No. 534 and the formation of Cunard White Star Limited

Abstract

The events between 1925 and 1934, leading ultimately to the merger of The Cunard Steam Ship Co. Ltd and White Star Line (Oceanic Steam Navigation Co. Ltd), are extremely complicated and difficult to follow. This arises from the fact that there were three areas of controversy each impinging on the other, involving at times separate and at other times joint, matters for negotiation. Firstly there was the growing involvement of the White Star Line with the mounting financial difficulties of the Royal Mail group of which this company had become a part, difficulties which were undoubtedly aggravated by the adverse trading conditions at the beginning of the 1930s. Secondly, there was the promotion of policy by The Cunard Steam Ship Co. to inaugurate a weekly two-ship express service acrosss the Atlantic, a policy which could be implemented only by putting into service ships of great size and power. Finally there was, at a somewhat later stage in the proceedings, participation of government departments and the provision of government finance as instruments in the salvation of White Star and in the building of the new large Cunarders.