The news that from Calcutta two souls have volunteered to go forth as
pioneers to Siam and Indonesia greatly pleased him. Likewise, he was
rejoiced to hear a pioneer for Ceylon has been found.
The Burmese, Indian and Pakistan Baha'is, forming as they do a relatively
old and tried Community of believers, have heavy responsibilities to
discharge. They cannot be looked upon as children or youngsters in this
great Cause, but rather must be considered more in the light of elders,
and consequently their Baha'i brothers and sisters expect great things of
them, and look to them for signs of leadership in that part of the world!
Therefore, the fulfilment of their Plan, and the sending forth of their
pioneers to neighbouring Asiatic countries, is of crucial importance in
maintaining their leadership in this field and their prestige in the
Baha'i world.
He was very glad to see your Assembly has not relaxed its efforts in the
matter of translating and publishing the Esslemont book. As you know, he
considers this a vital service being rendered by your Community to not
only the peoples of that part of the world, but to the Faith as a
world-wide movement. He has begun to receive lately some of your
publications, and trusts, now the mails are again running, to receive
safely all the material you are sending.