US Federal Shipping Board bought former Austrian now American merchant ships according to the Dutch newspaper De grondwet dated 15 May 1917

An item dated Washington, USA 12th reported that the US Federal Shipping Board bought from American owners seven former Austrian merchant ships laid up in American harbours. The Board paid 6.778.006 US dollars which is the half of the estimated value. Total tonnage 52.651 tons. The ships were to be repaired within some months and taken into service.