Switzerland chartering ships for transporting grain according to the Dutch newspaper De Indische Courant dated 11 November 1939

An item dated Bern 9 November reported that as a result of the Second World Switzerland became a sea-faring country. Just like in the First World War charted Switzerland some foreign ships to transport products which were needed. The ships were to be Swiss flagged. Until now were two ships in the USA chartered namely the Mount Parnes to depart within short time loaded with grain from the USA towards Marseille and the Marpesse destined for Genoa also with a cargo of grain.

Another Dutch newspaper the Nieuwe Tilburgsche Courant dated 23 November confirmed these tidings referring to an item dated Bern 2 November. The ships were Swiss-flagged and depart from a port hired from another country and to take care of the Swiss food supply. In the First World War were Swiss ships flying Swiss colours using the port of Sète.