SPIRIT OF NAVY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20988, 15 December 1939, Page 7

SPIRIT OF NAVY

DEATH OR VICTORY RAIDER WILL BE CAPTURED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlg-ht) (Received Dec. 15, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 14 Lord Chatfield, replying to Lord Strabolgi in the House of Lords, who alleged that the Admiralty was withholding information, said: “I have no doubt that the Graf Spee will soon go to sea again—for a short time. We have been hunting for the Graf Spee for some time. You can rest assured that any ship that gets into touch with the German vessel is not going to lose her, even if it means going to the bottom. That is the spirit animating the Navy. I am not able at present to give details of the torpedoed German cruiser.” Lord Chatfield added that the international problem regarding the Graf Spee was at present a matter under active consideration between England and Uruguay. MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 14 An inspection of the Graf Spee reveals that two shells pierced the fighting tower, entering port and emerging starboard. Two sections of the forward starboard armoured plate were smashed and there were five impacts, apparently from small shells, on the port side waterline. The tail part of the fuselage of an aeroplane was shot off. The extent of the interior damage cannot be ascertained.