"I wish to reaffirm in clear and categorical language, the principle
already enunciated upholding the supreme authority of the National
Assembly in all matters that affect the interests of the Faith in that
land. There can be no conflict of authority, no duality under any form or
circumstances in any sphere of Baha'i jurisdiction whether local, national
or international. The National Assembly, however, although the sole
interpreter of its Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, is directly and
morally responsible if it allows any body or institution within its
jurisdiction to abuse its privileges or to decline in the exercise of its
rights and privileges. It is the trusted guardian and the mainspring of
the manifold activities and interests of every national community in the
Baha'i world. It constitutes the sole link that binds these communities to
the International House of Justice, the supreme administrative body in the
Dispensation of Baha'u'llah."