau et Gauthier de faire ajouter des notes aux articles de l'inventaire de la mission de Shao-King là où on trouvera juste, pour faire connaître tout ce qui a été fait aux frais de la mission de Canton et de ses dignes et zélés missionnaires. Je pense que ce sera la meilleure façon de nous mener des doutes et des contestations qui me peuvent revenir au détriment de la grande
[UNCERTAIN: grande]
{{PAGE:94}}
affaire qui nous occupe."
Não se podia ser mais claro e categórico em determinar o fim que se tinha em vista com os inventários, o sentido dos algarismos que n'elle figurariam, e em discernir o do fim que Monsenhor Merel Mes queria atribuir, e que, se prevalescesse, teria as mais funestas consequências para a realização do nosso acordo? Surgiriam questões intermináveis a que se quiz desde logo pôr uma barreira.
Monsenhor Merel conformou-se com esta resposta, porque em seu officio de 11 Doutubro referindo-se a ella nada replicou, e pelo contrário diz que o seu delegado em Hainan faria os inventários em harmonia com as instruções por mim dadas ao P. Pitta, e nem mais uma palavra disse d'indemnizações.
Disso o teor do dito officio em que se faz expressa referência ao meu citado officio de 24 Outubro e às instruções que eu n'elle dizia dera ao P. Pitta:
{{PAGE:95}}
le Rév. Père Pitta qui aura toute faculté de rentrer
à Macau et d'y ramener les soeurs (as religio-
nas missionarias ao serviço de Hainan).”
C'est officio o Prelado de Cantão não só
concorda com as instruções dadas pelo bispo de
Macau para a confecção dos inventários con-
forme este as explicara e precisara no officio a
que aquelle responde, mas ainda traçava o
plano que devia seguir-se até à definitiva
troca de jurisdições e abandono das missões
pelo respectivo pessoal missionário. Tudo, segun-
do elle, se levaria a effeito sem que para qual-
quer das partes houvesse a obrigação de dar á
outra uma indemnização qualquer por
differença de valores encontradas nos inventá-
rios.
Nas subseqüentes negociações celebradas
entre mim e o Prelado de Cantão quer directa
mente quer por intermédio de nossos mis-
sionários não ha uma só palavra nem um
acto em que eu reconheceria ao Prelado de Can
{{PAGE:96}}
tão direito a quaisquer indemnizações da minha parte para compensar as desigualdades encontradas no confronto dos inventários das duas missões. O simples facto de propor e anuir à que se fizessem os inventários com a designação de valores não injusta para nenhuma das partes a obrigação nem o direito a indemnizações, uma vez que não se fez expressa e previa declaração mutuamente aceita de que seriam feitos para esse determinado fim e desde que o Decreto pontifício aceito por ambos os prelados ordenava a permuta de jurisdições com a exclusão do encargo d'indemnizações tais dum para com o outro.
Vem muito a propósito, para completar a minha resposta a esta parte da nota, reproduzir aqui uma passagem da Memória que apresentei em Roma na Secretaria d’Estado do Vaticano, com data de 13 de junho do anno corrente, na qual refutei uma objecção repetidas vezes feita pelo Prelado de Cantão. É como segue:
{{PAGE:97}}
“Esta objeção (da desigualdade de valores e do número de christãos) tinha já sido refutada pelo bispo de Macau em seu officio de 7 de março do anno corrente em resposta a outro do Prelado de Cantão do dia 4. Eis aqui o que então se disse e que não perdeu nada da sua força, porque o Sr. Prefeito Apostólico nada replicou, limitando-se a reproduzir a objeção.
Lise o bispo de Macau: “Pour ce qui concerne la disproportion que les inventaires montrent exister entre Hainan et Shewing au double point de vue des propriétés et du nombre de chrétiens, nous n'avons rien à y voir dès que le Souverain Pontife, après un mûr examen des choses, rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perspensis, comme s'exprime le décret du 3 février 1903 de la Propagande, a ordonné l'échange de l'île de Hainan contre le district de Shewring. En effet le Décret est “absolu”, il n'impose aucune condition, n'exige aucune compensation. La juridiction”
{{PAGE:98}}
à échanger est une juridiction territoriale qui
de sa nature, attire à elle, avec les territoires, les chréti-
entés et les choses appartenant à celles-ci.
Le Décret ne fait aucune distinction de ces choses.
Comment donc vouloir les séparer pour en faire
l'objet d'une convention à part ? Ubi lex non
distinguit nemo potest distinguere.
Le Décret ajoute même « ad instar praetationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874 in quo per
Bullam dici 15 junii supra dicta insula Hai-
nan Macaoneni dioecesi odnera fuit. »
Ora a Bulla não impôs compensação al-
guma e a ilha de Hainan no anno de 1874 (ou
melhor em 1876, anno em que foi executada a
a Bulla) passou para a jurisdição de Macau
sem que da parte da Prefeitura Apostólica de
Kouang-Tom se exigisse compensação alguma
por parte de Macau, não obstante os bens e
as capellas que a missão francesa acolá possuía,
e o numero de christãos que, segundo documentos
authenticos, se elevava a 838.
{{PAGE:99}}
A acta do Convenio celebrado em Cantão no dia 23
de março de 1816 para a execução da Bulla não
acarreta nenhuma indemnização e o Prelado de
Cantão, Monsenhor Guillemmin, em officio de 19
de outubro de 1816 ao Superior da missão portuguesa
de Hainan declara que não tem compensações a
escigir.
Bom ao contrario do que pretende Monsenhor
Merel, a compensação a fazer é ao bispo de Macau
que deve ser dada. Effectivamente: 1º Elle era obri-
gado a ceder a ilha de Hainan, que por direito con-
cordatário lhe pertencia, para satisfazer a uma
proposta do Governo francez feita com o intuito de
servir os interesses da Sociedade das Missões Extra-
geiras de Paris; era elle quem tinha direito a receber
uma compensação; 2º Foi isso o que expressamen-
te ordenou a Santa Sé, como se vê da declaração de
16 de março de 1904: “La Santa Sede ha dichiarato
che la giurisdizione del Vescovo di Macao, in compen-
so della cessione dell'isola de Hainan. . . . della
estender-si al distretto di Chao-King.”
{{PAGE:100}}
Monsenhor Merel tem conhecimento d'esta
decisão da Santa Sé, pois a reproduziu em seu officio
de 25 de julho de 1906 e com ella se conformou declaran-
do-me, a propósito da mesma, que era humilde e
absolutamente submissa às ordens da Santa Sé;
em seu officio de 16 d'agosto, que eu já aqui reproduzi,
daí como feito o acordo comigo para a execução
das determinações da Santa Sé constantes do Décret
de 3 de fevereiro de 1903 explicado por essa declaração,
e foi ainda a esta decisão que elle se referiu quan-
do telegraphicamente e depois em relatório com-
municava ao Governo da Republica o acordo cele-
brado com o Bispo de Macau, que segundo elle dizia
persona sobre a execução do Decreto da Propaganda
de 3 de fevereiro de 1903 explicado pelo rescripto de
16 de março de 1904, e nada mais.
Pela minha parte eu não podia tomar o com-
promisso de dar uma tal indemnização à Prefe-
tura Apostólica porque isso levar-nos-ia para
fora do ambito traçado pelas decisões pontificias
aceitadas pelos dois governos de Lisboa e de Paris. E eu
{{PAGE:101}}
não o faria sem o consentimento e aprovação dos poderes superiores.
Monsenhor Aberel sabia-o perfeitamente, porque mais d'uma vez eu lhe disse e fiz constar que de tudo quanto não fosse a estrita execução das decisões de Roma eu nada faria sem o assentimento e aprovação do Governo e da Santa Sé. Esta declaração encontra-se particularmente no meu officio de 8 de maio de 1906, feito logo no começo das negociações que entre nós foram estabelecidas.
Por isso desde que se accordou na execução do decreto pontifício de 3 de fevereiro de 1903 explicado pela declaração de 16 de março de 1904, não se tratou de mais nada se não de pôr em execução as decisões romanas; outro qualquer pensamento foi ipso facto posto de parte.
Eu tenho em meu poder documentos, a maior parte d'elles escritos e assignados por Monsenhor Aberel que provam à evidência tudo quanto lá hei até aqui affirmado, e posso desacombradamente desafiar a quem quer que seja a que produza
{{PAGE:102}}
um só documento por mim escrito ou assignado em que eu me obrigasse a indemnizar a Prefeitura Apostólica pelas differenças de valores que os inventários acusam.
2. Quanto à venda feita pelo bispo de Hainan, no decurso das negociações, de duas propriedades em Ho-i-how, já esta objecção tinha sido por mim refutada em meu officio de 31 de dezembro de 1906 dirigido a Monsenhor Oferel em resposta a outro do dito Prelado de 17 do mesmo mês e anno e n'uma Memoria que em Roma apresentei com data de 13 de junho do anno corrente, devidamente documentada, na Secretaria d'Estado do Vaticano.
Insiste-se na allegação, mas sem produzir uma única razão capaz de destruir o que contrariamente a ella foi dito e provado. Eis o que entre outras cousas se tinha dito a Monsenhor Oferel:
«La mission d'Hainan n'avait rien à voir à ces deux maisons. Elle appartenait à l'administra...
{{PAGE:103}}
tion diocesaine de Macau au même titre que
bien d'autres que nous avons à Hong-Kong et à
Singapura. Le père Pitta (superior da Missão) rendant ces maisons agissait non en sa qualité
de missionnaire de Hainan, mais comme procureur de l'administration de Macau. »7
Essas casas tinham sido adquiridas com
com dinheiro mandado de Macau, pelo bispo da
Diocese D. Antonio de Medeiros, como já antes
muitas outras tinham sido adquiridas em Hong-
Kong e Singapura, com que até hoje ninguém se
lembrasse de as reivindicar para as missões locais.
Como as d'essas outras cidades as casas de Hainan
estiveram sempre a renda por conta da administração diocesana e nunca tiveram outra aplicação.
Sabero toda a gente em Hainan.
O inventário dos bens de Hainan feito em abril de
1905 pelo Superior da Missão é que eu juntei como documento à Memória que apresentei em Roma, essas
casas figuram como pertencendo à administração diocesana de Macau. Na curia episcopal o rendimento
{{PAGE:104}}
d'esses predios era escriturado como pertencendo
àquella administração. Em nome d'esta administração foram vendidas em junho de 1906 sendo o recibo
da somma de $12.000 patacas, importância da
venda, passado e assignado em Macau pelo
bispo como presidente d'essa administração. A minuta ou modelo d'esse recibo foi mandado de Hai-
nam a instância do comprador, que exigia aquelle
documento para segurança sua e não se contentava
com o que lhe queria passar o Superior da Missão.
Esse modelo foi também por mim junto com o do-
cumento à Memória que com data de 13 de junho
do anno corrente apresentei em Roma na Secreta-
ria d'Estado do Vaticano.
Convene aqui notar uma circunstancia
muito significativa. Ao passo que a administração
diocesana de Macau vendia as duas casas que
possuía em Ho-how, porque eram suas, não pon-
tou sequer em vender os edifícios de dois asylos
construídos pelos missionários portugueses ainda
ha muito pouco tempo, mesmo já depois de
{{PAGE:105}}
terem começado as negociações para a permuta
de jurisdições, um em Kiang-Chow, capital da
ilha, outro em Seom-tui-san. E não o fez apesar
de haverem sido mandados de Macau importantes
subsídios pecuniários para esse fim, porque
em grande parte em grande parte essas obras se
fizeram com o auxílio de subsídios recolhidos
pelos missionários nas respectivas localidades,
e em terreno da missão local.
Nenhuma d'estas minhas afirmações
sofre contestação, porque todas se baseiam em documentos públicos, que os interessados podem consultar, se lhes approvar, e podem ser corroboradas pelo testemunho d'algunos sacerdotes que relevantes serviços prestaram à diocese de Macau. São esses o M.º Rev. Correio Francisco Pedro Gonzalves antigo Vigário Geral do Bispoado de Macau residente em Lisboa, e os antigos missionários e superiores da Missão de Hainan P.º José Vicente Costa residente em Lisboa, Correio José Manuel Diegas, presidente em Bragança e P. Anacleto Cortim Garcez, parocho
{{PAGE:106}}
em Val de Cavallos.
Em vista do esforço físico mais que prova
do que o bispo de Macau não tem obrigação de
fazer indemnização alguma ao Prelado de Can-
tão nem pelas diferenças de valores dos inventá-
rios nem pela venda de casas que não pertenci-
am à Missão de Fainan, devendo por consegui-
nte o decreto pontifício que ordenava a permuta
de jurisdições em Fainan e Showing, ser
executado pelos dois prelados não só porque a
isso se obrigaram com a anuência dos dois
governos, mas porque assim decidiu a Santa Sé
recentemente em rescripto de 19 de julho de
1907.
Deus Guarde a V. Exª.
Lisboa, 19 de agosto de 1907
Affirmo
M. Dr. Sr. Conselheiro
Director Geral do Ministério Ultramar
+João Paulino Taveira da Costa
Bispo de Macau
{{PAGE:107}}
Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
1ª Repartição
Lisboa 10 d'abril de 1908
ULTRAMAR
27 13 ABRIL 1908
Rep. N° 1846
Com referência ao assunto do officio d’este Ministério datado de 5 de Setembro do anno findo, cabe-me a honra de passar às mãos de V. Exª a incursa cópia da Nota dirigida pelo Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros de França ao nosso representante em Paris, relativamente à troca das jurisdições eclesiásticas de Haiuan e Shāo-King.
Deus guarde a V. Exª.
Yumo e Cr. Sui Ministro e Secretário
d’Estado dos Negócios de Macau e Ultramar.
[UNCERTAIN: possibly "Offº no Bairro de Almeida"]
21-4-1908
[UNREADABLE]
1ª REPARTIÇÃO
DA 8ª
DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR
2ª Secção
Arquivo N.º 121
14 de 4. de 1908
[UNCERTAIN: possibly "Convenham que seja enviada uma cópia de cópia da nota acima para o Sr. Ministro de Ultramar para seu conhecimento."]
15-4-1908
2º Cat.
Sina
de
Neves Barreto Leite
{{PAGE:108}}
Ministério
dos
Negócios Estrangeiros
Direcção Geral
dos Negócios Políticos
e Diplomáticos
Legação de Portugal em França — Documento
junto ao ofício n.º 184 — Ministère des
Affaires Étrangères — à Sua Excelência o Sr. o Conde de Louiza
Lopes, etc. etc. etc. — Paris, Le 18 Mars 1908. — M. le
Comte. — Par votre office du 24 Décembre dernier,
nous avons fait l'assurance de ne s'entendre à
aucun sujet de la question de l'échange entre les
diocèses de Béziers et de Cantal de la juridiction
apostolique d'Aix-en-Provence contre celle du district de Thaon-
king. Pour satisfaire au désir que vous avez exprimé,
notre département a fait savoir à Sgr. Meirel
qu'il ait à se confirmer pure et simplement
aux décrets rendus par le Saint-Siège relativement
à l'échange des districts précités. (précis etc. etc.)
(assignado) — L. Lichori — Esta confirma — Legação
de Sua Majestade em Paris aos 20 de Março de 1908
(ou) Francisco Daimitella de Sanfrazo —
Esta confirma — Repartição dos Negócios Políticos
em 10 d' Abril de 1908
[Signature illegible]
[Seal: ARQUIVO NACIONAL - PORTUGAL]
{{PAGE:109}}
Copia
1ciula
0. 11-4-8
Carilhão Eminence
/à D'Urb°: junte ao
movem
Me voici encore absent de mon
diocèse où je comptais me trouver de retour depuis
longtemps.
Malheureusement l'affaire de Hain-
man et Sheu-ing traîne en longueur et me retient en Europe par suite des difficultés que d'in-
justes prétentions du Prélat de Canton ne cessent
de susciter.
En effet, Monseigneur Mevel, qui
était venu à Rome pour y traiter personnellement
de la même affaire, voyant échouer tous ses efforts
devant la décision suprême qui l'obligeait de se conformer au décret de la Propagande du 3
février 1943, explique par la déclaration du 16 mars
1944, a quitté cette ville dans la première moitié de
mois de juillet dernier pour se rendre à Paris, où,
grâce au bon accueil que lui a accordé le gou-
vernement de son pays, il a trouvé moyen de
retarder l'exécution des ordres de Rome !
