Part 28
The privileged prosecutors of so revolutionising, so gigantic, so sacred and beneficent a campaign are, on the morrow of its launching, and at such a crucial hour in the destinies of the European continent, summoned to undertake: First, the formation, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, of one National Spiritual Assembly in each of the Scandinavian and Benelux countries, and those of the Iberian Peninsula, and one in Finland, as well as the establishment, in collaboration with the Paris Spiritual Assembly, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of France, the establishment under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Germany and Austria, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Austria, and the establishment, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, and in association with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Italy and Switzerland, of independent National Spiritual Assemblies in Italy and Switzerland. Second, the construction of the first Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar of Europe in the city of Frankfurt, the heart of Germany, which occupies such a central position in the continent of Europe. Third, the purchase of land for the future construction of two Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kars, one in the north in the city of Stockholm, and one in the south in the city of Rome, the seat and stronghold of the most powerful Church in Christendom. Fourth, the opening of the following thirty virgin territories and islands: Albania, Crete, Estonia, Finno-Karelia, Frisian Islands, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Rumania, White Russia, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Germany and Austria; Channel Islands, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Hebrides Islands, Malta, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles; Andorra, Azores, Balearic Islands, Lofoten Islands, Spitzbergen, Ukraine, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States of America; Liechtenstein, Monaco, Rhodes, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Italy and Switzerland. Fifth, the translation and publication of Baha'i literature in the following ten languages to be undertaken by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States of America, through its European Teaching Committee: Basque, Estonian, Flemish, Lapp, Maltese, Piedmontese, Romani, Romansch, Yiddish, Ziryen. Sixth, the consolidation of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States of America; of Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Russian S.F.S., Yugoslavia, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Germany and Austria; of Eire, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles; of Iceland, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada; and of Corsica, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Italy and Switzerland. Seventh, the incorporation of the thirteen above-mentioned National Spiritual Assemblies. Eighth, the establishment by these same National Spiritual Assemblies of national Baha'i endowments. Ninth, the establishment of a national Haziratu'l-Quds in the capital city of each of the countries where the National Spiritual Assemblies are to be established, as well as one in London and one in Paris. Tenth, the formation of a National Baha'i Publishing Trust in Frankfurt, Germany. Eleventh, the formation of Israel Branches of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Baha'is of the British Isles and of Germany and Austria, authorised to hold, on behalf of their parent institutions, property dedicated to the Holy Shrines at the World Centre of the Faith in the State of Israel. Twelfth, the conversion to the Faith of representatives of the Basque and Gypsy races. Thirteenth, the appointment during Ridvan 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in Europe, of an auxiliary board of nine members who will, in conjunction with the four National Spiritual Assemblies participating in the European campaign, assist, through periodic and systematic visits to Baha'i centres, in the efficient and prompt execution of the Plans formulated for the prosecution of the teaching campaign in the European continent.
A continent occupying such a central and strategic position on the entire planet; so rich and eventful in its history; so diversified in its culture; from whose soil sprang both the Hellenic and Roman civilisations; the mainspring of a civilisation to some of whose features Baha'u'llah Himself paid tribute; on whose southern shores Christendom first established its home; along whose eastern marches the mighty forces of the Cross and the Crescent so frequently clashed; on whose south-western extremity a fast evolving Islamic culture yielded its fairest fruit; in whose heart the light of the Reformation shone so brightly, shedding its rays as far as the outlying regions of the globe; the well-spring of American culture; whose northern and western fringes were first warmed and illuminated, less than a century ago, by the dawning light of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah; in whose heart a community, so rich in promise, was subsequently established; whose soil was later sanctified by the twice-repeated visit of the appointed Centre of His Covenant; which witnessed, in consequence of the rise and establishment of the Administrative Order of His Faith, the erection of two of the foremost pillars of the future Universal House of Justice; which, in recent years, sustained the dynamic impact of a series of national Plans preparatory to the launching of a world spiritual crusade--such a continent has at last at this critical hour, this great turning-point in its fortunes, entered upon what may well be regarded as the opening phase of a great spiritual revival that bids fair to eclipse any period in its spiritual history.
