Blocks “Messages”, blocks 1-4.

In the beginning of 1941, in London, Paul Weyemberg, an invalid of WWI, started a monthly issue of “Messages Belgium Review” with as goal to improve the image of Belgium and to strengthen the bands with England.

Very soon this monthly issue became a grip-hold for all Belgians whom escaped to England, but also for fellow countrymen who had fled to other countries, especially those staying in Africa. The Belgian government in exile in London gave the Belgian Post the order to make a special issue to support this monthly review, hence the name of the issue “Messages”.

The 8 Belgian Congo and 4 Ruanda-Urundi blocks were sold only by subscription for Bfr 1,500 (37 Euro). Each member of the monthly issue received 1 block extra for free. The monthly issue nr 55 appeared for the last time in June of 1946.

Remainders of these eight miniature sheets received marginal overprints in various colors in 1950 specifying a surtax of 100fr per sheet and paying tribute to the U.P.U.

Philatelic material

Maximum card with an image of block 10 of Belgian Congo & block 2 of Ruanda-Urundi

Date of issue: (card is not cancelled)

Editor: Thill, Brussels

Text on reverse:

“1943. Blocs <Message> de la serie des 12 blocs émis à Londres par le Gouvernement belge en faveur de la revue <Message>. Limité à 6000.”