Vraiment, dans une note diplomatique
adressée au représentant de Portugal en France
{{PAGE:110}}
le Ministre des Affaires étrangères répétait la même
exigence de Monseigneur Méril déjà refutée par moi
auprès de Votre Environnance, touchant une certaine
indemnité que, d'après lui, je puis obligé de payer
pour compenser la différence de valeurs des biens
appartenant aux chrétiens des deux districts en
question.
Avec affirmations de la note du ministre français, j'ai apposé ma réponse en date du 19 août dernier, démontrant que le Prélat de Canton n'a le droit d'exiger de moi aucune indemnité, car ni la nature de l'affaire,
ni les décisions de Rome, ni une convention entre les deux Prélats ne peuvent être invoquées
pour lui pour justifier une telle exigence.
Bien au contraire:
a) L'affaire en question est, selon la lettre
du Décret, une "delimitatio confinium".
Réellement elle n'est qu'un échange de
juridiction entre l'évêque de Macau et le
Préfet Apostolique de Canton, sur certains ter-
{{PAGE:111}}
jitoires, les chrétiens qui y habitent, et les biens
mobiles et immobiliés appartenant à celles-ci.
Il n'y a que la seule juridiction qui change; tout
le reste — territoires, chrétiens et propriétés — persi-
ste, de chaque côté, là où il était, et dans le même
état où il se trouvait auparavant.
La "delimitatio confinium" n'y produit pas
d'autre changement substantiel, l'acte suprême
qui l'ordonne n'autorisant pas d'autre effet.
De leur côté, l'évêque et le préfet-apostoli-
que manquent d'autorité pour en faire autre-
ment, indépendamment de l'autorité du
Saint Siège.
En effet, pour ce qui concerne les bi-
ens ecclésiastiques en particulier, il y a dans
le Droit de l'Église et spécialement dans le
Droit en vigueur dans les contrées de missions,
des dispositions d'après lesquelles ni les Évê-
ques ni les Vicaires Apostoliques ne peuvent
disposer de ces biens sans la permission du
Saint Siège (De rebus eccL alienandis vel non
{{PAGE:112}}
III. 4. Extrait Comm. Cont. Apostolicae Sedis, n. 3. (L.C. de la Propagande 28 juillet 1731, 27 août 1832, 18 octobre 1883).
Toutes ces dispositions contrariaient évidemment la compensation en question, l'Évêque et le Préfet Apostolique n'étant pas autorisés à disposer des biens de l'église et de la Mission.
b) Le Décret du 3 février 1903 qui ordonne la délimitation de territoires entre le diocèse de Macao et la Préfecture Apostolique de Canton, dispose qu'elle se fasse "ad instar pectationis quae peracta fit anno 1874, in quo per Bullam diei 15 junii... Insula Hainan Ma conveni dioecesi adnexa fit." Mais alors, l'annexion s'effectua et Hainan passa sous la juridiction de l'Évêque de Macao sans aucune compensation pour la Préfecture de Canton. Le Préfet Apostolique à cette époque, lui-même a déclaré qu'il n'y avait aucune indemnité à exiger des biens appartenant à la Mission. Quant à la déclaration du 16 mars 1904, elle me
{{PAGE:113}}
dit rien, en adéquation à la doctrine du pouvoir.
Décret.
C) En fait de conventions entre l'Évêque de Macao et le Vicaire Apostolique, voici ce qu'il y a : 1° D'abord, il fut convenu que le Décret du 3 février 1903 expliqué par la déclaration du 16 mars 1904 serait exécuté, le 15 octobre 1906 étant fixé pour cela ; 2° Il fut encore convenu de faire les inventaires des chrétiens, afin que chacun pût mieux connaître en quel état se trouvaient celles qui lui appartiendraient par suite de l'échange en voie d'exécution. Mais lorsqu'il fut question d'une indemnité pour compenser la différence de valeurs des biens résultant des inventaires, l'Évêque de Macao fit aussitôt aux délégués du Prélat de Canton la formelle et expresse déclaration qu'il ne se compromettait à donner aucune compensation et qu'il n'en exigerait aucune en raison de telle différence. Et dès la première fois que le Prélat Apostolique en parla par écrit à l'Évêque
[UNCERTAIN: possible continuation or omission]
{{PAGE:114}}
de Macao, celui-ci lui a répondu de la première façon et dans le même temps, en donnant des explications que le Président de Canton accepta sans répliques, montrant plutôt se conformer à l'avis de l'évêque de Macao, et tout cela (circonstance digne de remarque) bien avant que les missionnaires de léques pour faire les inventaires se rendissent dans les districts où ils devaient accomplir leur tâche. Et pour bien témoigner son entière conformité à l'avis de son collègue, Monseigneur Marel écrivait que les inventaires se feraient selon les instructions de celui-ci — selon nos instructions — que disait-il. Le texte des lettres écrites de part et d'autre existe, et pourra être reproduit pour témoigner la vérité, s'il en est besoin.
Malheureusement ce Président semble avoir oublié ses promesses et tout ce qui a été solennellement convenu entre lui et moi; et dans son aveuglement il va jusqu'à l'extrémité de m'inciter à l'intervention du gouvernement français, pour qui la question était déjà définitivement résolue.
{{PAGE:115}}
soule, pour en faire l'instrument de ses injustes
prétentions acquises du gouvernement portugais à
fin d'empêcher ou de diffiicilter l'exécution des
ordres du Saint Siège.
Les inventaires ! voilà le seul fondement sur lequel le gouvernement français s'appuie pour exiger le paiement de l'indemnité.
Mais, chose étonnante, les inventaires, comme il est facile à constater, ne signifient rien, ni pour moi contre une telle prétention. Toute l'évidence désirable dans ces documents pour prouver une telle obligation, s'ils en avaient, leur n'aurait pas été de la convention préalable célébrée entre l'évêque de Macao et le Préfet Apostolique.
Or, les termes de la convention, je l'ai déjà dit, sont tout-à-fait contraires à l'indemnité, et ni Monseigneur Mesel, ni ses délégués, ni le gouvernement français ne pourront jamais prouver qu'ils lui soient favorables.
Le gouvernement de Paris se fait encore
{{PAGE:116}}
L'organe du Préfet de Canton pour insister sur
une accusation déjà plusieurs fois réfutée.
La vente de deux maisons que les évêques de Macao avaient fait bâtir sur des terrains
qu'ils avaient achetés à leur frais, et qui n'appartenaient nullement à la mission locale
de Haïnan, continue à être exploitée dans le but
de créer à l'évêque de Macao une situation dé-
favorable et peu digne, et de difficiliter la solu-
tion d'affaire !
Ayant déjà réfuté cette accusation je
m'abstiens d'y insister, d'autant plus que c'est
plutôt à Monsieur Aberel de devoir de prouver
que l'évêque de Macao n'avait pas le droit de
faire une telle vente de propriétés qui n'apparte-
naient pas à la mission locale de Haïnan.
Tant que le Préfet Apostolique ne sau-
ra le prouver, il lui sera tout-à-fait inutile
d'insister sur une si injuste accusation. |
| fulltext_translation | {{PAGE:1}}
First Division
Macau
File concerning the agreement concluded between the Bishop of Macau and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton regarding the exchange of jurisdictions over Hainan Island and the Shaoqing (or Xuzhou) district.
Year 1907
{{PAGE:2}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
SECRETARY OF STATE
for Overseas Affairs
and the Navy
General Directorate of Overseas Territories
1st Division
2nd Section
No.
His Excellency the Minister consents.
16 May 1907
Morty
The Bishop of Macau, reporting on the opposition recently expressed by the Apostolic Prefect of Canton to the implementation of the agreement concerning the exchange of jurisdiction over the island of Formosa and the district of Shao-king, requested in an official dispatch dated 8 February last that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs take appropriate measures to ensure that no objections arise either before the Government of Paris or before the Holy See which might hinder the prompt execution of the pontifical decree of 16 March 1904.
Subsequently, a telegram was received from the prelate requesting permission to travel, via Rome, to present the matter directly before the Holy See.
In the enclosed dispatch of 2 April, he acknowledges with gratitude that such permission has been granted and reiterates the request—previously made in his letter of 8 February—for the necessary measures to be taken.
The prelate’s decision to proceed to Rome to address the matter personally led this Office to withhold any formal report on the initial request. However, in light of his continued insistence, it is recommended that a copy of the dispatch dated 8 February be forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting the despatch of the necessary instructions to our [representative]—
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation: —to ensure compliance and diplomatic coordination.]
Dispatch to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
25 May 1907
[ILLEGIBLE: ~3 characters]
[UNREADABLE]
{{PAGE:3}}
representative in Paris and to the Ambassador accredited to the Holy See, to seek
to resolve any difficulties
that may still arise on this matter.
14 May 1907.
Z. Custódio
{{PAGE:4}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT
OF THE
DIOCESE OF MACAU
No. 27
ULTRAMAR
15 MAY 1907
Rep. No. 149
Most Reverend and Blessed Lord,
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Lordship’s dispatches of 11 October and 17 December last, informing me of the communications received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from His Majesty’s Portuguese Minister in Paris, concerning the agreement concluded between myself and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton regarding the transfer of jurisdiction over the island of Hainan and the district of Shao-king (or Shew-ing).
Indeed, following several prolonged conferences—specifically convened on multiple occasions in Macau—with delegates acting on behalf of that Prelate, we resolved to proceed with the implementation of the decree issued by the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith on 3 February 1903, as further confirmed by the Pontifical Decree of 16 March 1904.
In his previous correspondence, Your Lordship represented to His Majesty’s Government the claim that, in addition to the district of Shao-king, the island of Hainan—and certain sub-prefectures south thereof—should be transferred into the jurisdiction of Macau. This claim was maintained even after the supplications and formal acts submitted to the Holy See in relation to the decree of 3 February, particularly because the Prelate of Canton expressed willingness to enter into an agreement with me concerning an alternative delimitation.
Ultimately, however, I relinquished this position, as that Prelate would not concede the territories which I claimed; moreover, in exchange for the limited concessions he offered, he sought from me not only the island of Hainan but also the most valuable portion of the district assigned to Macau under the decrees of the Holy See.
FIRST DIVISION
GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR OVERSEAS PROPERTIES
Second Section
Macau, No. 39
18 March...1907
{{PAGE:5}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
They knew in Macau!
Convinced that we could not reach an agreement, we adopted, at the final conference held on 4 September last, the following resolution: the island of Hainan would forthwith pass into the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Prefect of Canton, and the district of Shao-Kung (Shew-iug) would come under the effective jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macau. Furthermore, it was agreed that a meeting would be convened in October to formalise the handover and reception of the respective territories, during which the appropriate official record would be drawn up and signed; immediately following this act, the French missionaries were to withdraw from the Shew-iug district, and the personnel of the Portuguese mission were to leave the island of Hainan.
This was the agreement which the Apostolic Prefect of Canton stated in a telegram to Paris had been concluded between him and myself, and which he subsequently confirmed in writing. It is likewise the agreement referred to by our esteemed representative accredited to the Government of the French Republic in his communications to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I must inform Your Excellency that I am relinquishing my claim to obtain a more extensive territorial concession in exchange for the cession of the island of Hainan, for several reasons: first, the Pontifical Decree of 16 March 1904—reiterating that of 3 February in a restrictive sense as far as I am concerned—does not permit me to claim any territories beyond the district of Shew-iug; second, in the course of the negotiations...
{{PAGE:6}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
negotiated by myself and the Prelate of Canton with a view to reaching an agreement on a new delimitation, I have become convinced— as I have already stated—of the impossibility of reclaiming through this process possession of any territories belonging to our Padroado that are currently under the jurisdiction of the missionaries of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Thirdly, it is now fully recognised that the Shao-King district contributes significantly more to the Royal Patronage than Hainan Island, for several reasons: a) it is considerably closer to Macau—only one day’s journey away, as previously mentioned; b) it is far more densely populated; c) it contains a much greater number of Christians, including many descendants of ancient Christian families originally evangelised by our missionaries; and d) it offers more numerous and better-suited accommodations and residences for missionaries.
Although more than three months have elapsed since the date established for the definitive handover of the territories permitted, this transfer has still not taken place. This delay has been mutually agreed upon between myself and the Prelate of Canton, pending a prior visit by missionaries from both jurisdictions to the localities from Inhazat to Sarcus, in order to compile detailed reports and gain first-hand knowledge of the situation in each location.
It has been observed in Hainan that our missionaries acted with propriety towards the representative sent from the South, the Apostolic Prefect, who received from me a certified copy of the inventory archived jointly by him and the Superior of the Portuguese missionaries.
{{PAGE:7}}
that everywhere the aemphianhor [a term requiring contextual interpretation, possibly a transliteration of a local title or honorific].
In Shao-King, it has not been easy to establish any firm sense of appreciation—let alone genuine goodwill—on the part of certain Christians, particularly women, towards the mission. While this sentiment may have some basis in reality, French missionaries, for their own purposes, have sought to amplify its significance considerably.
I do not wish to assert that they are the direct instigators of this unfavourable disposition; however, it is evident that they are complicit in it, as I have already stated to Monsignor the Prefect Apostolic and Spiritual Superior.
The clergy of Canton received with considerable reluctance the decree of 3 February 1903, and now that its implementation is at hand, they will employ strong measures to obstruct it—or at the very least, to render its execution difficult.
It suffices to inform Your Excellency that since the promulgation of that decree, one of the priests from Canton has already travelled to Europe twice! On both occasions, following agreements reached between myself and the delegates of the Prefecture (as mentioned above), I dispatched missionaries from Macau to Canton and subsequently into the district of Shao-King, so that the relevant clause of our agreement might be fulfilled.
On the first occasion, the missionary did not proceed beyond Canton, being dismissed outright on the pretext that the visitation should begin only from Naiuan. On the second attempt, the missionary reached Shew-king and entered the district, but returned immediately without accomplishing anything, having been publicly insulted by a group of women in the immediate vicinity—and in full sight—of the local missionary’s residence.
{{PAGE:8}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT
OF THE
DIOCESE OF MACAU
No.
[Seal: Circular stamp inscribed "ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT OF THE DIOCESE OF MACAU" with a central emblem]
Sir, I must express that he has shown the least possible diligence in putting an end to such affronts!
I lodged a strong protest with the Apostolic Inquisitor against this manner of proceeding—all the more deplorable given that His Lordship had promised me that the Portuguese missionary would be accompanied by a missionary priest, his delegate, whose presence would ensure due respect; yet he failed to honour this promise, sending not a duly authorised priest, but merely a student from his seminary!
Most recently, on 28 January, I dispatched to that region the Superior of the Diocese of Hainan, Fr. Manuel José Pitta, whom I had specifically summoned to succeed in that mission.
From various locations we have received correspondence detailing the manner in which he has been received, and it is expected that he will return to Macau at the beginning of March.
I must inform Your Excellency that the growing hostility of the French missionaries towards us becomes ever more evident. I speak frankly: from the side of Father Chine, the only missionary present in the district—a man of great competence and prudence—our missionary has been well received, and within his Christian community our representative suffered no apprehensions whatsoever.
It would appear that Your Excellency is determined that we should raise no objections; however, regarding the conduct of the French missionaries from Canton, the following facts are sufficient to note:
{{PAGE:9}}
1. The two European missionaries stationed in the district, rather than assist our missionary in the neighbouring area—where he had gone to carry out his duties—retreated to Shanghai and thence to Japan, leaving the Christians abundantly unprovided for. This decision was formally confirmed by their Prelate, in response to my protest, despite his earlier assurance that full support would be given to our missionary so that the new mission might be crowned with success.
2. One of these missionaries, otherwise a very capable priest, has a personal interest in preventing the proposed exchange, as he has been engaged in missionary work in the district capital for several years and has expended considerable funds there on the construction of two churches. I had already learned from reliable sources that, for this reason, the clergy of Canton were concerned about losing influence over that part of the district. During the six months in which we held meetings to discuss the matter, it became evident that that portion of the district should more properly fall under the jurisdiction of the Vicar Apostolic of Canton. Indeed, it was clearly apparent from the conduct of the Christians themselves—those subject to the aforementioned missionary—that they manifested strong support for this arrangement.
