1954

1954

— 443 —

February 10, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 362]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian was very happy indeed to receive the copies of the Registration Certificate of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Djakarta, Indonesia.

This is a distinct victory for the Faith, in the South Pacific. The Guardian is having one copy framed, and will place it in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí.

The Guardian sends his love and appreciation to the members of the Djakarta Assembly and Community. He will continue to pray for the success of their efforts.

— 444 —

March 1, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dearly Beloved Friends,

The beloved Guardian is greatly encouraged over the reports that are being received from all parts of the world in connection with the [pg 363]  development of the Ten Year Crusade. At the present time, over 90 virgin areas have been settled. As I have written you previously, the Guardian hopes all of the virgin areas onside of the Iron Curtain countries will be settled by Riḍván. In the meantime we hope at least 10 more countries will be settled by Naw-Rúz, so that within the first 11 months of the Ten Year Crusade, at least 100 of the virgin areas will be settled.

The Guardian likewise is greatly enthused over the manner in which the friends are undertaking some of the other activities of the Crusade.

The Guardian wishes your Assembly to know that he attaches great importance to the purchase of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for the future National Assemblies to be formed under your direction. He thinks the time is ripe for active consideration to be given to these important projects. He feels that the purchase of a small piece of property in the city which is to become the seat of the National Assembly, is important, and can be inaugurated at the present time. In other words, the Guardian feels that the purchase of the future Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds can be accomplished before the National Assembly is formed. Therefore your assembly should take steps at this time to inaugurate the programme, so that when a suitable location is available, the friends in the goal cities may proceed with plans for its purchase. It should be clear that the Guardian is not directing the purchase of a large piece of land, but rather has directed the purchase of a small property. He feels if a small building can be purchased, that would be better than buying land and then building one to our own specifications. It would serve temporarily as a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for the Local Assembly, and then become the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds when the National Assembly is formed.

— 445 —

MARCH 9, 1954

CABLE NAMES LANGUAGES ALREADY TRANSLATED UNDER   TEN YEAR PLAN SPECIFY ALSO WHICH LANGUAGES PROCESS   TRANSLATION. CABLE WHICH ASSEMBLIES INCORPORATED   SINCE APRIL.  

SHOGHI

— 446 —

MARCH 11, 1954

EXTEND IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SEYCHELLES.[pg 364]

SHOGHI

— 447 —

MARCH 16, 1954

ASSURE MAHE PIONEERS PRAYERS SUCCESS.

SHOGHI

— 448 —

MARCH 21, 1954

ASSURE PRAYERS SUCCESS. ASSURE GOA PIONEERS LOVING PRAYERS.

SHOGHI

— 449 —

MARCH 26, 1954

URGE IMMEDIATE EFFORT ENSURE ARRIVAL RAHMAN CHAGOS BEFORE RIḌVÁN FOR GREAT VICTORY.

SHOGHI

— 450 —

MARCH 27, 1954

EXERT UTMOST DESPATCH PIONEER TIBET BHUTAN HAINAN SOCOTRA.

SHOGHI

— 451 —

MARCH 28, 1954

ASSURE REGIONAL CONVENTIONS FERVENT PRAYERS SUCCESS DELIBERATIONS. RAHMAN MUST REMAIN SEYCHELLES IF UNABLE PROCEED CHAGOS.

SHOGHI

— 452 —

April 1, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in connection[pg 365]  with the development of the Faith in areas where it has been introduced, but in which countries it has not developed very rapidly.

He feels that as soon as the initial impact of settling all of the virgin areas is concluded, the National Assembly should then turn their attention to the consolidation work in the countries where there have been Bahá’ís, but where the work has not gone ahead. He mentioned particularly: Northern Rhodesia, Zululand, Mozambique, Zanzibar, Madagascar, British Somaliland and Nyasaland.

If you are able to send pioneers to these particular countries to carry on the teaching work actively, it will bring great happiness to the beloved Guardian.

He assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and in behalf of the pioneers who might arise to carry on the consolidation work in these important countries in and about Africa.

