British and French representatives first press Uruguay to send Graf Spee back to sea, where the waiting cruisers can engage her. Once the Royal Navy reports that stronger forces are approaching, Millington-Drake changes course and works to keep the German ship in Montevideo. The reason is operational: delay makes Graf Spee's destruction more certain and reduces the risk to Cumberland, Ajax, and Achilles. Their commanding officers are prepared to accept severe losses if necessary, but every reinforcement makes that sacrifice less likely.
Chapter · 6:19-8:15
British and French diplomacy shifts from expulsion to delay
Once stronger naval forces are on the way, British and French diplomats stop pressing Uruguay to expel Graf Spee and instead try to keep her in Montevideo.