Is that a fact! Any recommendations on sources for the naval deployments October 1938?
Here's one. I'll try to find some that are more comprehensive. Surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be a great deal in one place, it may be better to try and track down the individual navies contributions.
https://rwhiston.wordpress.com/2010/02/17/1/
On a related note, I came up with a scenario a couple years ago, a "What if" that could have happened (very nearly did in fact) involving the Republican Espana Class Battleship Jaime I and one of the Deutschland's (Adm. Scheer), with some DD or TB on each side. The Germans were upset that the Republicans had bombed the Deutschland, and sent her sister Adm. Scheer to bombard Almiera. In OTL, the two squadrons passed in the night. What would have occurred with them meeting say, at dawn, would have been a unique naval battle. The Germans have 4 TB (1924 type), I'm uncertain of what DD the Spanish used to escort Jaime I that night. Neither of the two major combatants have any immune zone against the others guns. The Jaime I has more guns, and of a larger caliber, but the Scheer's guns fire faster, and she is faster. I think it would have come down to who sees first and hits first.
As to the international repercussion's of such a battle, I won't even speculate.
From what I recall of my readings earlier, the Germans kept two of the Panzerschiffe in the Patrol at a time, the other being at home. Also attached were various smaller warships, CL, DD/TB and some Uboats.
If war broke out suddenly and the Germans are caught away from home their only real course of action is to shelter in Nationalist waters. Considering the strength of the MN and RN, I doubt many will see Germany again.