van Straelen, Dr. V, 
Filed : Courtesy letters, 
BELGIAN CONGO 
August 25, 1955 
Air Mail 
Dr. V. Van Straelen 
President de 1» Institut des 
Parcs Nationaux du Congo Beige 
c/o IRSAC, 1*2, rue Montoyer 
Bruxelles, Belgium 
Dear Dr. van Straelen: 
The most strenuous part of any expedition seems to come with its 
return. I have been literally swamped with office routine since 
getting back into harness here and have had little time to give thought 
to our accomplishments in the field. Even the writing of the annual 
report of the department of zoology was awaiting me at the Museum. I 
got back just two weeks before it was due. I am downright sorry that 
I did not allow myself more time in Brussells or give you forewarning 
of my coming. However, a week would not have sufficed, there was so 
much that we saw and lived through. 
First of all we, the expedition, the Smithsonian, and I, owe you 
an untold debt of gratitude. But for you and the helpful letters you 
wrote in our behalf, there would have been few or no highlights to 
the trip. In each of your wonderful National Parks, we were most 
hospitably received and shown about all there was to see. You have 
exceptionally fine men in charge everywhere, people one is proud to 
know, to meet, and to remember. From them we learned a lot. We also 
had the opportunity to take what I hope will prove worthwhile moving 
pictures. We have not yet had time to examine them. The National 
Geographic Society here in Washington has premised to evaluate and to 
edit them beginning about four weeks hence as they are rather busy with 
other urgent things right now. The Society stages a very fine lecture 
series each winter and the Smithsonian authorities have high hopes 
that our films may qualify for a showing. 
The Belgian Congo, as you well know, is a most remarkable part 
of the world? -as the American expression goes, "out of this world." 
It is a revelation to see what you people have wrought there. As you 
warned me we attempted too much in too little time. Instead of days 
and nights here and there, one should allow weeks and even months. 
Nevertheless we saw a lot, made fair collections — though smaller than 
I anticipated, and took a number of photographs. But we shall have 
to go far to equal those showed to Dr. Baker and me during our short 
visit to your National Parks Institute headquarters. 
