n spite of the fact that
in such countries as England and Germany, in particular, the Persian
friends have been of great help in maintaining, and indeed in
establishing, new Assemblies and Centres, the National Body must bear in
mind that this is not a normal state of affairs. It is the German people
in Germany, and the English people in England, who must be the back-bone
and the vast majority of the Community. Otherwise, if for some reason the
foreign element returns to its home or is forced to leave the country, the
Communities dependent on it disintegrate for lack of numbers.

Every effort should be made to encourage the German Baha'is, who are so
numerous in some of the cities in Germany, particularly in Stuttgart, to
go out and take part in the establishment of new Spiritual Assemblies in
their own country. This is both their duty and their privilege. The
Guardian has pointed out, over and over again, that it is sufficient for
fifteen active believers to remain in any one city, even such cities as
New York, Chicago and San Francisco. This also applies to Germany, and the
Baha'is should be encouraged to pioneer on their Home Front, and establish
new Spiritual Assemblies, new Groups and new isolated centres. In this way
the affairs of the Faith will attract the blessings of Baha'u'llah and the
believers will be rewarded by Him for doing their duty and accepting the
challenge of the present hour. If and when another upheaval takes place in
Europe, it will be the big cities that are the danger points. Why then do
the Baha'is cling to them so tenaciously, when they would be much safer,
and serving the interests of the Faith, if they moved away to smaller
places?

He does not want the friends to be fearful, or to dwell upon the
unpleasant possibilities of the future. They must have the attitude that,
if they do their part, which is to accomplish the goals of the Ten Year
Plan, they can be sure that God will do His part and watch over them....

He has been very happy over the formation of the first historic Spiritual
Assembly in Athens, an achievement made possible this year through the
direct efforts of German pioneers. He greatly appreciates their spirit,
and he hopes that, in spite of the departure of some of the American
pioneers, the Community will grow in numbers, and the Assembly be
preserved next April. Your Assembly should devote particular attention to
this matter.

He hopes also that reinforcements can be se