The diplomatic argument centered on Hague Convention Articles 14 and 17. A belligerent warship could remain in a neutral port only while damage or weather made departure impossible, and permitted repairs could restore seaworthiness but not fighting strength. Local authorities decided what work was necessary and expected the ship to leave with the least possible delay once it was complete. World War I offered a precedent in HMS Glasgow's repair stop at Rio de Janeiro after the Battle of Coronel. The rules explain why the damage assessment and Graf Spee's departure deadline mattered as much as the cruisers waiting offshore.
Chapter · 19:56-21:39
Hague rules limit Graf Spee's time and repairs
Hear how Hague Convention articles distinguished seaworthiness repairs from restoration of a warship's fighting power.