Britain's diplomatic bluff over Graf Spee at Montevideo

British policy aimed first to have Admiral Graf Spee interned, with a stay of four or five days as the preferred alternative while reinforcements approached. Public demands for departure within twenty-four hours were intended to make the Germans believe powerful British ships already waited offshore. Stories about heavy reinforcements reinforced that impression. Departures by British merchant ships could then secure twenty-four hours of protection and prevent Graf Spee from sailing immediately. The Admiralty and Foreign Office coordinated these conflicting public and private objectives because a premature breakout still threatened Ajax and Achilles.