I have already expressed my grateful appreciation of the prompt and wise
measures you have taken in behalf of our oppressed and down-trodden
brethren in Persia. The noble appeal which you were moved to address to
His Majesty the _Sh_ah, so illuminating, so courteous, so powerful, and
the wide range of publicity you have undertaken, were truly providential
in character, and will undoubtedly prove an inspiration and solace to
those who still continue to be trampled under the heel of an odious and
inveterate enemy. I have had your appeal translated into Persian and sent
to all Centers throughout the Orient that the suffering in Persia may
learn of your bold and courageous intervention, and witness the signs of
their promised redemption which, as foretold by 'Abdu'l-Baha, must first
be made manifest through the efforts of their brethren in that great
freedom-loving Republic of the West.
It is sad and distressing to reflect that, notwithstanding the repeated
appeals addressed to the authorities concerned, and so powerfully
reinforced by the spontaneous action of some of the leading Governments of
the West, Persia, still heedless and unaware of the spiritual forces that
are at work, continues to treat with indifference and contempt the most
loyal, innocent and law-abiding subjects of its realm. The chronic
instability of its affairs, the changing fortunes of factions and shadowy
personalities that sap its vitality and tarnish its name, the acute and
widespread economic depression that is now prevailing, and the grave
discontent of the masses of the people, all tend to aggravate a situation
already highly threatening to the security of its sorely tried children.
What else can we do but pray most fervently that the almighty power of
Baha'u'llah may soon triumph over this petty strife, this age-long
tyranny, and make, as He prophesied, of the land of His birth, "the most
honored of all governments, the pride, the admiration and the envy of the
peoples of the world."
Your true brother,
SHOGHI.
Haifa, Palestine,
October 31, 1926.
Letter of November 14, 1926.
The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout the
United States and Canada.
Dearly-beloved friends:
The progress of various events, both within and outside the Baha'i world,
as well as the perusal of the able and illuminating report recently
submitted by the Committee of the Persian National Spiritual Assembly in
charge of the Tarbiyat School in Tihran, have served to reinforce a
gradually growing idea as to the desirability of arranging for the
settlement in the capital of that country of one or two American believers
who, having the means, the freedom and the capacity, can adequately meet
the pressing requirements of a responsible position. Judging from their
report, the situation in Tihran though much confused and perplexing, is
fraught with rich possibilities for the future of the Cause, both as
affecting the national fortunes of Persia, as well as its influence upon
the international development of the Cause.