May the elected representatives of the National Baha'i communities entrusted with the conduct of this momentous undertaking launched on the soil of this continent, aided by the Hands of the Cause and their auxiliary boards, reinforced by the local communities, the groups and isolated believers sharing in this massive and collective enterprise, and supported by the subsidiary agencies to be appointed for its efficient prosecution, be graciously assisted by the Lord of Hosts to contribute, in the years immediately ahead, through their concerted efforts and collective achievements, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Baha'i activity, to the success of this glorious Crusade, and lend a tremendous impetus to the conversion, the reconciliation and the ultimate unification of the divers and conflicting peoples, races and classes dwelling within the borders of a travailing, a sorely-agitated and spiritually-famished continent.
May all the privileged participators, enlisting under the banner of Baha'u'llah for the promotion of so pre-eminent and meritorious a Cause, be they from the Eastern or Western hemisphere, of either sex, white or coloured, young or old, neophyte or veteran, whether serving in their capacity as expounders of the teachings, or administrators, of His Faith, as settlers or itinerant teachers, distinguish themselves by such deeds of heroism as will rival, nay outshine, the feats accomplished nineteen hundred years ago by that little band of God-intoxicated disciples who, fearlessly preaching the Gospel of a newly-arisen Messiah, contributed so decisively to the illumination, the regeneration and the advancement of the entire European continent.
Shoghi
Letter of 22 July 1953
22 July 1953
ADVISE FERRABYS REMAIN ENGLAND MORE MERITORIOUS.
SHOGHI
Letter of 23 July 1953
23 July 1953
APPROVE SUBSTITUTION LINGALA LUBA MBUNDO TONGA FOR BUA WONGO LUIMBI SENA RESPECTIVELY.
SHOGHI
Letter of 23 August 1953
23 August 1953
ASSURE VAKIL PRAYERS APPRECIATION. (Knight of Baha'u'llah to Cyprus.)
SHOGHI
Letter of 30 August 1953
30 August 1953
Dear Baha'i Brother,
Your letter of 5th August has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The contributions made by the British Baha'i community to the Shrine of the Bab Fund and to the Baha'i International Fund are greatly appreciated. Receipts are enclosed herewith.(74)
The beloved Guardian deeply values the unique and outstanding services of the Baha'is of the British Isles. Through their devotion and sacrifice, they are setting an example for posterity.
He wishes me to assure you that he prays fervently for the spiritual confirmation of all of the friends of the British Isles; for their material and spiritual welfare, and that every obstacle may be removed from their paths of service, particularly during the Global Crusade.
The Shrine of the Bab is rapidly nearing completion. Its beauty and splendour are difficult to portray. Certainly the Guardian very aptly described the octagon, the drum and the dome as the triple crowns on the Shrine of the Bab. Now that the glory and splendour of the golden dome is revealed by the removal of all of the scaffolding, it is truly a golden crown for the Shrine, and each time one looks at it, one becomes more and more impressed that it is a symbol of the manner in which the Baha'is of the world, led by the beloved Guardian, are crowning the Baha'i activities of the past one hundred years by spreading the knowledge of the Glory of the Lord throughout the world.
The Guardian sends his loving greetings to you all....
Letter of 31 August 1953
31 August 1953
APPROVE RETAIN YAZDIS BENNETT GUNG. FIVE THOUSAND WORD PAMPHLET ADVISABLE INFORM AMERICA.
SHOGHI
Letter of 31 August 1953
31 August 1953
ASSURE LJUNGBERG DEEPEST APPRECIATION PRAYERS. (Knight of Baha'u'llah to Faroe Islands.)
SHOGHI
Letter of 6 September 1953
6 September 1953
ASSURE AS_GH_ARZADIH LOVING APPRECIATION FERVENT PRAYERS. (Knight of Baha'u'llah to Channel Islands.)
SHOGHI
Letter of 8 September 1953
8 September 1953
ASSURE BAXTER LOVING APPRECIATION. (Knight of Baha'u'llah to Channel Islands.)