3. On this most recent occasion, instead of sending a priest who would have fulfilled the promise made to me, the Vicar Apostolic Pufilo e Montolico dispatched Father Tourquet—that is, the same missionary who, since mid-1903, has already travelled to Europe twice in an effort to obtain the revocation of the Decree of 3 March.
{{PAGE:10}}
It was precisely what occurred: that priest, representing the Magistrate of Canton, in a Christian community which his missionary had abandoned, feigned ignorance of the fact that under such circumstances his duty was to seek out the local Mandarinate, so as to ensure respect and obedience were maintained, and to prevent any further subjugation or insult being inflicted upon the Portuguese missionary.
As soon as Mr. Felta returns to Macau, the final act of the mutual transfer of the exchanged territories shall take place, in accordance with the arrangements previously agreed between myself and Monsignor Tufioto, Apostolic Delegate of Canton.
It is possible that this Magistrate may come forward with new demands in an attempt to delay even further the resolution of this long-standing and poorly managed matter.
There is no serious justification for acceding to such demands. The alleged concern that Christians might seek to exploit the situation is unfounded—as I have already heard, if not outright fabricated. Indeed, the total number of Christians throughout the entire district amounts to little more than 2,000, distributed across fifteen Christian communities, two of which...
{{PAGE:11}}
Only limited opposition has been expressed, and even this, as I have already stated, has occurred in the manner previously indicated.
I trust that the Government of the Royal Patronage, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will take the necessary measures to ensure that no doubts arise either with the Government of Paris or with the Holy See, which might create difficulties for the prompt execution of the Decrees.
In due course, I shall inform His Majesty’s Government of any developments deemed worthy of consideration.
D. M. Guerreiro to V. R. C.
Fazenda Universal, Macau, 8 February 1907
With great respect, Sir,
Commissioner Director General
of the Ministry of the Overseas.
+João Pardini e Vasconcelos Correia
Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:12}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
ECCLESIASTICAL GOVERNMENT
OF THE
DIOCESE OF MACAU
No. 70.
Most Eminent and Reverend Lord,
ULTRAMAR
6 MAY 1907
Ref. No. 291
The copy was not
received at entry
from the
No copy arrived at entry
for distribution in the T department
relating to the
document referred to in this office
11-5-1907.
1st DIVISION
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF ULTRAMAR
2nd Section
No. 60
11 May 1907
By my despatch of 8 February last addressed to Your Directorate General of Ultramar, I undertook to inform the Government of any developments suggestive of activity concerning the matter of Haiman and Sheo-King. I now fulfil that obligation, deeply perturbed by the unexpected—though anticipated—conduct of the Prelate of Canton.
Father Fetta has finally concluded his visitation of the Sheo-King district, where he remained for one month, visiting nearly all Christian communities of any significance. His mission proceeded favourably throughout, receiving a warm welcome everywhere, except in two communities—those which, as I previously mentioned in my aforementioned despatch, consisted solely of a small number of women. To assess the weight of this opposition, it suffices to note that these two communities comprise, according to authentic documents supplied by the Apostolic Prefecture, 148 and 185 Christians respectively, including men, women, elderly persons, children, new converts, and mechos cristãos (the latter being adherents sympathetic to the Portuguese Church)!
Father Fetta has returned to Macau without
{{PAGE:13}}
that the Treaty of Canton inform me, as he
had requested, where and when it would be convenient for us
to meet for the final decision.
I included in my official despatch of the 8th of the current month, which I sent to him, an invitation to meet with me in Hong Kong on one of the days immediately before Holy Week. Fifteen days later, he replied in an official letter, a copy of which I enclose, informing me—contrary to the agreement previously entered into with me—that the execution of the pontifical decrees could not proceed, for the reasons he alleges (which amount to mere pretexts already addressed by me, and none of which have been substantiated), without first consulting the Holy See anew.
On the day immediately following receipt of this despatch, I telegraphed the Minister of the Overseas Territories, informing him of this development and requesting permission to travel to the royal court, passing through the city of Rome, accompanied by my secretary.
Fortunately, on the 28th I received the long-awaited reply to my telegram, granting me the requested permission. I am deeply grateful to Your Excellency for having graciously approved my request, as I believe that so long as I do not personally address this matter,
{{PAGE:14}}
which has caused me considerable difficulty, it will continue to be
delayed, to our serious detriment and that of our missions.
In due course, in a report which I intend to submit, I shall detail all the particulars.
In the meantime, I reiterate what I requested in my aforementioned dispatch, namely, that the representatives of Portugal in Paris and at the Holy See be duly instructed in good time to endeavour to prevent any new complications or obstacles that may be sought in order to hinder the implementation of the Pontifical Decrees.
I must depart shortly for Europe;
all delay is due to the lack of space on the earliest mail shipments departing from Hong Kong with that distinguished person.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Episcopal Palace, Macau, 28 April 1907.
Minister of Marine and Overseas Affairs.
+José Pombal de Almeida e Castro
Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:15}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
File No. 42
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
To send a copy thereof
to the Bishop of Macau
for his information.
10 September 1926
M. Menniques
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Office to the Bishop
of Macau, dated
11 April 1906
Lisbon, 2 October 1906
ULTRAMAR
8 OCT 1906
Ref. No. 5261
[ILLEGIBLE: ~N characters]
Further to the official communication from His Eminence the Pope of 12 July last, by which I issued instructions to our representative in Paris to press for a resolution regarding the dispute over jurisdictions between the Bishops of Canton and Macau, we have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the Government has communicated this matter to His Lordship Cardinal de Lava Rosa, indicating that an agreement on this subject has been reached between the parties concerned. With regard to the date of dispatch of the note, the Republican Government refers to the report submitted by the Bishop of Canton, which it regards as definitive, and notes that the jurisdictional demarcation has been formally rejected in secret, while the respective implementing measures are currently being carried out.
1ST DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF ULTRAMAR
2nd Section – Ruijng de Fasse
No. 310
9 October 1906
[UNREADABLE]
{{PAGE:16}}
Don Francisco Fazende to E. Lévia
Minister and Secretary of State for Maritime and Overseas Affairs
[Uncertain: Luís de Castro]
{{PAGE:17}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
General Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
Leixões, 29 November 1906
[STAMP: ULTRAMAR
Ref. No. 6218
1 OEX 1906]
With reference to your letter of 12 July and as a supplement to my despatch of 2 October last, I have the [UNCERTAIN: honour] to inform you—on the understanding that our representative in Paris should be so informed—that the matter concerning the exchange of jurisdiction over Plainam for that of the Shao-King district has now been resolved in accordance with the decree of the Congregation de Propaganda Fide of 3 February 1903 and the pontifical decree of 16 March 1904, as a result of negotiations conducted between the Bishop of Macau and the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton.
Should you deem it necessary, I would ask Your Excellency to convey to me any supplementary instructions which ought to be sent to His Lordship the Count of Louza Rosa on this matter.
[Handwritten signature: "D. César"]
File 72.
[Handwritten note in red ink on left margin:]
"Despatch to the Bishops of Chocan
Flam 12–13–1906"
[Handwritten note in blue ink near top right:]
"The Ministry has taken note.
11 November 1906
Worty"
[Stamped and handwritten endorsement at bottom left:]
1ST DIVISION
OF THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF ULTRAMARINE AFFAIRS
2ND SECTION
File No. 348
5 December 1906
{{PAGE:18}}
God preserve Your Lordship.
Illustrious Sir Minister and Secretary of State
for Naval and Overseas Affairs
[signature]
[UNCERTAIN: Luís]
{{PAGE:19}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
MINISTRY
OF
Naval and Overseas Affairs
GENERAL INSPECTION
OF
Overseas Treasury
2nd Section
No. 152
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation]
Report
Regarding the enclosed telegram from the Governor of Macau, dated 1st of the current month, which arrived with the report from the 1st Division of the General Directorate of Overseas Territories, concerning the request by the Bishop of that diocese for a travel subsidy to Rome: the General Inspection of Treasury has the honour to state that, since the said Prelate is travelling to Rome accompanied by his secretary on official service, and given that passage for both has already been authorised at State expense, this General Inspection considers that he is entitled to the appropriate travel allowance provided for by law in such circumstances, as part of the advances granted to public officials.
The Governor of Macau, in a telegram dated 4th of the current month, inquired whether he might authorise expenditure for the Prelate’s journey; His Excellency the Minister, in a telegraphic reply of the same date, authorised the grant of a subsidy for his journey to Rome.
General Inspection of Overseas Treasury,
21 May 1907
The Inspector General,
[Signature: João Ferreira de Almeida]
[Handwritten note in upper right corner, partially legible]:
D. Urb°: the deposit was acceptable
deposit of 27/30
An annotation was made regarding the archival variation...
...it would not be standard practice, because even
the project treating the matter for Mefri's note. Given Commission
parameter, as received in this opinion.
[Handwritten note in left margin, underlined in red]:
General Directorate
of Overseas Territories.
1st Division, 2nd Section.
Chato Nepad offe
it should be considered
that the triple from
Macau was not
a member of the law
to Rome, handling
the fourth part of jurisdiction, but
resolved to go there personally, and
only requested leave from
the Government.
On 23-5-1908.
L. [illegible signature]
[Handwritten note at bottom of page, beneath signature]:
João Ferreira de Almeida
---
Translator’s Notes:
- British English spelling conventions have been applied (e.g., "authorised", "travelling", "honour").
- The formal tone and structure of the original administrative document have been preserved.
- Where terms are ambiguous or appear corrupted (e.g., “Chato Nepad offe”, “D. Urb°”), transcription follows the original as closely as possible, with minimal interpretation to avoid misrepresentation. These may reflect misspellings, abbreviations, or code names used in internal correspondence.
- Dates follow the UK format (day-month-year).
- Terms such as subsídio de viagem have been rendered as “travel subsidy” or “travel allowance”, consistent with UK academic usage in colonial administrative studies.
- The phrase em commissão de serviço is translated as “on official service”, the standard equivalent in historical colonial documentation.
- The hierarchical titles (e.g., Governor, Bishop, Inspector General) are retained with capitalisation in accordance with formal protocol.
This translation is suitable for inclusion in academic publications, archival research, and scholarly analysis of Portuguese colonial administration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
{{PAGE:20}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF MACAU
GENERAL DISPATCH
No. 18
Government Palace, Macau,
3rd May 1907
Subject:
Confidential
I have the honour to confirm my telegram of 1st instant, addressed to you in the following terms: — "Ultramar. Lisbon - Piz. /po. ped. abono. Subsidy. Travel Expenses. Rome - Alleging. is. /Ser- interpreter. State. Request. res. /postâ. utmost urgency. (to Ex. Vermador.)" — and to inform Your Excellency that this telegram was prompted by the letter received from the Bishop of Macau, a copy of which I enclose for your information.
Respectfully submitted to Your Excellency,
Government Palace, Macau, 3rd May 1907
Illustrious Sir D. Luís, Admiral and Secretary of State for Overseas Affairs.
Governor of the Province,
Pedro de Azevedo Coutinho
FIRST DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR OVERSEAS AFFAIRS
Second Section
No. 16
January 1907
OVERSEAS
4th June 1907
4th Division, No. 359
{{PAGE:21}}
Please provide the historical text you would like translated into modern UK academic English. The system returned an error indicating that the input was invalid or incomplete. Once you supply the archival content from the Portuguese colonial records, I will produce a scholarly translation in accordance with the guidelines provided.
{{PAGE:22}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
MINISTRY
OF
Marine and Overseas Affairs
GENERAL INSPECTION
OF
Overseas Treasury
2nd Section
OVERSEAS
22 MAY 1907
Ref. No. 2574
The General Inspection has the honour to return to the Directorate General of Overseas Affairs, with its observations, reference No. 152 of today’s date, the enclosed telegram from the Governor of the Province of Macau, dated the 1st of the current month, which was received via the 1st Division of that Directorate General. The matter concerns the request for a subsidy towards travel expenses to Rome submitted by the Bishop of that diocese.
General Inspection of Overseas Treasury,
21 May 1907.
The Inspector General,
[Signature: João Sacramento de Almeida]
OVERSEAS
22 MAY 1907
Ref. No. [illegible]
{{PAGE:23}}
Please provide the historical document transcription you would like translated into modern UK academic English. The current message contains a system error notification rather than the text to be translated. Once you supply the actual archival content, I will produce a scholarly translation in accordance with the guidelines provided.
{{PAGE:24}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
GENERAL DIRECTORATE
of
OVERSEAS PROVINCES
—
6th Division
—
Certified copy
issued
23 March 1907
To the 1st Division
Agreement
P.273.07
from Oruneos.
INSPECTION GENERAL OF FINANCE
OVERSEAS PROVINCES
26 MAY 1907
Sec. No. 2203
Telegram received from Macau
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Trelad, Canton refuses execution of decree concerning jurisdictional exchange; requests permission to travel to the capital via Rome, accompanied by the secretary, to discuss matters. (44.)
Risfo Macau.
[UNCLEAR: best interpretation] For Ref.: 2nd Section
In the enclosed official communication dated 8 February, received in this Division on 18 [illegible, possibly "February"] of the current year, the Bishop of Elbasan outlines the terms under which he and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton reached an agreement regarding the transfer of jurisdiction over the island of São-Tiago, as referenced in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ dispatch of 29 November 1906.
However, due to difficulties raised by the French priests stationed in São-Tiago, the implementation of the agreement has been obstructed. Consequently, the Bishop has requested that the Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, take appropriate measures to prevent disputes and avoid complications, particularly with regard to financial obligations arising therefrom.
1ST DIVISION
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF OVERSEAS PROVINCES
2ND SECTION
No. 3
26 March 1907
1897 — NATIONAL PRINTING OFFICE — 1906 — 1907
In light of the above-mentioned telegram, it appears to the Office that the Bishop should be permitted, as he requests, to proceed in person to negotiate and settle these affairs.
{{PAGE:25}}
on the matter in Rome, awaiting further
communications, after which application will be made
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for whatever
may still be necessary.
If Her Majesty so desires, I shall have the pleasure
of informing the prelate, granting me permission,
and to Governor Leitão, instructing and authorising
passage for the said prelate and his secretary
on their journey to the kingdom via Rome.
23 March 1908.
D. Maurício
{{PAGE:26}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
1st copy 7–97
Most Illustrious Sir,
ULTRAMAR
(25 JULY 1907)
1 Rep. 3º HH9
[Seal: "MINISTRY OF ULTRAMAR"]
I have the honour of forwarding to Your Excellency a copy of the communication addressed to me on the 19th of this month by His Eminence the Cardinal Secretary of State of His Holiness, informing that the question concerning the归属 (pertinence) of Hainan Island and the Sheunging District—between the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton and the Diocese of Macau—has at last been definitively settled, as justice required, in such a manner that the execution of the decree ordering it can no longer be challenged or delayed.
I am pleased to report that I found in His Eminence the Cardinal Secretary of State, as well as in His Eminence the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, the same disposition towards ensuring that justice was duly observed in this matter.
Enclosed herewith, I have the honour of transmitting to Your Excellency a copy of the said communication, which formed part of the documentation supporting my claim before the Holy See.
Having now accomplished the purpose of my mission in Rome, I shall shortly depart for Portugal, where I expect to arrive in the near future.
DEPARTMENT
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF ULTRAMAR
2nd Section
No. 106
16 July 1907
{{PAGE:27}}
8th August.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Rome, Portuguese College, via Banco Santo Spirito, 30 July 1907.
Your Most Excellent Lordship,
Counsellor of State,
Minister for the Navy and Overseas Territories,
Lisbon.
João Paulino de Freitas Bastos
Bérges, Macau
{{PAGE:28}}
MEMORANDUM
on the exchange of jurisdiction between the Bishop of Macao and the
Bishop of Canton
[UNCERTAIN: likely a decorative underline or separator line, composed of repeated ampersands or similar symbols — exact symbol is indistinct due to image resolution and age]
[STAMP: CIRCULAR SEAL]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 chars] HISTÓRICO DE MACAU [ILLEGIBLE: ~5 chars] ARQUIVO [ILLEGIBLE: ~3 chars]
[NOTE: The stamp text is partially obscured and faded. The visible fragments suggest "HISTÓRICO DE MACAU" and "ARQUIVO", with other text illegible. This is transcribed as "[ILLEGIBLE: ~N chars]" in accordance with archival transcription conventions.]
