Eugen Millington-Drake and the Uruguayan foreign minister had known each other for years and dealt with one another in an almost familial way. Long service across South America meant that officials he had met at the beginning of their careers now held senior posts. Britain could draw on that accumulated trust and access as Graf Spee sought refuge. Relationships built long before the crisis gave Britain an immediate advantage in a neutral port.
Notable Point · 1:49-2:55
Millington-Drake's long relationships give Britain an edge
Years of personal and professional relationships in South America gave British ambassador Eugen Millington-Drake unusual access to senior Uruguayan officials.