Graf Spee Must Leave or Be Interned.

Northern Advocate, 16 December 1939, Page 9

Graf Spee Must Leave or Be Interned.

Berlin Says Ship Seaworthy

(Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 15. THE NAVY SPOKESMAN SAYS THE ADMIRALTY HAS NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THE BRITISH SHIPS THAT ENGAGED THE ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE FOR SOME TIME, SINCE THEY ARE STILL AT SEA AND NOT OPERATING THEIR WIRELESS.

‘Consequently, there is no official knowledge of the damage sustained, but there is no reason to suppose that the Achilles and the Ajax have been severely damaged.

There is no doubt, however, that the Exeter bad a hard knock.

Four of the Achilles killed include: Able Seaman A. C. H. Shaw, Rotorua. Seaman I. W. Grant, Dunedin. Frank Stennett, telegraphist, of Stockport, Cheshire, England. Neville Jervcise Millburn, ordinary telegraphist, of \ Bradford, Yorkshire. « Seriously injured: Able Seamen E. V. Sherley, Te Awamutu; L. C. Martinson, Devonport; Samuel John Trimble, Sergeant of Royal Marines, of Hill , View Park, Glengormley, Belfast. The United Press correspondent at Monte Video states that the Uruguay Government warned the Graf Spec to leave within <2 hours or be interned. This order followed a Cabinet meeting. German sources did not confirm the report. They declare that German warships, and possibly I submarines, are assembling to combat the waiting British cruisers, and add that German prestige will not .permit internment.

The Hague Convention. It is officially stated that Britain is doing her utmost to see that the provisions of The Hague Convention are carried out.

Under Article XVII, the Graf Spec would be allowed to carry out such repairs as would render her seaworthy, but may not add to her fighting strength. As, apparently, she is not damaged to an extent that her speed is seriously curtailed, she may be regarded as seaworthy. Therefore, she must put to sea within 24 hours, or be interned. Of course, the Graf Spec may go to sea, and hug the coast within the three-mile limit.

High Tribute to Achilles

The German radio declares that the Graf Spee is still seaworthy and needs only minor repairs. * It'states that members of the crew can be seen cleaning the deck or sunbathing. The British Navy spokesman paid a higjh tribute to the Achilles’ part, stressing- that the New Zealand ratings were as efficient as any in the Royal Navy. Guard At Monte Video. British diplomatic circles in Monte Video confirm that the 10,000-ton j cruiser Cumberland, which has 8-inch [ guns, has joined the guard over the Admiral Graf Spee. It was added that very likely the battle cruiser Renown (32,000 tons, six 15-inch guns), and Britain’s latest aircraft carrier, the Ark Royal are speeding to Monte Video. A message from Capetown says it is now permissible to reveal that the Ark Royal arrived at Capetown on December 3 with the Renown. The two sailed next day for an undisclosed destination.

Five Warships Waiting.

Other reports say there are now five British warships waiting off Monte Video.

The Uruguayan Foreign Minister (Senor Alberto Guani) announced that the Uruguayan Government had granted the German Government’s request that the Graf Spee should remain in Monte Video until repairs can be made.

Senor Guani said the period the ship could remain would be established after a survey by the Uruguayan naval authorities, but it would not be long. Time would be allowed only for repairs. necessary to enable the Admiral Graf Spee to navigate. Whether she could make repairs elsewhere would not be taken into consideration.

Exeter to be Docked

A despatch from Bahia Blanca, Argentina, says the cruiser Exeter, which was damaged in the action with the Graf Spee, is expected off Mar del Plata before morning on the way to Puerto Belgrano, where there is a dry dock which will accommodate her. It is understood that the Exeter requested that the dock should be made available.

An aeroplane from the Exeter is reported to have arrived at the port, with three gravely wounded men, two of whom have since died.

Crew To Repair Damage,

The Graf Spee has prepared to repair the damage with her own crew, following the refusal of the port workers to work for any company which undertook the contract. The German vessel is loading a lar'ge number of welding tanks, heavy plates and other metals. The British cruiser Exeter is proceeding to the Argentine naval base of Puerto Belgrano, while the Achilles and the Ajax, which are reported to have been reinforced by several heavy vessels, maintain the vigil in the estuary of the River Plate. Their crews are kept at action stations, and they are taking no chances lest the Graf Spee should try to escape.

Regarding the claims from Berlin that German wounded had been blinded by mustard gas, Dr. Walter Meethoff has examined several men thoroughly, and declares he found they had been hit by shell fragments. There' were no traces of gas.

Graf Spee Navigable

Captain Neibuhr Dietrich, German Naval Attache at Buenos Aires, • has examined the Graf Spee and other inguayan experts, after which, it is revestigations have been made by Uruported, it was found the ship is navigable, but the control tower for the six 11-inch guns has been destroyed. This means that if the ship. puts to sea immediately she would be able to use only her secondary battery of eight 5-9 inch guns. If these reports are true, it is assumed Uruguay will ask the Graf Spee to leave at 8.50 p.m. (Montevideo time) or accept internment.