Could the Graf Spee have won the Battle of the River Plate?

  They would have been interned there if they hadn't left within the legally required time.  Which varied somewhat given the use of sailings of British or French merchant-ships to prevent a legal departure by the ship.

  Yes that was the case.  Initially Britain wanted the Spee out after the minimal period allowed for emergency repairs under international law but then presumably the Admiralty pointed out that especially before the Cumberland arrives there wasn't sufficient forces to realistically fight it and it would be better waiting for overwhelming forces to arrive.  Under international law such a warship couldn't leave a neutral port within 24 hours of a merchant from an hostile power, to give the latter a chance to escape so Britain, which had a lot of trade in the area started arranging for some of the ships in the region to sail at 24 hour intervals.  Not sure if when the Spee finally left port, only to scuttle itself that was in breach of those rules or Britain didn't have any more merchantmen in Montevideo. 

  Guessing you mean what would have happened?  If the Graf Spee leaves port before the big fleet arrives on the 19th Dec, and does intend to fight - i.e. doesn't get mislead by reports of more RN ships being present their facing Cumberland, Ajax and Achilles.  Also on the 15th Ajax was refueled and Achilles on the 17th so the exact timing of what Graf Spee leaves port is important.  The RN will have warning as spectators and media can see the ship preparing to sail and then actually leaving port.  If the Graf Spee sails on the historical time, i.e. late on the 17th and the scuttling actually very early on the 18th then you could have another battle similar to the previous one, i.e. history books will have River Plate battles 1 and 2. 

  Overall the RN would probably be stronger in this 2nd encounter as the Graf Spee is low on ammo, especially the 11" guns whereas Cumberland has 8x8" as opposed to Exeter's 6x8".  The Ajax and Achilles have suffered some damage and are relatively low on ammo but would expect at the very least Graf Spee to exhaust her 11" and possibly also her 6" ammo and take further damage even if they get away.  I would expect Harwood would fight as before, splitting the enemy fire by operating as two squadrons.  Alternatively, knowing that there are substantial reinforcements less than a couple of days away and that they have refueled and have a/c, he could decide to track the Graf Spee in the exception of maintaining contact until Ark and Renown and the cruisers are in range.  There is a risk that the Graf Spee could break contact in the night and not be found the following day, despite the a/c so I would expect Harwood to go for a battle.

  Steve

  Paul

  a)  On the additional dozen tankers are you sure your not thinking of those sent out a few years later in 41/42?

  b)  Possibly they might be short of fuel if the Graf Spee goes out almost immediately but by the 15th Ajax has refueled and Cumberland has arrived and two days later the Achilles has also refueled.  As such and while the Plate estuary is large its still fairly enclosed and restricted by sandbanks.  Plus given that the RN will know as soon as it leaves the port I suspect that even at night its going to have problems dodging Harwood's forces, which at the minimum will exhaust most of its ammo including all its 11" stuff and inflict further damage.  The ship will be further slowed by the existing bow damage, especially in bad weather.

  Steve