He was very glad to hear of the success of the Convention. He hopes that
such gatherings will become yearly and, like in other countries, lead to a
better understanding among the friends. It is surely true that as the
Cause progresses differences will more and more arise. So unless there be
a meeting place where the different views are thrashed, true unity of
purpose and activity will not be obtained.
Just as much as the result of the Convention made him happy he was sorry
to hear of the differences that exist between the N.S.A. members. The real
source of the difficulty is, I believe, the lack of constant intercourse
between the different members. As the country is so very vast meetings
cannot be very frequent and well attended, and this ultimately leads to
misunderstandings and lack of faith in each other. Shoghi Effendi knows
the different individuals involved, he knows their integrity and faith in
the Cause and its spirit. He is sure that they, each and all, have no
other purpose but to serve the progress of the movement and uphold its
interests. And they will surely not commit an act that would retard the
very Cause they are serving. What the solution is, I do not know. What
Shoghi Effendi has been hoping during the last two or three years is a
spirit of mutual trust that would overcome physical handicaps. But that
seems to be impossible. A lurking dissatisfaction is sure to appear at the
end.
[From the Guardian:]
Your subsequent letter dated Jan. 24 has also reached me. I will specially
remember our dear and valued co-worker Prof. Pritam Singh when I visit the
sacred Shrine that the spirit of Baha'u'llah may inspire, guide and
sustain him in his great task. Regarding your last convention and the
non-participation of the Burma delegates, I feel that the utmost effort
must be exerted during the coming elections in April to elect those who
are best fitted for this supreme and responsible position, and once
elected, resignation is not to be accepted. The members must meet and
consult in person. Persia is preparing for the holding of national
elections, and for India and Burma to revert to a system that is being
abandoned by the Persian believers would be a decidedly retrograde step.
We must at all costs maintain and strengthen the unity of the National
Assembly. Everything must be subordinated to this end. I will supplicate
our Beloved to enable you to achieve His purpose.