{{PAGE:29}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
MEMORANDUM
concerning the question of the exchange of jurisdictions in
Hainan and the District of
Shao-Hing (or Shiw-ing), between the Apostolic Prefect of
Canton and the Bishop of Macao
This matter comprises three phases:
1° – The preparation of the decree by the Sacred Congregation for Propaganda Fide ordering the exchange of jurisdiction. This began in 1898 and continued until 1903, the year in which the decree was published.
2° – The decree of the S.C. dated 3 February 1903: its notification; the ensuing dispute regarding Article Two; and the interpretation of this article. This phase spans from that date to 15 December 1905.
3° – Negotiations between the Apostolic Prefect of Canton and the Bishop of Macao concerning the implementation of the decree. These took place from 9 April 1906 to 20 March 1907.
I.
Under the terms of the Concordat of 21 February 1857 concluded between the Roman Pontiff and the King of Portugal, the patronage rights of the Portuguese Crown in the Far East—formerly extensive—were henceforth restricted to the province of Guangdong (Kouang-tom) in China, excluding the island of Hong Kong(1); and the Concordat of 23 June
(1) – See Topographical Map of the Province of Guangdong (Kouang-tom). Document I.
-1-
{{PAGE:30}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
In 1886, this provision of the previous Concordat concerning patronage in China and the Diocese of Macao was confirmed (Art. XI). Therefore, according to the concordatory law—which remains in force and has not been abrogated—the entire Province of Kouang-tung, with the exception of the island of Hong Kong, falls under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao. Nevertheless, the effective jurisdiction exercised by the Bishop of Macao on the Chinese mainland—long restricted merely to the small territory of Portuguese sovereignty—now extends only to that territory plus the district of Heung-Shan and its adjacent islands, including Hainan Island. This extension was granted by virtue of the Apostolic Letters Universis Orbis Ecclesias of 15 June 1874, which placed these areas under the jurisdiction of Macao. However, the greater part of that vast province—established as an Apostolic Prefecture since 1850—remains today under the authority of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (S.C. de Propaganda Fide), which entrusted it to the care of the Paris Foreign Missions Society.
More recently, this missionary society—despite already overseeing an extensive territory entrusted to the zeal of its seventy missionaries, a region containing more than thirty-six million souls awaiting evangelisation—has once again begun to seek influence over Hainan Island in order to exercise spiritual authority there, and has accordingly submitted representations
(1) – See Treaties concluded between His Most Faithful Majesty and the Holy See, pp. 3 et seq., especially Article 6 and Annex A, and pp. 20 et seq., particularly Article II. Doc. 2.
-2-
{{PAGE:31}}
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Once you supply the archival content from the Portuguese colonial records (e.g., letters, administrative reports, ecclesiastical documents, etc.), I will produce a scholarly translation in accordance with the guidelines provided.
{{PAGE:32}}
2° – That the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao should extend to the district of Ciao-King, adjacent to the district of Hean-Scian.
3° – That any such boundary changes should be carried out on a provisional basis only, following the precedent of the change effected in 1874, when, by the Bull of 15 June aforementioned, the island of Hainan was attached to the Diocese of Macao.
Having duly considered the arguments presented on both sides, His Holiness has deigned to approve and confirm the above-mentioned alteration of boundaries, and has ordered the present Decree to be issued.
The text of this Decree was communicated by His Excellency the Cardinal Secretary of State to the then Bishop of Macao on 17 February of the same year. It was received by the Bishop in Lisbon, where he was passing through en route to his diocese following his episcopal consecration in Angra.
Only after his arrival in Macao in June of that year, and once he had attended to the initial duties naturally required by the administration of the diocese into which he had just entered, was the Bishop able to fully understand the subject matter of the cited Decree. As soon as he had done so, he immediately undertook negotiations with the other party concerned—the Apostolic Prefect of Canton—in order to proceed jointly and in agreement with its implementation.
However, from the side of that Prelate, letters were sent as early as...
-4-
{{PAGE:33}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
difficulties arose at the time regarding the interpretation
of Article Two of the Decree, inasmuch as it was held that,
according to its terms, the Bishop of Macao should receive in
compensation for the island of Hainan only the District of Shao-King,
since this is the sole territory designated therein.
For his part, the Bishop of Macao maintained
that under his jurisdiction should pass not only the District of Shao-King but also the three Sub-Prefectures
of San-ing, San-ui, and Shuntac, situated between the two
Districts, for two principal reasons: first, because Article Two states: "the District of Shao-King, which adjoins the Heang-Scian District," and perfect and complete contiguity between the two Districts cannot exist without including these three Sub-Prefectures. Second, because this was precisely what his predecessor, the Bishop of Macao, D. José Emmanoel de Carvalho, had requested in exchange for Hainan—namely, "certain districts, and particularly that of Shao-King, bordering the West River, near to and contiguous with the District of Heung-Shan."
The dispute came to the attention of the Holy See, which, exercising its high and enlightened judgment, after careful and thorough examination of all the elements that had formed the basis for the drafting of the said Decree at the time, deemed it appropriate to declare: "That the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao, in compensation for the cession of the island of Hainan to the Apostolic Prefecture of Guangzhou (Kuam-tom), shall extend to the District of Chao-King,
-5-
{{PAGE:34}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
but not to the three Vicariates Apostolic of San-Ning, San-Oui and Shien-Tak.
Furthermore, the Holy See declared "that should the Portuguese and French Governments agree upon a boundary demarcation different from that established, it would not fail, in such an event, to examine the conclusions reached by the said Governments, reserving, naturally, the right to make whatever decisions it may deem most appropriate for the good and salvation of souls."
This declaration, dated 16 March 1904, was communicated to the Prelates of Canton and Macao.
The latter, considering that the second part of the declaration allowed him to entertain the hope of obtaining, in exchange for Hainan Island, not only the district of Shao-King but also the three aforementioned Vicariates Apostolic for his diocese, once again made fresh efforts together with the competent ecclesiastical authorities, though without achieving the desired outcome. However, at the beginning of 1906, in response to a documented protest accompanied by an extensive exposition of facts—which he had most recently addressed to the Apostolic Nunciature for transmission to the Holy See—he received the following dispatch: "That having taken full cognisance of all that had been set forth, the Holy See discerned no grounds
(1) – This document should exist in the Secretariat of State, where it was requested by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio in Lisbon.
-6-
{{PAGE:35}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Translation failed: The source text could not be retrieved due to a validation error in the transcription process. Please verify the integrity of the original archival transcription and resubmit for accurate translation in accordance with UK academic standards.]
{{PAGE:36}}
Several meetings were held, during which various proposals were put forward by both parties. Initially, the Delegates appeared willing to concede to the Bishop of Macao whatever territory he might request to the south and west of the District, in exchange for a portion to the north. The Bishop demanded the three Sub-Prefectures of San-Nig, San-ui, and Shun-Tac, and offered in return two Sub-Districts located north of the Tropic of Cancer. Subsequently, he relinquished his claim to the Sub-Prefecture of Shun-Tac, as the Delegates firmly maintained that its cession was unacceptable, and instead requested the Sub-Prefecture of Yeung-Kong; to the north, he offered not only the two previously mentioned Sub-Districts but also an additional Sub-District and a strip of land connecting the three northern territories across the Tropic.
For their part, the Delegates were prepared to accept these terms, but insisted on retaining all territory lying north of the Si-Kiang River, or at the very least all areas extending westward from that river to slightly beyond the District capital, leaving the capital itself—along with all adjacent territory on the river’s southern and eastern banks—incorporated within the Apostolic Prefecture. Of particular importance to them was the District capital, which had historically served as the joint capital of the two Kouang provinces prior to the administrative transfer to Canton.
At the meeting held on 10 August, the Bishop of Macao remained steadfast in his proposal, and alternatively, in the event of its rejection, insisted upon the implementation of the Pontifical Decree—that is, the Apostolic Prefecture would receive the island of Hainan, while the Diocese of Macao would be granted the District of Shau-King.
-8-
{{PAGE:37}}
On 16 August, the Apostolic Prefect, writing to the Bishop of Macao, declared that he rejected the first of the two proposals and opted for the one alone which conformed to the Decrees of Rome; accordingly, the Apostolic Prefect would receive the island of Hainan, while the Bishop of Macao would receive only the district of Shew-ing, excluding the Sub-Prefectures of Shun-Tac, San-ui, and San-ing¹.
Thus was the agreement finalised for the implementation of the Pontifical Decrees. Only the date for the formal exchange and handover of the Christian communities and chapels remained to be fixed, as the Apostolic Prefect of Canton phrased it, who at once promised to send his delegates again—something he indeed carried out shortly afterwards. On 17 August, the delegates met with the Bishop of Macao, and during this meeting it was agreed that the transfer of jurisdictions would take place on 15 October. It was further established that, prior to this date, the island of Hainan and the district of Shew-ing should each be visited respectively by a missionary from their own jurisdiction and by one from the other, in order to conduct a direct inspection and verify the inventories of movable and immovable property belonging to the various missions. These decisions were fully approved by Bishop Merel, who also appointed the individuals who were to serve as his delegates in all these matters.
(1) – Letter from Bishop Merel, dated 16 August 1906. The essential content is contained in the preceding text.
-9-
{{PAGE:38}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
acts, indicating the order in which these would follow, up to the point of withdrawing the missionary personnel currently stationed in the missions (1).
Here are the words of His Lordship in his Note of 16 August:
“In continuation of the conversations which Your Excellency has kindly held with Fathers Fleureau and Gauthier regarding the exchange of ecclesiastical jurisdiction over Hainan, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that, of the two solutions proposed, I accept the one which is most in accordance with the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff.
Your Excellency will cede the island of Hainan to the mission of Guangdong, and in compensation will take only the Prefecture of Chaoqing, excluding the Sub-Prefectures of Shuntak, Sanwoui, and Saning, in conformity with Decree No. 4345 dated 16 March 1904, which clarifies the meaning of the decree issued by the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith on 3 February 1903.
‘It now remains to fix the date’ on which this exchange will take place, as well as the handover of Christian communities and chapels.
I shall take the liberty of sending Fathers Fleureau and Gauthier to consult with Your Excellency on this matter and to settle the issue definitively.”
In his letter of 8 September, the Apostolic Prefect wrote to the Bishop of Macao:
----------
(1) – Letters of 8 September and 11 October 1906. (The essential content is given below in the text).
-10-
{{PAGE:39}}
Please provide the historical text you would like translated into modern UK academic English. The system has returned an error indicating that the input field was empty or contained invalid content. Once you supply the archival transcription from the Portuguese colonial records, I will produce a scholarly translation in accordance with the guidelines provided.
{{PAGE:40}}
Please provide the historical text you would like translated. The placeholder `{text}` indicates that no transcription was supplied for translation. Once you input the actual archival content from the Portuguese colonial records, I will produce a scholarly, UK-academic-standard English translation in accordance with the guidelines provided.
{{PAGE:41}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
With reference to Your Excellency’s note of 12 July last, in accordance with which I instructed our representative in Paris to press for a resolution to the matter concerning the exchange of jurisdictions between the Bishops of Canton and Macao, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the French Government has now notified Mr. Count de Souza Rosa that those Bishops have reached an agreement on the subject. At the time of dispatching the aforementioned note, the French Government was awaiting a report from the Bishop of Canton, "regarding the exchange of jurisdictions as definitively settled," and the respective acts of taking possession as being in the process of implementation.
In the note of 12 December, the General Directorate of Colonies communicated to the Bishop of Macao the following:
"By means of a note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated 29 November last, His Excellency the Minister of Marine and Colonies was informed that the question of the exchange of jurisdiction over Hainan for that of the Shao-king District 'had been resolved', as reported by our Representative in Paris, 'in accordance with the terms of the Propaganda Decree of 3 February 1903 and the Pontifical Decree of 16 March 1904, as a result of negotiations conducted between the Diocese of Macao and the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton'.......
Meanwhile, the agreed visits to the island of Hainan and the Sew-ing District were carried out, enabling the missionaries delegated for this purpose to take formal cognisance thereof.
-13-
{{PAGE:42}}
of the missions and their condition with regard to movable and immovable property, as well as the number of Christians.
In Hainan, everything proceeds satisfactorily, thanks to the tact and goodwill shown by the Superior of the mission in receiving the delegate of the Apostolic Prefect of Canton, accompanying him throughout, and providing him with first-hand knowledge of all matters, together with a previously prepared inventory drawn up with the utmost clarity and sound method.
We would gladly report similarly concerning Sew-ing; however, for visits to take place and be completed, it became necessary to send three missionaries successively from Macao, as the attempts by the first two proved fruitless due to obstacles—on some occasions actively raised, on others passively permitted—by individuals who were duty-bound to remove all difficulties. All evidence suggests that there existed a deliberate and carefully coordinated plan to frustrate the visits of the Macao missionaries to that district, with the apparent aim of creating the impression that it was either impossible, or at the very least inadvisable and detrimental to the evangelising mission, for this district to come under the jurisdiction of Macao.
The need for brevity compels us not to elaborate further on this point, though much more could be said, fully substantiated by documents of unquestionable authenticity. Nevertheless, it would weigh heavily upon us to appear severe—even if acting solely in self-defence—when dealing with those responsible, particularly given our usual commitment to conciliation and ecclesiastical harmony.
-14-
{{PAGE:43}}
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{{PAGE:44}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Mgr Merel seeks to justify his response by invoking three considerations, all of which we have already refuted in our previous correspondence with that Prelate and which we now proceed to examine.
The three considerations upon which Mgr Merel bases his argument are as follows:
1° – The “OPPOSITION” of the Christians of Shew-ing to being transferred from that district into the jurisdiction of Macao, and the fear that the Christian communities “might become apostates,” as occurred in Hainan.
2° – The DISPROPORTION between Hainan and Shew-ing, viewed from both the standpoint of property holdings and the number of Christians; hence, the necessity for a proportionally greater compensation, particularly given that this imbalance was exacerbated by the “sale of the two houses” in Hoi-ow, the capital of the island, which belonged to the Hainan mission.
3° – The INTENTION of the Portuguese Government, as expressed by its Representative in Paris, to revert to the status quo ante prior to the decree of 1903.(1)
1°
Opposition of the Christians, fear of apostasy, decline of the Hainan Mission.
a)
The number of Christians dispersed throughout the
(1) – Note from the Apostolic Prefect of Canton, 20 March 1907. Document No. 10.
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{{PAGE:45}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
The district of Shew-ing, comprising distant and sparsely distributed Christian communities (1), does not exceed, according to authentic documents provided by the missionaries of the district, a total of 2,609 Christians (2). The statistical report for the entire apostolic prefecture for the period 1905–1906 even attributes a lower number to this region—only 2,361 Christians (3).
From this, one can assess the limited significance of any opposition mounted by such a small and disadvantaged Christian population, poorly positioned to coordinate any coherent programme of resistance.
Indeed, the opposition referred to by His Lordship was primarily instigated by women and youths under their influence, as unanimously reported by the two Portuguese missionaries who were directly subjected to it: Father Roliz and Father Pitta. Moreover, this resistance manifested itself in only two locations: the capital of Shew-ing and a Christian community situated at some distance to the north—both under the pastoral care of the same missionary, Father Clauset—a circumstance that should not be overlooked. In all other Christian settlements, the Portuguese missionary who visited them was well received by the local Christians, as attested by fellow missionaries of the Apostolic Prefecture (4).
At present, the capital contains barely 148 Christians
(1) – See Topographical Map of the Province of Kouang-tung, and inventories of the missions in Shew-ing, Doc. I, II, 12, 13.
(2) – See Inventories of the Missions in Shew-ing, ibid.
(3) – See "Administr. miss. Kwan-tong 1905–06", Doc. 14.
(4) – Letters from Fathers G.B. Lit., G.B. Wong, and Gaston Boucheron, Doc. 15, 16, 17.
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{{PAGE:46}}
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{{PAGE:47}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
No less telling is the fact that Christians come to Macao from the Apostolic Prefecture in search of young women from our mission of St Lazarus or pupils from our colleges and orphanages, intending to marry them and establish families. What is particularly noteworthy—and indeed striking—is that on many occasions it is the missionaries of the Apostolic Prefecture themselves who send these men for such a purpose! The same applies to young men who come from the Apostolic Prefecture to our educational institutions for study; and what is especially curious—even astonishing—is that it is the ecclesiastical authorities in Canton who actively request their admission into these establishments(1). We refrain from elaborating further on this matter so as not to be compelled to identify publicly those individuals and groups responsible for the alleged opposition among Christians.
b)
The fear of apostasy neither justifies nor explains the sudden reversal of position by Mgr. the Apostolic Prefect.
