An intentions signal states how an officer plans to carry out his orders unless a superior directs him otherwise. It also invites correction when the superior knows something the officer does not. On 27 October, Cradock said he intended to leave the slow Canopus behind and search for von Spee with his remaining ships. He still expected Defence to reinforce him. Defence had instead returned to the Mediterranean before being assigned to a squadron guarding South America's eastern coast against a German breakthrough. London's handling of that changed reinforcement picture is central to judging Cradock's decision.
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Cradock's intentions and the missing Defence
Cradock's signal about leaving Canopus behind was a professional warning that depended on London correcting him if the reinforcement picture had changed.