The practice of segregating plague patients has been a subject of much debate, and while it may be effective in preventing the spread of the disease, it is not without its drawbacks, particularly with regard to the Chinese population. The distinction between foreign and Chinese customs is significant, and their physical constitutions also differ. As a result, Western curative methods may not be entirely suitable for Chinese patients. Furthermore, in the event of death, their remains cannot be taken back to their native villages, giving rise to widespread fear and suspicion among the populace, which is deeply regrettable.
I therefore have the honour to request that you will be good enough to ask the Governor of Hongkong to telegraph without delay to his Government, urging the abolition of the present law and a reversion to the practice of 1899-1900, whereby all sick Chinese in Hongkong, whether infected with plague or not, were allowed to return home for treatment, and the bodies of those dying in Hongkong were permitted to be transported home, so as to quiet the public anxiety by deferring to popular prejudices.
(Seal of Viceroy).
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