nment may at any time--as it does not seem unlikely--decide,
by retaining the keys in its custody, to postpone indefinitely the
execution of such a verdict in order to allay the fierce hostility of the
clerical element as well as the Shi'ite population of 'Iraq.

Should a crisis occur, I will immediately inform you and endeavor to
define more clearly any measure that I feel should be taken by the
American Assemblies to insure the security of the House of Baha'u'llah.

Baha'i Periodicals

Regarding the publication of Baha'i periodicals in America, there is no
doubt whatsoever that every individual Baha'i is free to inaugurate and
conduct any magazine of his own provided that nothing is published therein
which in the estimation of the National Assembly tends in the least to
become detrimental or injurious to the highest interests of the Cause.
Within these limits, and these limits only, private initiative should in
no wise be discouraged and is indeed highly praiseworthy. It is for the
National Assembly, however, to exercise its judgment as to what extent the
resources at their disposal enable them to aid financially the individual
undertakings of the friends. Should the response of the friends and
Assemblies to the appeals made on behalf of the National Fund be prompt,
sustained and generous, the National Assembly will, I am certain, justify
its sympathy, good-will and genuine cooperation with every individual
Baha'i enterprise. I would, however, at this early state of our work,
strongly urge, nay entreat, the friends not to dissipate their efforts,
but to seek, after frank, mature and continuous deliberation, to arrive at
a common conclusion as to the most urgent requirements and needs of the
hour, and having unified their views to strive to uphold and enforce them
with promptitude, wholeheartedness and understanding.

News Letter

The first printed issue of the National Assembly's News Letter prepared
and signed on behalf of the Assembly by its able secretary, stands as a
bright and eloquent testimony of his thoroughness, his industry, his
conspicuous ability, his undoubted self-sacrifice. The Cause is entering
upon a new era of renewed and concerted activity. Its method of
presentation has unmistakably improved, and this general advancement in
standard is in no small measure attributable to the distinctive capacity
of your Assembly. My constant prayer is that He who watches over and
inspires your m