HC Deb 16 February 1959 vol 600 c8W
75. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the British frigate "Flamingo" has been handed over to the West German navy and been renamed the "Graf Spee"; and, as a mark of respect for those naval men who lost their lives in the last war in connection with incidents with the previous "Graf Spee", and to save unnecessary distress to the relatives of these men, he will suggest to the Bonn Government that they should rename this frigate with a name other than one which was notorious in the last war.

Mr. R. Allan

The ship was purchased by the Federal Government who were, of course, at liberty to give her any name they chose.