24 January 1934(23) Dear Bahá’í Friend, At the request of the Guardian I am sending you enclosed the programme of “The New Commonwealth”, a society for the promotion of international law and order, having its headquarters in London, and which seems to have a wide and well selected membership. The Guardian wishes the British N.S.A. to consider the possibility of their joining this organisation, and to carefully investigate whether any affiliation with that body involves any political allegiance or may indirectly and eventually lead to participation in any form of political activity. In the contrary case, he strongly advises the N.S.A. to join that organisation, as he feels that in this way the friends can give a wide and effective publicity to the teachings of the Cause. Membership in non-political organisations of this type is, indeed, the best method of teaching indirectly the Message by making useful and frequent contacts with well-known and influential persons who, if not completely won to the Faith, can at least become of some effective use to it. Trusting that you are in the best of health, and with the assurance of Shoghi Effendi’s ardent prayers on your behalf and on behalf of all the friends in London. Yours in His Service, Letter of 11 February 1934 11 February 1934 Dear Bahá’í Friend, Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge on his behalf the receipt of your letters dated Jan. 20th and Feb. 2nd, 1934, all of which he read with deep interest. He has also received the text of the High Commissioner’s reply to your petition. With regard to the “New Commonwealth” society he would advise the N.S.A. to join it as soon as possible after having carefully ascertained that affiliation with such a body does not involve any political allegiance to any doctrine or group. As you have already stated this organisation is run on non-party lines. It would be, however, advisable that you should find out the real aims and objectives of the society and specially the methods it advocates for the carrying out of its ideals before definitely joining it. The Guardian hopes that this will give the friends a further opportunity to make new contacts, and to draw more competent and sincere people to the Cause. He is fully alive to the difficulties facing the friends at the present time. But he would urge each and all to work harder than ever, and to persevere in order that the Faith may be better appreciated and understood by the public. He will continue to supplicate on behalf of you all at the Holy Shrines, so that Bahá’u’lláh may sustain you in your efforts to spread His message. With best wishes for Mr. Slade and yourself, Yours in His Service, [From the Guardian:] May the Almighty bless richly your continued and self-sacrificing endeavours, restore your health, cheer your heart, and enable you to promote effectively the vital interests of our beloved Faith. Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi Letter of 5 May 1934 5 May 1934