initiation of preliminary measures for erection of steel framework
designed to support the contemplated dome of the Bab's Sepulcher. Holy
edifice, whose site the Founder of the Faith designated while Himself an
exile in Most Great Prison, whose central structure the Center of His
Covenant erected in the course of the turbulent years of His ministry,
whose enveloping arcade was constructed despite internal disturbance
rocking the Holy Land, is now carried forward despite the mounting
international tension through signing of sixty-three thousand dollar
contract for stonework of octagon. Request beloved friends, collaborators
in historic undertaking, to join me in prayers for uninterrupted
prosecution of work simultaneously initiated in Italy and Holy Land
designed to attain final consummation in rearing the lofty dome, crowning
unit of enterprise so intimately associated with the Three Central Figures
of Faith linking the Heroic and Formative Ages of the Baha'i Dispensation.

[January 4, 1951]

Construction of Shrine Moves Forward

Announce to friends of East and West that operations commenced last
Naw-Ruz on excavation for eight shafts designed for piers supporting the
dome of the Bab's Sepulcher terminated. Consignment of thirty-three tons
of steel, fifty tons of cement safely delivered to Holy Land. Seven
thousand three hundred pound (i.e., Israeli unit of currency) contract for
structural work, capable of sustaining the thousand-ton weight of
superstructure, signed. First installment out of eight hundred tons of
stones for octagon and dome of Shrine recently received. Greatly heartened
by response of self-sacrificing believers in both hemispheres enabling
energetic prosecution at this critical hour of so holy an enterprise. May
sustained support of all communities hasten its glorious consummation.

[May 29, 1951]

Pilgrimage to World Center Again Permitted

Announce to all national assemblies restrictions on pilgrimage being
gradually removed. Owing to prevailing conditions, maximum duration will
be nine days. Permission of Guardian necessary, as few at a time are now
permitted.

[December 25, 1951]

Administrative Headquarters in Africa

Inform United States, British, Persian, Egyptian, Indian National
Assemblies of imminent purchase of Haziratu'l-Quds of Central Africa. Have
forwarded my contribution, six thousand dollars, toward historic
enterprise. Appeal five cooperating National Assem