Costelo, Ros. 2023. “Colonias Entrelazadas: Filipinas y el Establecimiento de los Consulados Españoles en Singapur y Hong Kong en la Segunda Mitad del Siglo XIX” in Elizalde, María Dolores (ed.) Cónsules e Imperios El establecimiento de consulados extranjeros en las Filipinas del Siglo XIX. Madrid: Sílex Ediciones. ISBN 9788419661722.

Abstract

This study examines the role of Spanish consulates in Singapore and Hong Kong during the 19th century, highlighting their function as agents of interaction within a context of growing interconnection in Southeast Asia. Through the analysis of archival documents from the Archivo Histórico Nacional in Madrid, the research seeks to answer several key questions: When, how, and why were Spanish consulates established in Singapore and Hong Kong? How were these consulates connected to the Philippines, Spain’s closest colony in the region? Who were the consuls, vice-consuls, and agents appointed to these British-controlled territories? What were their main activities, concerns, and the issues addressed in their reports and correspondence? Additionally, the study examines the relationship between these consulates and the authorities in Manila and Madrid, revealing tensions between the perspectives of consuls on the ground and the decisions made by the central administration.