Haifa, April 18th, 1942.
Dear Baha'i Sister:
The Guardian has instructed me to answer your two letters of Jan. 15th and
24th, and to acknowledge the receipt of the enclosed letter of Mrs. Dunn.
He was delighted to learn that the New Zealand members were able to make
the trip to Australia, and that such a highly satisfactory N.S.A. meeting
was held, in such a spirit of love and harmony. No doubt this experience
will prove of great value, not only to the National Assembly, but also to
the work of the Cause in the days to come.
Regarding the various matters you refer to in your letters: The Guardian
highly approves of the very kind and helpful arrangements made by Dr.
Bolton, by which his property at Yerrinbool will pass to the Faith at his
death and be used, according to the requirements of a future date, as
dictated by the discretion of the N.S.A. It is better that the believers,
subject to the judgements of the N.S.A., be left free to select any spot
that will prove most convenient for the majority for their summer-schools.
Regarding the Summer-Schools in general; although there is no objection to
their being under the direct management of a special Committee elected for
that purpose, they must be generally supervised by the N.S.A. in respect
to policy, etc. In other words they must be considered as a national and
not a purely local institution.
For purposes of convenience the N.S.A. may appoint as members of such
Committees, those who are situated near the Summer-Schools and are able to
pay direct attention to their affairs.
Concerning individual Baha'is' letters to the Guardian and his replies;
the friends are free to write to the Guardian when they feel the urge to
do so. However, for the believers to suppose that the Guardian's letters
to them, however full of loving encouragement they may be, give them any
special powers or authority to go against or ignore the wishes of their
local or national assembly, is to grossly misinterpret his true meaning.
The Guardian has been at great pains to build up the administrative order
and teach the friends how to use it. How could he possibly himself act in
such a way as to ignore or belittle the functions of these bodies? He
often encourages believers to work, to teach, to pursue some plan they
propose in their letters to him but this does not mean a veto of the
assembly's rights, or that the individual thus becomes free to ignore its
authority. He trusts this will make the matter quite plain to the friends.
Regarding the matter of Mother Dunn's letter; the N.S.A., will, he feels
sure, do all in their power to allay the fears of Mother Dunn and smooth
out any misunderstandings that may arise. He feels, however, that you
should point out to Mother Dunn that if, at any future date, the believers
of Australia and New Zealand should wish to remove the remains of Father
Dunn and herself to a beautiful site in a Baha'i cemetery, or any other
chosen spot, they cannot do it without some legal authorization. Just at
present, after an infinite amount of red tape being gotten through, the
Egyptian N.S.A. has at last succeeded in getting arrangements made for the
transfer of Lua Getsinger's and Mirza Abu'l-Fadl's bodies to the new
Baha'i Cemetery. It is to ensure success and save trouble in the future,
that your assembly is asking her to delegate certain powers to it in this
matter. He feels sure she will cooperate fully when she understands the
matter.
In view of the criticalness of the times, the great issues facing the
entire human race, and the uncertainty of what perils and trials may yet
remain ahead of us to be endured, the Guardian feels, that the sooner
Father Dunn's memorial is erected the better. Mother Dunn may rest assured
in her heart that future believers of Australia will know how to honour
and cherish dear Father Dunn's grave; for the time being, though, it seems
to him, it would be wise to complete whatever arrangements are under way
as speedily as possible, subject, of course, to her acceptance, as he does
not want her to be distressed or unhappy over this matter.
The Guardian would be very glad to receive as soon as possible photographs
of Father Dunn's grave upon its completion, to be placed in the Mansion of
Baha'u'llah at Bahji.
He assures you all that he feels the greatest confidence in your ability
to aid the believers of Australia and New Zealand to weather all storms
during the dark days we are passing through. The friends of those two
countries have amply displayed their deep loyalty to the Faith, their
profound dedication to its Divine Mission, their adherence to its laws and
institutions. He always thinks of them with a heart at rest and feelings
of deep affection.
Rest assured that his loving prayers will continue to be offered on their
behalf, and for you and your fellow members of the N.S.A., who are serving
with such devotion and self-sacrifice the Holy Faith.
With warm Baha'i Greetings and love, R. Rabbani.
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved friends:
The spirit manifested by the valiant supporters of the Faith in Australia
and New Zealand is most encouraging, highly meritorious, and truly
exemplary. The work they have achieved, the plans they are devising, the
hopes they cherish for the future, fill me with admiration and evoke my
deepest gratitude. The Beloved will assuredly continue to illumine their
path, to sustain their efforts, and to bless their accomplishments in
these days of unprecedented stress, anxiety, and peril. I will continue to
supplicate for them all His abundant and imperishable blessings.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.