CRUISERS WATCH AND WAIT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21529, 16 December 1939, Page 9

CRUISERS WATCH AND WAIT

Eager to Finish Damaged Raider

Graf Spee Still Has Neutral Shelter

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 15, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 14. THE Admiralty states that the cruisers Achilles * and Ajax pursued the pocket battleship Graf Spee towards the River Plate after yesterday’s action, and now, strongly reinforced, await her in the estuary. Very large forces have searched the South Atlantic, both by air and sea, for weeks. Heavy damage suffered by the Graf Spee from the British guns is clearly visible from the shore at Montevideo. There are four large holes —two in the control tower, one in the stern and one in the bows. Five hits just above the waterline by smaller shells can also be seen. The Graf Spee’s aircraft was also badly damaged in the action. A message from Montevideo states that British diplomatic circles confirm that the cruiser H.M.S. Cumberland is speeding to Montevideo. A United Press of America message from Montevideo states that it is reliably reported that the Uruguayan Government is inviting the Graf Spee to leave within the customary 24 hours. If the commander refuses the vessel will be “dismantled.” The Associated Press of America states that the Foreign Minister (Dr. Alberto Guani) announced that the Uruguayan Government granted the German Government’s request for the Graf Spee to remain until repairs can be made. He said that the period the Graf Spee may remain would be established after survey by Uruguayan naval authorities. It would not be long. Time would be allowed for the repairs necessary to enable the Graf Spee to navigate. Repairs elsewhere would not be taken into consideration.

A late message from Montreal states that the Graf Spee is prepared to repair the damage with her own crew following the refusal of port workers to work for any company which undertook the contract. While the decision of the Government regarding the time allowed for the vessel to remain is being awaited, the Graf Spee is loading a large number of welding tanks, heavy plates and other metals. At the same time preparations were made for the burial of the dead in a single large grave in the north of a cemetery. A guard oi honour stood over the wooden coffins draped with swastikas. The ceremony is set down for 1 a.m. The police have taken precautions against disturbances since a large section of the Montevideo public is displaying ill-will to the Germans.

The Exeter is proceeding to the Argentine naval base at Puerto Belgrano where there is a dry dock, for repairs, while the Achilles and Ajax, reported to be reinforced by several heavy cruisers, maintained their vigil in the

estuary of the River Plate. The crews are kept at battle stations and are taking no chances on the Graf Spec trying to escape. Regarding the claims in Berlin that men wounded on the Graf Spee had been blinded by mustard gas, Dr. Walter Mefthoff examined .several thoroughly and declared that he found that they had been hit by shell fragments and there were no traces of gas. Captain Neibuhrdietrich, German Naval Attache at Buenos Aires, examined the Graf Spee. Another investigation was made by Uruguayan experts after which the United Press of America reported that it was found that the ship was navigable but the control tower and six 11-inch guns were destroyed, this meaning that if she put to sea immediately the Graf Spee would be able to use only her secondary battery of 5.9-inch guns. If these reports are true it was assumed that Uruguay would ask the Graf Spee to leave at 8.50 p.m. (Montevideo time) or accept internment.