SHOGHI
Letter of 11 September 1953
11 September 1953
ASSURE DUNNING DEEPEST LOVING APPRECIATION. (Knight of Baha'u'llah to Orkney Islands.)
SHOGHI
Letter of 22 September 1953
22 September 1953
ASSURE HASSELBLATT DEEPEST LOVING APPRECIATION. (Knight of Baha'u'llah to Shetland Islands.)
SHOGHI
Letter of 4 October 1953
4 October 1953
ADVISE TAKE NO RISK OWING POSSIBILITY HIGHER OUTLAY. URGE SEARCH OTHER PLACES AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE.(75) APPROVE HAINSWORTH SIX MONTHS LEAVE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 7 October 1953
7 October 1953
ASSURE UNA LOVING PRAYERS. (Una Townshend, Knight of Baha'u'llah to Malta.)
SHOGHI
Letter of 10th October 1953
10th October 1953 ASSURE CRANEY LOVING APPRECIATION. (Knight of Baha'u'llah to Hebrides.)
SHOGHI
Letter of 10 October 1953
10 October 1953
ADVISE ASSIST EGYPT BY PIONEER BRITISH SOMALILAND.
SHOGHI
Letter of 16 October 1953
16 October 1953
APPROVE _SH_OMAIS DEPARTURE ETHIOPIA.
SHOGHI
Letter of 16 October 1953
16 October 1953
ASSURE BATTAH LOVING APPRECIATION.
SHOGHI
Letter of 9 November 1953
9 November 1953
Dear Baha'i Friends:
In your recent News Letter the beloved Guardian noted some quotations from the pilgrims notes of ..., and he wishes me to tell you that he feels it is wiser, in such official organs as our News Letters, not to publish such notes as, unfortunately, they often contain errors. He has recently had occasion to call the American N.S.A.'s attention to this too....
His loving thoughts and prayers are often with you all.
Letter of 21 November 1953
21 November 1953
APPROVE SUBSTITUTION LANGUAGES REFERRED LETTER DATED NOVEMBER THIRTEEN SENDING SECOND PIONEER HAS NO GREATER PRIORITY. REGRET OWING INCREASING EXPENSES UNABLE EXTEND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE EXERCISE STRICT ECONOMY.
SHOGHI
Letter of 29 November 1953
29 November 1953
DISAPPROVE CIRCULATION STATEMENT MARRIAGE OWING GENERAL PRINCIPLE ALREADY ESTABLISHED.
SHOGHI
Letter of 12 January 1954
12 January 1954
TRANSMITTING FIVE HUNDRED NATIONAL FUND SENT THROUGH LANGDON-DAVIES RUG FROM BAHA'U'LLAH'S SHRINE AND PHOTOS FOR NATIONAL HAZIRA LOVE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 12 January 1954 (Teaching Conference)
12 January 1954 (Teaching Conference)
DEEPLY APPRECIATE NOBLE SENTIMENTS DEDICATION ATTENDANTS CONFERENCE. ARDENTLY SUPPLICATING FULFILMENT HOPES ACHIEVEMENT UNPRECEDENTED VICTORIES. DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 9 March 1954
9 March 1954
CABLE NAMES LANGUAGES ALREADY TRANSLATED UNDER TEN YEAR PLAN SPECIFY ALSO WHICH LANGUAGES PROCESS TRANSLATION.
SHOGHI
Letter of 24 March 1954
24 March 1954
ADVISE SEND PIONEERS PROMPTLY BRITISH TOGOLAND FRENCH TOGOLAND FRENCH CAMEROONS. ORME SQUARE TOO EXPENSIVE. ADVISE TOWNSHENDS ABANDON PLAN MALTA. EXPENDITURE HUNDRED POUNDS SOMALILAND INADVISABLE. PURCHASE SITE INSIDE KAMPALA OR WITHIN THREE MILES.
SHOGHI
Letter of 7 April 1954
7 April 1954
FOLLOW LAWYER'S ADVICE REGARDING TEMPLE LAND OUTSIDE KAMPALA.
SHOGHI
Letter of 13 April 1954
13 April 1954
ASSURE PRAYERS BLACKBURN NOTTINGHAM.
