Costelo, Ros. 2024. “Navigating Legal Frontiers: Spanish consulates in Singapore and Hong Kong in the second half of the nineteenth century” in Elizalde, María Dolores and Huetz de  Lemps, Xavier (eds.) Redes Consulares en el Mar de China. Cónsules extranjeros en Filipinas Cónsules españoles en China. Madrid: Ediciones Polifemo. ISBN 9788416335848.

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges faced by Spanish consuls in Singapore and Hong Kong as they navigated diplomatic and jurisdictional complexities within British colonial rule in the nineteenth century. Tasked with representing Spanish interests beyond the Philippines, consuls encountered difficulties in asserting authority over Spanish subjects due to extraterritorial limitations and conflicting legal frameworks. Through three case studies from 1864 to 1876, this study examines disputes over Spanish jurisdiction, diplomatic complaints, and efforts to reclaim deserters, highlighting the legal and geopolitical tensions involved. By analyzing archival records and diplomatic correspondences, the paper sheds light on the broader dynamics of colonial governance and Spain’s strategic maneuvers in Southeast Asia. Ultimately, it underscores the intricate interplay between consular authority, imperial expansion, and jurisdictional contestation in a rapidly shifting colonial landscape.