Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:31:19-2:32:39

Argentine war entry and Graf Spee's South Atlantic options

The River Plate would become a much less attractive refuge or operating area. Graf Spee would probably stay farther east in the South Atlantic and could face an Argentine battleship if it approached the estuary.

Admiral Graf SpeeAlternate HistoryArgentinaBattle Of The River PlateSouth AtlanticWorld War II
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Question

How would Argentina declaring war on Germany in September 1939 affect the hunt for Graf Spee?

Short answer

The River Plate would become a much less attractive refuge or operating area. Graf Spee would probably stay farther east in the South Atlantic and could face an Argentine battleship if it approached the estuary.

Notes

Argentine entry into the war would make the River Plate dangerous for a German ship even if Uruguay remained neutral. Graf Spee would have less reason to head toward Montevideo or operate in the estuary. Staying on the eastern side of the South Atlantic is a possible response. Entering the River Plate could instead bring an encounter with an Argentine battleship. Brazil's suitability as a refuge is disputed because it is judged less friendly than the Uruguay and Argentina of the historical comparison. These are proposed consequences of a different diplomatic alignment in September 1939.