Our beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him
from all parts of the Baha'i world; of the victories already gained, and
the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten-Year Crusade.
They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May
28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of
the Plan, just as quickly as possible. He is convinced, that the friends
will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote
of the Crusade, must be Action, Action, Action!
The beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify
some of the aspects of his dynamic message.
The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that
he feels pioneering in one of them takes precedence over every other type
of Baha'i service--whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields
of the Faith. So important is it that the National Assembly may delay
initiation of steps to fulfill other phases of the Plan, until all these
areas are conquered for the Faith. Nothing, absolutely nothing, must be
allowed to interfere with the placing of pioneers in each of the 131 goal
countries.
In America some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some
of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The beloved
Guardian fully expects the dear friends in India, Pakistan and Burma to
follow this example, and quickly settle the areas allotted to them.
Because of it being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan, and having so
many pioneers available, the Guardian has given permission to the United
States to send pioneers into any area of the globe regardless of whom it
may be assigned to. Thus pioneers from the United States may ask
permission to settle in one of the areas assigned to your Assembly. If
this is done, you should assist them in every way possible.
There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you,
and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below:
1. Every individual who has offered to pioneer, must be encouraged in
every way by the National Assembly.
2. The National Assembly should assist each pioneer, so they may be placed
in their post just as quickly as possible.
3. The handling of each application for pioneering service, must be
expedited, and not allowed to be bogged down for any reason, or in the
hands of Committees.
4. The National Assembly should make it their first order of business to
follow up actively this most important task. They must make it the first
order of business at each Assembly meeting, to see that each application
is being progressed rapidly. This does not mean the special committees
should not handle the details; but it does mean the Assembly itself, must
review each application at each meeting; and see that the pioneer gets
into the field as soon as possible.
5. A large number of pioneers should not be sent to any one country. One,
or even two, will be sufficient for the time being. Later on, if
supplementary assistance is needed, that of course can be taken care of.
The all important thing now, is to get at least one pioneer in each of the
131 virgin areas.
6. The National Assembly may exercise its prerogatives and suggest to
applicants where their services are most needed. This, of course, applies
particularly to pioneers, where a large number wish to go to the same
place.
The specific suggestions of the Guardian, are:
a. Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then
the areas more difficult, and finally, those which will be difficult.
b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at
once to the Guardian, giving the name, place, and any pertinent
information.
c. A monthly report of progress is to be sent by your Assembly to the
Secretary-General of the International Baha'i Council. Special matters of
report nature, for the Guardian, in connection with the plan of settling
these 131 areas, should be sent to the Secretary-General of the Council
also.
This does not mean that any administrative matters in connection with the
settlement of pioneers should be handled with the council. These should
continue to be handled with the Guardian direct. The Council is simply to
coordinate reports, consolidate them, keep maps up to date, etc. for the
Guardian, and your reports will enable them to do this.
d. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled, and he
would appreciate your early cable advice of such new victories:
Bhutan, Daman, Diu, Goa, Karikal, Mahe, Pondicherry, Sikkim, as pointed
out in his cable to your Assembly of May 30th, 1953. These have first
precedence.
The beloved Guardian feels the friends living in large Baha'i Centres,
could easily move into these territories, which are a part of India
itself.
As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian will have prepared an
illuminated "Roll of Honor" on which will be inscribed the names of the
"Knights of Baha'u'llah" who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This
"Roll of Honor" will be placed inside the entrance door of The Inner
Sanctuary of the Tomb of Baha'u'llah.
From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Baha'i World, the
names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his
message, and settle these areas and conquer them for Baha'u'llah.
Now is the time for the Baha'is of the World to demonstrate the spiritual
vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the
Lord, over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure, that the Baha'is
of India, Pakistan and Burma who have served and sacrificed so long for
the Faith, will continue their glorious record by winning many new
victories for the Faith.