Reading intent from ships rather than written orders

No written order for Ark Royal to attack Graf Spee in port is offered, so the harbor-strike interpretation is explicitly inferential. The discussion estimates that less than 15 percent of documents generated by government reach the National Archives, while the Royal Navy's informal command culture gave officers another reason to avoid writing explosive orders down. Operational choices provide the evidence instead: Harwood was willing to enter neutral waters, the government apparently supported that posture, and Ark Royal was rushed south at great effort. Renown and several cruisers were already enough for a gun battle, while a carrier was especially useful against a stationary ship in port. The conclusion remains conditional and rests on force movements and mission suitability.