Comments by "Steve Valley" (@stevevalley7835) on "Battle of the Falkland Islands - Von Spee's Last Stand" video.
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@DanielSilverthorn during the war, prior to US entry, a German raider steamed into Newport News for repairs, supplies and fuel. In a hot second, UK and French warships were steaming just outside the US' three mile limit, waiting for the raider to attempt a breakout. The USN dispatched an obsolete battleship from the reserve squadron to patrol off Newport News, in case the UK and French ships violated US neutrality and steamed into port to attack the raider. I suspect if von Spee attempted a passage through the canal, the US would accept payment of the toll and pass the ships. But by the time they reach the Atlantic end of the canal, there would be a reception committee on it's way. If von Spee was not intercepted right at the canal,, any ship bound for the Atlantic from the canal would pass through a string of UK and French held islands, so almost certain to be detected.
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