— 453 —

APRIL 13, 1954

BELOVED GUARDIAN FEELS UTMOST IMPORTANCE ALL VIRGIN    AREAS SUSCEPTIBLE BE SETTLED BEFORE END RIḌVÁN. 98    AREAS SETTLED. TEN OF REMAINING 18 OUTSIDE IRON   CURTAIN CAN SHOULD BE SETTLED DURING FIRST YEAR   CRUSADE GUARDIAN URGES YOU CONSIDER SETTLEMENT   FOLLOWING AREAS MOST IMPORTANT TASK NEXT THREE   WEEKS ADMIRALTY ANTICOSTI CHAGOS ARCHIPELAGO   COCOS COMORO HAINAN LOYALTY MARIANA MARSHALL   PORTUGUESE TIMOR. IN ORDER ASSURE SPIRITUAL VICTORY   GUARDIAN EXTENDING SETTLEMENT PERIOD TO END RIḌVÁN.    THIS EMERGENCY SHOULD BE FOLLOWED VIGOROUSLY    DAILY BY ASSEMBLY IN CONJUNCTION APPROPRIATE TEACHING COMMITTEE. CABLE. PROGRESS FULFILMENT STRATEGIC GOALS THIS CABLE SENT NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES AMERICA CANADA AUSTRALIA INDIA.

— 454 —

April 24, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write to you concerning the establishment of the Faith in Tibet.

He is hoping it will be possible for a pioneer to get into this [pg 366]  country in the near future. It would be a great victory for the Faith.

The Guardian suggests, that instead of trying to enter the capital of Tibet, or one of the important large cities, it would be better for our pioneer to endeavour to settle in some small city or even village, just across the border in Tibet. He thinks this would be simpler. He will appreciate word from you with regard to this important matter, which he hopes you will be able to win for the Faith, in the near future.

— 455 —

APRIL 28, 1954

ASSURE DELEGATES FERVENT PRAYERS BLESSINGS DELIBERATIONS   URGE REDOUBLE EFFORTS EXPEDITE PURCHASE TEMPLE LAND TRANSLATION LITERATURE MULTIPLICATION CENTRES ATTAINMENT OTHER OBJECTIVES ALL IMPORTANT PLAN.

SHOGHI

— 456 —

May 3, 1954

[To All National Spiritual Assemblies]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Guardian is very anxious to receive your reports of the results of the teaching activities during the first year of the Ten Year Crusade. He would like you to send him an up-to-date list of the communities in which the Bahá’í Faith is established in your country, divided between isolated Bahá’ís, Groups and Assemblies. A second statement should be submitted showing the same information with regard to the territories of the Ten Year Crusade which are under your jurisdiction, whether they be virgin areas or consolidation areas.

To illustrate what I mean, for the United States the Guardian would like information as to the centres in the United States. In the second statement he would like the same information for the consolidation areas under their jurisdiction, such as the Ten Goal Countries of Europe, France, etc. Also from the United States Assembly, a statement showing the same information for the virgin areas which it has been their responsibility to open.

The Guardian would appreciate your sending this information just as quickly as possible, in order to permit me to consolidate the matter for him…[pg 367]

— 457 —

MAY 4, 1954

URGE NEW ASSEMBLY UNITEDLY DETERMINEDLY ARISE   EXPEDITE PURCHASE TEMPLE LAND FULFIL OTHER OBJECTIVES    PLAN. PRAYING FERVENTLY.

SHOGHI

— 458 —

May 27, 1954

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of May 17th has come to hand, with regard to the question of Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for future National Assemblies, and my letter of May 6th, instructing that there be no diversion of activities — from the objectives of the Ten Year Crusade.

No confusion is intended between my letter of March 1st which deals with the purchase of Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for future National Assemblies, and my letter of May 6th, dealing with the question of local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

The Guardian feels it is satisfactory now for the various National Communities to begin fulfilling the obligations of the Ten Year Crusade, and that where National Assemblies are to be formed during the Crusade, steps may be taken now to procure the future Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Until the National Assembly is formed, the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds will serve as the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for the Local Assembly. As for instance, has been done in Kampala. The future Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the National Assembly has been purchased — and until the National Assembly is formed, it will serve the Local Assembly.

