NOTICE TO GRAF VON SPEE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20123, 18 December 1939, Page 7

NOTICE TO GRAF VON SPEE

URUGUAYAN CABINET DECISION BRITAIN INSISTS ON HAGUE PROVISION NAZI ESCORT SAID TO BE WAITING (Elee. Tel. CSpyl'ig’iit—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 16, 2.30 p.nu) LONDON, Dee. 15. ' It is officially stated that Britain is doing her utmosMo sec that the provisions of The Hague convention are carnet out. Under Article XVII the Graf von Spec is allowed 1 o carry out such repairs as to render her seaworthy, but may not add to her figliting Strength. ' As. apparently, she is not damaged to an extent that hei speed is seriously curtailed, she may ue regarded as seaworthy, and, therefore, must put to sea in 24 hours or be interned. (jf course,: the Graf von. Spec may go to sea and hug the coast within the three-mile limit. The (Jeniian radio declares that the Graf von Spec is stili and needs only minor repairs. It. describes irie]|iiihrs of the crew as visible cleaning the deck or sunbhtliiiig. * A United Press correspondent at Montevideo says_ that Uruguay has warned the Graf von Spee to leave within 72 hour! or be interned. This order followed a Cabinet meeting. German sources, in unconfirmed reports, declare, that German warships and .possibly submarines are assembling to meet the waiting British cruisers in combat, and that German prestige will not permit the internment of the Graf von Spec.

. The Admiralty spokesman paid a high tribute to the part played by H.M.S. Achilles, stressing that the New Zealand ratings were as efficient and keen as any of the Royal Navy. A further report from Montevideo states that late this afternoon the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Guam, received successively the French, British, German, and United States’ Ministers. It is unofficially stated- that the Graf von Spee must leave before 8.55 p.m. on Sunday, 72 hours after nafv-al experts reported the seaworthiness of the ship to Dr. Guani.