The sad and sudden crisis that has arisen in connection with the ownership
of Baha'u'llah's sacred house in Ba_gh_dad has sent a thrill of
indignation and dismay throughout the whole of the Baha'i world. Houses
that have been occupied by Baha'u'llah for well nigh the whole period of
His exile in 'Iraq; ordained by Him as the chosen and sanctified object of
Baha'i pilgrimage in future; magnified and extolled in countless Tablets
and Epistles as the sacred center "round which shall circle all peoples
and kindreds of the earth"--lie now, due to fierce intrigue and ceaseless
fanatical opposition, at the mercy of the declared enemies of the Cause.
I have instantly communicated with every Baha'i center in both East and
West, and urgently requested the faithful followers of the Faith in every
land to protest vehemently against this glaring perversion of justice, to
assert firmly and courteously the spiritual rights of the Baha'i Community
to the ownership of this venerated house, to plead for British fairness
and justice, and to pledge their unswerving determination to insure the
security of this hallowed spot.
Conscious of the fact that this property has been occupied by Baha'i
authorized representatives for an uninterrupted period of not less than
thirty years, and having successfully won their case at the Justice of
Peace and the Court of First Instance, the Baha'is the world over cannot
believe that the high sense of honor and fairness which inspires the
British Administration of 'Iraq will ever tolerate such grave miscarriage
of justice. They confidently appeal to the public opinion of the world for
the defense and protection of their legitimate rights now sorely trampled
under the feet of relentless enemies.
Widespread and effective publicity along these lines, in well-conceived
and carefully worded terms, is strongly recommended for it will
undoubtedly serve to facilitate the solution of this delicate and
perplexing problem.
Having exerted ourselves to the utmost of our ability let us rest assured
in the power of the Lord, who keepeth watch over His house, and who will,
no matter how dark present prospects appear, assure for generations yet
unborn His cherished and holy edifice. I shall acquaint you with every
development of the case, and will advise you as to the measures that
should be taken whether we decide to institute fresh proceedings or to
appeal to higher legal authorities in London.