On the other hand, the Guardian is quite insistent that no new tasks be undertaken; but that all our energies be concentrated on the goals of the Crusade — and this certainly refers to the purchase of local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, etc. In other words, no local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds may be purchased or established.

The Guardian is pleased to learn that the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Rangoon and Karachi are suitable for the future National Assemblies for Burma and Pakistan. He assumes you will see that proper repairs are made to the building in Rangoon…

P.S. I presume it is clear, that the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to be procured in Djakarta, as well as Ceylon and Singapore, are not local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds[pg 368]  but are Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for the future National Assembly to be established, whose national headquarters will be in those cities.

— 459 —

May 28, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friend,

The beloved Guardian was very happy to learn of the efforts being made to establish Mr. R. Baram in Tibet. Your letter indicates the very thorough and efficient manner in which you and Mr. Baram have undertaken his entry into Tibet. The Guardian is hoping you will be very successful in your efforts, which should be very actively continued.

He will pray that every obstacle will be removed from your path, so that you may achieve complete victory.

The Guardian attaches the utmost importance to the settlement of Tibet, and therefore feels that you should not limit your activities, due to financial reasons. In other words, if there is any question about funds to be furnished by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, then your National Spiritual Assembly should advance the funds, and I will, on behalf of the Guardian, straighten the matter out.

— 460 —

June 8, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian has been greatly pleased with the achievements of the friends throughout the world during the first year of the Ten Year Crusade. Victories were won in all parts of the world, and on many fronts. The Faith was established in 101 countries of the world, bringing the light of guidance to 229 countries and islands.

We now enter the second phase of the Ten Year Crusade. The Guardian’s message to the Conventions has outlined the goals to be achieved during this second phase.

One of the important items was the purchase of Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for future National Spiritual Assemblies. The Guardian feels that immediate steps should be taken to fulfil a part of this project. In all, there are 49 Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds to be purchased — 4 already are[pg 369]  owned. The Guardian feels that during the second year of the Crusade, 17 additional Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds should be purchased. These should not be elaborate structures, but modest houses which can serve at the present time as local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, but which will be converted into National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds as soon as the National Assemblies are formed.

Of the countries requiring Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma, the beloved Guardian feels that steps should be taken immediately to purchase the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the following countries: Colombo, Ceylon, Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Guardian feels you should, if you have not done so, include in your budget for the current year an item to cover the purchase of these two Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.

The Guardian calls attention to the fact that the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds cannot be a rented place. It must be a property owned by the Bahá’í Community. It need not be an elaborate structure, but a small modest house will suffice. Until such time as the National Assembly is formed and incorporated, it can be held in the name of the local Assembly, if it is incorporated, and if not, in the name of an individual.

The Guardian will appreciate advice from you as quickly as possible of the steps being taken to fulfil this important task of the second phase of the Ten Year Plan. He feels both of these properties should be purchased during the current year.

P.S. The Guardian requests that you inform all the friends that their most important duty at the present time is the fulfilment of the tasks of the Ten Year Crusade. This calls for the sacrifice of local activities in order that the national and international development of the Faith may go forward uninterruptedly. No local institutions should be started. The National Assembly should see that money is not spent on local centres at this time, and the friends should be encouraged to concentrate on the national and international activities of the Faith.[pg 370]

— 461 —

June 11, 1954

To The National Spiritual Assembly

Dear Bahá’í friends,

Your loving letters of May 28th and 31st, with regard to the translation of a Bahá’í pamphlet into Pali, and the publication of the same pamphlet into Punjabi, have been received. This is excellent news, and will bring great happiness to our beloved Guardian.

He feels that during the second year of the Ten Year Crusade, great progress should be made in the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature, and he is therefore very happy to learn of the completion of these two tasks.

As soon as the pamphlet is printed in Pali, will you please send me a copy Air Mail for the Guardian?