SHOGHI
Letter of 17 April 1954
17 April 1954(76)
Dear Baha'i Brother:
At the instruction of our beloved Guardian, I am forwarding you herewith his Convention Message.
He wishes you to have it read aloud to the assembled delegates, and then published and circulated among the believers....
Letter of 20 April 1954
20 April 1954(77)
HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS GREAT VICTORY.
SHOGHI
Letter of 21 April 1954
21 April 1954(78)
Dear Baha'i Friends:
I am forwarding you herewith a copy of the Guardian's Convention Message which was mailed you a short time ago. As there is a pilgrim leaving, he is taking the precaution of having this mailed in Europe.
I hope it reaches you in time for the Convention....
Letter of 24 April 1954
24 April 1954
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the Island of Malta. He attaches great importance to this Island, and wishes your Assembly to see that the teaching work there progresses as rapidly and efficiently as possible.
At the present time, it has again become virgin, according to our records. Do you know if Miss Townshend intends to return? If not, your Assembly should undertake to fill the post just as quickly as possible, with someone else.
As you have become aware through the Guardian's Convention Message, he is very happy with the result of the first year of the Ten-Year Crusade. He is hoping that the second year will witness even more glorious victories, and this time on the home front, as well as in foreign fields.
He would appreciate a report of the plans for Malta, as soon as possible. In order to save him work, it is suggested it be sent to me. (Mr. L. Ioas)
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings....
Letter of 25 April 1954 (Convention)
25 April 1954 (Convention)
ASSURE ASSEMBLED DELEGATES ARDENT PRAYERS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS DELIBERATIONS PROUD RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS BRITISH BAHA'I COMMUNITY CHERISH GREAT HOPES FUTURE HISTORIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 29 April 1954
29 April 1954
WELCOME PLEDGE DELEGATES PRAYING SUCCESS ATTAINMENT GOALS.
SHOGHI
Letter of 3 May 1954
3 May 1954
European and Asian Committee
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of the 9th of Nur, 110, was received by the beloved Guardian.
As he has been tremendously busy during this Holy Year--and indeed his work is increasing all the time--and there was nothing urgent that required an immediate reply--he has delayed in answering you until he had more time.
He hopes that your committee will be able to gradually assist in the work allotted to the British National Spiritual Assembly during the Plan.
The most important thing of course is to get the believers out into wholly virgin areas, and keep them there. So far, England has done nobly, and he is proud of their efforts.
The Pacific area is also of great importance. If there is any possibility of British subjects going out to territories that are under the jurisdiction of other National Bodies, but difficult to get into, he feels that they should be referred to the committees concerned, or the National Spiritual Assemblies concerned, because of the importance of achieving all the goals of the Plan, regardless of which Assembly has certain goals under its immediate jurisdiction.
He assures you he will pray for the success of your devoted labours, in the Holy Shrine.
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless your meritorious activities, guide and sustain you always, and enable you to lend a great impetus to the splendid work now being accomplished in Europe and in Asia.
Your true brother, Shoghi
Letter of 6 May 1954
6 May 1954
Dear Baha'i Brother:
Your loving letter of April 30th has just come to hand, calling attention to the fact that Olga Mills, one of the pioneers in Malta, is serving there very actively. The beloved Guardian had been informed by someone that she had left.
However, the intent of the letter of April 24th still remains--that no pioneer should leave their goal unless for very urgent reasons. In the case of Malta, this is a country which can only be settled by English Baha'is, and therefore the Guardian feels it of great importance that any pioneer who goes there should remain. It is hoped that it may be possible for Una Townshend to return in due course, to carry on her work there.
The Guardian asks that you convey to Olga Mills his loving appreciation of her devoted services, and assure her of his prayers in her behalf.
If Una Townshend finds it impossible to return to Malta, then the Guardian hopes you can send some other pioneer to that important post....
Letter of 16 May 1954
16 May 1954
I am enclosing, at the instruction of our beloved Guardian, the original title-deed of one-quarter of an acre of land recently purchased near the resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf on Mount Carmel; and registered in the name of the Israel Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the British Isles.
The cost of this property was six thousand dollars.
