15 November 1956

As regards the translation of the iqan, as this is a very important and fundamental book, the Guardian hopes that it will be published as soon as possible.

The basis of your translation should be his English translation of it and not the Persian original. He feels that you should adhere as closely as possible to the English text without making your translation so literal as to be un-German and unidiomatic, and therefore not very readable to German-speaking people.

As regards Dr. Schuck's book, which the Guardian is very pleased to hear he has written, as we need always more literature to attract new people to the Faith through different approaches: Any Baha'i book presenting the Faith should be reviewed by a competent body. This only means that they should ascertain whether there is any misrepresentation of the Teachings in it. Sometimes the friends think they have to go into literary reviews and interfere with the author's style etc., which of course is wholly unnecessary. It should therefore not take long for your National Body or the Italo-Swiss National a.s.sembly to pa.s.s upon the book.

LETTER OF 17 NOVEMBER 1956

17 November 1956

The Baha'i Group of Salzburg

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your letter of November 12th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He deeply appreciates the sentiments you expressed and also the loving labours you are performing in the teaching field in Salzburg.

He was happy to note that your letter had seven signatures, and hopes that by Ridvan you will be able to form an a.s.sembly there, which will be a great step forward in the progress of the Faith in Austria.

You may be sure he will pray for you all at the holy Shrines....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless your high endeavours, guide every step you take, and fulfil every desire you cherish, for the promotion and consolidation of His glorious Faith,

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 30 NOVEMBER 1956(51)

30 November 1956

He appreciates very deeply the sentiments you expressed to him on the occasion of the thirty-fifth anniversary of his Guardianship. The love of the friends and the services they render the Faith have in a great part sustained him in his arduous and exhausting work; and he feels that the Hands of the Cause will be called upon ever-increasingly to display a loyalty and devotion which will stimulate the rank and file of the friends to arise and fulfil their tasks, in spite of every obstacle....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved reward you a thousandfold for your outstanding and unforgettable services, during so many years, to our beloved Faith, fulfil every desire you cherish, and bless every effort you exert, in the days to come, for the spread and consolidation of His glorious Faith, and enable you to enrich the distinguished record of your highly meritorious accomplishments,

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 6 DECEMBER 1956(52)

6 December 1956

He very deeply appreciates the loving sentiments you expressed to him on the occasion of the thirty-fifth anniversary of his Guardianship. The devotion of the Baha'is, and the fidelity they have shown to the Master's wishes, and the love they have showered upon him, have enabled the Guardian to carry out the work he has accomplished.

He hopes that the older German Baha'is like yourself will do all you can to deepen the younger generation in the verities of the Faith, and create in them the same flame of devotion which has animated you all over so long a period....

[From the Guardian:]

a.s.suring you of my deep and abiding appreciation of the sentiments you have expressed, as well as of your highly meritorious services to the Cause of G.o.d-services which have greatly sustained and encouraged me amidst my strenuous labours in His service,

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 6 DECEMBER 1956(53)

6 December 1956

He deeply appreciates the loving sentiments you expressed to him on the occasion of the thirty-fifth anniversary of his Guardianship. The devotion the friends have shown to the Cause of G.o.d and the love they have showered upon him have enabled him to carry on his heavy burdens.

He hopes that your persistent and devoted labours there will soon bear the reward of a Spiritual a.s.sembly, and a.s.sures you that his prayers are offered for your success.

LETTER OF 15 DECEMBER 1956

15 December 1956

He also hopes that you will persuade this friend to withdraw from the church if he has not already done so. The line of demarcation must be more and more distinct at this critical point in the fortunes of humanity, and the Baha'is must courageously stand forth, upholding the laws of Baha'u'llah and supporting the Administrative Order openly.