Deeply mourn the passing of dearly loved, much admired, greatly gifted, outstanding Hand of Cause George Townshend. His death on morrow of publication of his crowning achievement robs the British followers of Bahá'u'lláh of their most distinguished collaborator and Faith itself of one of its stoutest defenders. His sterling qualities, his scholarship, his challenging writings, his high ecclesiastical position unrivalled by any Bahá'í in western world, entitle him to rank with Thomas Breakwell and Dr. Esslemont, one of three luminaries shedding brilliant luster on annals of Irish, English and Scottish Bahá'í communities. His fearless championship of the Cause he loved so dearly, served so valiantly, constitutes significant landmark in British Bahá'í history. So enviable a position calls for national tribute to his memory by assembled delegates and visitors at forthcoming British Bahá'í Convention. Assure relatives of deepest loving sympathy in grievous loss. Confident his reward is inestimable in Abhá Kingdom.
[March 25, 1957]