other grandchildren of the Master, who was
planning a fourth marriage between his daughter and grandson of
'Abdu'l-Baha, thereby involving in shameful marriages three branches of
His family, who over twenty years schemed to undermine the position of the
Center of Faith through association with representatives of traditional
enemies of Faith in Persia, Muslim Arab communities, notables and civil
authorities in Holy Land, who lately was scheduled to appear as star
witness on behalf of daughter of Badi'u'llah in recent lawsuit challenging
the authority conferred upon Guardian of Faith in 'Abdu'l-Baha's
Testament.

--Shoghi

[Cablegram, April 5, 1952]

IRRESISTIBLE MARCH OF THE FAITH

Soul stirred, heart uplifted by recollection of events signalizing the
twelve month period preceding the fateful year destined to witness the
consummation of series of plans formulated by Baha'i National Assemblies
of five continents, as well as the inauguration of the second, glorious
Jubilee of the Baha'i Dispensation. The irresistible march of the Faith
marked simultaneously by the steady consolidation of its administrative
institutions and the rapid enlargement of its limits. No less than
eighteen countries have been enrolled, raising the total number within its
orbit to one hundred twenty-four. Languages in which Baha'i literature is
printed or is being translated are now ninety, including twelve African
languages. The vast process of the rise and establishment of the World
Center of the Faith has been accelerated. Contingents of Hands of the
Cause have been successively appointed in every continent of the globe,
five of whom are shouldering responsibilities in the Holy Land. The
International Baha'i Council has been enlarged and officers designated.

An interview was accorded by, and literature presented to the Israel Prime
Minister in the course of his American visit by representatives of the
American National Assembly. Eighteen plots, a twenty-two thousand square
meter area, have been added to the International Baha'i endowments on the
slopes of Carmel. Government survey concluded paving the way for the
acquisition of over one hundred forty thousand square meters of property
in the precincts of the Most Holy Tomb at Bahji. The design for the
Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar on Carmel, conceived by the President of the
International Baha'i Council, completed. Privileges, exemption already
accorded Baha'i Holy Places in Israel by Mi