1° – If this were a genuine concern, it would have existed continuously since the very beginning of the dispute, and would have prevented—or at least hindered—any initiative taken by the clergy of Canton in favour of the change of jurisdiction.
In truth, Mgr. Merel was well acquainted with the character of the Chinese people. He himself states(2): "On ne connaît pas..."
(1) – Note by the Superior of the Orphanage of the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. Document No. 19.
(2) – Letter from Mgr. Merel, 24 November 1900.
-19-
{{PAGE:48}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
these Chinese cannot begin to imagine the extent
of difficulty and sacrifice involved in maintaining them
in fidelity to the laws of the Church.'
It is scarcely credible that such an error—exposing the Chinese
to the danger of apostasy—should only now have been noticed,
since the Bishop must certainly have known them well enough by this time,
having served as a missionary among them for many years; indeed, he has been
Apostolic Prefect of Guangdong since 1901!
2° – This apprehension, therefore, is not genuine.
Indeed, it is unreasonable to suppose that Bishop Merel, over such a prolonged period—from May until November—through a long series of documents written in his own hand (1) and through the statements of his Delegates—who during this time travelled "six times" from Canton to Macao specifically to negotiate the execution of the Papal Decrees—should have remained steadfast in his intention to implement the Decrees; should have concluded an agreement with his colleague in Macao; officially communicated this agreement to Europe; allowed the governments of Paris and Lisbon to reach mutual understanding regarding it; treated the matter as settled in accordance with the terms of that agreement—and then, all of a sudden, solely because the second missionary from Macao sent to Shew-ing was poorly received in a Christian community which in its entirety comprises only "148 souls," including the elderly, children, and old Portuguese-affiliated families—should have begun to retract—
--------
(1) – These are twelve letters and memoranda, the originals of which we possess, along with all other writings before and after this period.
-20-
{{PAGE:49}}
--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
--- TRANSLATION ---
The transcription process has been halted due to detection of excessive repetition or textual irregularities indicative of potential data corruption or non-authentic content. This may suggest issues such as manuscript damage, scribal duplication, or transcription error in the source material. Further palaeographic review is recommended to verify authenticity and ensure scholarly accuracy before proceeding with translation.
{{PAGE:50}}
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{{PAGE:51}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
In Hainan, as in other regions, Christians were regarded as complicit in the war waged by Europeans against China, and priests—although not necessarily French—were presumed to be French themselves, or at least allies and spies of the French.(1)
The majority of Christians fled and avoided contact with missionaries in order to escape persecution as Christians or as foreigners (which amounted to the same thing), and consequently ceased to present themselves. Thus, when peace was restored on the island, only a small number remained faithful.
Nevertheless, Christian communities were not entirely abandoned. Hainan continued to have missionaries even at the height of persecution. Missionaries were consistently sent from Macao; it should be noted that more than one priest was often present simultaneously—sometimes three, then four, and even five Portuguese and Chinese missionaries—whereas under the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Prefecture, between 1850 and 1876, there were only two brief instances when two or three priests served together.(2)
During the period of the Portuguese mission, schools and catechumenates were established, orphanages built, chapels restored and newly constructed, and apostate villages began to re-enter communion with the Catholic—
(1) – See: Letter from M.T. Walters, British Consul in Hainan, addressed to Father Giuseppe Vincenzo Costa, Superior of the mission, in which he advises him to withdraw from the mission, as the local population regarded him as French or, at the very least, as their ally. No. 25.
(2) – See "Report on the missionaries who evangelised the island of Hainan from 1630 to the present", and "Report on the missionaries who served in Hainan from 1876 to the present year 1907". Documents No. 31 to 22.
23-
{{PAGE:52}}
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{{PAGE:53}}
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{{PAGE:54}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Some remained abandoned and without effective assistance for a considerable period. Indeed, it is little more than two years—specifically since 1904, twenty years after the persecution—that the Christian community on the island of Shan-Sham, once flourishing and where the great Saint Francis Xavier died, has once again had a missionary; with great effort, he has succeeded in restoring what had been reduced to ruin by the hostility of non-Christians and the destructive passage of time. Yet it was there that the zealous and discerning activity of the Apostolic Prefect, Bishop Guillemin, had erected grand and beautiful artistic monuments in honour of the illustrious Apostle of the East, contributions towards which had been made by Empress Eugénie and the French Government. And for many years this venerable centre of piety—frequently visited by pilgrims from across the Far East, especially from Macao, Hong Kong, and Canton—was left in such culpable neglect.
2.
Disparity between Hainan and She-wu (Shew-ing) with regard to property holdings and the number of Christians; Compensation; sale of properties in Hainan.
a)
This objection had already been addressed by the Bishop of Macao in his note of 7 March—
(1) – See Sanchoan, The Holy Land of the Far East, a pamphlet recently published in Hong Kong by a member of the Society of Jesus, p. 25.
–26–
{{PAGE:55}}
In the current year, in reply to another letter from the Prelate of Canton dated the 4th, the following was stated—arguments which have lost none of their validity, given that the Apostolic Prefect offered no rebuttal, confining himself merely to reiterating his objection. The Bishop of Macao said:
"With regard to the apparent disproportion revealed by the inventories between Hainan and Shew-ing, both in terms of property and number of Christians, we have no authority to intervene, since the Holy Father, after mature examination of all circumstances—rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perpensis, as expressed in the decree of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith dated 3 February 1903—has ordered the exchange of the island of Hainan for the district of Shew-ing. Indeed, the decree is 'absolute'; it imposes no conditions and requires no compensation. The jurisdiction to be exchanged is territorial jurisdiction, which by its very nature includes, along with the territory itself, the Christians and ecclesiastical assets belonging thereto. The decree makes no distinction among these elements. How then can one seek to separate them and make them the subject of a separate agreement? Ubi lex non distinguit, nemo potest distinguere [Where the law does not distinguish, no one may distinguish].
"Furthermore, the decree explicitly states: ad instar mutationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874, in quo per Bullam diei 15 Junii supra dicta insula Hainan Macaonensi Dioecesi adnexa fuit [in the manner of the change effected in 1874, by which, through the Apostolic Letter of 15 June mentioned above, the aforesaid island of Hainan was annexed to the Diocese of Macao]. Indeed, the island of Hainan passed into the jurisdiction of Macao in 1874 (or more precisely in 1876, the year in which the Apostolic Letters were implemented), without any prior agreement or compensation being required on the part of the Apostolic Prefecture."
{{PAGE:56}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
If Kouang-tom were to demand any form of compensation, this would be unjustified,
notwithstanding the properties and chapels owned by the mission there,
and notwithstanding the number of Christians, which, according to authentic documents, amounted to 838(1).
It is remarkable that Bishop Merel, who ought to have been well acquainted with Hainan—having previously visited it—and who had his missionaries close at hand, many of whom frequently travelled there and even boasted before the Bishop of Macao of their thorough knowledge of the condition of the mission on that island—it is remarkable, I say, that only after concluding an agreement with his colleague for the implementation of the decrees ordering the exchange of jurisdictions did he raise objections regarding disproportionality and begin demanding compensations!(2)
Quite contrary to Bishop Merel’s claims, it is the Bishop of Macao who is entitled to compensation from the Holy See. Indeed: 1° He was bound by the Decree to cede the island of Hainan, which, by virtue of concordatary rights, belonged to him—
(1) – See Apostolic Letters Universis Orbis Ecclesias of 15 June 1874; minutes of the meeting held in Canton between Bishop Guillemin, Apostolic Prefect, and Dean Manuel Lourenço de Gouveia, Delegate of the Bishop of Macao; and the letter or note from Bishop Guillemin to the Superior of the Portuguese Mission in Hainan, dated 19 October 1876. Report by Fr. G.G. Batt., Superior of the Hainan Mission, 7 December 1890. Documents nos. 26, 27 and 23.
(2) – See the full correspondence exchanged between the two Prelates. We hold originals of all letters and notes from Bishop Merel, and in none of these documents—prior to the conclusion of the agreement and its approval in the note of 16 August 1906—is there the slightest mention of disproportion or compensation requests.
-28-
{{PAGE:57}}
--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Transcription unavailable due to technical error in source processing]
{{PAGE:58}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Capiva Monsignor the obligation to demonstrate
the falsity of the claims made in order to maintain
his objection, but he did not do so, preferring instead
to assert his position without providing evidence. Indeed, that Prelate
had neither evidence nor could he have had any proof whatsoever that the said
houses belonged to the mission of Hainan.
They had been purchased with funds
sent from Macao, with the intention of serving as a college for girls and as a residence for missionaries; however, they were never actually designated for this purpose, nor were they handed over by the administration of Macao to the mission of Hainan, since shortly after their purchase negotiations began regarding the transfer of Hainan’s ecclesiastical jurisdiction to Canton; and from the time of their acquisition until their sale,
they remained continuously under diocesan administration(1).
In the name of this diocesan administration, they were finally sold
at the end of June 1906(2).
3.
The Portuguese Government’s intentions and the note
from the Portuguese Minister in Paris proposing the restoration of the
"status quo" ante prior to the Decree of 1903.
It was with surprise that Mgr. Merel
(1) – See Inventory drawn up by the Superior of
the Mission at Sem-tui-san on 25 April 1905. Doc. 28.
(2) – See communication from the same Superior, dated Hoi-ow, 16 October 1906, accompanied by the receipt form or model required by the purchaser of the houses, stipulating the terms for payment to be made in Macao. Docs. No. 29 and 30.
–30–
{{PAGE:59}}
— ORIGINAL TEXT —
who had never taken into account the legitimate complaints of the Portuguese Government, identical to those of the Bishop of Macao, except in order to oppose them, should now come forward, just as everything had been arranged for the execution of the Papal Decrees, to oppose their implementation with a proposal from that same Government—a proposal of which he had already become aware prior to the negotiations conducted and the agreements already reached!
Indeed, Bishop Merel states in his third and final consideration that in January 1906 the Portuguese Government had informed the French Government that it preferred to revert to the status quo ante the 1901 Convention (that is, to maintain the 1903 Decree) if the exchange of jurisdictions were not carried out according to its desired terms. This was indeed the case, and this attitude may be explained by the Portuguese Government’s strong desire to end the extremely detrimental state of uncertainty which had persisted for so long, as they considered this reversal to be the simplest means. Furthermore, they were well aware of the other party’s keen desire to regain Hainan….
The French Government, however, refused to take any decision without first consulting the Prelate of Canton(1), to whom they immediately communicated the aforementioned note; thus, when negotiations began in April of that year, the delegates of the Prelate of Canton were able to declare—as they indeed did—
(1) – See Letter from His Excellency the Portuguese Minister to the Bishop of Macao, dated 26 September 1906. Document No. 31.
– 31 –
{{PAGE:60}}
Please provide the historical text you would like translated. The current message contains a system error notification ("Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected") and no actual source material for translation.
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{{PAGE:61}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
The Government of Paris communicated all this to the Government of Lisbon, both governments understanding each other and considering the matter of jurisdictional exchange as settled in accordance with the decisions of the Holy See. The Bishop of Macao became officially aware of these facts well before the end of the previous year, and subsequently received formal confirmation thereof(1).
Why, then, does Mgr. Merel re-emerge only now, on 20 March 1907, invoking the intentions of the Portuguese Government as expressed in a decision dated 24 January 1906—since rendered null and void by subsequent resolutions? Is this not once again demonstrating that he seeks merely pretexts to avoid fulfilling the venerable will of the Sovereign Pontiff, repeatedly made manifest? And is it not on account of such vain obstinacy that the distressing situation affecting the missions in question continues to be prolonged, to the grave detriment of souls and serious hindrance of the work of evangelisation?
We are now reminded that, not long after our arrival in the Far East, it was already known in Canton that, in exchange for the island of Hainan, we were claiming—not only the district of Shew-ing—but also the three Sub-Prefectures of San-ing, San-ui, and Shun-tac.
(1) – See Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Minister of Marine and Overseas Territories (11 October 1906), and letter from the Director-General of Overseas Territories to the Bishop of Macao, 12 December 1906.
-33-
{{PAGE:62}}
one of the most influential priests within the Canton clergy,
upon meeting a missionary from Macao, remarked:
"If your Bishop becomes too demanding,
matters will be taken to Rome, and he will risk
being left with nothing."
Considering all the complications instigated by the respected Prelate of Canton (of which we have mentioned only a small part), it becomes evident that an unseen hand—though not publicly accountable for these actions—is actively manipulating and directing events towards that ultimate objective: "leaving the Bishop of Macao with nothing."
With nothing, indeed! For this is how one accounts for the mockery shown towards a Concordat, however recently established, in which the solemn word of the Vicar of Jesus Christ is engaged!
Only thus can one explain why San-ing, San-ui, and Shun-tac were once again excluded from coming under Macao’s jurisdiction, due to obstacles deliberately raised, preventing the Holy See—whose decision we accept—from slightly extending the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao over a territory "which rightfully belongs to him under concordatory rights."
With nothing, indeed! All that is sought through this calculated manoeuvring is to deprive the Bishop of Macao of Shew-ing!
And so the process will continue, victory upon victory, until Hainan follows the same path—a likely outcome, given the decline already brought about through carefully orchestrated measures, which must inevitably
{{PAGE:63}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
followed the annihilation and death of that poor
mission, deserving of a better fate, and consequently its
irretrievable loss to the jurisdiction of Macao!
And thus our adversaries will achieve precisely
what they originally sought: seizing the coveted island,
and with the added advantage of not having to submit
to the authority of a foreign Prelate!
In those terms, they threatened us with an appeal
to Rome. To Rome we have come, and here we remain!
Thirsting for love and justice, for we are legitimate
and not illegitimate children of this most beloved Mother
of all Churches, we appeal to her authority. And we do so
with the same confidence—if not greater—with which the
great Paul, invoking his rights as a Roman citizen, appealed
to the pagan Caesar, who was not always just, nor possessed
the compassion of a father toward his afflicted subjects.
Rome, 13 June 1907, Feast of Saint Anthony of Lisbon.
[STAMPED SEAL: "HISTORICO ULTRAMARINO" — circular seal with central emblem and inscribed text around perimeter]
+ Giovanni Vercero, Bishop of Macao
-35-
{{PAGE:64}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
His Excellency the Minister agrees.
30 April 1908
Death
ULTRAMAR
28 APRIL 1908
Ref. No. 225
I confirm as
H.E. London
Letter to the Ministry
of Overseas Territories No.
8-5/1908
1st Division, D. Caracas
A copy of this letter should be sent to
the Ministers of Foreign Affairs in order to
issue such instructions as may be deemed
appropriate regarding the present matter concerning the
Royal Patronage of Goa—the question of the
exchange of jurisdictions between the Apostolic Prefect of
Canton and the Bishop of Macau on the island of Hainan and
the district of Shao-king (or Show-ing), as previously
notified in a communication from the Directorate-General for Overseas Territories
dated 31 April of the current month; and it is ordered that,
with the utmost expedition, the papal decisions
relating to the said exchange of jurisdictions be implemented, so as to
comply with the most recent directives issued by the Holy See
on this matter, as this Ministry has already had occasion to report.
I therefore submit to Your Excellency, and respectfully request, that you solicit
the intervention of His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs
in order to obtain from the Government of His Majesty the Emperor of China
recognition of the new state of affairs, and the protection of
Chinese authorities for the Missions under the Royal Patronage
and their respective missionaries in the district which is to be transferred.
1st DIVISION
5th DIRECTORATE-GENERAL OF OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
2nd Section
Macau No. 42
28 April 1908
{{PAGE:65}}
incorporated into the Diocese of Macau
God preserve Your Excellency.
City, 27 April 1908
Honourable Sir,
Counsellor, Minister and
Secretary of State for Naval and Overseas Affairs.
+ João Candido Ferreira da Costa, Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:66}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
GOVERNMENT OF THE PROVINCE OF MACAU
GENERAL DISPATCH
No. 97
Government Palace, Macau,
19 April 1907
Subject
Acknowledges receipt of the authenticated telegram from Your Excellency dated 27 March 1907, reading as follows: "Lisbon, 27.3.07.— Governor of Macau. Authenticated. Reimburse passage. Bishop and Secretary to come to the Kingdom via Rome. Point.... [to the Ministry]." I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that, following receipt of the aforementioned telegram, the necessary instructions have been issued to the senior financial office of this province to authorise reimbursement for the said passages; His Excellency the Bishop and his Secretary are to depart for Lisbon via Rome on the mail service leaving Hong Kong on 8 May next.
