REPAIR PLANS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20122, 16 December 1939, Page 5

REPAIR PLANS

GRAF VON SPEE PERMIT EXPECTED I BRIEF PERIOD ONLY WORK BY OWN CREW GUARDS NECESSARY HOSTILITY OF CITIZENS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reccl Doc. IG, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 15. A Montevideo message to the Associated Press of America states that the Uruguayan Foreign Minister, Senhor Alberto Guani announced that the Uruguayan Government has granted the German Government’s request to allow the Graf von Spee to remain until repairs can he made. Yesterday it was stated that 'he Uruguayan Government was inviting the Graf von Spec to leave within the customary 24 hours. It her commander refused she would be “dismantled.” Senhor Guani said that the period the Graf von Spee may remain would be established after a survey by the Uruguayan naval authorities. It would not be long. Time would be allowed for the repairs necessary to enable the Graf von Spec vo navigate. Repairs elsewhere would not be taken into consideration. A further Montevideo message says it is reliably stated that the Uruguayan Government will announce a decision regarding the Graf von Spec’s status after a Cabinet meeting this afternoon. Port Workers’ RefosuL It is stated that the Graf von Spee is prepared to repair the damage with her own crew following the refusal of the port workers to work for any company which undertook a contract. Captain Meibuhrdietrich, the German naval attache at Buenos Aires, examined the Graf von Suce. Another investigation was made by Uruguagan experts, after which the United Press reported that it was found the ship was navigable, but the control tower and six liin. guns had been destroyed, this meaning that If the Graf von Spee put to sea immediately she would be able to use only her secondary battery of 5.9 in. guns. If these reports were true it was assumed that Uruguay would ask the Graf von Spee to leave at 8.50 p.m. Montevideo time, or accept internment. While the decision of the Government regarding the time she will be allowed to remain is being awaited the Graf von Spee is loading a large number 0 f welding tanks, heavy plates and other metals. At the same time preparations have been made for the burial of the dead in a single large grave in the north of the cemetery. A guard of honour stood before the wooden coffins, which were draper: with .swastikas. The ceremony was set for 1 p.m. Police Precautions The police took precautions against disturbances, since a large section of the Montevideo public is displaying ill will to the Germans. Five thousand people watched the landing of the coffins containing the bodies of the German victims of the battle. Fourteen bus loads of the Graf von Spee’s crew and Uruguayan and German officers followed the bodies to the cemetery. One wreath was inscribed: "To the memory of brave men of the sea from their comrades of the British merchant service.” The authorities banned a parade in the city to avoid incidents because of the general ill-feeling against the Gral von Spee.

It is reported that the Exeter is proceeding to the Argentine navai base at Puerto Belorano, where she will drydock for repairs, while the Achilles and Ajax, reported to be reinforced by several heavy cruisers, are maintaining the vigil over the estuary of the Rover Pldie. The crews are keeping to battle stations and are taking no chances of allowing tne Graf von Spee to escape. Aerial Ambulance

A Puerto Belgrano message to the United Press states that a plane from the cruiser H.M.S. Exeter is reported to have arrived with three men gravely wounded, two of whom latei died

It is understood that the Exeter requested that a dry dock be made available there. A message from .Bahia Blanca to the Associated Press of America states that the Exeter is expected off Mai del Plata before morning en route to Puei'to Belgrano to enter dry dock. British diplomatic circles in Montevideo confirm that the Cruiser H.M.S. Cumberland has joined the guard over the Graf von Spec. They added that it is very likely the Renown and the Ark Royal were speeding to Montevideo. A Capetown report says it is now permissable to reveal that the aircraft carrier Ark Royal arrived at Capetown on December .5 with H.M.S. Renown. 'The two warships sailed next day for an unknown destination.