REPORTED DECISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 December 1939, Page 7

REPORTED DECISION

GRAF SPEE TO LEAVE OR BE INTERNED BIG GUNS SAID TO BE OUT OF ACTION. GERMANS NOT POPULAR IN MONTEVIDEO. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright MONTREAL. December 15. Captain Neibuhr Dietrich, German Naval Attache at Buenos Aires, examined the Graf Spee and another investigation was made by Uruguayan experts. after which the United Press of America reported it was found the ship was navigable, but. the control tower of the six 11-inch guns was destroyed. meaning thdt if she put to sea immediately, she would be able to use only her secondary battery of 5.9 inch guns. If these reports are true it was assumed Urugay would ask the Graf Spee to leave at 8.50 p.m. today Montevideo timet or accept internment. The sudden departure of the liner Columbus is viewed by American experts as ti possible attempt. Io lure British warships into a trap or force their withdrawal from the River Plate. The Graf Spee prepared to repair her

own damage with her own crew, following the refusal of port workers to work for any company which undertook a contract. While the decision of the Government regarding the time she is allowed 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 are being made for the burial of the dead in a single large grave at North Cemetery. A guard of honour stood around the wooden coffins draped with swastikas and the ceremony was set for 1 a.m. The police have taken precautions against disturbances, since a large section of the Monte Video public are displaying illwill to the Germans. The Achilles and Ajax are reported to have been reinforced by several heavy cruisers and have maintained their vigil in the estuary of the River Plate. The crews have kept to their battle stations and are taking no chances lest the Graf Spec try to escape.

Regarding claims in Berlin that the Graf Spee wounded had been blinded by Mustard-gas. Dr Walter Mefthoff examined several thoroughly and declared he found they had been hit by shell-fragments.