Shoghi Effendi feels that it should be explained that forbidding self defence by Bahá’u’lláh should not be taken too literally. To put it as bluntly as this, he fears that the question might be misunderstood. Bahá’u’lláh could surely have not meant that a Bahá’í should not attempt to defend his life against any irresponsible assailant who might attack him for any purpose whatever, whether religious or not. Every reasonable person would feel under such circumstances justified in protecting his life....
Regarding Nabíl: He was born on the 18th day of the month of Safar of the year 1247 A. H. in the village of Zarand in Persia. He was thirteen years old when the Báb declared Himself. Though still young he himself was preparing to leave for Shaykh Tabarsí and join the companions of Mullá ?usayn when the news of the treachery and massacre of the besieged companions reached him. He met Bahá’u’lláh in Kirmansháh and ?ihrán before the latter’s banishment to ‘Iráq. He was a close companion of the Báb’s amanuensis Mírzá A?mad. He subsequently met Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdád, Adrianople and Akká and was commissioned by Bahá’u’lláh to journey several times to Persia in order to promote the Cause and encourage the scattered and persecuted believers. He was present in Akká when Bahá’u’lláh passed away in 1892 and soon after was so overcome with grief that he drowned himself in the sea. His body was found along the shore and was buried in the cemetery of Akká. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is reported to have been struck with deep sorrow at the manner of his death. He states in his narration that he met the maternal uncle of the Báb, ?ájí Mírzá Siyyid ‘Alí who had visited his nephew in the Castle of Chihríq and had recently returned to ?ihrán. He started writing his narrative in 1305 A.H. four years before the passing of Bahá’u’lláh. It took him about a year and half to write it. His chief informants were Mírzá A?mad the amanuensis of the Báb and Mírzá Músá the brother of Bahá’u’lláh. Parts of his narrative were read in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh and approved by Him. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá also went over sections of his narrative....
Shoghi Effendi has found in the papers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a complete set of the Báb’s Tablets to the 18 Letters of the Living, all written in His own hand-writing and bearing His seal. In addition to these there are two other Tablets both written by Himself in exquisite hand-writing, the one addressed to the 19th Letter who was Himself and the other to “Him whom God will make manifest”, i.e. Bahá’u’lláh. This last one has three seals and is written on blue paper....
Regarding the question raised in your letter.... The Bahá’ís in Persia avoid political posts and positions, abstain from any interference in matters pertaining to the policy of the state, but fill the more important administrative posts that have no political character. They feel that in this manner they can best serve the interest of their country and prove by their action their integrity and attachment to Persia....
Shoghi Effendi is enclosing an extremely interesting account given by a certain Dr. Cormick, an English physician long resident in Tabríz of his meeting with the Báb. He is apparently the only Westerner who has met the Báb and recorded his impressions... Shoghi Effendi thinks of adding it to his notes.
Letter of 30 April 1931
30 April 1931
...You could also in a quiet way speak to persons whom you think are ready for such a message and would appreciate the light when they see it. Try to form around you a group of Bahá’ís who are well versed in the teachings and who are ready to assist you in serving the Cause. In short try to form an assembly of pure and competent souls. Meanwhile you could write, for the Cause is in great need of first class literature and you are gifted along that line.