— 462 —

JULY 5, 1954

GUARDIAN ASSURES BHUTAN PIONEERS ARDENT PRAYERS SURROUNDING THEM. LOVING GREETINGS.

— 463 —

July 11, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Co workers,

Your loving letter of June 28th has been received and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.

He is greatly delighted to learn of the translation now being carried out by your Assembly through Mr. M. S. Mihaeloff, of Bradford, England. The Guardian wishes you to convey his deep appreciation to Mr. Mihaeloff for the historic and outstanding work he is doing in connection with these translations.

Your plan of teaching in various countries by means of the pamphlet translated into Georgian is highly meritorious.

Our records have been corrected to show the names and ages of the children who are pioneering in Pondicherry.

With regard to the details of the Temple site, your original letter of May 28th was held by me awaiting the receipt of the map, which you said was being sent under separate cover. As soon as the map[pg 371]  arrived the entire subject was presented to our beloved Guardian.

You may be interested to know that those of us here at the World Centre are doing everything we can to save the time and the labours of our beloved Guardian. When anything is presented to him, he wishes it presented fully and completely, so that he may make a decision, and then the matter be closed. He does not wish to read a letter, and then find an important map, which is necessary to complete the information, is not available. On the other hand, he does not wish a partial report of anything; he wishes a final report, so that the matter can come to him and be decided.

Thus you will understand why I did not present to the Guardian your letter of May 28th until the map and full data was available.

— 464 —

July 11, 1954

[To the National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

The beloved Guardian was greatly pleased to receive information concerning the settlement of pioneers in Bhutan.

He sincerely hopes they will be able to remain permanently in Bhutan, so that the Cause might become firmly established there, and in turn they become the spiritual conquerors of that important country.

The Guardian asks that you assure them of his prayers in their behalf. The Guardian likewise wishes you to assure the pioneers to Socotra of his prayers. He hopes the obstacle may be removed, so that they may be able to establish the faith firmly in Socotra in due course.

In the meantime, he understands the pioneers are remaining in Mokalla, Hadhramut…

The beloved Guardian appreciates the manner in which your Assembly is carrying forward the work of the Ten Year Crusade in the teaching field and the translation field and he hopes during the next year, in the development of the Faith throughout India, Pakistan and Burma, where the goal is the establishment of more Assemblies, more Groups and more isolated Centres.[pg 372]

— 465 —

July 22, 1954

Dear Bahá’í co-workers,

Your loving letter of May 28th, giving the details concerning the land which you propose to purchase for the Mas̱hriqu’l-Aḏhkár near New Delhi has been presented to our beloved Guardian, together with the maps which you later sent, showing its location.

The beloved Guardian approves the purchase of the particular piece of land which you have in mind.

He feels there is no longer any necessity for you to send in further reports concerning the matter, but that you should proceed with its purchase at the earliest possible moment. In other words, the next report which he receives from you concerning this important matter he hopes will convey the good news that the land has been purchased.

He sends you his loving greetings, and assures you of his prayers in your behalf.

— 466 —

July 23, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í friends,

Referring to your letter of June 26th, advising that one of the Iranian friends from Poona wishes to pioneer in Central America, the beloved Guardian feels that no Bahá’ís from India should pioneer in the Western Hemisphere. He feels that the responsibilities of the Indian Bahá’ís are very heavy, and he does not wish any pioneers to go from India to settle in any western countries, whether the pioneer be a Persian or an Indian.

There has been no change in the Guardian’s instructions with regard to Iranian believers going to the Americas; and this matter should be handled directly by the National Assembly, without referring the instances to the Guardian.

The Guardian sends you his loving greetings.[pg 373]

— 467 —

August 8, 1954

[To the National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Co workers,

Referring to your loving letter of July 15th, file 680/77, in which you inform me that one of the dear friends of Kashmir wishes to offer a beautiful chandelier for one of the Shrines, the beloved Guardian greatly values the spirit of devotion which animates this dear brother, and he wishes you to convey to him his personal and warm appreciation.

