t of Europe,
and in various dependencies on the eastern and western shores, as well as
in the heart of the African continent.

[July 18, 1953]

SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN PRIMACY

Overjoyed by remarkable achievements of American Baha'i Community,
safeguarding primacy, enhancing prestige, setting magnificent example to
sister communities East and West. Assure three Assembly members, also
Lofoten valiant pioneer of abiding appreciation, fervent loving prayers.

[September 5, 1953]

TEMPLE SITE PURCHASED IN PANAMA

Heartfelt congratulations on acquisition of Temple site; notable
achievement of World Crusade.

[Circa May 1954]

ASSEMBLIES MUST BE MAINTAINED

Information incorrect. Maintenance of all assemblies vital.

[July 23, 1954] (NOTE: Reply to National Spiritual Assembly request for
advice concerning a statement which the Guardian was alleged to have made
to the effect that all Baha'is should scatter. Many felt, therefore, that
assembly status need not be maintained.)

AMERICAN BAHA'IS IN THE TIME OF WORLD PERIL

The American Baha'i Community, in this, the opening year of the second
phase of the World Spiritual Crusade upon which it has embarked, finds
itself standing on the threshold of the seventh decade of its existence.
It leaves behind it, as it enters the second decade of the second Baha'i
century, sixty years crowded with events and marked by exploits so
stirring and momentous that they stand unsurpassed in the annals of any
other national Baha'i community with the sole exception of its venerable
sister community in Baha'u'llah's native land.

CHIEF EXECUTOR OF DIVINE PLAN

The first to respond to the call of the New Day in the western world; for
many years, in concert with the small band of Canadian believers residing
in its immediate neighborhood, the sole champion of the newly proclaimed
Covenant of Baha'u'llah; foremost in its decisive contribution to the
creation of the pattern, the erection of the fabric, the enlargement of
the limits, and the consolidation of the institutions of the embryonic
World Order, the child of that same Covenant and the harbinger of a still
unborn world civilization; singled out by the pen of the Center of that
same Covenant for a unique and imperishable bounty as the principal
custodian and chief executor of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Divine Plan; doubly honored
in the course of His extensive visit to the shores of its homeland t