He feels sure that the British Baha'is will rejoice to know that they now have a part of the International Baha'i Endowments in the name of their own special Israel Branch....
Letter of 4 June 1954
4 June 1954
British Africa Committee
Dear Baha'i Sister:
The various letters of your committee dated June 8 and 25, July 6, August 13, September 23, October 8, November 25 and December 31, 1953, and January 27 (3), March 6 and 30 and April 20, 1954, with their enclosures, have been received by the beloved Guardian and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. As he has been in constant cable communication with you during the past year, I will not go into many of the matters which have already been attended to.
Of all the places in the world where the Baha'i Faith exists and is spreading, the Guardian is definitely most pleased with Africa, and most proud of Uganda. He feels that the spirit shown by white and negro pioneers alike in that continent, presents a challenge to the Baha'is everywhere in the world, and that old and staid communities may well learn from, and emulate the example of, the believers of Africa, many of them scarcely a year old in the Cause of God!
He feels that your committee and the British N.S.A. have every reason to be proud of the work you have accomplished, and grateful for the blessings you have received from on High.
It has particularly rejoiced his heart to see the way almost every goal was attained at the last minute, before the end of the first year of the Ten Year Crusade, many of these goals through the immediate whole-hearted response of some of these new African Baha'is, themselves the spiritual children of other African Baha'is--young in the Faith, but old in their understanding of it.
The main task, now that the back of the pioneer settlement work has been broken, so to speak, is the consolidation of these territories and the maintaining of the pioneers at their posts. He is constantly urging all National Assemblies to impress upon those who have gone forth to settle virgin territories, the importance of staying there, and of only abandoning their posts if they are forced to do so by the Government in question, and not for some other reason. The friends have had such difficulty in gaining access to some of these countries,--visas, housing, expenses have all been such a problem--that once they get there, they should really move heaven and earth to remain.
He is very happy that two of the Temple sites on the African continent have been purchased, and feels that this will release a tremendous spiritual impetus. He hopes that the Egyptian Baha'is will soon decide on a site, and that will complete the chain for the time being.
Concerning the various questions you have raised regarding literature and translations, he thinks that it is perhaps better to have a proper introductory pamphlet on the Faith translated into ... and not give any wide publicity for the time being, than to spend money translating a lopsided presentation of the Teachings. However, he believes that, with sufficient effort and good judgment, a pamphlet could be gotten out that would neither stress too strongly the racial teachings, nor minimise them too much, and could discreetly be used for teaching purposes in...
He has spoken very strongly to some of the pilgrims here about the teaching work in that country, and impressed upon them that the whole object of the pioneers in going forth to Africa, is to teach the coloured people, and not the white people. This does not mean that they must refuse to teach the white people, which would be a foolish attitude. It does, however, mean that they should constantly bear in mind that it is to the native African that they are now carrying the Message of Baha'u'llah, in his own country, and not to people from abroad who have migrated there permanently or temporarily and are a minority, and many of them, judging by their acts, a very unsavoury minority.
He hopes that every effort will be made to get out a pamphlet in each of the languages chosen, or those that you have substituted for a chosen language. He fully realises that, in many cases, the people who speak the language are illiterate, and, strictly speaking, do not require a printed pamphlet in their own tongue. He considers however the psychological values of having something translated into their own language, the compliment implicit in it, so to speak, of great importance, sufficient to offset the time, effort and expense involved.
He would like your committee to convey to all the pioneers, most particularly the negro ones, the expression of his deep admiration of the wonderful spirit that animates them, his feeling of affection for them, and the assurance of his ardent prayers for their success.
Africa is truly awakening and finding herself, and she undoubtedly has a great message to give, and a great contribution to make to the advancement of world civilisation. To the degree to which her peoples accept Baha'u'llah, will they be blessed, strengthened and protected.
He hopes that, whilst concentrating on the consolidation of the work under your jurisdiction, you will give every assistance within your power to the other National Assemblies who have difficult places to settle. The Portuguese and Spanish territories seem to be the hardest of all to gain access to. Any help your committee can give along this line would certainly be rendering a great service to the Cause.