He feels, however, that we have a sufficient number of chandeliers in the Shrines at the present time; and that therefore the Cause would be better served if this friend sold the chandelier and contributed the proceeds to one of the Bahá’í funds, for the carrying out of the Ten Year Crusade. In other words, the Shrines are well taken care of now with suitable illumination.

What is needed more than anything else now is financial assistance for the various activities etc. of the Crusade, and if our dear friend sold the chandelier and contributed the money toward the funds, it would be highly meritorious.

Please inform this dear friend of the Guardian’s assurance of his prayers in his behalf, and of his loving greetings.

— 468 —

August 15, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Will you please refer to my letter of July 22nd, with regard to the purchase of land for the Mas̱hriqu’l-Aḏhkár near New Delhi.

The beloved Guardian is very anxious that this land be purchased as quickly as possible and therefore would welcome advice from you at an early date that you have been able to conclude arrangements to own the property for this very important project of the Ten Year Crusade.

— 469 —

August 15, 1954

[To Mr. K.H. Irani]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,[pg 374]

Your loving letter of August 9th, has just come to hand, giving the joyous news of the confirmation of additional Bahá’ís in Zanzibar.

The Guardian has been overjoyed on learning of the victories which your noble efforts are now achieving in that important centre…

The purpose of a pioneer going to Zanzibar is to teach the cause, and you apparently have been eminently successful in this work, having already confirmed three new believers…

He therefore hopes that every obstacle may be removed from your path, so that you may be able to establish the Faith even more strongly in that important country…

He sends you his loving greetings.

— 470 —

September 25, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dearly Beloved Co workers,

On behalf of the beloved Guardian, I cabled you today, as follows:

“BELOVED GUARDIAN HIGHLY PLEASED, DEEPLY GRATEFUL SACRIFICIAL EFFORTS ASSEMBLY, FRIENDS, GLORIOUS VICTORY PURCHASE TEMPLE LAND”

It is needless to comment on how highly pleased the beloved Guardian was, to receive this glorious news. He has attached the utmost importance to this goal of the Ten Year Crusade. It is fitting that it should come during the second year of the Crusade, marking a new achievement of the Indian Friends, and distinguishing the opening of the second phase of the Crusade. May you be confirmed and guided in your efforts to continue in the path of service so as to ever win new victories for the Faith, and raise its banner ever higher in the fertile country of India and Pakistan.

The Guardian feels your Assembly should now consider the feasibility of purchasing sites for the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Jakarta, and Colombo, which in time will become the administrative centres of the National Assemblies to be established in those countries. The purchase [pg 375]  now of those sites, would hasten the advent of the glorious day when the National Assemblies can be formed; which, of course, are further responsibilities as well as goals of the Indian Assembly.

These buildings should be located in the cities of Colombo and Jakarta. They need not be formidable structures, nor with large surrounding grounds; just something simple. They cannot be rented places, but must be a centre owned by the Bahá’ís exclusively.

The beloved Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf; that every obstacle may be removed from your path, and you be enabled to both spread the Glad Tidings throughout India and Pakistan, as well as the areas placed under your jurisdiction; but also to establish its institutions on a broad and lasting basis.

— 471 —

October 4, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

It has come to my attention that our dear Bahá’í brother Khodadad H. Irani serving in Zanzibar, has been able to confirm some three or four souls in the Faith.

The Guardian feels it is of the utmost importance that a strong Assembly be established in that city and country, and has therefore urged Mr Irani to remain in Zanzibar, although he has many difficulties in doing so… The Guardian feels there is nothing more important than the teaching work of the Cause; and therefore urges your Assembly to handle all teaching matters very promptly indeed. In the case of new Bahá’ís in new territories, the Guardian feels that any applications which are made for membership should be handled promptly; and if accepted by the Assembly, advice should be given at once to the individual or to the pioneer, with a warm expression of welcome into the Bahá’í fold.

As I wrote you previously, the beloved Guardian wishes Mr. Irani to stay in Zanzibar…

— 472 —

October 6, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 376]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of September 24th has just come to hand, giving the glorious news of the purchase of the Temple land for India, in New Delhi. This is a great victory for the Faith, and should mark anew step in the spiritual unfoldment of the Faith in that vast continent.

