Dear Miss Brooks,
At the Guardian's direction I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication of December 17th just arrived, together with the copy of the
resolutions passed by the N.S.A. of Australia and New-Zealand in its
August meeting, as well as the copy of the statement on the "Baha'i
Attitude to War" recently issued by your Assembly. He found that statement
most satisfactory both in its form and in its clear and comprehensive
presentation of the underlying principles governing the collective
attitude of the believers in this vital issue of the hour.
The friends should indeed make a careful study of this statement, so as to
be able to intelligently and correctly answer any questions put to them
either by the authorities or individual inquirers.
The Guardian has been particularly pleased to note that the response of
the Prime Minister, and of the premier of Victoria and other ministers to
whom you had submitted a copy of the above statement has been so cordial,
and he feels relieved to know that through this action of your Assembly
any doubts or misapprehensions regading the attitude of the Baha'is to war
have been dispelled, and that the authorities feel, as a result, much more
favourable towards the Cause, now that they know for themselves that it is
entirely non-political in character and that it enjoins absolute loyalty
and obedience to the Government.
This opportunity your Assembly has had of establishing direct contact with
the authorities is indeed a step of vital significance to the Cause in
Australia and New-Zealand, and is bound to pave the way for its ultimate
recognition as an independent religious Faith, entitled to the same rights
and privileges which other religious bodies and institutions enjoy in that
land.
The Guardian wishes me in closing to express his deepfelt appreciation of
your teaching services in Melbourne and Hobart, in which cities you seem
to have accomplished such splendid work, both in introducing the Cause to
the general public and by assisting the friends in better conducting their
teaching and administrative activities.
May the Beloved ever bless and guide your efforts, and may He also
strengthen and confirm your fellow-members in the N.S.A. in the discharge
of their arduous duties and responsibilities. To you and to them all he
sends his warmest greetings,
Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
The manner and spirit in which the dearly-beloved friends in Australia and
New Zealand are discharging their multifarious and sacred
responsibilities, in these days of strife and peril, augur well for the
future of their mission in that far-off continent. The sound lines along
which the administration of the Faith is evolving, the courage and
fidelity with which they defend the integrity and assert the claims, and
proclaim the verities of their beloved Cause are evidences of their onward
march and the potentialities with which they are endowed. I rejoice and am
thankful. I will continue to pray and seek for them still greater
blessings.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.