Only Alternative to Surrender is Destruction

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 191, 14 August 1945, Page 5

Only Alternative to Surrender is Destruction

Huge Allied Forces Waiting to Strike Devastating Blow United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Tuesday, 1.40 a.m. LONDON, August 13. Official circles in London state that they have no knowledge of any time limit fixed for the Japanese surrender. The Allies will not allow the situation to drift. Whitehall does not regard the delay in the Japanese reply to the Allied demands as having any sinister implications, says the Press Association’s diplomatic correspondent. Japan by the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration admitted defeat and she is trying to save face. The Emperor may even try to twist, but the Allies are in no mood for argument with the beaten enemy.

There is no doubt in London but that the Allies have said the last word on the Emperor’s position. The fact that the Japanese have not yet accepted the decision that the Emperor must ait under orders from the Supreme Commander is evidence of the bitterness of the pill they must swallow. The Japanese Government knows that while they talk huge air and sea forces are surrounding them armed with the most powerful weapons ready to deliver devastating blows and that their alternatives to surrender are destruction.

It is officially stated that the King is broadcasting on the evening of VJ Day. There will be no alteration in the plans for the State opening of Parliament on Wednesday.