As each new goal of the Ten Year Crusade is achieved, it releases more divine power, and raises the standard and extent of service of all the friends.

The Guardian feels sure that if all of the believers in India, Pakistan and Burma will arise with renewed effort, they will be surprised at the great number of people they will bring to the Cause. The spirit of the day is for the teaching of the Faith, and every effort which is put forth in this field will surely yield an abundant harvest.

The beloved Guardian is greatly delighted now that the Bahá’ís own the site for the future Temple in India. He is deeply grateful to your Assembly and to all of the friends who took such an active part in this most important undertaking.

He assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his loving greetings.

— 473 —

December 6, 1954

[To Mr. Khodadad Irani]

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

The contents of your letter of recent date was submitted to our beloved Guardian. He was delighted to learn of the progress of the Faith in Zanzibar, and of the additional individuals who are being confirmed in the Faith.

The Guardian is very happy indeed that you feel sure there will be an Assembly in Zanzibar by the coming Riḍván.

There is no objection whatsoever to anyone declaring themselves a Bahá’í, regardless of their age. Therefore the African youth who wishes to become a Bahá’í should be permitted to do so, by all means.

However, he cannot vote in elections etc. until he becomes 21 years of age, as the age for voting in Bahá’í elections is24. However the age [pg 377]  of spiritual maturity of an individual is 15; and therefore any youth of 18 should surely be permitted to declare his faith in Bahá’u’lláh.

The Guardian approves of the desire of Mr. Muḥammad Aḥmad to pioneer in the Belgian Congo if he can arrange the necessary entry there.

The Guardian not only approves, but will be appreciative of the settlement of Pemba by our dear brother, Mr. John C. Granville. Such a service on his part will further enrich the great services rendered by his remarkable father and himself.

The Guardian assures you and all of the friends of his loving appreciation of their devoted services. He assures all of you of his prayers in your behalf, particularly Mr. Granville and Mr. Aḥmad, who are planning to further extend the victories of the Faith.

— 474 —

DECEMBER 12, 1954

DELAY PURCHASE HAZIRAS COLOMBO JAKARTA HARMFUL   FAITH ANXIOUS NEWS.

SHOGHI

— 475 —

December 13, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write in connection with the purchase of a national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Jakarta and one in Colombo, for the National Spiritual Assemblies which are to be created during the Ten Year Crusade.

You will recall that the goal set by the Guardian for the second year of the Crusade contemplated the purchase of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in these two localities during the present Bahá’í year.

The beloved Guardian asks that your Assembly take this matter very actively in hand. He hopes you will be able to send him through me word shortly of progress which has been achieved in connection with this important goal.

— 476 —

December 31, 1954

[To The National Spiritual Assembly][pg 378]

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian has been following with great interest the activities of the Assembly and the believers in India, in connection with the Ten Year Crusade.

He urges your Assembly and all the believers to redouble, or even treble their efforts, so that they may gain great victories at this time, when the divine confirmations are descending in such torrents.

He feels the confirmations of the spirit are descending now to such a degree that every single effort will be rewarded with the greatest results.

He hopes to have reports from your Assembly in the near future of the wide dispersion of the believers; of an increase in the number of centres and of an increase in the number of Assemblies.

He noted from your report sent recently that actually the numb bar of Bahá’í Assemblies and Centres in India has decreased rather than increased, which was a source of concern to him.

The Guardian wishes it explicitly understood that no funds must be used for any project outside of the immediate goals of the Ten Year Crusade. He wishes you to notify the Local Assemblies and Groups that they must not spend money for local projects of any type, or for any Bahá’í institution or service which does not come directly under the goals of the Ten Year Crusade. Even the projects of the Crusade should be handled just as economically as possible.

For instance, he noted quite a considerable budget set up for the Panchgani School, to provide an eating place for the students. He was wondering why any structure was necessary for this purpose, inasmuch as the students have been eating up to this time.

Thus you will see that no expansion of present facilities sham be undertaken unless it is absolutely vital, and then such expansion must be on the most economic basis.