Announce to national assemblies of America, Europe, and Australia the initiation of preliminary measures for erection of steel framework designed to support the contemplated dome of the Báb’s Sepulcher. Holy edifice, whose site the Founder of the Faith designated while Himself an exile in Most Great Prison, whose central structure the Center of His Covenant erected in the course of the turbulent years of His ministry, whose enveloping arcade was constructed despite internal disturbance rocking the Holy Land, is now carried forward despite the mounting international tension through signing of sixty-three thousand dollar contract for stonework of octagon. Request beloved friends, collaborators in historic undertaking, to join me in prayers for uninterrupted prosecution of work simultaneously initiated in Italy and Holy Land designed to attain final consummation in rearing the lofty dome, crowning unit of enterprise so intimately associated with the Three Central Figures of Faith linking the Heroic and Formative Ages of the Bahá’í Dispensation. [January 4, 1951] Construction of Shrine Moves Forward Announce to friends of East and West that operations commenced last Naw-Rúz on excavation for eight shafts designed for piers supporting the dome of the Báb’s Sepulcher terminated. Consignment of thirty-three tons of steel, fifty tons of cement safely delivered to Holy Land. Seven thousand three hundred pound (i.e., Israeli unit of currency) contract for structural work, capable of sustaining the thousand-ton weight of superstructure, signed. First installment out of eight hundred tons of stones for octagon and dome of Shrine recently received. Greatly heartened by response of self-sacrificing believers in both hemispheres enabling energetic prosecution at this critical hour of so holy an enterprise. May sustained support of all communities hasten its glorious consummation. [May 29, 1951] Pilgrimage to World Center Again Permitted Announce to all national assemblies restrictions on pilgrimage being gradually removed. Owing to prevailing conditions, maximum duration will be nine days. Permission of Guardian necessary, as few at a time are now permitted. [December 25, 1951] Administrative Headquarters in Africa Inform United States, British, Persian, Egyptian, Indian National Assemblies of imminent purchase of Hazíratu’l-Quds of Central Africa. Have forwarded my contribution, six thousand dollars, toward historic enterprise. Appeal five cooperating National Assemblies to participate through contribution toward meritorious purchase. Purchase price 5500 pounds. Advise forward contributions to Banani, Kampala. [March 16, 1952] William Sutherland Maxwell Passes—Rúhíyyih Khánum Appointed Hand