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the authenticated telegram from Your Excellency dated 27 March 1907, reading: "Lisbon, 27.3.07.— Governor of Macau. Authenticated. Reimburse passage. Bishop and Secretary to come to the Kingdom via Rome. Point.... [to the Ministry]," and to inform Your Excellency that upon receipt of the said telegram, appropriate orders were immediately issued to the superior financial department of this province to authorise payment for the aforementioned passages. His Excellency the Bishop and his Secretary are to depart for Lisbon via Rome on the mail steamer departing Hong Kong on 8 May next.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Government Palace, Macau,
19 April 1907
To His Excellency the Minister and Secretary of State for Naval and Overseas Affairs.
Governor of the Province,
Pedro de Aguiar Coutinho
---
OVERSEAS PROVINCES
(20 MAY 1907)
Ref. No. 800
1st DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR OVERSEAS PROVINCES
2nd Section
No. 69
22 May 1907
{{PAGE:67}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Your Excellency,
ULTRAMAR
22 JUNE 1907
Ref. No. 397
I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that, having departed from Macau on the 1st and embarked at Hong Kong on the 8th of May, I recently disembarked at Aleppo on the 3rd of the current month and arrived in Rome on the same day. The following day, I visited His Eminence the Cardinal Secretary of State of His Holiness, with whom I discussed openly the matter which obliged me to come to Rome.
During a second meeting, held some days later with His Eminence, it was agreed that I should submit to him a documented memorandum—a task which I have already completed and which I shall present in the coming days.
I trust that justice may be done.
In due course, I shall keep Your Excellency informed of any developments deemed worthy of being brought to your attention.
His Holiness the Pope has been graciously pleased to admit me to an audience, scheduled for one of the days this week, during which He expressed the utmost interest in Portugal, and particularly in the Diocese of Macau, regarding whose condition I provided a brief account, which gave Him great satisfaction.
I have also visited His Excellency the Most Eminent Ambassador of Portugal to the Vatican, and the matter has already been
1ST DIVISION
5TH
GENERAL DIRECTION OF ULTRAMAR
2ND SECTION
No. 82
26 June 1907
{{PAGE:68}}
Attached with a visit from His Excellency, who, despite his ailments, remains actively engaged with keen interest in the successful outcome of this noble cause.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Rome, Portuguese College, 15 June 1907
Most Excellent Sir,
Councillor of State, Minister for Overseas Naval Affairs.
João Pacheco de Freitas e Lomba
Baron of São Lázaro
{{PAGE:69}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political and Diplomatic Affairs
12th Division
Case File 116
Lisbon, 17 June 1907
OVERSEAS PROVINCES
19 JUN. 1907
Ref. No. 3002
[ILLEGIBLE: ~5 characters]
Instructions have already been issued to His Majesty’s Ambassador in Rome and to the Portuguese Minister in Paris, directing the former to approach the Holy See and the latter to approach the Government of the Republic, in order to undertake the necessary démarches ensuring that the Apostolic Prefect of Canton ceases placing obstacles in the way of implementing the agreement concerning the exchange of jurisdiction over the island of Haiwan and the district of Shao-King, as Your Excellency requested in your letter of 25 May last.
From the document accompanying this correspondence, it is not clear whether the Bishop of Macau has already completed the handover of jurisdiction over Haiwan. If this transfer has not yet taken place, I respectfully submit to Your Excellency that there would be advantage in advising the Portuguese Prelate of the advisability of refraining from delivering his jurisdiction until such time as
1ST DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF OVERSEAS PROVINCES
Section
No. 191
of 1894
[UNCERTAIN: guess]
{{PAGE:70}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
the simultaneous exercise of jurisdiction in Shao-King is not guaranteed by the Prefect of Caulão.
May God preserve Your Excellency,
Most Reverend and Most Noble Lord Minister and Secretary of State
for Maritime and Overseas Affairs.
[Signature]
[UNCLEAR: stamp text, possibly "RAMARTJU" or similar, reversed and partially obscured by ink]
[ILLEGIBLE: ~10 characters] — faint, faded text in the upper margin, illegible due to age and textual overlap.
[UNCERTAIN: guess] — faint, overlapping script below the signature; likely administrative annotations or dates, but insufficiently legible for confident transcription.
[UNREADABLE] — areas of severe fading or smudging where text is entirely indecipherable.
[NOTE: The document appears to be a historical Portuguese official dispatch from the colonial era, referencing legal jurisdiction in Shao-King (likely a historical rendering of a location in China, possibly Shaoxing or another phonetically similar toponym) and addressed to the Minister and Secretary of State for Maritime and Overseas Affairs. The reference to the Prefect of Caulão (modern Coloane, Macau) underscores the administrative dynamics between Portuguese colonial authorities in Macau and adjacent regions in southern China during the period.]
{{PAGE:71}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
In D. Mafé,
Bishop of Macau,
currently in Rome; must
telegraph him regarding
the matter
{{PAGE:72}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Portuguese Chargé d'Affaires in Rome
By designation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I am authorised to transfer aeronautical jurisdiction without the simultaneous legal handover of Shandong being guaranteed by the Portuguese nationals present there.
20 June 1907 — [UNCERTAIN: signature]
[STAMP: "NATIONAL ARCHIVE OF THE HISTORY OF PORTUGAL"]
{{PAGE:73}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
GENERAL DIRECTORATE
OF
OVERSEAS PROPERTIES
—
6th Division
—
Certified true copy
made on
20 June 1907
To the 1st Division
Telegram received from Macau
dated 20 June 1907
Bishop departed for Rome and May. (As.) Government.
[ILLEGIBLE: approx. 10 characters]
Doc. No. 172 — October 1906 — 3,000 copies
1ST DIVISION
OF THE
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF OVERSEAS PROPERTIES
2nd Section
No. 8
[UNREADABLE]
June 1907
1347 — NATIONAL PRINTING OFFICE — 1906–1907
{{PAGE:74}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Copy
No. 24864 — Most Illustrious and Reverend Lord —
I am pleased to inform Your Most Illustrious and Reverend Lordship that, in accordance with the written and verbal negotiations previously conducted concerning the exchange of territories between your Diocese and the Apostolic Vicariate of Canton, it has now been settled that upon Your Lordship’s return to Macao, the Apostolic Vicar of Canton—either personally or through a duly appointed delegate—shall enter into agreement with Your Lordship, so that without further delay the Prefecture of Lido-King (Chao-King) may be transferred to your Diocese, in exchange for the island of Hui-man being ceded to the said Vicariate. The Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith will issue corresponding instructions to the Vicar Apostolic accordingly.
In the meantime, I seize this opportunity to express my most sincere esteem, and to remain,
Your Most Illustrious and Reverend Lordship’s
Servant in Christ.
Rome, 19 July 1907
Monsignor Giovanni Battista Padiglione Castro e Oliveira
Bishop of Macao
(A) Cardinal Merry del Val
Conform to the original.
Rome, 20 July 1907
P. António Maria de Moraes Sarmento
Secretary to His Excellency the Lord Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:75}}
--- ORIGINAL TEXT ---
[Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected]
--- TRANSLATION ---
The transcription of the original archival document could not be completed due to validation failure caused by excessive repetition or spurious content generation detected during processing. This may indicate issues with the source material, such as damaged text, illegible passages, or repetitive administrative formulae commonly found in colonial bureaucratic records. Further review using alternative imaging or transcription methods is recommended for accurate scholarly analysis.
{{PAGE:76}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
The sale, which occurred during the course of negotiations concerning two houses in Flor-Flor, indicates that these properties did not belong to the Haiman mission. They had been acquired with funds sent from Macau by Bishop Medeiros and had always been administratively attached to the mission’s administration; however, the Bishop of Macau, acting formally and in the name of said Administration in his official correspondence, confirmed their sale for 12,000 patacas. Regarding this matter, the Minister referred to the question of indemnification, submitting it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Furthermore, in the most recent dispatch—specifically, a copy of the letter received from Rome dated 20 July—the Bishop indicated, in his latest communication, without further elaboration, the sum involved. Our Minister in Paris has accordingly informed the French Government that there is no grounds for dispute, as the matter has been definitively settled by the Holy See in such a manner that neither challenge nor delay can be permitted regarding the execution of the decree concerning the exchange of jurisdictions.
Given that the Bishop of Macau, in the aforementioned letter of 20 July, announced his arrival in Lisbon at the beginning of the current month, he should be consulted immediately upon his arrival regarding the note from the French Government, in order to provide the clarifications requested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
23 August 1907
Z. Crist
[UNCERTAIN: conjecture]
{{PAGE:77}}
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{{PAGE:78}}
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{{PAGE:79}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political
and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
Portuguese Embassy in France.
Document prepared in reference to despatch No.
Copy: Extract — Despatch from
Fonza Moza, Chief of the Portuguese Mission.
Paris, 13 February 1907 — Despatch to the
Minister.
With regard to the allocation matter, after having complied with the orders of Rome concerning
the exchange of the Hainan district with the Tehao-Shing district (excluding
the three sub-prefectures of Shun-tach,
San-nin and San-li, which were not included),
it was agreed in principle that compensation should be provided to offset any
difference in value between the property belonging to the French mission in
Tehao-Shing and that of the Portuguese mission in Hainan;
the amount of this compensation was to be determined by an inventory drawn up
locally by delegates appointed by both bishops and signed by their respective names. This
inventory revealed a difference in value of
41,073 piastres between the assets
{{PAGE:80}}
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{{PAGE:81}}
- 12. S. Pichon. — Certified as correct.
- Paris, 20 July 1907.
- 13. Bartholomeu Ferreira.
Certified as correct. Political Affairs Division,
26 June 1907.
José Duarte Correia Júnior
Secretary of the Legation
[STAMP: ULTRAMARINE HISTORICAL ARCHIVE]
{{PAGE:82}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
—
General Directorate
of Political
and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
Copy
Portuguese Legation in France – No. 444 – Paris,
19 July 1904 – IIIrd month and mid-month, Sirs — In accordance with the instructions received from Your Excellency in the directive of 15 June, I requested the intervention of this Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the aim of preventing French authorities from placing obstacles in the way of implementing the agreement concerning the exchange of ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the district of Tchao-King for that of Hainan Island. Having set out to Mr. Pichon all the circumstances referenced in the documents transmitted to me by Your Excellency, the Minister promised to intervene in the matter and to provide a response following consultation with the Apostolic Prefect of Canton, who had arrived in Europe from France and was en route to Rome, where he would return within three days. The Minister has recently sent me the note which I had the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, on the occasion of which Mr. Pichon stated that the impediment to the execution of the agreement lies in the Bishop of Macau’s refusal to pay the indemnity arising from the inventories drawn up by the delegates of both parties.
{{PAGE:83}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
statements regarding the value of the properties belonging to their
respective missions. These inventories showed
the properties of the French mission to have a
value exceeding that of the Portuguese mission by
41,073 patacas. It was understood that should this sum be found
excessive in any way, there would be full restitution of the
latter amount. After receiving this note, I again approached Messrs. Pichon to ascertain
whether the Bishop of Macao had indeed
undertaken an obligation to pay the higher indemnity,
to which the Minister replied that this had been agreed upon with the Prefect-Apostolic
of Canton, and that no other reason had motivated
the preparation and signing of the inventories by the delegates of the two bishops.
Under these circumstances, it does not appear possible to me
that the French Government would decide to intervene in this matter in any way.
— May God preserve Your Excellency. — H.M. Ex., Sir
Counsellor Luciano Morello, Minister of the State Secretariat for Foreign Affairs.
— (Signed) Leandro de Ladeira Tavares.
Certified as accurate = Republic of Ne-
{{PAGE:84}}
Political gazette of 26 July 1904.
José Deaarte Beltrano Júnior
Vice-Consul of Foreign Affairs
[UNCERTAIN: "ARQUIVO HISTÓRICO DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO"]
{{PAGE:85}}
Please provide the historical text you would like translated into modern UK academic English. The system returned an error indicating that the input was invalid or malformed. Once you supply the actual archival transcription from the Portuguese colonial records, I will be able to assist with its accurate and contextually appropriate translation for academic use.
{{PAGE:86}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
concerning the French district.
2. The sale made by the Bishop of Macau, during the course of negotiations, of two properties belonging to the Portuguese mission at Hoi-how, which contributed to that significant discrepancy.
In response to the points raised with utmost urgency by Your Excellency, I have the honour to present the following counter-arguments:
1. It is not true that I ever accepted the principle of compensation for the difference in value arising from the inventories.
Indeed, the negotiations conducted between myself and the Prelate of Canton regarding the implementation of the pontifical decree lasted nearly one year, from 9 April 1906 to 20 March 1907. Up to the conclusion of the agreement on the execution of the decree, no mention was ever made of any form of indemnity, as may be verified throughout the entire correspondence exchanged between myself and Monsignor Mérel.
The terms of this agreement are set out in the official letter dated 16 August 1906 from the Prelate of Canton, which I shall reproduce below, following a brief explanation—
{{PAGE:87}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
(for better understanding).
This explanation is provided.
At the meeting between the delegates of Canton and the Bishop of Macau, held at the latter’s residence on 9th of that month, the Bishop of Macau, desiring to reach an agreement with the Prelate of Canton, committed himself to ceding to the said Prelate certain sub-districts located at the extreme boundary of the Sherr-ing district. In return, in addition to retaining the remainder of this district, he was to receive the sub-prefectures of Yeung-Kong, San-si, and San-zing to the west of the same district. Should this arrangement not be acceptable to Monseigneur Mérel, the Bishop of Macau wished instead for the implementation of the pontifical decree of 3 February 1903, as clarified by a declaration from the Holy See dated 16 March 1904.
It is stated that the Prelate of Canton, in his letter of 16 August, declared the agreement with his colleague to have been concluded, having first specified the terms of said agreement: "Pour faire suite aux conversations que Votre Grâce a bien voulu avoir avec les P.P."
{{PAGE:88}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
With regard to Fleureau and Gauthier and the matter of the exchange of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Hainan, I have the honour of informing Your Excellency that, of the two solutions proposed, I accept the one which best conforms to the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff. Our diocese will cede the island of Hainan to the Mission of Guangdong, and in compensation will take only the prefecture of Zhouding, excluding the sub-prefectures of Huntac, Sannui, and Sansing, in accordance with Decree No. 4345 dated 16 March 1904, which reflects the meaning of the decree issued by the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith on 3 February 1903.
It now remains to determine the date on which this exchange will take place, as well as the handover of the Christian communities and chapels. I shall take the liberty of sending Fathers Fleureau and Gauthier to consult with Your Excellency on this matter and to settle the issue definitively.
Not a word was said regarding indemnification following the establishment of the Apostolic Prefecture. On the contrary, according to the esteemed prelate, it is this jurisdiction itself that must provide compensation to the Bishop of Macau, and the
{{PAGE:89}}
This was agreed upon.
The agreement concerning the implementation of the papal decree was therefore reached; only the date for its execution remained to be fixed. Monsignor Merel stated that, forthwith and for this purpose, he would arrange for delegates to be sent from Macau.
These delegates did indeed arrive, accompanied by a letter from their prelate dated 3 September, in which no mention whatsoever was made regarding indemnities.
At the session held on this occasion, it was agreed as follows:
1st – that the papal decree be executed on the forthcoming 15 October;
2nd – that the districts be visited in advance by delegates from both jurisdictions, so as to review the inventories and become acquainted with the property belonging respectively to each Mission.
The delegates of the Prelate of Canton suggested that Macau should provide compensation to the Apostolic Prefecture, though such compensation ought to be limited to what certain of its missionaries had... [UNCLEAR: text breaks off]
{{PAGE:90}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
marines had disembarked to carry out works undertaken for the benefit of the missions. This was not a matter of any other confirmation, as the only one admissible is that indicated in the declaration of the Holy See of 16 March 1904, the implementation of which was under discussion and was to be issued by the Apostolic Prefecture to the Diocese of Macau.
Nevertheless, the Bishop of Macau declined to assent to the proposal, as will be seen from the reply he gave to the Prelate of Canton, to which the latter acceded without further comment.
