It should be allowed to go.
This is the outward justification in giving way; the real justification, if any, is that it will restore confidence.
I will hardly spread plague more than it is spread now.
It is not a question of sending patients or not prohibiting them from leaving.
The circumstances are so abnormal that on the whole I should telegraph "Pollas".
In answer to your telegram 26 June, I cannot approve in principle of regulation, but if you are convinced that grave emergency requires it and Viceroy asks for it, I do not feel justified in further fettering your discretion. Permission should extend to Chinese navy and at most precaution should be taken.
27 June
The outward justification on which Lucas relies appears to me to have little real force. I doubt that HMG is justified in launching a proposal which is open to such obvious and grave objection, because a Chinese Viceroy thinks it should be approved; and it would be impossible to demonstrate that it had not spread plague more than it is now. On the other hand, I think that it would be generally accepted that the interests of Commerce should override the dictates of humanity.
I concur in this view and would telegraph accordingly with friends' minds.
27/6.