Belgium buying American merchant ships according to the Dutch newspaper De Gooi- en Eemlander dated 22 February 1940

An item dated Brussels 22 February reported that the Belgian minister of traffic Delfosse (1) during the discussions dealing with the budget of his department announced that the Belgian government was to purchase eight American merchant ships without any costs. These ships could if necessary be used be to secure the food supply. The crews were to consist of Belgian sailors except for some of the masters.

Note

1. Antoine Louis Philippe Ghislain Delfosse (25 June 1895 Opprebais-5 June 1980 Luik) minister of several departments in the period 1939-1944.