Graf Spee's hidden damage and the limits of neutral refuge

Why did Graf Spee enter Uruguay instead of Argentina, and could Britain attack it in a neutral harbor?

Its damaged machinery and water systems limited movement; a British harbor attack would violate neutrality, but London could claim it was enforcing Uruguay's own departure order after the permitted stay expired.

Graf Spee's battle damage affected cooling and fresh-water systems badly enough to make a longer voyage to Argentina doubtful. The Germans simultaneously understated damage to protect prestige and emphasized enough damage to justify more repair time, while restricting Uruguayan inspectors' access. That contradiction left Uruguay able to report only what its officials had seen while suspecting the ship was in worse condition. Ark Royal and Renown would eventually have forced the issue; if Graf Spee disobeyed an order to leave, Britain could frame an attack as enforcement of Uruguayan neutrality even though Montevideo would still object.