resaging the approaching year of final consummation.

Owing to magnitude of task undertaken, manifold responsibilities already
shouldered by Baha'i communities of East and West, no further step beyond
construction of Arcade, erection of crowning Parapet was originally
envisaged. Sudden unexpected worsening of international situation,
necessity to effect economy, exigencies attending rise of World
Administrative Center of Faith impelled me subsequently to place contract
in Italy for provision of stones required for both Octagon and Dome,
leaving resumption of construction work to indefinite future date.

Am now encouraged, owing response to recent call, to take eagerly
anticipated decision to commence Octagon, first major unit of
superstructure of sacred stately Edifice designed to support Drum and pave
way for erection of Dome, last remaining unit of entire enterprise.
Contract of approximately thirty thousand dollars has just been placed in
Holy Land for construction of Octagon including eight Pinnacles, following
completion of structural work commenced last June.

Further consignment hundred twenty tons, comprising lower part of Octagon
and Pinnacles, four completed Facades, Door, Window Frames have arrived at
Port of Haifa.

Invite valiant co-sharers in Holy Enterprise join me in prayers for its
uninterrupted prosecution, in speedy fulfilment of hopes cherished by both
Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha for glorification of eternal resting-place of
Primal Point in bosom of God's Holy Mountain.

--Shoghi

[Cablegram, August 24, 1951]

ACQUISITION OF AREA ON MOUNT CARMEL

Announce to National Assemblies of Baha'i world that prolonged, delicate
negotiations involving Ministries of Finance and Religious Affairs and
Haifa Municipality have culminated in agreement in principle to purchase
approximately twenty-two thousand meter area, estimated value hundred
eighteen thousand dollars, situated on slope of Mount Carmel overlooking
resting-place of Greatest Holy Leaf and eastern approaches to Bab's
Sepulcher.

Acquisition of area extending from heart to ridge of mountain safeguards
precincts of sacred Mausoleum now in process of erection, broadens basis
of administrative structure of rising World Center of Faith in Holy Land,
may induce civil authorities to abandon project construction of arterial
road crossing diagonally Baha'i international endowments, and facilitates
extension of terraces ultimately stretchin