Translation of extract from letter Dr. J.H. Westermann, Secretary of 
the Netherlands Commission for International Nature Protection, to 
J.H.R. Beaujon, owner of "Slagbaai" on Bonaire, (dated Jan. 19» 1971) 
* ** 
As you know, I have for years considered Slagbaai a unique natural area 
which should be preserved in its present form. Jfy recent visit to the 
plantation has strengthened my conviction in this respect. So long as 
you and your family retain the property, Slagbaai, it will undoubtedly 
remain to all intents and purposes a nature reserve, that connects 
well jtidEhxfchs to the north with the Washington National Park and to the 
south, to the property Brasil-Goto, owned by the Government. 
The question is, however, to retain Slagbaai asst a nature preserve 
in the future. I have spoken about this to your son; also to our mutual 
friend Alexander Wetmore and his wife when they were in The Hague in 1970 
for the International Ornithological Congress. 
Since my report on Bonaire was completed and submitted to the Government 
of the Netherlands Antilles, I would like to discuss with you 6he possi¬ 
bility of retaining Slagbaai as a nature preserve. The plantation 
"Washington” was purchased a few years ago with monies of the "Meerjaren- 
plan" ("Plan covering several years"); it is possible that a similar 
procedure could be arranged for the purchase of Slagbaai, if you are willing 
to dispose of the property. 
I am sending copy* of this letter to Alexander Wetmore and to the Organiza¬ 
tion of National Parks of the Netherlands Antilles which is closely connected 
with the preservation of the most beautiful and worthwhile areas in the 
Neth.Ap6. 
~70 - l ir 