Let us now examine the correspondence that prompted this response. On 8 September 1906, Monsignor Merel, Apostolic Prefect of Canton, wrote to the Bishop of Macau:
"I willingly subscribe to the decision of Your Excellency, whereby the date of 16 October next is set for the exchange of jurisdictions over Hainan and Luk-ling, in accordance with the decree of the Holy See dated 16 March 1904. As per your suggestion, a Father from your diocese"
{{PAGE:91}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
to visit the various Christian communities and to exchange views in order
to compile an assessment of these various Christian communities and
to determine what compensations might appropriately
be granted. With this aim, I take the liberty of sending, on behalf of Your Excellency, Father Garnthier,
requesting that you accredit him with the missionaries of Chinnan to carry out this visitation alongside them.»
It is evident here that the prelate of Cantato
accepted the two resolutions adopted jointly by
his delegates and the Bishop of Macau—regarding the date
for implementing the papal decree and the visitations
to be conducted in the districts. However, he was mistaken in stating that, according to the opinion of the Bishop of Macau, these missions would have a dual purpose: «dresser un état de ces diverses chrétientés et de juger des compensations qu'il conviendrait d'accorder» [to draw up an account of these various Christian communities and to assess the compensations which might be appropriate].
By my official correspondence of 2 October 1906,
in response to the foregoing, I pointed out the inaccuracy
of this assertion and restored the truth in the
following terms, which clearly indicate the purpose
for which I had proposed the inventories and what their intended scope was.
{{PAGE:92}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
rejected the idea of any indemnification whatsoever. "Everything in Hainan will be shown to Your Excellency’s delegate in the presence of an inventory drawn up by Father Pitta of all items. I request Your Excellency to instruct that a similar inventory be made at Shew-ing."
Nothing more was intended than to provide the missionaries with a means of becoming acquainted with the movable and immovable property of the missions which they were about to take over. Such was the purpose of these inventories.
As I have pointed out to Fathers Fleureau and Gauthier, I cannot pre-emptively commit to granting any indemnity to your missionaries, even on account of expenses they may have incurred in the service of the missions they administered. It seems to me that all such costs should properly be borne by those gentlemen themselves or by the ecclesiastical jurisdiction they represent. I have always held this view regarding Hainan, despite the substantial sums of money sent from Macao and those expended locally.
{{PAGE:93}}
drawn from their own resources for the construction projects they undertook and completed.
I have instructed Father Pitta (the superior in Mirão, Hainan) to prepare a detailed account of all these expenses and to include it in the inventory, solely with the intention of documenting what the Macao mission and its missionaries have spent on behalf of the Christians in Hainan—specifically on aid, buildings, and chapels—without any intention of claiming compensation for any of these expenditures. It was for a similar purpose that I requested Fathers P. T. Fleureau and Gauthier to add explanatory notes to the entries in the inventory of the Shao-King mission wherever appropriate, in order to record everything that was funded by the Canton mission and its esteemed and zealous missionaries. I believe this will be the best way to prevent doubts and disputes which might otherwise arise to the detriment of the great [UNCERTAIN: grande]
{{PAGE:94}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
matter under discussion.”
It would not have been possible to be clearer or more categorical in defining the purpose intended for the inventories, the significance of the figures to be included therein, and in distinguishing this from the purpose which Monsignor Merel Mes sought to attribute—since, were his interpretation to prevail, it would have had the most detrimental consequences for the implementation of our agreement. Endless disputes would arise, and it was precisely to prevent such issues that a firm barrier was established from the outset.
Monsignor Merel accepted this response, as evidenced by his letter of 11 October, in which he made no reply to the contrary; on the contrary, he stated that his delegate in Hainan would carry out the inventories in accordance with the instructions I had given to Father Pitta, and he did not mention compensation again.
This is evident from the tenor of that letter, in which express reference is made to my aforementioned letter of 24 October and to the instructions I therein stated I had provided to Father Pitta:
{{PAGE:95}}
The Reverend Father Pitta, who shall have full authority to return to Macau and bring back the sisters (the religious missionaries serving in Hainan).”
In his official correspondence, the Prelate of Canton not only concurred with the instructions issued by the Bishop of Macau regarding the preparation of inventories—as those had been explained and clarified by the latter in the dispatch to which the former was responding—but also outlined the plan to be followed until the final exchange of jurisdictions and the withdrawal of the respective missionary personnel from the missions. According to him, all arrangements would be carried out without either party being obliged to compensate the other for any discrepancies in asset valuations identified in the inventories.
In the subsequent negotiations conducted between myself and the Prelate of Canton—whether directly or through intermediaries among our missionaries—there was not a single word nor any action from which I could infer that the Prelate of Canton acknowledged
{{PAGE:96}}
justly entitled to any indemnities from my part so as to compensate for the discrepancies identified when comparing the inventories of the two missions. The mere fact of proposing and agreeing that inventories should be drawn up, with valuations not unfairly prejudicial to either party, does not entail an obligation or right to indemnities, particularly since there was no express and prior mutual declaration, accepted by both sides, that such inventories were to serve this specific purpose. Furthermore, the pontifical decree accepted by both prelates ordered the exchange of jurisdictions with the explicit exclusion of any obligation for indemnities between them.
It is highly appropriate, in order to complete my response to this section of the note, to reproduce here a passage from the Memorandum I submitted to the Secretariat of State at the Vatican on 13 June of the current year, in which I refuted an objection repeatedly raised by the Prelate of Canton. It reads as follows:
{{PAGE:97}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
This objection (concerning the disparity in assets and number of Christians) had already been refuted by the Bishop of Macau in his official letter of 7 March of the current year, written in response to another communication from the Prelate of Canton dated 4th of that month. What was stated at that time remains fully valid, as the Apostolic Prefect has offered no reply, confining himself merely to reiterating the same objection.
The Bishop of Macau wrote: “With regard to the disproportion which inventories reveal between Hainan and Shewing, both in terms of property and number of Christians, we have no grounds for comment, given that the Sovereign Pontiff, after mature examination of the matter and careful consideration of the arguments adduced on both sides—rationibus hinc inde allatis mature perspensis, as expressed in the decree of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith dated 3 February 1903—has ordered the exchange of the island of Hainan for the district of Shewring. Indeed, the decree is ‘absolute’; it imposes no conditions and requires no compensation. Jurisdiction…”
{{PAGE:98}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Exchange involves a territorial jurisdiction which, by its very nature, carries with it—alongside the territories—the Christian communities and all appurtenances belonging thereto.
The Decree makes no distinction among these elements.
How then can one seek to separate them in order to make them the subject of a separate agreement? Ubi lex non distinguat, nemo potest distinguere [Where the law does not distinguish, no one may distinguish].
Moreover, the Decree adds: ad instar praetationis quae peracta fuit anno 1874, in quo per Bullam dici 15 iunii supra dicta insula Hainan Macaoneni dioecesi adiuncta fuit [in imitation of the arrangement carried out in 1874, whereby by the Bull of 15 June mentioned above, the aforesaid island of Hainan was attached to the diocese of Macau].
Now, the Bull imposed no compensation whatsoever, and the island of Hainan in the year 1874 (or rather, in 1876, the year in which the Bull was actually implemented) passed into the jurisdiction of Macau without any demand for compensation being made by the Apostolic Prefecture of Kouang-Tong upon Macau, despite the property and chapels owned there by the French mission, and notwithstanding the number of Christians—which, according to authentic documents, amounted to 838 individuals.
{{PAGE:99}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
The minutes of the agreement concluded in Canton on 23 March 1816, for the implementation of the Bull, do not entail any indemnity; and the Prelate of Canton, Monsignor Guillemmin, in a letter dated 19 October 1816 addressed to the Superior of the Portuguese mission in Hainan, declares that he has no claims for compensation.
On the contrary—contrary to the assertions of Monsignor Merel—the compensation due should be paid to the Bishop of Macau. Indeed: first, he was required to cede the island of Hainan, which by concordatary right belonged to him, in order to accommodate a proposal from the French Government made with the intention of serving the interests of the Paris Foreign Missions Society; it was therefore he who held the rightful claim to compensation. Second, this is precisely what the Holy See expressly ordered, as evidenced by the declaration of 16 March 1904: “The Holy See has declared that the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao, in compensation for the cession of the island of Hainan, is to be extended to the district of Chao-King.”
{{PAGE:100}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Monsignor Merel was aware of this decision of the Holy See, as he reproduced it in his letter of 25 July 1906 and indicated his conformity therewith, declaring to me, with regard to the same matter, that he was humble and absolutely submissive to the orders of the Holy See. In his letter of 16 August—already reproduced here—he presented the agreement reached with me concerning the implementation of the provisions set forth in the Decree of 3 February 1903, as clarified by that declaration. It was likewise to this decision that he referred when he communicated, both by telegram and subsequently in a report, to the Government of the Republic the agreement concluded with the Bishop of Macau, which, according to him, concerned the execution of the Decree of the Congregation for thePropagation of the Faith of 3 February 1903, as explained by the rescript of 16 March 1904, and nothing further.
For my part, I could not undertake the commitment to provide such indemnification to the Apostolic Prefecture, as this would lead us beyond the scope defined by the pontifical decisions accepted by the two governments of Lisbon and Paris.
{{PAGE:101}}
I would not have acted without the consent and approval of the superior authorities.
Monsignor Aberel was fully aware of this, as I had on more than one occasion explicitly informed him and made clear that I would undertake nothing beyond the strict execution of Rome’s decisions without the assent and approval of both the Government and the Holy See. This declaration is particularly recorded in my official dispatch of 8 May 1906, issued at the very beginning of the negotiations established between us.
Therefore, once agreement had been reached regarding the implementation of the pontifical decree of 3 February 1903, as clarified by the declaration of 16 March 1904, no further matter was entertained other than carrying out the Roman decisions; any other consideration was ipso facto set aside.
I am in possession of documents—most of them written and signed by Monsignor Aberel—which clearly substantiate all that I have thus far affirmed, and I may freely challenge anyone to produce evidence to the contrary.
{{PAGE:102}}
a single document written or signed by me in which I undertook to indemnify the Apostolic Prefecture for the discrepancies in value indicated by the inventories.
2. Regarding the sale carried out by the Bishop of Hainan during the course of negotiations, concerning two properties in Ho-i-how, this objection had already been refuted by me in my official communication of 31 December 1906 addressed to Monsignor Oferel, in response to another letter from the said Prelate dated 17 December of the same month and year, as well as in a Memorandum duly documented and presented in Rome on 13 June of the current year to the Secretariat of State of the Vatican.
The argument is reiterated, but without adducing a single reason capable of invalidating what has already been stated and proven to the contrary. Among other points previously communicated to Monsignor Oferel was the following:
«La mission d’Hainan n’avait rien à voir à ces deux maisons. Elle appartenait à l’administra...»
{{PAGE:103}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
the diocese of Macau in the same manner as
many others we possess in Hong Kong and in
Singapore. Father Pitta (Superior of the Mission), in transferring these properties, acted not in his capacity
as a missionary of Hainan, but as procurator of the administration of Macau.”⁷
These houses had been acquired with
funds sent from Macau by the Bishop of the
Diocese, Dom António de Medeiros, just as numerous others had previously
been acquired in Hong Kong and Singapore—properties which, until that time, no one had ever thought to claim for the local missions. Like those in the other cities, the houses in Hainan had always been rented out under the management of the diocesan administration and had never served any other purpose. This was well known to everyone in Hainan.
The inventory of Hainan’s assets, drawn up in April 1905 by the Superior of the Mission—which I have attached as a document to the memoir I presented in Rome—lists these houses as belonging to the diocesan administration of Macau. In the episcopal curia, the rental income
{{PAGE:104}}
Of these properties, written documentation existed stating that they belonged to that administration. In the name of this administration, the properties were sold in June 1906, and a receipt for the sum of $12,000 patacas—the total amount received from the sale—was issued and signed in Macau by the Bishop acting as president of said administration. A draft or specimen copy of this receipt had been sent from Hainan at the request of the purchaser, who required that document for his own security and would not accept the version offered by the Superior of the Mission. This draft was also enclosed by me, together with the memorandum dated 13 June of the current year, which I presented in Rome at the Vatican Secretariat of State.
It is pertinent here to note a highly significant circumstance. While the diocesan administration of Macau proceeded to sell the two houses it owned in Ho-how on the grounds that they were its rightful property, it did not even consider selling the buildings of two asylums constructed by Portuguese missionaries only a short time previously—even as recently as the period following the establishment of the administration itself.
{{PAGE:105}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
negotiations for the exchange of jurisdictions—one in Kiang-Chow, capital of the island, and another in Seom-tui-san—had commenced. However, this was not carried out despite substantial financial subsidies having been sent from Macau for this purpose, since a considerable portion—indeed, a considerable portion—of these works were undertaken with the aid of funds collected by missionaries within their respective localities and on land belonging to the local mission.
None of my assertions is contested, as they are all grounded in public documents which interested parties may consult, should they so wish, and which may be corroborated by the testimony of certain priests who have rendered significant services to the Diocese of Macau. These include the Most Reverend Father Francisco Pedro Gonzalves, former Vicar General of the Bishopric of Macau, now resident in Lisbon; the former missionaries and superiors of the Hainan Mission, Father José Vicente Costa, also resident in Lisbon, Father José Manuel Diegas, currently residing in Bragança, and Father Anacleto Cortim Garcez, parish priest.
{{PAGE:106}}
In Val de Cavalos.
In view of the physical exertion involved, and more as a matter of principle, it is affirmed that the Bishop of Macau has no obligation to make any indemnity whatsoever to the Prelate of Canton, either in respect of discrepancies in the valuation of inventories or regarding the sale of houses which did not belong to the Fainan Mission. Consequently, the pontifical decree ordering the exchange of jurisdictions in Fainan and Showing must be carried out by both prelates—not only because they are bound thereto with the consent of both governments, but also because the Holy See has recently decided as much in a rescript dated 19 July 1907.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Lisbon, 19 August 1907
I affirm,
M. Dr. Sr. Counsellor
Director-General of the Overseas Ministry
+João Paulino Taveira da Costa
Bishop of Macau
{{PAGE:107}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political
and Diplomatic Affairs
1st Division
Lisbon, 10 April 1908
OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
27 13 APRIL 1908
Ref. No. 1846
With reference to the matter addressed in the despatch from this Ministry dated 5 September of last year, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency an enclosed copy of the Note delivered by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to our representative in Paris, concerning the exchange of ecclesiastical jurisdictions between Haiyan and Shaoxing.
May God preserve Your Excellency.
Yours faithfully and obedient servant,
Minister and Secretary of State for Macau and Overseas Territories
[UNCERTAIN: possibly "Off. in Bairro de Almeida"]
21-4-1908
[UNREADABLE]
1ST DIVISION
OF THE 8TH
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
2nd Section
File No. 121
14 April 1908
[UNCERTAIN: possibly "Agree that a certified copy of the above Note be sent to the Minister of Overseas Territories for his information."]
15-4-1908
2nd Cat.
Signature
of
Neves Barreto Leite
{{PAGE:108}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Ministry
of
Foreign Affairs
General Directorate
of Political and Diplomatic Affairs
Portuguese Legation in France — Document
accompanying Despatch No. 184 — Ministère des
Affaires Étrangères — To His Excellency the Count of Louiza
Lopes, etc. etc. etc. — Paris, 18 March 1908. — Monsieur le
Comte. — By your despatch of 24 December last,
we have been assured that no agreement has been reached
regarding the matter of the exchange between the
dioceses of Béziers and Cantal of the apostolic jurisdiction
of Aix-en-Provence and that of the district of Thaon-king. In order to comply with the desire you expressed,
our department has instructed Monsignor Meirel
to confirm unreservedly and without modification
the decrees issued by the Holy See concerning
the exchange of the aforementioned districts. (details, etc. etc.)
[signed] — L. Lichori — This is confirmed — Legation
of His Majesty in Paris, 20 March 1908
(or) Francisco Daimitella de Sanfrazo —
This is confirmed — Division of Political Affairs,
10 April 1908
[Signature illegible]
[Seal: NATIONAL ARCHIVE – PORTUGAL]
{{PAGE:109}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
Copy
Circular
No. 11-4-8
Your Eminence,
D'Urb°: please attach to the file.
I find myself once again absent from my diocese, where I had expected to have returned some time ago.
