On March 16th, 1935, the German government announced its intention to rebuild the army, in contradiction to the Treaty of Versailles. This required new ways of financing. The "Mefo-Wechsel" were accepted by the "Metallurgische Forschungsgesellschaft A.G." (Metallurgic Research Stock Company), covered by the empire. These financial instruments did not enter public circulation, to cover up the magnitude of military spending.