fying to the dynamic faith which inspires
and sustains the German Baha'i Community, now triumphantly emerging from
its long and severe ordeal, rejoiced my heart, and served to deepen my
feelings of affection and admiration for its members. You who now stand on
the threshold of a new era, have great tasks ahead of you and a glorious
mission to fulfil. The institutions you are now initiating and developing
will no doubt enable you to achieve speedily and effectively your goal.
The Beloved is watching over you. His love surrounds you, and His spirit
sustains and guides you. Persevere in your glorious task. Rest assured
that my prayers will continue to be offered on your behalf, and be
confident that Baha'u'llah will aid you to achieve ultimate victory.

Shoghi

LETTER OF 24 OCTOBER 1947

24 October 1947

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your letters to our beloved Guardian, dated Dec. 4th, 1946, Jan. 6th,
March 19th, June 15th, Aug. 27th and Sept. 28th, 1947, have all been
received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He has
also received a letter, on behalf of your secretary, written by Dr.
Koeller-Jager, and enclosing an English translation of your minutes. This
was dated March 13th.

In regard to the various matters you have raised in these letters:

He noted the report of Mrs Grossmann about her meeting with the grandchild
of Subh-i-Azal. He feels that the friends should as much as possible avoid
her, as it is very unlikely she has anything but prejudice against
Baha'u'llah, in view of her background.

He deeply appreciated the message of love and loyalty you sent him on the
occasion of the celebration of twenty-five years of Guardianship.

He is extremely pleased to see the way the Cause is spreading in Germany,
and the steady growth in the number of the assemblies there. This would be
a remarkable achievement under normal circumstances, but in view of the
weakened state of the health of the Baha'is and the hardships they and
their countrymen are undergoing, it is little short of heroic. The Baha'is
everywhere are watching the labours of their German brothers and sisters
with deep admiration.

Concerning your question about forming Spiritual Assemblies this year as
soon as circumstances permit, and without waiting until April 21st, 1948:
he does not think this advisable. In order to encourage the German
friends, so long oppressed and prevented from serving, he made an
exception last year,