France needing reserve of merchant ships for war purposes according to the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Handelsblad dated 5 March 1936

An item dated Paris 4 March reported that the French minister of navy Pietri stated before the shipping commission of the parliament that it was necessary to create a reserve of merchant ships and fishing vessels suitable for supporting as auxiliary ships for the navy. (1) They could be used of reconnaissance, minesweeping and so on.

Note
1. François Piétri (8 August 1882 Bastia, Corsica-17 August 1996A jacco), minister of several departments in several cabinets and further more French ambassador in Spain in 1940-1944. In 1934-1936 minister of navy.