n as chosen instruments for the propagation of the Faith, to
inaugurate historic mission through the appointment, during Ridvan 1954,
of four auxiliary boards one each continent, of nine members each, who
will, as their adjuncts, or deputies, and working in conjunction with the
various National Assemblies functioning on each continent, assist, through
periodic systematic visits to Baha'i centers, in the efficient, prompt
execution of the twelve projected National Plans. Moreover request
communities observing Baha'i Holy Days, solar calendar, celebrate with
befitting solemnity the approaching anniversary of Baha'u'llah's Birthday,
falling in the middle of the two month period during which, a hundred
years ago, the Author of the Faith received the first intimation of His
glorious Mission.

Advise American Baha'i community commemorate occasion by special gathering
in the Temple in Wilmette and urge attendance of as many believers as
possible and invite Hands of the Cause in United States and Canada to
participate as my representatives.

--Shoghi

[Cablegram, October 8, 1952]

ACQUISITION OF VITALLY-NEEDED PROPERTY

Announce to Baha'i communities, East and West, on the joyous occasion of
the hundred and thirty-fifth Anniversary of Baha'u'llah's Birthday, the
successful termination of the protracted negotiations, initiated two years
ago and culminating in the signature to the contract providing the
eventual, formal transfer by the Development Authority of the State of
Israel to the Palestine Branch of the American National Spiritual Assembly
of the extensive, long-desired, vitally-needed property surrounding and
safeguarding for posterity the Most Holy Tomb of the Founder of the Faith,
as well as the adjoining Mansion.

The acquired area, raising Baha'i holdings on the holy plain of Akka from
four thousand to one hundred and fifty-five thousand square meters, was
exchanged against property donated by children of Zikrullah, grandchildren
of Mirza Muhammad Quli, Baha'u'llah's faithful half-brother and companion
in exile.

This spontaneous offer contrasts with the shameful action of the family in
the sale to non-Baha'is of the property in the neighborhood of the Jordan
valley purchased through the instrumentality of 'Abdu'l-Baha during
Baha'u'llah's lifetime, pursuant to His instructions and alluded to in His
writings.

The forty acre property acquired in this single transaction almost equals
the entire Baha