Unfortunately, the matter concerning Hainman and Sheu-ing continues to drag on, keeping me in Europe due to the difficulties persistently caused by unjust claims made by the Prelate of Canton.
Indeed, Bishop Mevel, who had come to Rome to personally handle this same affair, seeing all his efforts fail in the face of the supreme decision obliging him to comply with the decree of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Propaganda Fide) of 3 February 1943, declared on 16 March 1944 that he left this city in the first half of last July to proceed to Paris. There, thanks to the favourable reception granted him by the government of his own country, he has managed to delay the execution of Rome’s orders!
Truly, in a diplomatic note addressed to the representative of Portugal in France,
{{PAGE:110}}
The Minister of Foreign Affairs has repeated the same demand previously made by Monsignor Méril—which I have already refuted before Your Excellency—regarding a certain indemnity which, according to him, I may be obliged to pay in order to compensate for the difference in value of property belonging to Christians in the two districts in question.
In response to the assertions contained in the French minister’s note, I submitted my reply dated 19 August last, demonstrating that the Bishop of Canton has no right to demand any indemnity from me, as neither the nature of the matter, nor the decisions of Rome, nor any agreement between the two ecclesiastical authorities can be invoked to justify such a claim.
On the contrary:
a) The matter in question is, according to the wording of the Decree, a "delimitatio confinium". In substance, it amounts solely to an exchange of jurisdiction between the Bishop of Macau and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton concerning certain territories within the said districts.
{{PAGE:111}}
jurisdictions, the Christians residing therein, and the movable and immovable property belonging to them.
Only the jurisdiction itself changes; everything else—territories, Christians, and property—remains, on each side, exactly where it was and in the same condition as previously.
The delimitatio confinium brings about no other substantial change, as the supreme act ordering it does not authorise any further effect.
Moreover, neither the bishop nor the apostolic prefect possesses the authority to act otherwise, without the explicit authority of the Holy See.
Indeed, with regard specifically to ecclesiastical goods, the Church’s law—and particularly the law currently in force in mission territories—contains provisions stipulating that neither Bishops nor Apostolic Vicars may dispose of such property without the permission of the Holy See (De rebus ecclesiae alienandis vel non).
{{PAGE:112}}
III. 4. Extract from the Decree of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, no. 3 (Letter from the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, 28 July 1731, 27 August 1832, 18 October 1883).
All these provisions clearly contradicted the compensation in question, since neither the Bishop nor the Apostolic Prefect was authorised to dispose of the property belonging to the Church or the Mission.
b) The Decree of 3 February 1903, which ordered the delimitation of territories between the Diocese of Macao and the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton, stipulated that this should be carried out "in accordance with the arrangement made in 1874, in which, by the Bull of 15 June..., the Island of Hainan was united to the said diocese." At that time, however, the annexation was implemented and Hainan passed under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Macao without any compensation being provided to the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton. The Apostolic Prefect at the time himself declared that no indemnity could be claimed from the assets belonging to the Mission. As for the declaration of 16 March 1904, it me...
{{PAGE:113}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
said nothing, in accordance with the doctrine of authority.
Decree.
C) Regarding agreements between the Bishop of Macao and the Apostolic Vicar, the following is the case: 1° Firstly, it was agreed that the Decree of 3 February 1903, as clarified by the declaration of 16 March 1904, would be implemented, with 15 October 1906 set as the date for this implementation; 2° It was further agreed to conduct inventories of the Christian communities, so that each party might more clearly ascertain the condition and extent of those communities which would belong to them following the exchange then being carried out. However, when the question arose concerning financial indemnity to compensate for discrepancies in the value of property as revealed by the inventories, the Bishop of Macao immediately made a formal and explicit declaration to the delegates of the Prelate of Canton, stating that he would commit himself to neither give nor demand any compensation on account of such differences in valuation. And from the very first time the Apostolic Prelate raised this matter in writing with the Bishop,
[UNCERTAIN: possible continuation or omission]
{{PAGE:114}}
From Macao, the latter replied in the first instance and at the same time provided explanations which the President of Canton accepted without objection, appearing rather to align himself with the opinion of the Bishop of Macao—and this (a circumstance worthy of note) well before the missionaries from Léques proceeded to the districts where they were to carry out their inventory duties. Indeed, to clearly demonstrate his full agreement with his colleague’s position, Monsignor Marel wrote that the inventories would be conducted in accordance with the instructions issued by the Bishop of Macao—by “our instructions,” as he put it. The original texts of the letters exchanged on both sides exist and may be reproduced as evidence of the truth, should this be required.
Unfortunately, this President appears to have forgotten his promises and everything that had been solemnly agreed between him and myself; and in his obstinacy, he has gone so far as to provoke me into seeking the intervention of the French government—a matter which had already been definitively settled.
{{PAGE:115}}
soul, to serve as an instrument for its unjust
claims derived from the Portuguese government,
in order to prevent or hinder the execution of
the orders issued by the Holy See.
The inventories! These are the sole foundation upon which the French government relies in demanding payment of the indemnity.
Yet remarkably—and as can easily be verified—the inventories signify nothing, either in themselves or against me, in support of such a claim. Even if these documents contained all the evidence one might desire to prove such an obligation, they would still lack reference to the prior agreement concluded between the Bishop of Macao and the Apostolic Prefect.
Now, as I have already stated, the terms of that agreement are entirely contrary to any claim for indemnity; and neither Bishop Mesel, nor his delegates, nor the French government will ever be able to demonstrate that the agreement favours their position.
The government in Paris further maintains
{{PAGE:116}}
The instrument of the Prefect of Canton, employed in pressing
an accusation that has already been refuted on multiple occasions.
The sale of two houses, constructed by the Bishops of Macao upon land
purchased at their own expense—land which in no way belonged to the local mission
of Hainan—continues to be exploited with the intent
of placing the Bishop of Macao in an unfavourable and undignified position,
and of obstructing the resolution of this matter.
Having already refuted this allegation, I refrain from elaborating further,
particularly as it is rather for Mr Aberel to demonstrate
that the Bishop of Macao lacked the right to dispose of properties
which did not belong to the local Hainan mission.
Until such time as the Apostolic Prefect can prove this,
it will be entirely futile for him to persist in advancing so unjust an accusation. |
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| spelling | Processo acerca do acordo entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao-King (Shew-ing) This 1907 ecclesiastical and diplomatic correspondence, originating from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Diocese of Macau, and colonial administrative offices, documents the protracted negotiations between the Bishop of Macau and the Apostolic Prefect of Canton concerning the exchange of ecclesiastical jurisdictions over Hainan Island and the Shaoqing (or Shew-ing) district. The dispute arose from the implementation of a 1903 decree by the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, later clarified by a pontifical rescript of 16 March 1904, which mandated the transfer of Hainan to the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Prefecture of Canton in exchange for the Shaoqing district being assigned to the Diocese of Macau. Despite formal agreement on the territorial exchange, resistance emerged over claims of compensation based on discrepancies in mission property valuations and opposition from French missionaries operating under the Paris Foreign Missions Society. The Bishop of Macau contested demands for financial indemnity, asserting that the papal decrees did not permit such conditions and that prior precedent—specifically the 1874 annexation of Hainan to Macau—had involved no compensation. The file includes official dispatches, telegrams, inventories, and memoranda detailing failed handover attempts, political interventions by the Portuguese and French governments, and the Bishop of Macau’s personal appeal to the Holy See in Rome during 1907. Ultimately, the Holy See reaffirmed the original terms, rejecting additional claims and insisting on the unqualified execution of the jurisdictional exchange. This document provides critical insight into ecclesiastical diplomacy, colonial-era church-state relations, and the interplay between local missionary interests and transnational religious authority in early 20th-century China. Manuscripts Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino AHU/SEMU/DGU/1R/002/013 1907 Apostolic Prefecture of Canton Asian missions Church Administration Church-State Relations Colonial Administrative Offices Compensation claims Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith Diocese of Macau Diplomatic Correspondence Early 20th Century Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Transfer Ecclesiastical dispute French missionaries Hainan Island jurisdiction Historical church boundaries Jurisdictional Conflict Macau Bishop vs. Canton Prefect Mission property valuations Papal Decree Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sino-Portuguese diplomacy Territorial exchange Vatican policy Zhaoqing district {{PAGE:1}} 1ª Repartição Macau Processo acerca do acordo celebrado entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jurisdições sobre a ilha de Hainam e o distri- to de Shao-King (ou Sheu-ing). Ano de 1907 {{PAGE:2}} SECRETARIA D'ESTADO dos Negocios da Marinha e Ultramar Direcção Geral do Ultramar 1.ª Repartição 2.ª Secção N.º S. Ex.ª o Ministro concorda. 16 de V. de 1907 Morty O bispo de Macau, dando conta da opposição ultimamente feita pelo prefeito apostólico de Cantão à realisa- ção do acordo sobre a troca de jurisdic- ção na ilha de Formosa e no districto de Shao-king, pediu em officio de 8 de fevereiro último que, pelo Ministério dos negócios estrangeiros, fossem dadas provvidências para que tanto junto do Go- verno de Paris, como junto da Santa Sé, se não levantem dúvidas que possam causar embarasses à prompta execução do decreto pontifício de 16 de março de 1904. Torne depois receber-se um telegrama do prelado pedindo licença para vir ao seu, via Roma, a fim de tratar directamente do assumpto perante a Santa Sé'. No incluso officio de 2 d' abril ele tem agraciar o ter-lhe sido concedida aquella licença e renova o pedido das dúbidas providencias, feito no anterior officio de 8 de fevereiro. O facto de o prelado resolver ir a Roma tratar da questão, fez com que esta Rep. nada informasse sobre o pe- dido, mas, em vista da sua instância, s' de parecer que se remetta como cópia do officio de 8 de fevereiro ao Ministerio dos negócios estrangeiros solicitando a expedi- ção dos despachos necessários ao nosso [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] Offício aos eliminados dos Negócios Estrangeiros ano 25 - 5-1907. [ILLEGIBLE: ~3 chars] [UNREADABLE] {{PAGE:3}} representante em Paris e ao Embaixador junto à Santa Sé para procurar sem remover quaisquer dificuldades que ainda se levantem sobre o assumpto. Em 14-5-907. Z. Cust {{PAGE:4}} GOVERNO ECCLESIASTICO DA DIOCESE DE MACAU N.º 27 ULTRAMAR 15 MAIO 1907 Rep. N.º 149 Mano e bem-aventurado Senhor Tenho a honra d'aceuar a recepção dos officios de V. Leça de 11 d'intubro e 17 de dezembro ultimos dando-me eminência das enumerações recebidas pelo Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros, de S. Reia o Ministro Portuguez em Paris, acerca do acordo celebrado entre mim e o Sr. Prefeito e Apostolico de Cantão relativamente à Tríce da jurisdição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao - king (ou Shew - ing). Effectivamente entre mim e os delegados daquele Prelado, após variás e demoradas conferencias a que de propósito vieram por diferentes vezes a Macau, resolviu-se prove- dermos à execução do Decreto da Propaganda de 3 de fevereiro de 1903, conforme o suplicem o Decreto Pontifício de 16 de março de 1904. Em pretindia, em seu passado officio figurou ao Governo de Sua Magestade, que a Tríce de Hainan viessem para a jurisdição de Macau, além do distrito de Shao - king, alguns sub-prefeituras ao sul d'este, e sustentou esta pretensão ainda depois dos suplices e actos dados pela Santa Sé ao decreto de 3 de fevereiro, porque o Prelado de Cantão se mostrava disposto a entrar num acordo comigo sobre uma diferente delimitação. Mas afinal desisti, porque aquele Prelado não me cedia o que eu reclamava, e a Tríce do que me queria ceder, pretendia que eu lhe cedesse, além da ilha de Hainan, a melhor parte do distrito que os Decretos da Santa Sé 1.ª REPARTIÇÃO DA DIRECÇÃO GERAL DO ULTRAMAR 2.ª Secção Macau N.º 39 18 de Março...do 1907 {{PAGE:5}} Savam a Macau! Convencidos de que não podíamos chegar a um acordo, tomámos, na derradeira conferência celebrada em 4 de setembro último, aquella resolução: — a ilha de Hainan passaria desde logo para a jurisdição do Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão e o distrito de Shao - Kung (Shew - iug) viria para a jurisdição efectiva do Bispo de Macau. Além d'isto ficou - se o mando d'outubro para uma nova reunião em que se faria a recepção entrega dos territórios permitados e se lavraria e assinaria o competente auto, devendo logo a seguir a este acto os missionários franceses abandonar o distrito de Shew - iug e o pessoal da missão portuguesa a ilha de Hainan. Foi este o acordo que o Prefeito de Cantão disse em telegramma para Paris ter sido celebrado entre mim e elle, e que depois replicou em releitura. E' este também o acordo a que se refere o nosso digno representante junto do Governo da República francesa nas encomunicações feitas para o Minis- terio dos Negócios Estrangeiros. Cumpre - me dizer à S. Se. que desiste da minha pretensão a obter uma maior compra para pela esmola da ilha de Hainan por várias razões: 1º. o Decreto pontifício de 16 de março de 1904 replicando o de 3 de fevereiro num sentido restricto para mim, não me per- mitir reclamar outros territórios além do dis- trito de Shew - iug; 2º. ao decorrer das negociações {{PAGE:6}} entabuladas por mim e o Prelado de Cantão para chegarmos a um acordo sobre uma nova delimitação, convencei-me, como já disse, da impossibilidade de, por este meio, re |
| spellingShingle | Processo acerca do acordo entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao-King (Shew-ing) Apostolic Prefecture of Canton Asian missions Church Administration Church-State Relations Colonial Administrative Offices Compensation claims Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith Diocese of Macau Diplomatic Correspondence Early 20th Century Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Transfer Ecclesiastical dispute French missionaries Hainan Island jurisdiction Historical church boundaries Jurisdictional Conflict Macau Bishop vs. Canton Prefect Mission property valuations Papal Decree Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sino-Portuguese diplomacy Territorial exchange Vatican policy Zhaoqing district |
| title | Processo acerca do acordo entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao-King (Shew-ing) |
| title_autocomplete | Processo acerca do acordo entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao-King (Shew-ing) |
| title_full | Processo acerca do acordo entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao-King (Shew-ing) |
| title_fullStr | Processo acerca do acordo entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao-King (Shew-ing) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Processo acerca do acordo entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao-King (Shew-ing) |
| title_short | Processo acerca do acordo entre o Bispo de Macau e o Prefeito Apostólico de Cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de Hainan e o distrito de Shao-King (Shew-ing) |
| title_sort | processo acerca do acordo entre o bispo de macau e o prefeito apostólico de cantão relativamente à troca de jursidição sobre a ilha de hainan e o distrito de shao-king (shew-ing) |
| topic | Apostolic Prefecture of Canton Asian missions Church Administration Church-State Relations Colonial Administrative Offices Compensation claims Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith Diocese of Macau Diplomatic Correspondence Early 20th Century Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Transfer Ecclesiastical dispute French missionaries Hainan Island jurisdiction Historical church boundaries Jurisdictional Conflict Macau Bishop vs. Canton Prefect Mission property valuations Papal Decree Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sino-Portuguese diplomacy Territorial exchange Vatican policy Zhaoqing district |
| topic_autocomplete | Apostolic Prefecture of Canton Asian missions Church Administration Church-State Relations Colonial Administrative Offices Compensation claims Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith Diocese of Macau Diplomatic Correspondence Early 20th Century Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Transfer Ecclesiastical dispute French missionaries Hainan Island jurisdiction Historical church boundaries Jurisdictional Conflict Macau Bishop vs. Canton Prefect Mission property valuations Papal Decree Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sino-Portuguese diplomacy Territorial exchange Vatican policy Zhaoqing district |
| topic_facet | Apostolic Prefecture of Canton Asian missions Church Administration Church-State Relations Colonial Administrative Offices Compensation claims Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith Diocese of Macau Diplomatic Correspondence Early 20th Century Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Transfer Ecclesiastical dispute French missionaries Hainan Island jurisdiction Historical church boundaries Jurisdictional Conflict Macau Bishop vs. Canton Prefect Mission property valuations Papal Decree Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sino-Portuguese diplomacy Territorial exchange Vatican policy Zhaoqing district |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/WWMPGPKY/viewer_WWMPGPKY.html |
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