He indicated it was necessary for his work to cross the ocean. Letters and telegrams went back and forth. After his meeting with Upasni Maharaj, this cable was sent:
Momentous spiritual decisions necessitate my speaking any day between February 15, 1942 and February 15, 1943, and also crossing the ocean in the middle of December [1941] latest. Funds insufficient; must cancel America. Therefore, definitely prefer Honolulu, Philippines, or any place in the Pacific incurring less expensive fare.
But in the end, Baba decided instead to go to Karwar, along the western coast of India, and then Meherabad. Kalemama was instructed to hire bungalows in Karwar, Dharwar or Belgaum with the assistance of Vishwanath Haldankar.
Only when Japan became aggressively involved in the war in the Pacific, during December 1941, did Margaret realize the significance of Baba's cables about that region.
After Baba's return to Panchgani, he had the following circular issued by Adi Sr. in Bangalore, who handled such matters:
23 October 1941
During the momentous meeting with Shri Upasni Maharaj on 17th October 1941, it was decided that Shri Baba would speak on any day between 15th February 1942 and 15th February 1943. BABA WILL NOT ANNOUNCE THE DATE OF HIS SPEAKING BEFOREHAND.
Baba will be in seclusion until 15th of February 1942. His seclusion in the month of November 1941, will be at a place on the seashore.
Those who have been ordered to observe a certain kind of fast from 1st of January 1942 to 15th of February 1942, shall also observe the following orders during the same period of one and a half months:
1. To read UNDERSTANDINGLY Baba's pamphlet on "Meditation " once a day. Those who cannot read should have it read by somebody. In this case, the reader need not read it separately for himself.
2. To repeat in low voice for half an hour daily one of the following six lines of names [of God]:
a) Parabrahma Paramatma b) Ya Yezdan Ahuramazda c) Nirakar Parvardigar d) Allah ho Akbar Allah hu e) Hari Narayan Bhagwan f) God Almighty Omnipotent
3. Immediately after this half an hour of meditation, repeat the name of your Master for five minutes.
4. No fixed time for observing orders Number 1 and 2 is enforced. They may be observed simultaneously or separately, according to one's convenience of time.
5. Baba says:
"My instructions, whatever they may be (that are to be observed until 15th of February 1942), should be observed with utmost sincerity and interest.